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Zoomed out shot of Boulder Colorado with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

Is Living in Boulder CO Right for You? ⛰️ | What to Know About Moving to Boulder CO

Last Updated On: 13th February 2026, 04:22 am

Is becoming a Colorado resident in your future? If you’re dreaming of mountain views, active outdoor living, and a progressive city, then living in Boulder CO might be exactly what you’re looking for. Boulder is situated right at the base of the Rocky Mountains, right where the foothills begin to rise, and is known for its natural beauty and small-town charm.

Founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush, Boulder has evolved from a humble supply town into one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Today, it’s a hub for tech startups, wellness enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and eco-conscious residents. Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, or commuting by bike, this is a community where a healthy, active lifestyle is more than just a trend; it’s a way of life.

So, is Boulder a good place to live? Absolutely. From its award-winning schools and thriving job market to its scenic trails and delicious food, there are countless reasons to move to Boulder. Let’s explore everything you can expect when moving to Boulder CO.

Is Boulder Colorado a Good Place to Live?

Boulder Colorado is a good place to live. Residents living in Boulder CO can enjoy life in the mountains, supplying them with endless outdoor activities. You’ll also have access to top-rated schools, fantastic jobs, and some of the best cuisine in the state.

Where Is Boulder Colorado?

What county is Boulder Colorado in? Boulder is in Boulder County, Colorado. The city sits at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and you can easily access Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy world-class hiking and skiing. It’s part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area and is known for its walkable streets, small-town feel, and active lifestyle. Located along Boulder Creek, the elevation of Boulder Colorado is approximately 5,319 feet.

Living in Boulder CO means easy access to nearby communities like Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, and Longmont. Additionally, after moving to Boulder CO, you’ll only be 29.8 miles from Denver, making it a popular spot for commuters or families who want to be close to the big city.

Are you ready to start living in Boulder CO? Get in touch with our Boulder movers today! Our Boulder moving company is always happy to provide you with a free estimate at any time.

Boulder Information

  • County: Boulder County
  • Boulder area: 27.366 square miles
  • Boulder zip code: 80301-80329
  • Boulder area code: 303, 720, 983
  • Boulder CO elevation: 5,319 feet
  • Boulder time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC -7 and -6)
  • Closest airport to Boulder: Denver International Airport (DEN), 39.6 miles

Boulder Population & Demographics

What is the population of Boulder Colorado? There are 108,250 people living in Boulder CO, which is up from 97,385 in 2010. It’s also a part of both the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area, which has a population of 3.05 million, and the Boulder metro area, which has a population of 330,758. When living in Boulder, you’ll be a part of a young, hip community with a median age of 28.6. This could largely be due to the large student population at the University of Boulder Colorado, one of the state’s most popular colleges.

Additional Boulder demographics:

  • Sex ratio: 51.8% male, 48.2% female
  • Racial & ethnic composition: 81.8% White (77.7% non-Hispanic), 9.2% two or more races, 5.8% Asian, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian
  • Educational attainment: 96.9% high school degree (or higher), 76.8% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
  • Median household income: $85,364 (compared to Colorado average of $92,470)
  • Foreign-born population: 10.2%
  • Notable people from Boulder: Olympian Joanna Zeiger, soccer player Shane O’Neil, actress Kristin Davis

Transportation

Living in Boulder CO means having access to reliable transportation, well-maintained streets, and a variety of transit services for getting around the city and beyond.

Highways

  • US-36 connects Boulder to Denver and the Denver-Boulder Turnpike
  • CO-93 links Boulder south to Golden
  • CO-119 heads northeast toward Longmont

Public Transportation

Boulder has a solid public transportation network managed by RTD, offering local and regional bus services. One key route you’ll take after moving to Boulder CO is the Flatiron Flyer with service to Denver. There is no rail service, but the extensive bike trails make commuting by bike easy and popular among residents living in Boulder CO.

Airport

The closest major airport is Denver International Airport (DEN), located about 45 miles southeast. Boulder is also served by the smaller Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) for general aviation.

Boulder Colorado Cost of Living

Is Boulder Colorado expensive? When living in Boulder CO, you will find the area to be quite expensive. The Boulder Colorado Cost of Living Index is 141.3. This means that the average cost of living in Boulder Colorado is 41.3% more expensive than the national average of 100. This is also well above the Denver Cost of Living Index of 108.6.

