If You Think You Know the Real Boulder, Colorado, It’s Even Better Than You Realize

Certainly, there are plenty of genuinely great American cities, cherished by residents or adored by visitors. Few, however, are universally recognized as spots where residents and visitors alike never want to leave.

Boulder, Colorado, located 45 minutes northwest of Denver in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, falls squarely into that latter category. Often regarded as having one of the country’s highest standards of living, few cities match its combination of culture, climate, and character.

And while it earns its accolades easily, this city of over 105,000 people is even better than you realize. Here are five things you didn’t know about Boulder.

1. More Than Just a Rocky Mountain High

At the top of everyone’s list of reasons to live in Colorado are the mountains. Boulder, with a prime location at the foot of the Rockies, is no different. Hiking, rock climbing, skiing, standing from afar, and staring at them—there’s plenty to appreciate in the city’s mountainous backyard. But Boulder is also a vibrant and extremely livable city.

From its historic downtown, including the Pearl Street Mall, to its lively art and technology scenes, to the celebrated University of Colorado in the heart of town, there’s always something happening in the shadow of the Flatirons, Boulder’s most famous rock formation.

2. It’s a Lot More Outdoorsy Than You Realize

Livability aside, Boulder’s most significant claim to fame is that it’s an outdoor lover’s dreamscape. While the statement itself is true, it doesn’t do justice to just how critical nature is to the city’s culture. Consider:

• 45,000 acres of open space in and around Boulder
• 300 miles of bike paths, a diverse collection of mountain biking trails, and a 30-acre bike park
• Over 150 miles of the city managed hiking trails
• 60 parks including those featuring playgrounds, sports fields and courts, and picnic shelters
• Home to the nation’s second-largest 10K race (and one of the largest running events of any kind in the world), which regularly sees over 50,000 runners

Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that Boulder experiences over 300 days of sunshine every year.

3. The Food Scene Is Astonishingly Good

In 2010, Bon Appetit Magazine named Boulder “America’s Foodiest Town.” In the ten years since, the gastronomy has only gotten better, with a diverse culinary scene that specializes in many different cuisines.

The list of restaurants features James Beard Award winners and semifinalists. There’s an impressively high concentration of health-centered and vegan-based eateries. Farm-to-table establishments also feature prominently, including those that are health conscious and others that are far more indulgent. Finally, the city’s stout brewery roster includes over 20 different breweries, all of which serve up some of the west’s best and most unique ales.

4. If You Love Science, You’ll Love Boulder

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Boulder is a hotbed of scientific activity and learning. Its strategic location where the plains end and the Rockies begin make it the perfect place for discovery.

Boulder is home to over 20 different institutes, research facilities, and observation centers. Its most noteworthy institutions include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Solar Observatory (NSO), the Rocky Mountain Institute, UNAVCO National Science Foundation’s Geodetic Facility, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

5. Want a High Quality of Life—move to Boulder

Over the past five years, Boulder has been consistently recognized by various organizations and publications as one of America’s top cities for several reasons. A short list includes: 

• No. 1—Top 10 Fittest Cities in the U.S.
• No. 1—Best College Towns in America 
• No. 1—Most Bikeable City
• One of the Most Creative Small Cities in America
• One of the Best Outdoor Towns in the U.S. 
• One of the Best Small Cities in the U.S.
• Top Communities with Highest Well-Being

And, according to National Geographic, it’s the Happiest City in the U.S.

What those accolades say is that Boulder is a city full of culture, smart and energetic, and above all else, a fantastic place to call home. Isn’t it time you made your way to Boulder to live the good life?

If you’re ready to make a move and are interested in Boulder real estate and Boulder homes for sale, contact The Bullock Group today. Allow their three decades of combined real estate experience to be your guide to the best of Boulder, Colorado.