What’s It Really Like Living in Boulder, CO? 20 Things You Need To Know

If you want to know what it’s really like living in Boulder, CO, just know that this city was voted the 10th best place to live in the U.S. in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. That speaks volumes to the welcoming community, the robust job market, and vibrant entertainment options available in this Colorado city (not to mention your proximity to the best small towns in Colorado).

There are plenty of reasons people want to move to this city, including the unparalleled natural beauty, the number of jobs available, and the diverse real estate market. So if you’re looking for a place that makes it easy to stay engaged with your neighbors and offers plenty of opportunities to better both your physical and mental health, then Boulder, CO, might be right for you! Here are 20 of the best things to know before you make your move.

Boulder at a Glance

• Population: Boulder’s population sits at about 106,800.
• Demographic: Boulder’s demographic is younger-leaning, and the average age is around 28.6 years old.
• Location: Just 30 miles northwest of Denver, you’ll find this city nestled into the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, in north-central Colorado.
• Outdoor fun: Most residents love to ski in the winter, and rock climb the Flatirons in the warmer months, plus, there’s easy access to 150 miles of hiking trails in the area.

20 Things To Know About Living in Boulder, CO

Getting a sense of Boulder and what it’s like to live there is a great way to determine if the city would be the right fit for you. Here are 20 things to know about living in Boulder, CO, to help you decide.

1. Boulder, Colorado, Cost of Living Expenses Are High

The cost of living in Boulder, Colorado, is considered rather high, with an overall cost of living score of 141.3 — over 41.3 percent higher than the national average index of 100, and is 20.8 percent higher than the state average of 120.5.

To live comfortably in this city, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a family of four with two adults (at least one working) and two children will need $99,800 annually before taxes, while a person living alone will need $54,500 annually before taxes, and a couple with no children will need to make $76,600 annually before taxes.

2. There Are Pros and Cons of Living in Boulder, CO  

While Boulder may seem like a dream city for a variety of reasons, it’s important to know that all places have their drawbacks. You just need to determine if the pros outweigh the cons of living in Boulder, CO!

Pros of Living in Boulder, CO

• Easy access to outdoor activities year-round
• Health and wellness-focused community
• It’s a walkable and bikeable city
• Diverse job industries to choose from

Cons of Living in Boulder, CO

• The housing market is competitive
• There is a high cost of living
• Traffic and parking are challenging
• Tourists can be overwhelming to residents

Residents living in Boulder, CO, experience a competitive housing market shaped by high demand and desirable neighborhoods.

3. The Boulder Housing Market Is Expensive but Diverse

As we mentioned, the Boulder housing market can be expensive. The average home value is $919,000, compared to the state average of $529,800. The housing market is competitive, and since plenty of people want to live in Boulder (including the many students of CU-Boulder), houses and apartments don’t spend a lot of time on the market.

However, there are a variety of housing styles available, from historical houses to luxury builds, and more affordable options. In Boulder, you can typically find bungalows, Victorian-style, Mid-Century Modern, and ranch-style homes.

4. Apartments Go Quickly in Boulder, CO

Renting, like the housing market, is competitive in Boulder. Because it’s such a desirable place to live for students, young professionals, and families alike, apartments move quickly off the market. The average rent for a one-bedroom in Boulder, CO, is $1,925 for 680 square feet, which is higher than the average rent when living in Denver, where the average sits at $1,700 for around 720 square feet.

5. What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Boulder?

Is Boulder, Colorado, a good place to live? Short answer: Yes!

• South Boulder: Ranked the No. 2 best neighborhood for families by Areavibes, South Boulder is the perfect spot to plant your roots. The median age is 38, and 44 percent of families in the area have kids under 18.
• North Boulder: Young adults and single professionals might feel at home in the neighborhood of North Boulder, which has easy access to entertainment options, active recreation, and affordable housing.
• Gunbarrel: If you’re looking for one of the best neighborhoods for retirees, definitely consider Gunbarrel — the safest neighborhood in Boulder, according to AreaVibes.

