Boulder, CO Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Boulder, CO: What You Need to Know

Boulder in northern Colorado has been heralded by a number of publications as either the fittest or happiest city in America. Perhaps it’s easier to be fit and happy in a city located at the foothills of the stunning Rocky Mountains.

Job Opportunities

Boulder has the highest per capita consumption of organic foods in North America, according to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements. So, it’s only logical that the city is home to many natural products companies including Ancient Harvest, Celestial Seasonings, Aurora Organic Dairy, and Bobo’s Oat Bars. Other key employers in the city are Ball Aerospace, Array BioPharma, Battelle (applied science and technology company), and Corden Pharma.

Local Culture

The singular focus on health in Boulder goes back to 1896 when the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium opened as a retreat for people who need rest and rejuvenation. Today residents are known for their penchant for health and exercise, including hiking and biking, thanks in part to 45,000 acres of open space surrounding Boulder. There are 300 miles of bikeways and mountain biking trails and a 29-acre free bike park in the city. Many organic and health products are made in Boulder, including Bhakti Chai, Justin’s Nut Butters, Quinn Snacks, and Purely Elizabeth.

Cost of Living

The high quality of life in Boulder (population: 105,673) doesn’t come cheap. The city’s cost of living rate and housing costs are 28.9% and 18.5% higher than the national average, respectively. At least, food cost is 21.7% lower than the national average. Boulder’s median gross rent is $1,466. In Colorado, residents pay a flat income tax rate of 4.63% and a sales tax rate ranging from 2.90% to 11.20%.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown residents rave about the four-block stretch of Pearl Street, which is designated as a walking mall. Downtown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Boulder, with housing options ranging from Victorian homes to modern condos located above shops. Families with school-age children like Superior and Louisville for their highly ranked schools and safe environment. Both suburbs are a short drive from Boulder.

Schools and Higher Education

Boulder is home to the University of Colorado (36,681 students), the flagship campus of the University of Colorado system. It was founded in 1876 and offers 150 fields of study. There are 36 other colleges and universities within 50 miles of the city. Boulder Valley School District’s 57 public schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% versus the Colorado average of 35%, and a reading proficiency score of 60% compared with the 44% statewide average. The district serves 31,282 students.