So how much does it cost to live in Boulder Colorado? According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Boulder CO would need to earn $143,134 per year to live comfortably in the city.

Typical Boulder CO Living Expenses:

  • Gallon of milk: $3.82
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
  • Pound of local cheese: $6.00
  • Cappuccino: $5.79
  • Bottle of wine: $17.00
  • Gallon of gas: $3.15
  • Fitness membership (monthly): $79.22
  • Average Boulder CO utilities per month: $191.73

Source: Numbeo

Taxes also play a significant part in the cost of living in Boulder CO. When living in Boulder CO, you’ll pay a flat 4.40% income tax rate as well as a sales tax rate of 9.045%. As far as property taxes go, this will depend on the value of your specific property. You can calculate your Boulder County property tax rate on the county website.

Boulder Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices

Do you want to purchase a home in Boulder? The high cost of living in Boulder CO certainly extends to home prices, and the city has a high median home price. According to Redfin, the average home price in Boulder CO is $905,750, which is higher than the national average of $441,526 and the Denver average of $615,000. However, after moving to Boulder CO, you’ll find an abundance of housing options to choose from, from beautiful mansions with mountain views to cozy townhomes with walkable amenities.

Would you rather rent when living in Boulder CO? According to RentCafe, the average rent in Boulder CO is $2,478. A few of the most affordable neighborhoods in Boulder are Frasier Meadows ($1,705), Tantra Park ($1,925), and Whittier ($2,108), while the most expensive neighborhoods are East Ridge ($2,823), Transit Village ($2,866), and University Heights ($3,566).

According to the ATTOM Rental Affordability Report, it is more affordable to rent than to buy when living in Boulder CO.

Best Boulder Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Boulder

When living in Boulder CO, you’ll have plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from. Here are just a few of the most popular neighborhoods in Boulder to explore.

North Boulder | Scenic Neighborhood in Boulder

One of the most peaceful neighborhoods in Boulder, North Boulder, or NoBo, is ideal for those who want to enjoy nature when living in Boulder CO. It’s known for its artistic vibe, access to open space, and a quieter pace of life compared to central city areas. 

The NoBo Art District hosts galleries and creative spaces, and residents enjoy quick access to bike trails and hiking paths. Homes in this area range from modern townhomes to single-family houses, often with mountain views. According to Redfin, the median home price in NoBo is $1.29 million.

University Hill | Popular Among College Students Living in Boulder CO

Located adjacent to the University of Colorado campus, University Hill is one of the most lively neighborhoods in Boulder CO. It’s a hotspot for students and young professionals, filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and music venues. 

Pearl Street is just a short walk away, and you’ll find houses, apartments, and historic homes throughout the area. Apartment living is especially popular at places like Parker Off Pearl. While parking can be a challenge, the area is extremely walkable and bike-friendly.

South Boulder (SoBo) | Laid-Back Neighborhood Great for Families

SoBo offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to some of Boulder’s best open space and bike trails. With a mix of mid-century ranch-style homes, condos, and newer builds, SoBo is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy living in Boulder CO with quick access to both nature and the city center. 

Families love the quiet streets, top-rated schools, and proximity to Table Mesa and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) trails.

Boulder CO Weather & Climate

The Boulder Colorado climate is classified as a semi-arid climate per the Köppen classification, with four distinct seasons. Living in Boulder CO means enjoying over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it perfect for year-round hiking and outdoor life.

Summer is warm and dry, with average highs in the mid-80s. Fall brings cooler temps and beautiful leaves, while winter is cold and snowy. It does snow in Boulder Colorado, and the annual snowfall averages around 89 inches. However, it can snow far more than this. According to The Denver Post, Boulder is ‘America’s Snowiest City,’ and 2020 saw a record-breaking snowfall of 145 inches.

The average temperature in Boulder Colorado ranges from the mid-40s in January to the high 80s in July. Rainfall averages around 20 inches annually, and you’ll rarely see severe weather when living in Boulder CO. 