6. Boulder Has Good Public Transit, but Most Residents Still Drive

The city of Boulder has good public transit options that include buses, a light rail, and a commuter rail. RTD (Regional Transportation District) operates this fleet, and many residents take advantage of the 100 bus routes and 10 rail lines to get to where they need to be. The system has monthly and Tap-N-Ride ride passes, and many employers in the region take advantage of purchasing EcoPasses for their employees — this encourages the use of public transit over cars.

That being said, most residents still have cars and use them to get around. Traffic can get very congested during the academic year, as well as during the tourist skiing season.

7. Boulder Schools and Higher Education Options Abound

There’s no shortage of good schools in the Boulder area. In fact, the Boulder Valley School District is listed as the No. 2 school district in the entire state and has an A-rating on Niche. There are lots of well-ranked schools in the area for families to consider, including:

• Peak to Peak Charter School
• Fairview High School
• High Peaks Elementary School

Boulder is home to the University of Colorado Boulder, which has a student population of about 38,000, and is known for its research, engineering, and business programs.

Once you’re living in Boulder, CO, it won’t be long before you find yourself cheering for the CU Buffaloes with the rest of your neighbors.
(Source: University of Colorado Boulder via Facebook)

8. Catch a Game in Boulder, or Join a Team Yourself

Whether or not you’re a student at CU-Boulder, you’re going to find yourself cheering for the Buffaloes! The college’s sports, especially basketball and football, are always a big draw for residents of Boulder. Often, people who live in Boulder also end up becoming Denver Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, and Avalanche fans.

Because it’s such an active city, you’ll find plenty of sports leagues and clubs that are always looking for new members as well, especially if you’re into skiing, cycling, running, hiking, climbing, or soccer.

9. Are Winters in Boulder Really That Bad?

Although the city sees a lot of snowy days, it doesn’t seem to linger for long. The snow stays mostly in the mountains, which makes Boulder the perfect base for winter sport enthusiasts.

Winter in Boulder typically lasts from November to March, and temps don’t typically go above the 50s or below the 20s. The warmer months range from June through September, where you’ll experience highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 50s and 60s.

10. Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Boulder

When you’re living in Boulder, CO, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, no matter the time of year. With around 300 sunny days annually, plus easy access to parks and trails, time spent in nature is part of daily life. Some popular ways to get outdoors in Boulder include:

• Go hiking along the Boulder Canyon Trail
• Kayak at the Boulder Reservoir
• Go skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort
• Climb at Eldorado Canyon State Park

11. Boulder Is a Bike-Friendly City

Not only does Boulder have a robust public transportation system linking major neighborhoods and points of interest, but it’s also very walkable and bike-friendly. With a bike score of 75, you’ll find an active cycling community, bike lanes, and plenty of accessibility throughout the city.

12. Boulder Has Safe and Not-So-Safe Areas

Is Boulder, Colorado, safe? According to NeighborhoodScout, Boulder has a total crime score of 5, meaning it’s only safer than five percent of U.S. cities, and your chances of becoming the victim of property or violent crime are one in 26. However, there are plenty of safe neighborhoods for you to live in that have much lower crime rates than other parts of the city, including:

• Gunbarrel
• University of CO Boulder
• Palo Park

Local, organic produce fills grocery stores and farmers’ markets, while Boulder’s farm-to-table movement is alive and kicking in its restaurants.
(Source: Boulder County Farmers Market via Facebook)

13. Healthy Living Is Easy in Boulder

We all want to lead healthier, more active lives, and if this is something that appeals to you, then Boulder has you covered in more ways than one. Local, organic produce fills grocery stores and farmers’ markets, while Boulder’s farm-to-table movement is alive and kicking in its restaurants. Staying active is just as effortless, with everything from yoga and scenic walks to high-energy adventures like mountain biking and rock climbing.

Mental health and wellness are just as essential to leading a healthier lifestyle. And you’ll find plenty of yoga studios, meditation opportunities, and art/sound therapy classes to help nurture both your mind and body.

14. Boulder’s Job Market Has a Lot To Offer

No matter your profession, chances are you’re going to find plenty of opportunities in Boulder. Whether it’s research positions at CU-Boulder, tech opportunities at major corporations like Google or IBM, or jobs in other industries like bioscience or aerospace — there’s much to indulge in the job market.

