Thinking about moving to Boulder Co? You couldn’t have picked a better city. National Geographic named Boulder Colorado the happiest city in America and it’s nationally recognized as the top city for quality of life.
With a modest population of just over 107,000 residents, Boulder offers the perfect mix of urban and suburban living. From hiking the breathtaking trails of the Flatirons to buzzing local restaurants and nightlife, Boulder has something for the whole family.
If you’re thinking about moving to Boulder Co but you’re not sure which neighborhood is the right fit for you, we’ve got you covered with our Boulder neighborhood guide. We’ve put together a list of the best towns, neighborhoods, and areas of Boulder Co so you can be sure you’ve made the best choice.
Downtown Boulder
Downtown is home to the neighborhoods of Whittier and Mapleton – two of the most popular areas to live in all of Boulder Co. People flock to downtown for the upscale condos and charming bungalows, giving eclectic real estate options for everyone. This popular area comes at a price though, and is the most expensive neighborhood in Boulder.
Schools
- Fairview High School
- Dawson School
- Peak to Peak Charter School
Things to do
Downtown Boulder is known for Pearl Street Mall. Pearl Street is an outdoor pedestrian shopping center that has all the best shops, cafes, restaurants, and street performers for hours of fun. It’s also a cultural hub of art galleries, museums, and beautiful boutique shops.
- Spend hours shopping in Pearl Street Mall
- Try out the many restaurants, bars, and cafes
- Explore the mountains and hiking trails from this central hub of Boulder Colorado
Chautauqua
If you love the outdoors, this is one of the best Boulder neighborhoods for you. Chautauqua is the gateway to the breathtaking Flatirons and Chautauqua Park is a stunning place to admire this unique view. This is a popular neighborhood for families and has a bustling holiday rental real estate scene in the summertime.
Schools
- Maple Grove Junior/Senior High School
- Chautauqua Lake Secondary School
- Sherman Elementary School
Things to do
From hiking trails and walks to outdoor concerts in the Chautauqua Park Auditorium, you won’t run out of things to do.
- Have a picnic on the expansive lawn of Chautauqua Park
- Hike Chautauqua Trailhead
- Climb the famous Flatirons
- Explore Chautauqua’s historic district
University Hill
University Hill (locally known as ‘The Hill’) is a popular area for students of the University of Colorado. However, this area is also popular with families and retirees so it has a great community vibe. If you’re looking for a quiet suburb for your family, University Hill may not be the best fit, but if you like being in the heart of the action, this is one Boulder neighborhood that won’t disappoint.
Schools
- University Hill Elementary School
- Manhattan Middle School
- University of Colorado
Things to do
As a buzzing student area, The Hill has a great range of shops, restaurants, bars, and music venues. As well as some wonderful educational venues including a range of museums that welcome students and families.
- Watch a live band at the Fox Theatre
- Explore the Natural History Museum
- Learn about space at the Fiske Planetarium
Gunbarrel
Gunbarrel is a popular suburb neighborhood just seven miles northeast of downtown Boulder. It’s a quiet, peaceful place, perfect for a large or single family, with a great range of real estate including condos, apartments, and larger homes for rent.
Schools
- Fairview High School
- Heatherwood Elementary School
Things to do
Gunbarrel is the perfect neighborhood for families who love the outdoors. There are endless nature walks, hikes, and green spaces to relax. As well as lovely cafes and restaurants to stop for a bite to eat.
- Walk the trails and spot the wildlife at Twin Lakes Open Space
- Take a tour of Celestial Seasonings tea factory
- Taste some local craft beers at the many local breweries
- Shop til you drop at Gunbarrel Shopping Center
East Boulder
East Boulder is a hub of gyms and fitness. The cost to rent in East Boulder is slightly lower than most other areas and has the most indoor fitness spaces than any other Boulder neighborhoods.
Schools
- New Vista High School
- Eisenhower Elementary School
Things to do
East Boulder is packed with cafes, unbelievable restaurants, shops, and parks. As well as gyms and fitness classes of course.
