Looking for the best place to live in Boulder, Colorado? Explore these 12 areas to find out what it’s like to live in different Boulder neighborhoods.
By Vivian Tejada
Boulder is considered the happiest place to live in Colorado. Its relatively mild climate, historic city center, and endless potential for outdoor activities make Boulder an attractive home for just about anyone.
The captivating city lures in residents from all walks of life, including students, artists, and entrepreneurs. With a population just over 100,000 people and a variety of distinct neighborhoods, Boulder is a great place to live, work, and play.
In this article, you’ll discover the best neighborhoods in Boulder to raise a family, attend university, or enjoy Colorado’s natural scenery.
In this article
What you’ll learn
- The best places to live in Boulder based on your lifestyle preferences. You’ll find out which area is best suited for you as a university student, young professional, new family, or retiree.
- What’s the best place to live in Boulder if you enjoy the outdoors? You’ll find out where in Boulder you can enjoy unobstructed mountain views, hiking trails, and other outdoor adventures.
- Pros and cons of living in each area of Boulder. You’ll discover which areas are most affordable, which are highly walkable, and which neighborhoods are close to Boulder’s best attractions.
Mapleton Hill
An established neighborhood in Boulder since 1895, Mapleton Hill is one of Boulder’s first neighborhoods. The majority of its single family homes feature Victorian architectural styles that are well kept by homeowners and the local government. Because Mapleton is a historic district, property restoration is common. You can expect to move into a 19th-century home without having to make any major renovations.
Due to its historic designation, Mapleton Hill restricts commercial real estate developments, allowing residents to enjoy quiet and peaceful living. With Pearl Street just a few blocks away, you’ll have convenient access to the city.
Pros: With some of the lowest crime rates in the city, Mapleton Hill is considered one of the safest places to live in Boulder.
Cons: It’s one of the most expensive places to live in Boulder. Home renovations may be limited due to the area being a historic district.
The Newlands
Young families wanting to experience the best of the outdoors should consider moving to the Newlands. This laid back, northern neighborhood in Boulder hosts plenty of open space, greenery, and hiking trails. It’s located just east of Mount Sanitas, allowing residents to take in stunning mountain range views while on a walk or bike ride around town.
North Boulder Park sits right at the center of the Newlands and provides ample playgrounds and greenfields for children to play. Residents can explore the Mount Sanitas, Lions Lair, and Sunshine Canyon Trails, all of which lie nearby.
Although houses in the Newlands tend to be older, some dating back to the post-war era, there’s plenty of opportunity for a remodeling project.
Pros: There’s more than enough open space for outdoor activities as a family, as a couple, or as an individual. The neighborhood is close to some of the best hiking trails in Boulder.
Cons: Just north of Mapleton Hill, the Newlands is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in the area.
Wonderland Hills
Topping the list of the nicest Boulder neighborhoods in many minds is Wonderland Hills. Just south of Wonderland Lake and surrounded by various hiking trails, this quaint neighborhood offers its residents plenty of open land to enjoy.
Its homes feature spacious lots, unobstructed mountain views, and modern style, making this neighborhood one of the most coveted places to live in Boulder.
A short drive up north and you’re in the adventurous town of Lyons, where families enjoy kayaking, tubing, fishing and even ice skating in the winter! Head in the opposite direction and it won’t be long before you’re downtown. You get the best of both worlds when living in Wonderland Hills.
Pros: Its residents have quick access to Wonderland Lake and enjoy scenic mountain views. Large lots are standard on all properties.
Cons: It’s a neighborhood with a lot of open land, so it may be difficult to get around town without a car.
Whittier
Just a few minutes from downtown, Whittier is the perfect place for someone who enjoys walking or biking to work. Located to the east of Pearl Street, Whittier provides similar benefits to living in Mapleton Hill. If you’re looking for single family homes around the same price range you’ll find Whittier may be the place for you to plant your roots.
Aside from its proximity to Boulder’s most desired location for nightlife and entertainment, Whittier homes also have distinct personalities. A quick drive around the neighborhood will reveal home designs that include stone facades, slanted roofs, and curved windows. Some homes are even painted in bright colors and display creative sculptures on their lawns.
Pros: It’s proximity to Pearl Street and Downtown Boulder makes it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the area.
