Boulder 77 Exceptional
Boulder Livability #27 ranked city in Colorado#2,688 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Boulder

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

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What's it like Living in Boulder?

Located in the state of Colorado, Boulder is a mid-sized city with a population of 108,777 inhabitants. In Boulder, there are 4,130 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Boulder could be considered less diverse than other cities. Boulder could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 29 years old is below the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Boulder, only 34% of the population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Boulder will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Boulder, Colorado. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Boulder and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Boulder to Colorado and the national average.

The livability score in Boulder is 74/100 and the city is ranked in the 87th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Boulder ranks very well for employment (A-). The bad news for Boulder, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (D) and cost of living (F).

Living in Boulder offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Boulder provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory, Pearl Street Mall, and Pearl Street Mall.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Boulder. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Boulder are affordable. The median home price for Boulder homes is $736,000, which is 178.2% higher than the Colorado average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Boulder, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 10.2, which is 142.9% higher than the Colorado average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Boulder

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Boulder?

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Compare Boulder, CO Livability

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      Boulder transportation information

      Statistic Boulder Colorado National
      Average one way commute20min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work48.5%75.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.7%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit7.7%3.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle9.1%1.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk10.2%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home18.7%7.0%4.6%
      Source: The Boulder, CO data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).