- Get fit with gyms, aerial dance, CrossFit, and more
- Explore the local restaurants and eateries
- Walk the many trails and local parks
North Boulder
If you’re looking for modern real estate, North Boulder offers the newest developments in Boulder Colorado. You’ll find gorgeous apartments, condos, and houses in this area, all new construction. Although this is one of the newer Boulder neighborhoods, they did a great job incorporating and preserving the natural beauty of the area with ample parks and green spaces.
Schools
- Crest View Elementary School
- Centennial Middle School
Things to do
North Boulder is another family-friendly neighborhood that focuses on outdoor living. North Boulder Park is especially popular on sunny days for relaxing and has a great range of parks and activities for kids. Not to mention the endless choice of fun cafes and eateries when everyone needs a break from exploring.
- Take in the stunning Wonderland Lake
- Hike the Mt Sanitas trail
- Stop off at the Hungry Toad to refuel
Longmont
Longmont is the second-largest city in Boulder Colorado with over 81,000 residents. It’s a wonderfully diverse area with a range of old and new homes, condos and affordable apartments. It has a fantastic downtown area filled with restaurants and shops, as well as quieter suburb-style areas.
Schools
- Hygiene Elementary School
- Flagstaff Charter Academy
- Blue Mountain Elementary School
Things to do
Longmont is a hub of arts and culture in Boulder Colorado, as well as a picturesque spot with unrivaled views. From modern art exhibitions to hiking and skating, your family will never run out of things to do.
- Spot art exhibitions dotted around town from the Art in Public Places initiative
- Explore Sandstone Ranch Park
- Try a tasty craft beer at Wibby Brewery
- Learn the history at Longmont Museum
Table Mesa
Table Mesa is conveniently located near downtown in South Boulder, but still has a quiet family atmosphere. It’s home to great schools, hiking trails, and its own bars and restaurants, making it a popular choice for families and young professionals. This popular area of South Boulder does cost more than others, but it’s well worth the price tag.
Schools
- Bear Creek Elementary School
- Mesa Elementary School
Things to do
Table Mesa in South Boulder is home to some of the most incredible parkland in the entire country, making it a popular tourist destination. It’s also got some fantastic shops and cafes for those days of retail therapy.
- Get everything you need at Table Mesa Shopping Center
- Visit the National Center for Atmospheric Research
- Explore Walter Orr Roberts’ Nature and Weather Trail
Thinking of Moving to Boulder Co?
If you’re considering moving to any of these neighborhoods in Boulder Co, you’ve picked a wonderful city. Rated the best area in the country for quality of life, it’s hard to beat this picturesque city for raising a family. We hope we’ve helped narrow down your decision with our Boulder neighborhood guide, but if you want to know more about Boulder Co or the moving process, feel free to get in touch!
If you’re in the process of planning your move to Boulder and are in need of a reliable, local moving company, we can help! Contact us today to tell us more about your move and we can give you a free quote. We offer a full range of services including decluttering consultations, packing, and moving to make sure your move is as stress-free as possible.
FAQs
Is Boulder CO a safe place to live?
A recent report named Boulder the 7th safest place to live in the country (not to mention the number one best place to live for quality of life). Boulder is a family-centered area and the community feel makes all of the popular neighborhoods very safe.
Is Boulder safe at night?
For the size of the city, crime is relatively low, making Boulder Co a safe place to be both day and night. That’s not to say it’s without crime, so always keep yourself safe if you’re exploring the city at night, especially if you’re out alone.
Is Boulder CO walkable?
Nationally recognized as a pedestrian-friendly city, Boulder Co is an excellent place for walking and cycling. In fact, it earned Gold Walk Friendly Community designation in 2020. Pearl Street Shopping Mall is particularly popular because it’s a pedestrian shopping center located in one of the most popular neighborhoods in Boulder. There are also hundreds of walking trails and hikes dotted around the many areas of Boulder.
What are winters like in Boulder Colorado?
Winters are usually cold and dry in Boulder Co, but the temperature rarely drops below 6°F. In the summer, the weather warms up, giving the best conditions for hiking, climbing, and being outdoors which is what Boulder Co is known for.