Welcome to Boulder
From Boulder’s beginnings as a Gold Rush city to its development into the “Athens of the West,” it has grown to blend urban cityscape with suburban residential estates amid the high desert. Being settled against the front range in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains has allowed city residents to enjoy the best of both worlds, living in a modern community while maintaining easy access to abundant natural recreational resources.
Boulder’s booming economy, growing technological industry, dedicated focus on personal and communal mental health awareness, fantastic weather, and outstanding views of the Rocky Mountains and the Flatirons make it easy to see why so many relocate here. The city’s central location and proximity to Denver help make it an easy pick for commuters looking for a convenient location in central Colorado.
What to love
- Excellent quality of life
- Beautiful views of the Flatirons
- Abundant outdoor recreational destinations
Local lifestyle
The outdoor enthusiasts of Boulder take advantage of the 300+ days of sunshine a year by gathering in local parks and on the banks of the local Boulder Creek for barbecues and water sports. They are often found rock climbing, hiking, and biking in Boulder Canyon or climbing the Flatirons.
There is also a large community of artisans in Boulder who meet regularly to show off and sell their work. Coffee shops are a community favorite, and locals can be found meeting in charming establishments for open mic nights and poetry readings. University students help to liven up the nightlife and weekends bustle with shoppers walking the streets to peruse local boutiques.
The homes in Boulder are just as varied as the citizens, ranging from cost-conscious townhomes and bungalows to luxury estates overlooking the mountains. The architectural styles tend to be mixed, but Victorian and ranch-style homes are popular.
DINING, ENTERTAINMENT, & SHOPPING
Frasca Food and Wine is the eleven times James Beard Award-winning home of Italian cuisine in Boulder. They strive for sensationally crafted dishes with well-thought-out flavors using seasonal ingredients. If you’re seeking a must-visit restaurant, Frasca should be on your list.
For new American cuisine, check out Oak at Fourteenth. Oak highlights the flavors that have been a part of Colorado’s past by using locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes each season, but the wood-fired, artisanal deliciousness is served fresh daily.
In 1987, Mayor Maksud Ikramov announced the gifting of a teahouse from Boulder’s newly established sister city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This is now known as The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and is open to the public for dining. The building is an incredible work of handcrafted artisanship, with live gardens in the dining area and architectural touches unavailable elsewhere.
When you are ready to shop in Boulder, look no further than the Pearl Street Mall. This mall has over 150 retailers, over 80 percent locally owned, with options in clothing, jewelry, home goods, antiques, pet supplies, and art galleries.
Things to do
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is a state-of-the-art facility displaying rotating modern art exhibits. They also have educational programs for all ages and host day camps to teach art skills.
Visit the Fiske Planetarium and the Sommers-Bausch Observatory at Colorado University Boulder and get up close and personal with the stars. Both facilities host open shows regularly.
Boulder has two fantastic options for live music: The Fox Theatre and the Boulder Theater. The Fox Theatre books more contemporary rock, rap, and hip-hop artists, while the Boulder Theater tends to book high-caliber artists and comedians.
OVERVIEW FOR Boulder, CO