Boulder Restaurants

After moving to Boulder CO, you’ll have plenty of fantastic restaurants to explore. Boulder is famous for its organic, farm-to-table food as well as its thriving craft beer scene. Boulder has around 15 breweries, and it was the home of Colorado’s first microbrewery, according to Boulder Colorado USA. These are just a few of the best places to eat in Boulder.

Things to Do in Boulder

When living in Boulder CO, you’ll never run out of fun things to do. From exploring bike trails with cycling clubs to enjoying outdoor festivals downtown, there’s always something new to try. The city hosts several popular events, such as the annual Bolder Boulder, a 10-kilometer road run which has been held on Memorial Day every year since 1979. 

The race hosts over 50,000 participants, and is the largest race in the US in which all participants are timed. Starting in 2027, Boulder will also become the new host for the Sundance Film Festival. You can also keep up with the latest Boulder news and events on the Boulder Events Calendar

Here are a few must-visits when living in Boulder CO.

Top Boulder Attractions

  • Lost Gulch Overlook: This scenic trail leads to a lookout point with gorgeous views of the mountains.
  • Panorama Point: This hiking area is a popular spot among residents living in Boulder CO and provides amazing views of the city.
  • Eldorado Canyon State Park: One of the best Boulder family activities, Eldorado Canyon State Park offers rock-climbing, hiking, biking trails, and more.
  • Wonderland Lake Park: Stop by this lakeside neighborhood park, which features a playground, picnic tables, and a short trail.
  • North Boulder Park: If you aren’t sure what to do in Boulder, head to North Boulder Park, which features a playground, grilling areas, and ball fields.
  • Valmont Bike Park: One of the most fun Boulder activities for kids, explore this 40-acre bike park for all ages and levels.
  • The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse: This traditional teahouse is equal parts dining and experience. Stop by for a cup of tea and admire the beautiful architecture. 

Boulder Entertainment & Arts

  • Gateway Park Fun Center: One of the best things to do in Boulder with kids, this amusement park features indoor and outdoor attractions like mini golf, go-karts, and arcade games.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: Don’t skip out on this art museum when living in Boulder CO. Admire art from both regional and international artists.
  • Boulder Theater: This movie theater was built in 1906 and still hosts various music shows and avant-garde films.
  • The Fox Theatre: If you want to see live music when living in Boulder CO, then The Fox Theatre is your best bet.

Boulder Museums

Boulder Parks & Outdoors

  • Chautauqua Park: A favorite among residents living in Boulder CO, this park is great for hiking, biking, and more.
  • Royal Arch: This hiking area features a natural arched rock that’s great for photo ops.
  • Eben G. Fine Park: Stop by this expansive green space to enjoy walking trails, picnic facilities, and more.
  • Boulder Mountain Park: Hike through the rugged trails of Boulder Mountain Park.

Shopping in Boulder

  • Pearl Street Mall: This pedestrian mall features retail shops, boutiques, art galleries, and eateries.
  • Boulder Farmers Market: Stop by to visit local vendors offering produce, plants, crafts, food, and more every Saturday from April through November.
  • Twenty Ninth Street: This open-air shopping center has all of your favorite brand-name retail shops, as well as restaurants, fast food, and a movie theater.

Map of Fun Things to Do in Boulder

Sports

Living in Boulder CO means being surrounded by a passionate sports culture, from college athletics to professional teams just a short drive away. Boulder is home to the University of Colorado Boulder, where the CU Buffaloes compete in the Pac-12 Conference. Folsom Field, one of the most scenic stadiums in the country, hosts exciting college football games in the heart of the city, drawing fans from all over.

For pro sports, moving to Boulder CO puts you just 29 miles from Denver, home to major league teams like the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and the Colorado Avalanche (NHL). Whether you’re catching a Buffs game on campus or heading into Denver for a night at the stadium, living in Boulder CO offers fantastic options for sports fans.

Boulder Crime Rate

Is Boulder CO safe? Living in Boulder CO is very safe, and many of the city’s neighborhoods see little to no crime at all. Here’s an overview of the Boulder CO crime rate:

  • Overall crime rate: 3,372 crimes per 100,000 people (7.4% lower than state average and 45.1% higher than national average)
  • Violent crime rate: 371 crimes per 100,000 people (24.7% lower than state average and 0.3% higher than national average)
  • Property crime rate: 3,000 crimes per 100,000 people (4.7% lower than state average and 53.5% higher than national average)

As you can see, living in Boulder CO is safe, and the crime rates are all below the state average (although slightly above the national average). The biggest threat in the area is property crime, especially in the form of stolen bikes (although this is also on the decline).

