In the foothills of Boulder Valley where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains and just 30 minutes from Denver, Boulder is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The semi-arid climate experiences the beauty of all four seasons, offering no shortage of scenic variety for activities throughout the year. Hiking and biking trails like Boulder Canyon abound in the vicinity as nearly 60 percent of open space in the county is opt to the public. Residents of Boulder are also close to the downtown activities of Denver and world-famous ski resorts in Breckenridge.

Life in Boulder is as active as you want it to be! When not taking advantage of the access to nature, the city is known for its food, breweries, and exciting downtown. It was one of the origin cities of the craft beer movement and has grown its own beer trail with approximately 20 breweries to patron. Don't skimp on the dining scene when living in Boulder either; there are a number of Michelin star restaurants.

Home to the University of Colorado, the state's largest university, and more than 20 research institutes, Boulder is a destination for knowledge that's unified by local pride. As such, the population skews younger than the national average and is known for wacky events like the Polar Bear Plunge, Naked Pumpkin Run, and the Boulder Cruiser Ride.  

The university is also Boulder's top employer, with education and technology sectors rounding our the top-ten. The city of Boulder has operated under residential growth control ordinances since 1976, allowing the growth of employment in the city to outpace the population growth. Residents of Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield, Westminster, and Denver regularly commute to Boulder for the employment opportunities. 

Longmont, a quick drive to the north, offers a charming historic downtown with unique restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and more.