If you’re considering heading out to Denver, CO., you’re far from alone. In recent years, the city of Denver has become one of the most popular places to live within the United States—and for good reason. It has a wide variety of neighborhoods, good public transportation, and is considered quite safe for a large city. These are great qualities for sure, not to mention the exciting and vibrant nightlife spots, acres of parks, world-class skiing in the Rocky Mountains, and cultural amenities like the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo, and Denver Museum of Nature, that the city also has to offer its residents.
If you’re a sports fan, the Mile High City has you covered with several major sports teams like the MLB’s Colorado Rockies, the NFL’s Denver Broncos, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and the MLS’s Colorado Rapids. If you enjoy a beer with your games, Denver has a huge craft beer scene that has quickly built a reputation as one of the best in the nation, and downtown Denver has more rows of creative restaurants than you’ll know what to do with.
Oh, and there’s also the jobs. Denver is booming with tech jobs like website design and network administration, not to mention all the openings in the finance and legal fields. The typical Denver lifestyle balance is one that caters extremely well to work, life, and fun. With all its advantages, Denver is typically placed high on the lists of the best cities in the United States, including this past year. If all this wasn’t enough, Denver’s prime location between two other major cities: Colorado Springs and Boulder, CO, should be all that you need to convince you to make a move.
Now, Denver and Boulder are often compared by potential residents looking to move to the area. And while both of them are phenomenal cities, it’s clear that they each offer two different experiences. Here’s how they stack up against one another.
Housing
For those intending to purchase a home, Denver is simply the cheaper option. Both cities have high housing prices by U.S. standards, but housing is considered a whopping 30% higher in Boulder. This is largely due to the city’s compact nature and the fact that there simply isn’t as much housing available as there is in Denver.
Whether you’re coming to Denver for a long-term stay, or if you’re searching for temporary housing to accommodate a business trip planned for Capitol Hill, Aurora, Englewood, Arvada, the Denver Tech Center, or any other district, you’ll find plenty of housing options in the largest city in CO.
One of the biggest questions you’ll face when searching for apartments near Denver, Colorado is whether or not you want to rent a property that’s furnished or unfurnished. An unfurnished one or two-bedroom apartment will naturally be cheaper and will more than likely offer the same floor plans compared to furnished apartments near Denver, CO.
Unfurnished apartments should still include utilities and come equipped with basics like fireplaces and accessibility options for residents with disabilities, as well as amenities like a fitness center, residential lounge, balconies, a fire pit, and kitchen space. For a single-bedroom apartment, you may be better off in an unfurnished long-term rental, so you can infuse your new home with your own personality and build a greater personal connection with it.
Furnished apartments around Denver are likely to be your best bet if you’re planning a shorter stay or if you need single-family rentals. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this will certainly be the more expensive option, especially if you want a single furnished apartment. If you’re bringing the family, though, you’ll definitely want more bedroom units. The average apartment rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in Denver is usually at least $1,350 per month. Tenants looking for a fancier Denver apartment with high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, a washer and dryer, granite countertops, a private patio, rooftop terraces, a walk-in closet, and wood-style floors can expect to pay more.
Research your preferred neighborhood beforehand to try and find available rental units within walking distance to attractions or parks and playgrounds if you’re bringing the kids. Once you think you’ve found the perfect place with an apartment finder, don’t forget to take a virtual tour to become more familiar with it. Remember, it’s still best to book an appointment for an in-person tour as well, so that you can see the place and its surroundings yourself before making a decision.
Opportunities
Boulder is a college town, home to the University of Colorado. As such, it’s one of the best places for students and recent graduates. Practically everything in this compact city is within walking distance, and there are plenty of bike trails as well, so you have easy access to everything that you’d need – from shopping to recreation. Like Denver, it has plenty of tech opportunities with companies like MojoTech, SurveyGizmo, CA Technologies, and more. Boulder is also well-known for its BioPharma industry.
Denver, on the other hand, is a city with a diverse population, and its job opportunities reflect that. It’s known for opportunities in the tech realm with companies like Zoom, SendGrid, and Salesforce with headquarters there. As a city that prides itself on its incredible views of the mountains and great outdoor adventures, it’s home to Recreational Equipment Inc. and Breckenridge Grand Vacations. There are also plenty of real estate and financing opportunities for those interested, not to mention the countless startups led by fresh entrepreneurs trying to break new ground.
