Lifestyle
Being home to close to 100,000 residents makes Boulder one of the largest cities in the state, but residents would tell you that it doesn’t feel big. The Boulder area embraces its history while charging directly into the future. The area has a lot to offer its residents.
Newcomers to Boulder who are relocating from other large metropolitan areas will be pleased at the extraordinary value of the region’s housing. Homes vary from cozy bungalows nestled in tree-shaded neighborhoods to country estates set on several acres of prime property. In the rural areas, horse properties or small farms offer the finest in country living. At the same time, handsome new residential developments offer a full complement of architectural styles and price ranges. Urban, historic, suburban, rural, alpine, and every possible blending of these environments is possible in Boulder and the surrounding area.
Regardless of the community you select as the place to call home, you can enjoy quick and easy access to exceptional cultural attractions and recreational opportunities. Boulder is known for its world class outdoor activities and its residents take full advantage of every opportunity to be outside.
Boulder is surrounded by more than 36,000 acres of recreational open space, conservation easements, and nature preserves. And there are world class hiking trails located throughout the city. The most popular areas to hike are in Chautauqua Park. Many of the trails start at the Western edge of the city, while others are a short drive away. The trails vary in difficulty: some are quite easy while there are some that are technically challenging. Mountain bikers will find the region around Boulder a vast playground. There are several single track trails to the south of the city. North Boulder is one of the most popular starting points for road biking enthusiasts. The city is well-known for its bicycle culture, and boasts hundreds of miles of bike paths, lanes, and routes that interconnect to create a network of bikeways usable year-round. Boulder has 74 bike and pedestrian underpasses that facilitate safer and uninterrupted travel throughout much of the city. There is an abundance of rock climbing for all skill levels close to the city, with the primary climbing areas in Eldorado Canyon, The Flatirons and Boulder Canyon. For those looking for less strenuous activities, Golfing, wildlife viewing and fishing can be found close to home. Cheering on professional sports teams is a way of life—a spectator mania induced by exciting major-league teams like the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Rockies, the Denver Nuggets and others. When the snow flies, residents take advantage of the region’s outstanding ski resorts or explore the backcountry on snowmobiles and cross-country skis. Brilliant sunshine is the rule in Colorado, encouraging a full spectrum of four-season adventure against the scenic backdrop of the Rocky Mountain splendor.
When shopping is the game, the entire Front Range area becomes the playing field. Quaint old mining communities harbor antique districts, while stunning regional malls cover over one million square feet with leading retailers, restaurants, and theaters. The City of Boulder offers shoppers a unique experience with shopping areas located throughout the community that include the Pearl Street Mall, This four-block pedestrian mall is a social hotspot in Boulder, with dozens of restaurants of all kinds and specialty stores that include artisan shops and unique gadget shops. In the summer and on weekends, many street shows and acts can be found throughout the mall, along with street vendors and artists. South of Pearl Street and adjacent to the Colorado University Boulder campus is another historic shopping center, The Hill. Featuring some of the city’s landmark stores and venues, such as Albums on the Hill and the Fox Theatre, The Hill has been the center of college life for many of the nearby sororities and fraternities. One of the newer shopping areas is Twenty Ninth Street, a state-of-the-art mixed use open air urban retail district that includes a wide selection of stores and restaurants.
Families will discover gardens, parks, sports leagues and recreation programs, youth centers, science museums and historic sites that offer special events and attractions. Those who appreciate the arts can look forward to fine museums, elegant venues, spectacular galleries, and leading groups for every performing art. From its breathtaking natural beauty to the unparalleled quality of life Boulder is a wonderland of delights just waiting to be explored.
