Boulder
Active and urban location known for its craggy rock formations known as the Flatirons.
Active and urban location known for its craggy rock formations known as the Flatirons.
Vibrant, hip, and active town framed by the beautiful Flatirons offers year-round outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and an exciting culinary scene.
Jutting up from the Rocky Mountain foothills is the city of Boulder, an active and urban location known for its craggy rock formations known as the Flatirons. Founded in 1858 by explorers seeking riches in the nearby mountains, Boulder has a colorful and fascinating history showcased in the city’s numerous recreation, entertainment, and cultural options.
Boulder’s picturesque location in a valley below the Flatirons makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who have more than 300 miles of trails and over 45,000 acres of open space and nature preserves to explore. That coupled with 300+ days of sunshine each year makes Boulder an idyllic place for anyone seeking a fit and healthy lifestyle. Boulder effortlessly maintains the balance between urban sophistication and the outdoors. It’s no wonder National Geographic previously named Boulder the happiest city in America.
As the 12th largest city in Colorado with a population hovering around 106,300, Boulder is revered for its high quality of life and abundance of cultural and recreational activities. The town has always embraced sustainable living and promoted health and wellness, with many residents becoming avid outdoor enthusiasts. But even if you aren’t super into nature, Boulder is rife with other opportunities, including an excellent food scene and an exciting downtown area full of breweries, bars, nightlife, and entertainment.
Living in Boulder is akin to experiencing a nonstop adventure. There’s always something exciting happening in this town, and the Flatirons function as the perfect scenic backdrop. Boulder has the warmth and hospitality of a small town in many ways while still offering big-city amenities. Plus, the city is centrally located close to downtown Denver, the Denver International Airport, and the mountains. The price tag is high, but living here it’s worth the steep cost.
Pearl Street Mall is a beloved, four-block pedestrian mall in Boulder stretching from 11th Street to 15th Street along Pearl Street. Home to over 1,000 businesses, Pearl Street Mall is a hub for dining, shopping, arts, and entertainment.
Many of Boulder’s best restaurants and breweries are located here, including the classy Northern Italian restaurant Frasca Food and Wine. Frasca specializes in cuisine from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Northeast Italy. Pearl Street Mall is also home to the West End Tavern, a brick pub with a rooftop lounge featuring fantastic mountain views, and the modern Japanese-Hawaiian fusion restaurant Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar.
Another Boulder staple is The Flagstaff House, a refined American establishment perched atop Flagstaff Mountain. Encased in windows, the panoramic views of the mountains are unparalleled.
Boulder Creek Festival is an annual summer weekend of fun that includes a marketplace, concerts and performances, quality culinary experiences, family fun, and children’s activities. The Boulder Farmer Market has been a long-standing institution since 1987. Purchase local food, all Colorado-grown, raised, and owned. There are two Boulder markets, one that runs on Saturdays from April to November and the other on Wednesdays from May to October.
The 2.6-mile Boulder Canyon Trail is a popular path running along Boulder Creek if you're into hiking. This short, negotiable trail runs along easy terrain and makes a great way to enjoy water activities or photograph the area’s natural beauty.
The Boulder Valley School District administers Boulder public schools. Below are a few of Boulder’s most notable institutions.