Graph highlighting monthly reports of stolen bikes in Boulder Colorado

When living in Boulder CO, you’ll be protected by the City of Boulder Police Department.

Economy & Jobs in Boulder

When living in Boulder CO, you’ll find no shortage of incredible jobs. According to Mansion Global, Boulder is a ‘Mountain Silicon Valley,’ and is ranked as the top emerging luxury market in the United States. Technology is one of the region’s biggest drivers, and over 24,000 tech businesses call Colorado home, according to CNBC. Of these businesses, 17,500 are located in the Denver-Boulder-Aurora metro area, providing more than 140,000 jobs to residents living in Boulder CO.

This thriving job market has made moving to Boulder CO more and more popular for young professionals over the past few years. According to the city’s latest Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the top employers in Boulder CO are:

  1. University of Colorado Boulder: 6,200 employees
  2. Ball Corporation: 4,800 employees
  3. Boulder Valley School District: 3,832 employees
  4. St. Vrain Valley School District: 3,570 employees
  5. Boulder Community Health: 2,360 employees
  6. Boulder County: 2,040 employees
  7. City of Boulder: 1,461 employees
  8. National Center for Atmospheric Research: 1,187 employees
  9. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research: 1,187 employees
  10. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Research: 870

According to Payscale, the average salary in Boulder CO is $85,000. If you’re looking for Boulder jobs, check out the city job board or run a quick search on Indeed.

Healthcare

Living in Boulder CO means access to high-quality healthcare and a strong culture of wellness. The city is home to Boulder Community Health, a top-rated, independent nonprofit hospital system known for its outstanding heart and orthopedic care. BCH’s Foothills Hospital has earned high marks from U.S. News & World Report for patient safety and surgical outcomes.

For specialized care, residents living in Boulder CO are also close to top facilities in the Denver metro, including UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, which is nationally ranked in multiple specialties. 

Boulder CO Schools

When living in Boulder CO, you’ll have access to some of the best education options in the country. The Boulder school district, officially known as Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), serves the area with a reputation for academic excellence and highly rated Boulder high schools. It’s known for being one of the highest-paying districts in Colorado, with teachers being paid 45% above the state average. Notable high schools in Boulder include Boulder High School and Fairview High School, both recognized for their college readiness programs.

Families also have access to a range of private schools in Boulder, such as Boulder Country Day School and Shining Mountain Waldorf School, offering smaller class sizes and personalized learning opportunities. 

Higher education is anchored by CU Boulder (University of Colorado Boulder), a major research university with a stunning campus at the base of the Flatirons. CU draws tens of thousands of students from across the country, making living in Boulder CO an attractive choice for young people.

Boulder Utilities & DMV Change of Address

When living in Boulder CO, you’ll also need to set up or transfer utilities to your new home. These are just a few of the major utility providers in Boulder.

When living in Boulder CO, you may also need to complete a Colorado change of address. In Colorado, you have 30 days to change your address with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can change your address online, by mail, or at a driver license office.

Ready to Start Living in Boulder CO?

Is moving to Boulder CO right for you? Living in Boulder CO offers endless outdoor recreation, a laid-back vibe, great job opportunities, and easy access to big-city amenities in Denver. If you’re ready to make your move, then get in touch with the Boulder movers at Homegrown Movers. 

With over 30 years of industry experience, our team has served over 7,000 customers and has a 96% referral rate. To get started with a free moving quote, give us a call today at (303) 587-6200.

Toby Martinez
Toby and all of our staff are Colorado natives, hence the name Homegrown Moving and Storage Company. Toby has been active in the Denver Metro business community for over 20 years. He has been in the moving industry since 2010 and brings great experience to the daily operations of this 5 star rated local moving company. He and the Homegrown Moving and Storage Company team are committed to offering outstanding service at a reasonable cost. As Denver has grown dramatically over the past several years, so have our moving services and capabilities in order to keep up with the changes of our city. We hope to speak with you soon about how our team can help meet your moving needs here in Colorado.
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