Attractions
Boulder is often called a “city within a park,” so you’ll probably enjoy that atmosphere more than Denver if you aren’t that enthused about urban living. Since it’s practically in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll never have to wish for a better view and there are several gorgeous hotels where visitors can take in the atmosphere, including the Hilton Garden and Embassy suites. Each of these hotels are positioned near the Dairy Arts Center, with plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Denver offers a wider variety of attractions, many of which can be reached from Union Station in LoDo. Union Station itself is an artsy transport hub, full of trendy restaurants and a coffee bar, and it hosts a weekly farmer’s market. LoDo is also home to Larimer Square, which is an historic block that boasts beautiful Victorian-era buildings, along with independent shops and lounges. If you’re interested in the arts, then you certainly can’t skip the Ogden Theatre on Capitol Hill.
If you’re a fan of four-legged friends, you’re in luck. Denver may be the most dog-friendly city in the U.S. You see, Denver is so pro-dog, that there are even a ton of breweries and diners throughout the city where visitors are permitted to bring their dogs along too. Denver is also home to many famous dog parks, like Cherry Creek State Park, which has thousands of acres and a fenced-in area for dogs to run off-leash. There are dozens of other options to take your dog on a large walk around the city as well, though some parks may have breed restrictions.
There are also spacious suburbs located in and around the city if you’d prefer to live away from the busiest areas. Some of the most famous suburban neighborhoods include Centennial, which is located about 20 minutes away from downtown Denver, and Superior in Boulder county. Superior has been named the second-best suburb in the entire state and is home to several golf courses. You can also relax in the Denver Botanic Gardens if the hustle of the city becomes a bit too much.
Whether you’re a student fresh out of college, someone looking to advance their career, or you’re just looking for somewhere nice to settle down, Denver and the surrounding areas can check every box off of your list.
FAQs
Which city is better Boulder or Denver? ›
Denver vs Boulder: The Verdict
One thing to keep in mind is that if you're looking for easy, convenient access to Interstate 70 as a means of getting up into the mountains quickly, then Denver is undoubtedly a better choice.
The cost of living in Denver, CO is -12.7% lower than in Boulder, CO. You would have to earn a salary of $52,367 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Denver, CO typically pay -0.9% less than employers in Boulder, CO.
Why Boulder is better than Denver? ›Boulder is considered more walkable than Denver. Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike friendly. Denver is not a very walkable city.
Is Boulder CO a nice place to live? ›Boulder ranked as the No. 1 metro area in U.S. News' Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2021-2022. It's the second year in a row that Boulder has taken the top spot and is most certainly one of the best places to live in Colorado.
What is a livable salary in Boulder Colorado? ›| 1 ADULT | ||
|---|---|---|
| 0 Children | 2 Children | |
| Living Wage | $20.60 | $58.47 |
| Poverty Wage | $6.53 | $11.07 |
| Minimum Wage | $13.65 | $13.65 |
Hippie culture definitely thrived in Boulder in the 70s and that vibe is still around, but times change, and so do towns. Boulder's now as much of a tech town and center for scientific research as it is a peace-sign-flashing hippy hub.
Is Boulder the happiest city? ›National Geographic and the "Today" show recently recognized Boulder as "The Happiest City in the U.S." Forbes recently noted Boulder tops the list of an etiquette expert's friendliest cities in the nation. Boulder has earned a spot on Gallup's “Highest Well Being Communities” list for several years running.
Why is Boulder Colorado so popular? ›With some of the top outdoor recreation and beautiful mountain landscapes in the nation right on its doorstep, it boasts world-renowned restaurants, stellar music venues, and art galleries, as well as walkable public spaces. These standout features make it a prime place to live in the eyes of many.
Is Boulder the fittest city in America? ›Fittest City Boulder has been named the fittest city in the U.S. several times over the years, including Forbes magazine (No. 1 in “America's Fittest Cities”) and Self magazine (No. 1 in “The Top 10 Fittest Cities in the U.S.”).
What is the quality of life in Boulder Colorado? ›In overall quality of life, Boulder ranks second out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S., behind only Ann Arbor, Michigan. Boulder ties for No. 1 in college readiness with San Jose, and is fifth out of the 150 metro areas on the list for well-being.
Why is Boulder Colorado the happiest city? ›
National Geographic made their ranking based on many factors, including Boulder's healthy eating, civic engagement, financial security and vacation time, how easy it is to get around on foot or by bike, and even how frequently they visit the dentist.
Do any famous people live in Boulder City? ›When you think of Boulder City, names like Shirley Temple, Bette Davis and Howard Hughes come to mind. Yet, within the past few years, the names attached to our city include Vanessa Simmons, Naomi Grossman, Corey Taylor (SlipKnot), the late Sen.
