Firstly why Boulder, Colorado?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Boulder
• State: Colorado
• Population: 107,125 people
• Boulder’s quick summary would be Renowned for the University of Colorado Boulder and the picturesque Flatirons rock formations.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 15,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 3,000
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its outdoor lifestyle and strong university presence attracting students and professionals

Perk #1: Boulder Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 43%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Asian
• The median income is (and growing)  $97,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Boulder is $98,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Boulder’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 140 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,197
• Property Tax %: 0.66%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,400
• Rent for an average house: $3,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Mapleton Hill
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Boulder, Gunbarrel, Longmont, Lafayette, and probably could include Nederland
• Avg. Age of Homes in Boulder: 84 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3.6%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Boulder’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Boulder are  Education, Technology, and Healthcare
• Boulder Job Scene: growing job market in education and tech industries
• The General Tech Scene: hub for startups with strengths in tech, environmental innovation, and research
• Boulder Resident’s pay $2,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Boulder: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 280 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Boulder

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. 36 provides access connecting Boulder to Denver
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on Baseline Road
• Transportation Score: 80 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Boulder: 66,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Boulder: dmv.colorado.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 73 of 100
• Local Airport: Boulder Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Boulder’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Severe storms
• General Weather in Boulder is best described as has cold winters with snow and mild summers with moderate temperatures
• Winter Weather in Boulder i’d describe as cold and snowy
• Spring Weather in Boulder can be described as cool and mild
• Summer’s in Boulder are mostly warm and sunny
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Boulder is usually cool and crisp
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 1 days in summer
• Days in a row in Boulder below Freezing: 35
• Average Annual Rainfall: 20 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained by environmental efforts
• Boulder Winter Air generally good air quality slightly impacted by urban factors

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Boulder Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Boulder 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Boulders’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Boulder Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Boulder Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Boulder only Doctors is about 90
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Boulder only Police Officers is about 242
• Crime Rate Index: 15/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Boulder’s Monthly utility bill average is $150
• Boulder’s Monthly Gym Membership: $65
• Boulder’s Water Quality Score: 83

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Boulder

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: college town with a vibrant arts scene and outdoor lifestyle
• You might enjoy concerts at the Boulder Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Boulder  features a vibrant arts scene with diverse bars clubs and live performances appealing to the community

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Boulder

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a vibrant dining scene with many health-focused eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 100 scattered around Boulder
• The Popular Sports Team is Colorado Buffaloes
• Top Level Political Climate in Boulder can be described as progressive stronghold known for environmental activism and social justice
• Boulder’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Congregational Church of Boulder

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Boulder Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Boulder has 50 Parks?
• Chautauqua Park is Boulder’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Boulder Farmers Market normally open Wednesday & Saturday 4pm-8pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, rock climbing, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Boulder Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Boulder can be described as energetic college town pace with a focus on outdoor life and culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Boulder hiking and biking local trails visiting parks community events
• The Cities people commute to from Boulder are Longmont 12 miles away Denver 25 miles away Lafayette 10 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Boulder or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on Baseline Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Boulder’s Severe storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Mapleton Hill is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Boulder are Longmont 12 miles away Denver 25 miles away Lafayette 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 15 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Boulder has 35 days in a row below freezing and 1 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Boulder people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   300 homeless people living in Boulder. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general progressive stronghold known for environmental activism and social justice could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Boulder.

Retiree & Senior Life in Boulder

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for homestead exemptions focused on lowering property taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Boulder’s Best Care
• Boulder Senior Center offers wellness programs recreational activities and social events

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Boulder, Colorado?

If Boulder, Colorado ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Boulder, Colorado, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!