Moving to Boulder, Colorado: What Newcomers Need to Know

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Beautiful Boulder County Boasts New Opportunity in the Rocky Mountains

Boulder is a quaint but loud little town perched right at the bottom of the Rocky foothills and just 30 minutes Northwest of Denver.

It is only 40 minutes away from the infamous and mysterious Denver International Airport, neighbors to luxurious ski resorts, Broomfield, Longmont, and other desirable suburbs of the Mile High City.

There is something very special about the Boulder area.

Still, it cannot be easily explained by anyone besides the nearby hills, current Boulder residents, and those diving into the health-focused culture!

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Becoming Boulder Residents

If you are looking for that homey small-town charm with a beautiful backdrop, then Boulder may be right up your alley.

The natural scenes, environmentally responsible community, and lively atmosphere pull people in like a magnet to the city.

Before you book local Boulder Movers for the job, gaining as much experience and information as possible to determine if the area suits your household is still a responsible idea.

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Relocating to Colorado Boulder – The Mile High State’s Most Infamous College Town

Whether you are moving from Denver to Boulder or heading in from across state lines, you likely know that the People’s Republic is known as a college town.

Still, it cannot be defined by the alternative and unlimited education it provides residents.

The Rocky Mountains and El Dorado Canyons line the area, there are loads of outdoor activities to engage in, biking and hiking trails all throughout the city, a thriving economy, lovely people, and constant innovation taking place everywhere – even more so than other areas across the Centennial State.

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Cost of Living in or Near Downtown Boulder

While it would be incredible to move into Eldora Mountain Resort to view the Indian Peaks daily, you must first consider the cost of living for Boulder residents.

The downtown area near Pearl Street is one of the most popular places to live; most college students live off of ‘The Hill,’ and from there, the North and South regions separate the city.

South Boulder is more affordable, and North Boulder is the more affluent part of the area.

The entire city is known for being high-cost, but some details must be sorted to determine whether or not this will suit your monthly or annual budget.

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National Average Versus the Boulder Area

Compared to other cities throughout Colorado, Boulder can be viewed as more expensive or more affordable.

But compared to the national average, CO Boulder is among the more expensive towns and is ranked in the top 7%.

  • For one person living in Boulder with rent, you are looking at around $2,520 to $2,800 monthly. This can vary depending on your lifestyle, wants, and needs.
  • With a family, you look at approximately $5,950 to $6,400 monthly. This is an average for a family of 4, and the more members in your family, the more expensive it can get.

Don’t allow moving costs to get in the way of joining the population of one of the fastest-growing cities in Colorado. Contact Denver City Movers to discuss your options and gain a free estimate for your upcoming relocation project!

The Booming Housing Market in Boulder, CO

The Boulder housing market has had its ups and downs over the years, but with the gorgeous historic properties on the Great Plains, there is quite a competition for houses.

If you think you will receive better prices than what is often seen in Denver, then you are caught up in wishful thinking because the cost of housing and rental rates have continued to rise with the influx of people in the population.

When you want to purchase a home in Boulder, you will want to move quickly; while this isn’t Estes Park or other luxury mountain towns – it is a highly sought-after place to live in the foothills.

Trying to figure out how to plan a move to see what Boulder offers your household? While it is a smaller city, most residents are extremely happy and have planted themselves firmly within the community.

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Buying Your First Boulder Home or Renting an Apartment in This Great City

If you are pushing towards Boulder for the local economy, to gain your bachelor’s degree, or simply for sunny days and outdoor recreation, knowing what you are in terms of purchase and rental cost or median home value is essential to budgeting, planning, and living life!

  • The median sale price of a Boulder home is about $975,000; there is typically a cost of $581.00 per square foot.
  • The average cost of rent on a one-bedroom apartment is about $2,400 for a place that is about 820 square feet, which is a high cost compared to Denver, which is about $1,900 for the same square footage.

Why Are Young Professionals Moving to Boulder, Colorado?