What is the racial makeup of Boulder Colorado? ›| Population | |
|---|---|
| White alone, percent | 89.9% |
| Black or African American alone, percent(a) | 1.2% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent(a) | 0.9% |
| Asian alone, percent(a) | 5.0% |
- Crested Butte. Crested Butte is known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” This gorgeous community is made up of two municipalities, Mt. ...
- Telluride. ...
- Aspen. ...
- Ouray. ...
- Boulder. ...
- Estes Park. ...
- Breckenridge. ...
- Colorado Springs.
Colorado: Cherry Hills Village
Cherry Hills Village is part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area in Colorado, and is one of the wealthiest areas in the country.
Telluride. Many feel that Telluride is Colorado's most beautiful town of all. Tucked deep into a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, offering lots of serenity and seclusion, it has a storybook feel with streets lined with grand Victorian-era buildings.
How much should you make to live comfortably in Denver? ›To live in Denver, a single resident should expect to spend an average of $3,427 per month. This means that to live in Denver comfortably, residents have a median income of $5,709 per month after taxes.
Is it cheaper to live in Boulder or Colorado Springs? ›The cost of living in Colorado Springs, CO is -21.8% lower than in Boulder, CO. You would have to earn a salary of $46,914 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Colorado Springs, CO typically pay -2.9% less than employers in Boulder, CO.
Is Boulder CO affluent? ›Boulder, Colorado has many lovely neighborhoods spread throughout the city. It has some of the most affluent and expensive neighborhoods in the country. According to zerodown.com, Chautauqua is the most expensive neighborhood on the list, with a median home price of $2,150,056 and a median rent of $1,940.
Why does Boulder have a homeless problem? ›The number of unhoused people in Boulder has trended up in recent years, according to that same report. As the city's website says, "homelessness is primarily an affordable housing issue." In Boulder, the median price for a one-bedroom rental is nearly $2,300/month.
Is Boulder a white city? ›
Race & Ethnicity
The largest Boulder racial/ethnic groups are White (78.3%) followed by Hispanic (10.6%) and Asian (5.9%).
Designated as a Gold-level Walk Friendly Community, Boulder has a national reputation as a pedestrian-friendly community. The pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall and extensive network of multi-use paths and hiking trails are Boulder icons that attract people from all over the country and world.
What city has the best quality of life? ›The 2022 Monocle Survey determined the world's most livable city was Copenhagen, followed by Zurich, Lisbon and Helsinki.
What should I know before moving to Boulder? ›- The Quality of Life Is Incredible—But It Comes at a Price. ...
- Boulder Residents Are Very Fitness-Focused. ...
- It's a College Town. ...
- You Might Not Need a Car—Unless You Love the Mountains. ...
- Entrepreneurs Are Welcome Here. ...
- The Weather Is Incredible.
- Best Neighborhoods in Boulder. West Pearl. ...
- West Pearl. Completed in 1977, the Pearl Street Mall is an open-air promenade stretching from 11th Street to 15th Street. ...
- East Pearl. ...
- Mapleton Hill. ...
- North Iris. ...
- Chautauqua. ...
- Central Boulder. ...
- South Boulder.
Winter in Boulder is surprising. There typically isn't much snow on the ground, and outdoor activities abound. On warm days, bike rides and hikes are the norm, as are lunches on restaurant patios. On snowy days, coffee shops and breweries are the perfect refuge.
Are people nice in Boulder Colorado? ›Boulder residents are generally friendly and welcoming. The safety and security standards in Boulder are unmatched. The city is home to world-class restaurants, bars, and dining joints, making it a perfect spot for trying new food and nightlife experience.
What is the culture like in Boulder? ›Boulder's lifestyle is rooted in arts and culture. Supported by the city of Boulder, the Dairy Arts Center and the University of Colorado, Boulder is home to museums, performance spaces, music theaters and galleries presenting dance, music, art, comedy, plays, film, lectures and art.
What is the unhealthiest city in America? ›| Healthiest Cities | Unhealthiest Cities |
|---|---|
| 1. San Francisco, CA | 173. Montgomery, AL |
| 2. Seattle, WA | 174. Columbus, GA |
| 3. San Diego, CA | 175. Augusta, GA |
| 4. Portland, OR | 176. Shreveport, LA |
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver is one of the healthiest cities in the nation, according to a new study. The Mile High City ranks ninth in WalletHub's new report "2021's Healthiest & Unhealthiest Cities in America."
What is the happiest and healthiest city in America? ›
Naples, Florida has been making it into the "happiest and healthiest city" rankings for many years in a row.
