📍 About ZDV & Longmont
Denver Center (ZDV) is located just east of Longmont, CO — a scenic, fast-growing city with views of the Rocky Mountains, a strong tech presence, and a laid-back Colorado vibe. It's a fantastic home base for controllers seeking both outdoor adventure and easy access to Denver or Boulder.
🏡 Where to Live
Longmont – Singles & Couples
- Downtown Longmont – Walkable, breweries, local shops, historic feel.
- Prospect New Town – Trendy, artistic, colorful homes and cafes.
- Southmoor Park – Quiet neighborhood near trails and parks.
Longmont – Families
- Fox Hill – Mature trees, golf course, top schools.
- Hover Acres – Safe, suburban, close to retail and schools.
- Meadow Mountain – Family-friendly, newer homes.
🚗 Commute Times to ZDV (Longmont)
- 15–25 min: East Longmont, Firestone, Frederick
- 25–35 min: Erie, Mead, Dacono
- 35–50 min: Boulder, Broomfield, Loveland
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: Button Rock Preserve, Rabbit Mountain, Chautauqua Park
- Skiing: Eldora Mountain Resort (~1.25 hrs), Winter Park (~2 hrs)
- Lakes & Parks: Union Reservoir, McIntosh Lake, Golden Ponds
- Camping: Roosevelt National Forest, Rocky Mountain National Park
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Breweries: Left Hand Brewing, Wibby Brewing, Oskar Blues
- Shopping: Village at the Peaks, Pearl Street Mall (Boulder)
- Museums: Longmont Museum, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
- Music: Summer concerts, Boulder Theater, Denver venues
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Denver International Airport (DEN): ~45 min – major international hub
- Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC): ~30 min – regional airport with general aviation
- Longmont Vance Brand Airport (LMO): Small municipal airport
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Longmont: Overall crime rate below national average; east side typically more affordable, west side quieter and more upscale.
- Erie & Mead: Very low crime, popular for families.
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price ~$550,000; 1-bedroom rent ~$1,500/month
- Groceries: 5–10% above national average; organic options widely available
- Gas: ~$3.60–$3.90/gallon
- Utilities: ~$180–$220/month for an apartment
- Taxes: Colorado income tax ~4.4%; local sales tax ~8.8%
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown: Walkable, lively, lots of restaurants and bars
- Prospect New Town: Artsy and colorful with community events
- Fox Hill: Golf course living with mature landscaping
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold but sunny; snow comes in spurts
- Spring: Windy, moderate rain, blooming trees
- Summer: Warm and dry, occasional afternoon storms
- Fall: Crisp air, colorful leaves, beautiful sunsets
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- RTD Bus: Local routes to Boulder, Denver
- Car: Essential for most errands and commuting
- Traffic: Generally light in Longmont; I-25 can get congested
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital – Full-service hospital in Longmont
- NextCare / Carbon Health: Local urgent care centers
- Kaiser Permanente: Several nearby locations
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Breweries & Bars: Strong craft scene and local music
- Meetups: Outdoor groups, cycling, tech, hiking clubs
- Families: Rec centers, libraries, community festivals
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- The Roost: Upscale American fare downtown
- Tortugas: Caribbean/seafood fusion
- Lucile’s: Cajun/Creole breakfast & brunch
- Farow: Local farm-to-table cuisine
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Expect intense sessions — short commute helps
- Shifts: Vary widely; invest in blackout curtains and flexible routines
- Community: Many ZDV employees live in Longmont, Erie, Frederick
📦 Moving Tips
- Altitude: Hydrate — you're over 5,000 ft above sea level
- Weather: Snow comes suddenly — prep your car and home
- Best moving months: April–June or September
❓ FAQs
- Is Longmont safe?
Yes — especially west of Main Street and near Ute Creek/Fox Hill. - Do I need AWD?
Helpful for winter, but snow tires matter more. - Can I live in Boulder and work at ZDV?
Yes, but expect higher cost and a 40–50 min commute.