Louisville/Superior
This active and community-focused town is significantly smaller than the nearby cities of Boulder and Denver.
This active and community-focused town is significantly smaller than the nearby cities of Boulder and Denver.
Former mining towns developed into fast-growing residential and farming communities with a historic downtown and plenty of parkland
Even though Louisville is just down the road from Boulder’s famous Flatirons, it might as well be in another world entirely. This active and community-focused town is significantly smaller than the nearby cities of Boulder and Denver. Life primarily revolves around the historic downtown area, dotted with businesses of all descriptions and a few restaurants.
Starting as a mining community in 1877, Louisville has since grown into a suburban residential community home to about 21,000 residents. But don’t let the small stature fool you. Money Magazine has consistently ranked Louisville as one of the top 100 places to live throughout the past decade. Fast-growing, Louisville has many parks, trails, and recreation complexes, such as the popular Coal Creek Golf Course and the well-maintained Louisville Sports Complex.
Just 10 minutes from Louisville is the statutory town of Superior, also located in Boulder County. Superior is even smaller than Louisville, with only about 12,400 people living there. Similar to Louisville, Superior started as a mining town, with the first mines opening in the late 1800s and the town founded in 1896.
Rumor has it, the town was named for the “superior” quality of coal. In 1945, after the industrial mine closed, Superior developed into a peaceful farming and ranching community. The area is housing-focused and continues to grow rapidly. Superior boasts more than 35 miles of trails and over 630 acres of open space and parks.
Louisville is a charming and friendly town that has grown significantly in recent years. As the town continues to receive recognition for being one of the best places to live and raise a family in the country, more and more people are attracted to this beautiful location. Not only is it an optimal place to live if you work in Boulder, but the Louisville real estate market is a robust one where you can get more for your dollar than the larger cities nearby.
Louisville is also home to some of the area’s best public schools, highly rated by parents and teachers alike. Centered around a bustling downtown district, there are plenty of things to see and do year-round in Louisville. The town is also home to a thriving arts scene led by the Arts District in historic downtown.
The neighboring town of Superior is very similar to Louisville, albeit far more residential, with several farms and ranches throughout the area. Superior has an abundance of rolling, green open spaces and an extensive trail system. Sporty types love the Sports Stable, one of Colorado’s largest sports facilities.
Louisville might be a small town, but don’t underestimate the might of this community’s culinary scene. With notable locations like the family-run establishment Waterloo and the Texas Hill Country-style BBQ joint Lulu’s BBQ, you’ll never want for delicious food. Waterloo is popular for its drink deals, comfort food, and Tex-Mex. Plus, the restaurant regularly hosts live music.
Then at Lulu’s, you can enjoy low and slow-cooked meats at outdoor picnic tables with down-home sides like cornbread, fried okra, slaw, and garlic mashed potatoes. A visit to the bustling neighborhood ice cream shop Sweet Cow is a must for dessert. Located downtown, Sweet Cow offers a mixture of traditional and creative flavors. The Huckleberry is a local favorite breakfast spot serving a country breakfast and afternoon tea.
There’s always something exciting happening in Louisville. The town hosts numerous festivals and events year-round, including a Fourth of July Parade and spectacular fireworks display, pancakes breakfasts (and pancakes dinners with Santa!), and an Arbor Day Festival where students can learn the proper tree planting technique. Superior combines the best of Independence Day and pancake breakfasts with the annual 4th of July Parade & Pancake Festival.
Support Colorado farms and businesses by visiting the Louisville Farmers Market, held every Saturday from May to October. Purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, plus meats, eggs, artisan breads, honey, salsa, pasta, baked goods, natural body care products, and so much more.
The popular David Mesa Loop Trail is ideal for hiking and wildlife-watching if you're an outdoorsy type. Dogs are also welcome on this 2.2-mile stretch, so long as they remain leashed.
Louisville is home to six public schools and six private schools. Nearby higher education institutions include the Front Range Community College, Naropa University, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Superior’s two public schools are run by the Boulder Valley School District, and the Superior public high school is in Louisville. Below are a few of Louisville and Superior’s most notable institutions.