Is it hard to breathe in Boulder Colorado? ›Into Thinner Air – The Truth About Oxygen in Boulder (Don't Hyperventilate Yet) Yes, it's harder to breathe in Boulder, Colorado than it is in Providence, Seattle, Madison, Portland, San Francisco or even Bend.
Is Boulder County Democratic or Republican? ›| Party | Active | Inactive |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 96,319 | 7,070 |
| Green | 1,183 | 207 |
| Libertarian | 2,520 | 417 |
| Republican | 36,302 | 2,757 |
Rather, you're likely to be feeling the effects of Boulder's altitude of 5,400 feet. While most people don't experience altitude sickness below 8,000 feet, some feel the effect of the reduced amount of oxygen their bodies consume even at Boulder's altitude.
Is Boulder City a dry town? ›The city charter, approved by the residents, prohibited gambling within the city limits. This provision still exists, making Boulder City one of only two locations in Nevada where gambling is illegal (the other is the town of Panaca).
Is Boulder dry or humid? ›Boulder is considered the high desert, with an altitude of 5,430 above sea level. This elevation ensures a mild climate with very little humidity in the summer and winter months.
Is Colorado Boulder a dry campus? ›Therefore, CU-Boulder permits only the responsible, legal consumption of alcohol. The university complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning alcohol and illegal drugs. Laws Related to Alcohol & Drug Use: Persons under 21 years of age cannot legally possess or consume alcoholic beverages.
Are there cougars in Boulder? ›Though mountain lion sightings and pet depredation do occur in Boulder, the risk to humans is extremely low. We encourage community members to take precautions and be prepared if they encounter a mountain lion.
Can you live in Boulder without a car? ›With Boulder's vast network of multi-use paths, a pedestrian-only main street and more than 300 miles (483km) of bikeways traversing the city and suburbs, it's a breeze getting around without a car.
Is Boulder City cheaper than Las Vegas? ›With a cost of living that is 2% higher than the national average, living in Boulder City is a cheaper option than Las Vegas, which has a cost of living that is 4% higher than the national average. This affordable cost of living makes Boulder City such an excellent place to live in Nevada.
Are people leaving Boulder? ›
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, which released 2021 population estimates at the end of March, Boulder County's population decreased 0.4% from April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021. That's equal to a decrease of just over 1,000 people.
What are people from Boulder called? ›| Boulder, Colorado | |
|---|---|
| Demonym | Boulderite |
| Time zone | UTC–07:00 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC–06:00 (MDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 80301-80310, 80314, 80321-80323, 80328, 80329 |
Denver vs Boulder: The Verdict
One thing to keep in mind is that if you're looking for easy, convenient access to Interstate 70 as a means of getting up into the mountains quickly, then Denver is undoubtedly a better choice.
Mineral County, which was consistently the least diverse, is just a two-hour drive to Costilla County, the most diverse in Colorado. Exploring and understanding our racial and ethnic diversity through the Diversity Index is one way to simply analyze how Colorado is changing.
Where is the nicest place to live in Denver? ›- RiNo (River North Art District)
- City Park.
- Washington Park.
- Capitol Hill.
- Lower Downtown (“LoDo”)
- Golden Triangle.
- Lower Highland (“LoHi”)
- Uptown (“North Capitol Hill”)
...
| Boulder, Colorado | |
|---|---|
| • Water | 1.038 sq mi (2.689 km2) |
| Elevation | 5,318 ft (1,621 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 108,250 |
Boulder residents are generally friendly and welcoming. The safety and security standards in Boulder are unmatched. The city is home to world-class restaurants, bars, and dining joints, making it a perfect spot for trying new food and nightlife experience.
Is Boulder CO a hippie town? ›Hippie culture definitely thrived in Boulder in the 70s and that vibe is still around, but times change, and so do towns. Boulder's now as much of a tech town and center for scientific research as it is a peace-sign-flashing hippy hub.
Does Boulder have a homeless problem? ›The number of unhoused people in Boulder has trended up in recent years, according to that same report. As the city's website says, "homelessness is primarily an affordable housing issue." In Boulder, the median price for a one-bedroom rental is nearly $2,300/month.
What part of Colorado is the best to live in? ›- Denver.
- Boulder.
- Castle Rock.
- Aurora.
- Colorado Springs.
- Fort Collins.
- Grand Junction.
- Durango.
Can you get altitude sickness in Boulder? ›
Rather, you're likely to be feeling the effects of Boulder's altitude of 5,400 feet. While most people don't experience altitude sickness below 8,000 feet, some feel the effect of the reduced amount of oxygen their bodies consume even at Boulder's altitude.