Cons: The Mork and Mindy House hosts a weekly parade of bicycles and costumes every Thursday night. It may be a little bit noisy if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
Downtown Boulder
Downtown is the ideal place to live if you work in Boulder. In 2020, SmallBusinessPrices named Boulder the top rising tech hub in the world, followed by Houston and Atlanta. Downtown Boulder is home to an abundance of investors, techies, and startups, making it the perfect home for an aspiring entrepreneur or businessperson.
The neighborhood’s lively ambiance allows its residents to enjoy plenty of nightlife activities. Brick walkways and Victorian-era architecture decorate Downtown Boulder’s highly-acclaimed restaurants and independent shops. Every Saturday from April to November, the Boulder Farmers Market is open to the public. Visitors will find fresh groceries and live entertainment.
Pros: Living in one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country provides budding entrepreneurs with expansive opportunities for business and collaboration.
Cons: As in any downtown area, you’ll pay top dollar for housing and property taxes.
University Hill
University Hill, otherwise known as “The Hill,” is just north of downtown. The University of Colorado Boulder sits right across the street from this hip and active neighborhood. Students and young professionals living in the area enjoy a large selection of food, drinks, and live music.
Pros: The Hill is highly walkable and has a pharmacy, barber shop, and several coffee shops within a half miles radius.
Cons: Sorority and fraternity houses are scattered throughout Pennsylvania and University Avenues, creating a lot of foot traffic throughout the week.
East Boulder
East Boulder is characterized by its growing tech industry, slightly more affordable real estate, and progressive chef-driven restaurants. Nicknamed the “Brooklyn of Boulder,” this artistic neighborhood has several bike paths, coffee shops, and breweries to explore. It’s one of the best places to live in Boulder for young professionals.
Pros: East Boulder Community Center, Bobolink Trailhead, and Flatirons Golf Course are all located to the east of the neighborhood. They’re not as frequented as some of Boulder’s more central outdoor activities, so you’ll be able to bypass the crowds.
Cons: Blocked off by Route 36 on the west and on the south, as well as Route 7 on the north, it’ll be hard to get to other parts of town without a car.
Chautauqua
Located at the base of the Flatirons, Chautauqua is one of the most popular places in town—and with good reason! The scenic neighborhood is enjoyed by residents and visitors who are drawn to its performance venues, natural lands and open space parks. Chautauqua Park lies on the northwest edge of the neighborhood and is considered a National Historic Landmark. The park is one of the neighborhood’s most frequented attractions.
Pros: There’s plenty of outdoor trails and summer programs for young ones to enjoy. It’s also close to the University of Colorado Boulder.
Cons: It’s frequented by tourists throughout the year, so it’s not as quiet as some of the other neighborhoods.
Martin Acres
If you’re discouraged by how expensive real estate is in the area of Boulder, Martin Acres might be an attractive option for you. An established suburb since the 1950s populated with mostly single family homes, this community-minded neighborhood is a great place to raise a family.
Property in Martin Acres is typically more affordable than in the rest of Boulder. In The fall of 2021, home prices average slightly under $800,000. Homes are mostly 1950s ranch style or 1960s tri-level homes. Plenty of residents in the area have added second stories to their homes in recent years.
Pros: University of Colorado Boulder is just a few minutes north of Martin Acres, allowing for local residents to live at home and commute if they prefer.
Cons: It’s not as close to Downtown Boulder as some other neighborhoods, so you’ll need a car to get around.
Table Mesa
Table Mesa may be one of Boulder’s best kept secrets. Located in the southernmost part of Boulder, the neighborhood’s quiet and peaceful aura makes it a highly desired part of town to live in. People of all walks of life have made Table Mesa their home, from young professionals, to new families, to retirees.
Quick access to the Denver-Boulder Turnpike makes this neighborhood an ideal location for people who commute to Denver on a regular basis. Residents of Table Mesa also enjoy stunning views of the Flatirons on the west and aren’t far from hiking trails.
Pros: Shopping, restaurants, and hiking trails can all be enjoyed in the same weekend in this conveniently located neighborhood.
Cons: Located at the southern tip of Boulder, Table Mesa is a long drive from Downtown Boulder’s well-known shops and restaurants.
North Boulder
On the opposite end of South Boulder is NoBo, otherwise known as North Boulder. The previously industrial zone dates back to post WWII, when large pieces of land were acquired by the government with the intention of providing homes to returning soldiers.
In recent years, North Boulder has become a coveted hangout spot for artists and young families. Its streets are dotted with breweries, wineries, and artisan shops. The neighborhood’s artistic appeal has inspired the opening of new restaurants and other businesses.
