Mountain Project Logo

Best areas to live in Boulder.....?

Original Post
DB Cee · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined May 2007 · Points: 146

Maybe not the forum...but I figured you guys would have a better idea than most. I'm moving from the Northeast in September and the internet isn't really giving me much in the way of getting an idea of where is good to live. Any ideas? Or anyone know of rooms available?

Any and all advice/info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

SAL · · broomdigiddy · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 790

What is your budget for cost of living?
It can be pricey. Depending on budget there are numerous options abound. If you prefer to be down town and close to bike everywhere you end up putting up a bit more cash.

Ken Cangi · · Eldorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 620

BOULDER SUCKS!!! Don't come here.

Just kidding. Having more North Easterners around would be refreshing. Craigslist (Boulder) is a very good resource for apartments prices here.

Kat A · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 515

You can start by searching

denver.craigslist.org/

housinghelpers.com/

Edit: Cathy and Ken pointed out there is a Boulder specific Craig's list - scroll down for link.

Ron Olsen · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 11,350

Check out Craigslist Denver for housing info in the Denver-Boulder area.

Darren Mabe · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2002 · Points: 3,669

you could also live in Goulder.

DB Cee · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined May 2007 · Points: 146

I'm looking at topping out at around $600 or so. Living right in the center of town isn't a huge deal, but would be nice. I just need to get there, so the initial place I live isn't a huge deal.

Ken Cangi · · Eldorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 620
shear wrote:I'm looking at topping out at around $600 or so. Living right in the center of town isn't a huge deal, but would be nice. I just need to get there, so the initial place I live isn't a huge deal.
$600 is going to be tough here, Shear. A 300 sq ft basement starts at around 750 to 800. Definitely surf Craigslist. If there is a place at that price, you are likely to find it there.
DB Cee · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined May 2007 · Points: 146

seems like a lot of rooms available at a pretty cheap cost thus far. Have inquired on a few from craigslist. I will be there in the beginning of september, so I'm definitely looking to meet up with people and climb a lot.

John Hegyes · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Feb 2002 · Points: 5,676

My info on Boulder rent might be outdated, but I was a renter for many years up to 2003. Anyway $600 might not work for a one-bedroom apartment but should be adequete as rent for a single room in a larger apartment or house. In other words, if three people each pay $600 for a 3-room apartment, that should be in the ballpark.

Downtown is nice, being close to everything and all, but North and South Boulder each have their amenities as well. Living close to Broadway is nice because of the bike path and bus routes in close proximity. Even if you have a car, traffic and parking suck so bad that alternative transport is a good idea - and it works well in this town. Close to the hills have the obvious benefit of nearby hiking and climbing. Nothing like hiking straight out of your house rather than having to drive somewhere. South Boulder and along Baseline are good for that. I always liked living within walking distance to a grocery store, too.

The cheapest housing might be on University Hill, with all the students. If you can tolerate living in a crowded house in a crowded, noisy neighborhood then this area might be attractive. Just expect the sorts of problems you'd find in an inner-city (loud parties, crime, drugs, homeless).

Having lived all over that town, my favorites were out on the fringe. Eldorado Springs and Boulder Canyon carry a hefty premium in price, but I managed to find one-room apartments in both areas for 500-$700 a month. If you do have a car, look for something in the mountains. Gold Hill, Nederland, you might get lucky. You probably want a vehicle that handles well in the snow, however.

In addition to Craigslist look at the Daily Camera and the Colorado Daily, they were the gold when it came to For Rent listings. The rentals in Boulder seemed to be on a 9-month 3-month cycle quite often, in keeping with the school schedule. Students definitely drive the market in Boulder. Leases commonly start in late-August, or early-September and run for either 9 or 12 months. 3-month Summer leases used to be easy to pick up for a discounted price. Probably not so much any more. Once early-September passes, the supply of rentals dwindle.

When Boulder prices get to be too much, people start looking out of town. Gunbarrel, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Broomfield, Superior... I'd get a stern talking too here if I discounted these areas as "less appealing", but face it. People want to live in or near Boulder because of what Boulder has to offer. If you move into one of the satellite communities, you'll probably find yourself driving to Boulder a lot - just like thousands of other drivers...

More specific suggestions could be made with more info. What's yer deal, shear? Going to school? Which one? Working? Where? Car? No? What do you climb?

SAL · · broomdigiddy · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 790
John Hegyes wrote: When Boulder prices get to be too much, people start looking out of town. Gunbarrel, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Broomfield, Superior... I'd get a stern talking too here if I discounted these areas as "less appealing", but face it. People want to live in or near Boulder because of what Boulder has to offer. If you move into one of the satellite communities, you'll probably find yourself driving to Boulder a lot - just like thousands of other drivers...
I spent a year dumping money into rent in boulder. I was right in the middle of it all. I then realized I could move 13 miles east and buy a home. Yeah. I commute to work every day. And drive a tiny bit further to climb. But that is what the bus and bikes are for.
And your buddies still scraping rent in boulder.
You can make it work being on the outskirts for sure.
3 years strong now and Im still loving it.
Ed Wright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2006 · Points: 285

Nowhere.

John Hegyes · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Feb 2002 · Points: 5,676
SAL wrote: I spent a year dumping money into rent in boulder. I was right in the middle of it all. I then realized I could move 13 miles east and buy a home. Yeah. I commute to work every day. And drive a tiny bit further to climb. But that is what the bus and bikes are for. And your buddies still scraping rent in boulder. You can make it work being on the outskirts for sure. 3 years strong now and Im still loving it.
Well, yeah, buying in Boulder is out of the question for most. That's one reason I moved to Las Vegas. Now I have an extremely long commute, hey? But we are talking about renting right? There's a time and place for renting some charm and quaintness isn't there? It's all about what this guy is looking for, really...
Buff Johnson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 1,145

I think it's one of those places that's just unique.

Get one of those can you spare some change signs; make it a need therapy sign and everyone will stop & talk to you (unless you're Coulter). Just remember, it's a liberal area as long as you agree with what people there have to say.

I love u guys!

Ken Cangi · · Eldorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 620
Mark Nelson wrote:Just remember, it's a liberal area as long as you agree with what people there have to say.
No truer words were ever spoken.
Richard Radcliffe · · Erie, CO · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 225
Ken Cangi wrote: No truer words were ever spoken.
That's BS.
Buff Johnson · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 1,145

I think Richard's right - I've had sooo much better 1-liners
But I might have been a little, oh, what's the word? Conservative.

Ken Cangi · · Eldorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 620
Richard Radcliffe wrote: That's BS.
Nope. I'm right on this one.
Shawn Mitchell · · Broomfield · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 250

With great respect for the professor of pharmacology, I nonetheless second Ken's motion to endorse Mark's declaration.

DB Cee · · Chattanooga, TN · Joined May 2007 · Points: 146

Dude, I currently live in Northampton, MA....land of close-minded liberalism. I can handle that.

My deal...just graduated college, 2 job interviews in CO, but moving regardless, spinning my wheels here climbing wise and life-wise. Have a car, driving out. What do I climb? - Everything.

Richard Radcliffe · · Erie, CO · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 225
WeBeJammon wrote:i don't know why you would even consider moving to that town. yuck. but i guess your from the east which is almost as bad.
Oh god, who let him in?
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
Post a Reply to "Best areas to live in Boulder.....?"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.