Is Boulder, CO a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What Is Boulder, CO Known For?

Boulder, Colorado, is located about 25 miles northwest of Denver, the nearest metropolis. The city is renowned for its outdoorsy lifestyle, being a hub for tech innovation, and strong community-oriented vibes. Thanks to its university presence, it's a haven for fitness enthusiasts and a significant educational center.

Boulder is predominantly Caucasian, with an increasing yet still small minority population. The LGBTQ+ community is pretty visible and accepted here. The racial makeup is gradually becoming more diverse.

Students are drawn to the esteemed university and lively cultural scene. Retirees appreciate the healthcare facilities and outdoor activities for an active life. With the help of numerous coffee shops and social events, singles and couples find the dating scene vibrant. Families benefit from well-maintained parks and an array of educational options. People from different backgrounds will find Boulder an inclusive community with various cultural festivals and social organizations.

Highlights

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Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in Boulder, CO, include outdoor activities, quality of education, health and wellness, and more. While some Cons are around cost of living, traffic and parking, and limited shopping range.
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Safety and Crime

Boulder, CO is ranked 360th out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 317th on safety from violent crime, and 415th on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Boulder, CO is 12% higher than the national average.
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Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Boulder, CO leaves $506 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in Boulder, CO in January is 29°F and 73°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average -14°F cooler in January and is on average -6°F cooler in July.
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Politics and Voting

Boulder, CO voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 77.2% of the votes counted going to this party.
Read more in Politics and Voting.

The assessments presented on this website, including those related to crime, safety, cost of living, and other location characteristics (e.g., states, cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, areas, landmarks), are based on various sources and our internal research methods. These assessments are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and should not be used as the sole basis for making any decisions.