South Boulder (or SoBo as it is known) is a sought-after neighborhood between Table Mesa and Broadway. Sitting at the feet of South Boulder Peak, this is an affordable area for families with so much to offer. If you’re thinking of moving to SoBo, this neighborhood guide will give you everything you need to know.
A Short History
Just like North Boulder and Dakota Ridge, South Boulder began as a suburb of Boulder Colorado. It was a place for people who didn’t want to live in the bustle of town. Because there is so much open space and limited development, this is still true for SoBo. In fact, it remains largely unchanged since its beginnings in the 19060s.
Top Things to Do
You’ll never get bored living in South Boulder. In fact, you’ll feel like you never have to leave with so much to do right on your doorstep.
Table Mesa Shopping Center
This popular shopping center is in Table Mesa in SoBo and has everything you could need. There’s a great range of restaurants and cafes as well as all major shops and fun boutiques.
South Boulder Recreation Center
Residents of SoBo get to take advantage of the recreation center. It has a weight and cardio room, gymnasium, fitness classes, and a pool (most need a reservation).
Harlow Platts Community Park
Next to the South Boulder Recreation Center is Harlow Platts Community Park. It’s got a playground, disc golf course, volleyball courts, and walking routes around Viele Lake. This is a favorite spot with SoBo families on sunny weekends.
Real Estate
There’s a great mix of rental properties on offer in South Boulder. From affordable condos and townhouses to student rentals, there is something for everyone looking to rent in SoBo.
However, most homes are owned single-family ranches and bungalows since this is a popular area with families. You’ll find wide tree-lined streets with long drives and large yards where houses range from $300,000 to $800,000 and more.
The entire area has a warm, welcoming family atmosphere that feels welcoming wherever you go.
Favorite Places
There are dozens of great places to explore in SoBo, but here are some of our top spots as a guide through the neighborhood:
Art + Culture
The City of Boulder Office of Arts and Culture is renowned for its investment in local projects and exhibitions. Throughout Boulder you’ll find permanent and temporary installations, murals, and neighborhood projects that celebrate the diverse culture of Boulder Colorado.
Restaurants + Bars
Get ready to spend some serious cash on the bars and restaurants in SoBo – there are too many great ones to try.
For breakfast, we love Cafe Solé and the Walnut Cafe for relaxed, Sunday morning vibes. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with Murphy’s Grill that serves some incredible locally-brewed beers.
Southern Sun has one of the best patios in town to sit and enjoy a meal on nice days. And the Tandoori Grill is a must-try for anyone who loves traditional Indian food.
Outdoor life
Most people move to Boulder Colorado for outdoor life. It’s hard to beat the views and hiking trails that you’ll get at the Flatirons. There is a range of hiking and walking trails for all abilities. And don’t forget to stop at Southern Sun Brewery after a day of hiking for a locally-brewed beer.
Top Reasons to Live Here
If you’re thinking of moving to South Boulder, you’ve chosen a great neighborhood. Houses don’t stay on the market for long because of how popular this area is with families.
Boulder in general consistently tops the list of happiest and healthiest cities in America. It’s clear to see why when you take in the views, breathe the clean air, and experience the welcome from locals.
Not to mention crime is significantly lower than the national average while the average wage is much higher, with unemployment consistently low.
What more could you ask for?
A Day in South Boulder
Whether you are planning to move to SoBo or are just visiting, here’s a great itinerary to make the most of your time here:
Shanahan Ridge Park
Start early with a visit to Shanahan Ridge Park. Wide-open space with a play area of kids and a lovely loop to walk and enjoy the scenery. For those looking for something a little more active, the Shanahan Ridge Trailhead is a stunning hiking trail with some of the best views in SoBo.
Snarf’s Sandwiches
Fuel up with some of the best sandwiches in Boulder at Snarf’s. A huge range of hot and cold sandwiches that make the perfect pitstop for your day.
NCAR Mesa Laboratory
The US National Center for Atmospheric Research is a large research center in South Boulder. They carry out important research at the center and have a great museum with interactive exhibits that kids will love.
From here, you can also access some great trails if you fancy a walk after your visit.
Murphy’s South on Broadway
End your day at Murphy’s. Classic American eats, amazing cocktails, and a pretty outdoor eating area for those warm days. This is a great place to stop for dinner and drinks at the end of a long day.
Conclusion
It really is easy to see why South Boulder is a popular neighborhood in Boulder. From the great outdoors to the huge range of restaurants and cafes, you have everything you could want on your doorstep.
If you’re planning on moving to SoBo, let us help! At Free Range Movers, we offer a range of affordable moving services to make the process stress-free. Whether you need help decluttering and packing or moving your stuff safely, we have you covered. Call us to find out more.
FAQs
Where to go for Ethnic Food in South Boulder?
Tandoori Grill is the perfect spot for curry in South Boulder. Whereas Nepal Cuisine Restaurant offers a great buffet for lunch and dinner, with a full vegan buffet on Mondays.
How do I find the perfect home in South Boulder?
There is no better way to find the perfect home in South Boulder than visiting. With so many sought-after streets in this desirable neighborhood, you can get a feel for the different areas and what works for you.