Moving to Boulder, CO, is not a difficult choice when you have an economy that is succeeding above the national average, outdoor activities for a manageable work-life balance, delicious food, live music, and even intriguing street performers off Pearl Street Mall and continued education programs and problems to further your career opportunities.

Boulder, CO, has been rated as one of the top cities in the United States for young professionals.

Still, it is also a fabulous choice for eager professionals in general, especially those who want to avoid the heavy traffic down in Denver.

Only half of Boulder residents must drive to work as public transportation is everywhere throughout the city and can easily get you to Denver.

The city has bike lanes and was developed as a walkable community.

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Top Employers and Career Opportunities

Bottom Line Boulder is filled with blossoming tech companies, start-ups, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 companies, and small businesses and is even the birthplace of Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups!

Aerospace, IT, natural products, outdoor recreation, and even bioscience are all common industries in the area.

The largest employers in Boulder, CO, are as follows:

  • Boulder County and Community Health offers medical primary care doctors, women’s health, mental health services, cancer treatment, and more.
  • Ball Aerospace is a pioneer in aerospace engineering and discovery in Boulder, Colorado.
  • Google needs no introduction and has its headquarters in Boulder, CO!
  • Array BioPharma, owned by Pfizer, is a research and development agency participating in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Boulder Brands is part of the natural food industry, and they take a liking to hiring Colorado graduates of CU Boulder and the University of Northern Colorado. They have over 900 employees, and that number will continue to grow.

Ready to get packing and transition your household to the small town of Boulder?

Check out the Denver City Movers professional packing tips!

Boulder County School District is the Top in Colorado

Education and providing a wide variety of education opportunities to the residents of Boulder, CO, is an active priority for everyone in Colorado.

Still, in Boulder, they do things differently, and it seems to make a significant difference.

The Boulder County school district is among the best schools in Colorado, and they are currently rated as number 2 in the Centennial State.

They have consistently ranked among the top 3 and offer alternative learning modes.

  • There are over 30,000 students enrolled in the district, with a total of 56 school options.
  • They have received an A rating from current and past students and families.
  • There are public schools, private schools, wilderness schooling options, charter schools, Magnet schools, gifted programs, and alternative settings.

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CU Boulder: The Home of the Buffalos

We cannot forget the things that locals in Boulder love the most – the University of Colorado Boulder!

CU Boulder provides undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies programs alongside being a research institute.

The university is centered around developing and maintaining a tight-knit community, promoting ethnic diversity and inclusion, and developing research to better the state of Colorado and the world’s future!

  • There are over 66,000 students enrolled in Boulder, UCCS, Denver, and the Anschutz Medical Campus.
  • There are over 17,000 degree options.
  • The university employs over 36,000 people in total.

Rocky Mountain National Park and Outdoor Activities Galore

Living in Boulder is considered magical as there is much to do within the natural landscape.

While the city experiences all four seasons and can get this with icy snow during the winter months, there is relatively infrequent rain and forest bathing in Boulder, CO, which is like nothing you have ever experienced.

Boulder sits about 38 miles outside of the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park and has an abundance of other options for residents to get outside and enjoy being a mile above sea level.

Hiking Trails By the Boulder Reservoir

From rock climbing to mountain biking and horseback riding, there are plenty of ways to discover the hiking trails in the Boulder area!

  • The Royal Arch Trail can be reached from Baseline Road but is best for experienced hikers only!
  • The First and Second Flat Irons Loops are steep, 2.7-mile-long hiking opportunities.
  • Green Mountain West Ridge Trail is located in the Boulder Open Space and is often populated by residents and tourists.
  • Walker Ranch Loop is a long one at 7.9 miles altogether, but it is relatively good for family hikes!

Wondering when is the best month to move? Check out Denver City Movers’ relocation guide and discover how to save money on your upcoming move!

Discover the Wonders of Pearl Street Mall

Pearl Street is located in downtown Boulder, where you can find your next favorite boutique, bookstores, coffee shops, world-class restaurants, lodging, and community!

