Church & State

LONGMONT

For Borenstein, the location of the Chabad Jewish Center is integral. It serves as a central meeting point not only for residents of Longmont, but also for neighboring cities—Chabad is the only Jewish center for Longmont, Niwot, Fredrick, Erie, Lyons and Firestone.

“I like this area because it’s a very central part of town,” says Borenstein. “We’re a mix of all of our community and it’s kind of right in the middle for everyone.”

In recent years, Longmont has become a mecca for 30-something singles people, couples and young families, all attracted to Longmont’s affordable housing market and convenient proximity to Boulder, Denver and Fort Collins.
Although the majority of housing in south Longmont is found in a suburban neighborhood consisting of a small variety of housing models of 1950s suburbia, the area has been undergoing a transformation in recent years, attracting a younger crowd and inspiring the introduction of affordable and chic townhomes in the area. And it will keep growing—continuously creeping out towards I-25, developing big grassy green parks and popular stores along the way. Over the years, large chain stores like Walmart and Best Buy have taken up shop in the area, and most recently, Boulder-based Lucky’s Market opened up a second store off of Ken-Pratt Boulevard—a stone’s throw from the Chabad Jewish Center.

The city’s population is now over 85,000, nearly reaching the number of its southwestern neighbor, Boulder. (The latter’s population is relatively stagnant, given city codes specifically designed to curb growth.) Plus, with improvements constantly taking shape in the south side of Longmont, the neighborhoods in the area will continue to grow—and Rabbi Borenstein will continue to welcome new Longmonters entering the community.

“We’re blessed,” the Rabbi says. “There’s a good vibe and everyone’s optimistic. Longmont’s a small city, but it’s a big city.”