If you’d rather work for a smaller business, there are plenty of those, too! The city also has an unemployment rate of 4.1 percent, which is lower than the national rate of 4.4 percent.

15. Boulder’s Food Scene Is Thriving

With a city that places an emphasis on healthy, clean eating, residents can expect to see a wide range of options across the food scene. Here are a few local favorites:

• Grab vegetarian fare at the Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant, which sources local and organic ingredients.
• Enjoy the finest beef cuts in the country at Steakhouse No. 316.
• Savor fresh sushi and other Hawaiian-influenced Japanese favorites at Hapa Sushi.
• Or, see what’s cooking at Boulder’s very own Rayback Collective.

16. Don’t Miss Boulder’s Beverage Scene Either!

Along with a variety of cuisines ranging from Indian to Mexican, French, Italian, Thai, and beyond, Boulder also boasts a bustling beverage scene. Did you know that on Pearl Street in downtown, there are at least five coffee shops to choose from? So, whether you want to chill at Boxcar Coffee Roasters or catch live music at The Laughing Goat, it’s easy to get in on Boulder’s coffee culture.

It’s not just coffee that thrives here, but microbrews as well. In Boulder, you can choose from places to try new brews like Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery or Upslope Brewing.

17. What Is the Cultural Scene Like in Boulder?

If you’re into art and supporting small business artisans, then you’ll feel right at home in Boulder. Pearl Street is a lively downtown pedestrian walkway filled with art galleries and public art. Take the Alley Gallery Tour and see amazing art from a variety of local artists. The seasonal Firefly Handmade Market features artisans of all kinds, live music, wellness opportunities, and food.

Want to catch a live show? Boulder Theater offers both local and national music acts. 

Take a stroll along Pearl Street to enjoy shopping, local eateries, and live street performances.

18. There Are Lots of Things To Do in Boulder for Free

Not everything fun has to cost a lot of money, and that’s especially true when you’re living in Boulder, CO. There are plenty of free things to do in the area, and thanks to its location, a lot of them will get you outdoors!

• The Boulder Farmers Market is always fun to explore from April to November.
• Hike the Boulder Canyon Trail or explore Chautauqua Park.
• The University of Colorado Art Museum is free.
• Stroll down Pearl Street and listen to street performers.

19. Things Kids Will Love To Do in Boulder

Looking for some fun stuff to do with the kiddos? There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Boulder, both indoor and outdoor!

• Have a picnic or play date at the playground in Eben G. Fine Park.
• Learn about the stars at the Fiske Planetarium.
• Gateway Park Fun Center has mini golf, go karts, an arcade, and batting cages.
• Go swimming at the Boulder Reservoir.

20. Day Trips Abound From Boulder

While Boulder has exciting attractions, there are also nearby areas ready to be explored. Here are a few day trip ideas less than two hours outside the city:

• The vibrant city of Denver (and all of the best Denver suburbs) is just 30 miles away, with first-class entertainment and dining options.
• Visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, which are both about an hour away.
• Go skiing at Breckenridge Resort, which is two hours from Boulder.

Living in Boulder, CO — FAQs

Q: Is Boulder, Colorado, a good city to live in?
A: Yes, Boulder is considered a great city to live in for a wide range of lifestyles and backgrounds.

Q: What salary do you need to live in Boulder, CO?
A: It depends on your household size, but a couple with two children will need $99,800, while a person living alone requires $54,500, and a couple with no children will need to make $76,600.

Q: Is Boulder, CO, expensive to live?
A: Yes, some might consider Boulder, CO, an expensive place to live.

Q: Does Boulder, CO, get a lot of snow?
A: Yes, Boulder, CO, gets a decent amount of snow. You can expect about one-third of winter days to see snow.

Simplify your move to Boulder with a PODS portable moving container.

Moving to Boulder, CO, With PODS

Once you decide that moving to Boulder, CO, is right for you, the next step is figuring out how to get there. Simplify your move with a PODS portable storage container. Have it dropped off at your home, where you can load up on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can even refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Once you’re ready, have it picked up and delivered to your new address, or take advantage of the one month of storage built into the cost of every move and have it delivered to a secure PODS Storage Center.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

(Source for image featured at top: Visit Boulder, Colorado via Facebook)

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}