Pros: Home to Wonderland Lake and just a 10-minute drive to downtown, North Boulder allows residents to enjoy the best of the outdoors without sacrificing easy access to the city.
Cons: It has a limited selection of restaurants as compared to other parts of Boulder.
Gunbarrel
This northern Boulder neighborhood has a history of its own. Gunbarrel came into existence as a result of IBM needing to house their employees close to their plant. Instead of having their workers commute, IBM created a small community for them to live in right across the street from its plant in 1965.
Just 20 minutes away from Downtown, Gunbarrel is one of the more affordable places to live in Boulder. Similar to the home prices in Martin Acres and North Boulder, residential properties in Gunbarrel are listed at around $750,000.
Pros: Homes are affordable when compared to other areas in Boulder. Residents have quick access to roadways 119, 52, and 287.
Cons: Given its location, Gunbarrel is somewhat detached from the rest of the city and has limited commerce.
Wrapping up
The City of Boulder offers a diverse group of neighborhoods for you to choose from. Aspiring tech-entrepreneurs will find their place in Downtown Boulder, while families who enjoy the outdoors might want to settle down in Table Mesa.
Young professionals can explore one of Boulder’s more artistic neighborhoods, such as East Boulder or Whittier. Retirees looking for unobstructed mountain landscapes and quiet neighborhoods may prefer Wonderland Hills or the Newlands. Each neighborhood in Boulder County has its own charm.
FAQ about Boulder neighborhoods
What is the nicest neighborhood in Boulder?
Mapleton Hill is considered by many people to be by far the nicest Boulder neighborhood to live in. Much of its land is considered a historic district, which means its appearance is kept up by the Colorado Historical Society. Homeowners in the area receive special preservation grants for their properties, allowing them to keep their homes in excellent condition. The neighborhood’s wide streets, spacious lawns, and well-preserved nineteenth century architecture captivate anyone who passes by.
Is Boulder an expensive place to live?
Over the past year, home prices in Boulder have gone up 19.8%. The price of a typical home in Boulder as of October 2021 is close to $1 million. When compared to Denver and Colorado Springs, homes in Boulder cost twice as much. Denver home values are just over $500,000, while homes in Colorado Springs sit right above $400,000.
Where should I live in Boulder, CO?
The best neighborhoods in Boulder for families are Mapleton Hill, the Newlands, and Whittier. Young professionals should consider Downtown Boulder, East Boulder, or University Hill. If you’re moving to Boulder primarily for its scenic views, then Table Mesa, Chautauqua, or Wonderland Hills all make peaceful homes.
Is South Boulder safe?
When compared to other cities in Colorado, South Boulder is 93% safer. Crime rates in South Boulder are 7% lower than the national average and have decreased by 10% year over year.
What is Table Mesa, Colorado?
Table Mesa is a neighborhood in Boulder County, Colorado. It sits to the west of Martin Acres and Colorado 93. Table Mesa is known for being home to the National Center for Atmospheric Research and its hands-on weather and climate exhibits. It also offers spectacular views of the Flatirons and Eldorado Canyon along its Mesa Trail.
Is North Boulder a good place to live?
North Boulder is a great place to live for anyone who wants to be close to the mountains without having to sacrifice quick access to downtown. The charming neighborhood is somewhat of a mini-metropolis, filled with coffee shops, bars, and even its own local grocer—Lucky’s Market.
What is considered North Boulder?
North Boulder, or NoBo, lies just two miles north of Downtown Boulder. It encompasses Wonderland Hills, Dakota Ridge, North Broadway, Parkside, Melody Heights, Glenwood Grove, Winding Trail, and Foothills Community Park.
Where do Boulder families live?
Table Mesa South is highly recommended for families to move to. The neighborhood is home to one of the largest parks in Boulder, Viele Park, which contains a recreation center with an indoor swimming pool and fitness center. It also has two of the best elementary schools in Boulder—Bear Creek and Mesa Elementary.
What is the Boulder area code?
303 and 720 are the Boulder area codes.
About the author: Vivian Tejada is a freelance writer and small business strategist based out of Providence, RI. She specializes in writing blogs, property descriptions, and website content for real estate companies. She’s also an avid traveler, location-independent, and enjoys trying out new restaurants.
Cover photo by Patrick Valdez, @patch2323 on Twenty20