Boulder boasts stunning natural surroundings, with the Flatirons rock formations providing a dramatic backdrop to the city. The area offers prime spots for virtually any outdoor sport, including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing.
Home to the University of Colorado Boulder, the city has a strong academic presence. The university also contributes to Boulder's vibrant cultural scene. Between gallery shows, performance, and festivals, there are countless opportunities to get out and about. Due in part to the university, Boulder has also emerged as a tech hub, with a growing number of startups and tech companies establishing their presence there.
Boulder is a dynamic and progressive city that combines natural beauty, academic excellence, and a thriving cultural scene. Whether you’re visiting or settling in for the long haul, it’s a great place to be.
The climate in Boulder is categorized as semi-arid, much like the rest of the state. This means that the bulk of the area’s precipitation takes the form of snow through the winter (and sometimes into the spring). Summer and fall are typically dry and sunny.
Springtime can be a bit windy, which can take some getting used to for new residents. Fall turns Boulder into a beautiful, multicolored landscape as the leaves turn. Be sure to dress in layers and have a jacket handy at this time of year, since temperatures can drop dramatically as the sun starts to set.
Boulder is a popular place to live, which can translate to limited housing inventory and high prices. If you’re moving to the area, your best bet is to work with a real estate agent who has lived and worked in the area for a while. They will be ideally positioned to help you find what you’re looking for.
Single-family homes in Boulder are in high demand and can be difficult to find due to limited development caused by growth management policies and geographical constraints. Keeping an open mind can make your search easier. Boulder’s neighborhoods are close-knit and full of character. Location is important in neighborhood choice. Generally speaking, the closer you are to the university, the younger (and noisier) you’re likely to find your neighbors.
When you own a home, maintenance and routine service is part of the deal. Fortunately, the Boulder area has plenty of great contractors who are happy to help.
Your home’s major systems (heating and air, electrical, and plumbing) need periodic maintenance to ensure they’re running efficiently. Mechanical contractors can help with just about any job related to these systems. For more specialized structural work, such as renovation or home updates, work with a design/build firm or general contractor. Boulder has great weather, so keep your outdoor space a welcoming place to be with the help of pest control experts, landscapers, and outdoor living specialists.
No matter the work you need to have done, do your best to get quotes from a few different contractors. And always request proof of the company’s insurance and licensure. Good contractors won’t balk at this and will be happy to reassure you.
To protect your investment, any service provider working at your house should have general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Uninsured, underinsured, and unlicensed contractors pose a major risk to your finances and your homeowners’ insurance policy. When you work with a Best Pick company, you can rest assured in the knowledge that they have been fully vetted for insurance coverage and state-required licensure.
The state of Colorado regulates licensing for major trades such as plumbing, electrical, and pest control. In most other cases, licensure goes through the county or city. Work that impacts the structure of your house typically requires a building permit. Building permits are issued by the city or county where the work is being done.
Experienced contractors will know what your job requires in terms of permits and licensing, and they’ll probably handle the legwork of making sure all the administrative details are in order. If you’d like to learn more about licensing and permitting, check out the City of Boulder website. For information about state-level contractor requirements, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies site is a great resource.