While this street is lined with people year-round, events across Pearl Street stretch over four blocks for pedestrians and continue past that up towards The Hill.

It has been present for the past 40 years and remains the heart of Boulder.

biking and lifestyle in boulder co

Jump into the Active Lifestyle, Mountain Biking on Boulder Creek

Boulder was created to get people outside, make commuting more accessible, and close connections.

The Regional Transportation District in Boulder, CO, and throughout the Denver metro area has continued to evolve in a way that will assist in making it easier to develop meaningful connections.

Bike lanes and walking trails exist all over the city, so residents can easily walk, run, or bike to work or wherever they need to go.

Plenty of people use these routes for their daily commute, to meet with their weekly running club, or simply to enjoy the day!

Fine Dining, Bars, Music, and Art Galleries

Living in Boulder gives you access to more restaurants, music venues, and creative opportunities than you will know what to do with!

If you want a place that serves Chinese or Mexican cuisine, gastro-pub style, etc., you will find it.

These are some of the best eateries in Boulder:

  • The Sink has been around for 100 years and serves what they call ‘The Best Boulder Burger’ and other American cuisines. Their mouth-watering menu will keep your taste buds screaming for more.
  • Izakaya Amu provides small plates of sushi and sake and an electric atmosphere that may be your next favorite place to grab lunch or dinner with your colleagues or family members!
  • Leaf is one of the best vegetarian or vegan eateries in Boulder. They serve everything from seafood plates, without the seafood, to pizza and jerk-style replacement meats.

Create your moving Checklist with the Denver City Movers, Boulder’s go-to moving company for local, long-distance, and cross-country relocation projects!

Are You Ready to Enter the Boulder Bubble?

When relocating to Boulder, you will inevitably be swarming with moving questions, what-ifs, wonders, and more.

To get to know the town and people of Boulder, you have to get outside and find your path through the city.

But to get there, you need licensed moving experts to help you in your journey!

Contact Local Moving Experts to Explore Living in Boulder and Schedule a Free Quote Today

Denver City Movers are the leading packing and moving services for Colorado residents and potentially new ones!

If you are planning an upcoming move to Boulder or anywhere throughout the Centennial State, Denver City Movers offers free estimates and consultations to make your relocation project as smooth as possible.

Don’t allow your lingering questions to prevent you from making changes in your life because Boulder is an open adventure that is entirely yours for the taking!

moving trucks driving to boulder co

FAQS About Moving to Boulder, CO

What makes Boulder, Colorado, Special?

Being at the base of the foothills, having access to the great outdoors, fresh mountain air, clean spring water, and lovely people and neighbors defines the community.

It lies beneath giant sandstone slabs within the Flatirons district and is known for the atmosphere it has created for its citizens.

However, to truly understand its uniqueness, you must see and experience it yourself!

Believe us when we say you won’t be disappointed!

Is Boulder the most expensive place to live in Colorado?

Boulder is undoubtedly one of the most expensive places to live in Colorado, but residing in Boulder only ranks among the top ten – it is not the most costly.

The most expensive place to live in the Mile High State is, not surprisingly, Aspen, Colorado.

Aspen ranks nearly 52% more expensive than the national average and far surpasses what Coloradans and even Boulderites are used to.

cost of living boulder colorado

Does Boulder have a good public transportation system?

Boulder has some of the best public transportation options in Colorado.

While it is part of an extensive network of transit throughout the Denver Metroplex, Boulder has developed a means of creating an extremely efficient system.

Public transit in Boulder, CO, is highly frequent and convenient to ensure that all residents can access easy commutes, travel, and connections to their friends and loved ones.

Is Boulder an eco-friendly place to live?

This city has extremely high ethical and moral standards and wants to change how Colorado leaves behind their environmental legacy to future generations.

Boulder, Colorado, is one of the greenest towns to live in. They are focused on preserving historical spaces and nature, developing more open spaces, promoting simple recycling programs, and reducing their carbon footprint!

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