Boulder vs Denver

Denver and Boulder are two of Colorado’s fastest-growing cities, and there’s a lot to love about both of them! That said, both cities have a distinct lifestyle, housing market, and cost of living – all things you’ll want to consider if you’re thinking about moving there.

As a local real estate agent, I’m here to help you decide which city is right for you. Let’s get explore living in Boulder vs Denver.

Looking for personal guidance on moving to Denver? Get in touch with a local real estate agent who has expertise in relocation!

Denver vs Boulder: Which is Bigger?

Denver is a vibrant major city, home to approximately 3 million people across its metro area. The Denver Metro area spans across four counties; Denver, Jefferson, Adams and Arapahoe. Located a short distance northwest, Boulder is much smaller, but it’s still a dynamic city in its own right, home to about 330,000 in its metro area.

How Far Is Boulder From Denver?

If you’ve never been to either city, you may be surprised to find out that Boulder and Denver aren’t far from each other. The distance from Boulder, Colorado to Denver, Colorado is approximately 30 miles. Depending on road conditions and where you’re travelling from, Boulder is about a 40-minute drive from Denver.

Although the two cities are fairly close, Boulder is not your typical Denver suburb. Sure, some residents live in Boulder and travel to Denver for work, but the inverse is also true.

As Boulder has grown in size and profile, there’s been an increase in Denver residents working and commuting there – especially with Boulder’s development in the tech and start-up sectors.

With all this in mind, if you buy a house in Boulder or Denver, you’ll have access to both job markets if you’re willing to make the commute.

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Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive a little deeper. After all, there’s more to finding your ideal city than just size and location. One of the best qualities of both Boulder and Denver is that they can feel like charming small towns and bustling big cities, depending on where you are.

What’s There to Do in Boulder?

Pearl Street Mall is one of Boulder’s most popular spots, and for good reason. You’ve got all kinds of local shops, eateries, and entertainment venues to choose from. Boulder also has one of the best up-and-coming restaurant scenes in Colorado, with a standout being the iconic Flagstaff House, which serves up great food in addition to amazing views.

Like Denver, Boulder is a sports city, with the main draw being the NCAA Division 1 Colorado Buffaloes Football Program, coached by multiple NFL Hall of Famers – including Head Coach Deion Sanders! They’ve also got a live buffalo, named Ralphie as their mascot. Game days are exciting and tons of fun! The CU Buffs stadium, Folsom Field, is one of the most picturesque stadiums with views of the flatirons.

Of course, Boulder is known for being a nature lover’s paradise, and that reputation holds up! The city itself is a gateway to all kinds of activities like hiking, rock climbing, trail running, and cycling, especially in Chautauqua Park. On top of that, Boulder’s famous Flatirons are just outside the city, offering one of the most iconic hiking experiences in the US.

There are also some unique cultural amenities in Boulder. If you’re interested in science, the National Center for Atmospheric Research is also a must-visit.

What’s There to Do in Denver?

If you’re looking for an exciting and incredibly scenic place to live, Denver is tough to beat. Offering all the perks of your typical major city and more, there’s no shortage of things to see and enjoy in the Mile High City.

Iconic neighborhoods like Cherry Creek and Washington Park are bursting with character, great parks, and quaint local businesses. Further from the city center, you’ll find an amazing collection of golf course communities featuring private clubs and other great amenities.

Denver ranks as one of the best cities in America for live music, and for good reason. It’s home to Red Rocks, arguably the most iconic concert venue in the world! Seeing a concert here is second to none. There’s also the historic Bluebird Theater, where you can catch exciting up-and-coming musicians.

The Denver Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, and Denver Museum of Nature and Science are great places to immerse yourself in the natural world – and learn a thing or two while you’re at it.

Denver also has an incredibly vibrant Downtown. From LoDo to the 16th Street Mall, there’s no shortage of great restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and cultural hubs. It’s also where the city’s five major sports teams play!

Empower Field at Mile High is home to the Denver Broncos. Situated at 5,280 feet above sea level, this iconic stadium is not just a sports venue but also a concert venue with over 75,000 seats including luxury suites and the exclusive club level.

Looking for an all-in-one guide to Downtown Denver? Click here.

Boulder vs Denver: Cost of Living

Compared to Denver, Boulder tends to have a higher cost of living, especially in terms of housing.

Denver’s real estate market has heated up over the last few years, with property values rising steadily. However, it’s still more affordable on average than Boulder. One of the best parts about buying a house in Denver is the sheer number of options available. You’ll find everything from high-rise Downtown condos to detached single-family homes in more suburban areas.

On the other hand, Boulder’s housing market is both competitive and expensive. Home prices often exceed the $1,000,000 mark, making it one of the priciest places to live in all of Colorado. This is partially due to the limited land availability and Boulder’s strict building regulations. In short, housing inventory is tight, which keeps prices high.

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Moving to Denver? I Can Help!

As a local Denver real estate agent who specializes in relocation, I’ve helped countless people find their ideal home and community – and I can do the same for you! When you’re ready to begin your journey, get in touch!