The Native American Arapaho Indians are considered the first permanent residents of the Boulder area. Not a bad place to settle down in my opinion. 

The first courthouse was built in 1867, burned in 1932 and replace with the current courthouse in 1932. The first hospital was built in 1873; the first bank opened in 1874; and the first town water system was installed in 1874. Progress was definitely afoot.

Present day Pearl Street was Boulder’s downtown then as it is today. As you walk the present day Pearl Street Mall, look-up at the date typically incorporated into the top of the building front – a custom of the times. The dates range from the late-1800’s to the early-1900’s.   

The original residential neighborhoods of Mapleton Hill, Goss/Grove and Whittier still exist today. Here you will find bungalows and cottage for the modest families of the date to the mansions of the wealthy – some things never change.   

A crowning achievement in its day, Boulder attracted a Chautauqua in 1897. The Chautauqua movement was intent on the professionalization of teaching. Land was secured and the Colorado Chautauqua Auditorium was built. Boulder’s Chautauqua remains a full-active venue today.       

Boulder saw its economy collapsing at the turn-of-the-century with the collapse of the gold and silver economies. It sought to establish an industry of tourism. To that end, the Hotel Boulderado was opened in 1909. As Colorado Chautauqua grew in reputation, so did Boulder.

The end of World War II saw a population influx into Boulder. City leaders promoted Boulder as a location for “clean” industries. The National Bureau of Standards was located in Boulder in 1952.

Since the 1950’s, Boulder has never looked back.

Information Sources: City of Boulder, Colorado Chautauqua, etc.

Awards & Recognition

 When I speak with people in Boulder, I’m always surprised at how diverse a group of people I live among. As a Realtor, I find many different reasons motivating people to relocate to Boulder.

As I started to do some research, I found that Boulder is not renown for just one-thing, but for many! Here is a list of awards and recognitions that Boulder has garnered over the years.

Best Overall Place To Live Awards

Greenest City Awards

Best Place To Retire Awards

Best City For Sports Activity Awards

Life Style Awards

Best Art City Awards

Best Business City Awards

If you need confirmation that you are making the right decision in considering your relocation to Boulder, just read through the list above again!

Information Sources: City of Boulder, etc.

Boulder Statistics

There is an endlessly numbing amount of statistics available. I’ve selected only a few that I found interesting.

The Basics

Most Common Industries For Males

Most Common Industries For Females

Temperature Averages

Information Sources: US Census, city-data.com, epodunk.com, weather.com, personal observation, opinion

Education

Boulder is the epitome of education. The population is statistically among the most highly-education in the nation. It is home to a major university (University of Colorado) as well as the only accredited Buddhist university in the country (Naropa University). The public school system is well-ranked nationally and the private schools offer a variety of formats including wilderness-education-based. The Boulder Valley School District has an open enrollment alternative to your home attendance area school. If space is available, you may enroll your child in any BVSD public school with the requirement that you provide transportation.

Boulder Public Schools – Elementary Schools

Boulder Public Schools – Middle Schools

Boulder Public Schools – High Schools

Boulder Private Schools – Elementary, Middle & High Schools

Civic Organizations

You can tell a lot about a community by the civic organizations that it supports. Here are a few of Boulder’s.

Boulder Shelter For The Homeless

“We believe that all people deserve the basic necessities of life, and that the community in which we live is called to serve this purpose. It is the mission of the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless to provide safe shelter, food, support services, and an avenue to self-sufficiency for homeless adults in our community.”

Information Source: http://www.bouldershelter.org/abouttheshelter.html

“The Boulder County Nature Association is a private nonprofit organization committed to studying and preserving the natural history of Boulder County and adjacent areas of the Colorado Front Range. We conduct field studies of wildlife and native plant communities; provide natural history information to public agencies; offer field ecology classes on bats, birds, butterflies, wild orchids, geology; and organize an annual symposium on the status of Boulder County ecosystems.”

Information Source: http://www.bcna.org/   

 Eco Cycle

“We've changed our mission to reflect a new era of resource conservation in our community. We are now Working to Build a Zero Waste Community. Eco-Cycle is partnering with individuals, schools, businesses, governments and event organizers to make ours a model Zero Waste community for the world.”

Information Source: http://www.ecocycle.org/  

Growing Gardens of Boulder County

“We believe that all people deserve the basic necessities of life, and that the community in which we live is called to serve this purpose. It is the mission of the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless to provide safe shelter, food, support services, and an avenue to self-sufficiency for homeless adults in our community.”

Information Source: http://www.growinggardens.org/  

Humane Society of Boulder Valley

“We envision inspired people joining together to actively replenish their environment, their community and themselves. We believe in the power of people to co-create harmony between land, water and all living things for generations to come. Growing Gardens’ mission is to enrich the lives of Boulder County residents through environmentally sustainable gardening programs that empower people to experience a direct and deep connection with plants, the land and each other.”

Information Source: http://www.bouldershelter.org/abouttheshelter.html

Moving To End Sexual Assault

“We believe that every person has the right to live free of sexual assault. We are moving to end sexual assault and the suffering it causes in our community. We challenge all forms of oppression and recognize their connection to sexual violence.”

Information Source: http://www.movingtoendsexualassault.org/  

Safehouse Progressive Alliance

“Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence is a human rights organization committed to ending violence against women, youth and children through support, advocacy, education and community organizing.”

Information Source: http://www.bouldercountysafehouse.org/  

Cultural Institutions

You can tell a lot about the spirit of a community by the cultural institutions that it supports. Here are a few of Boulder’s.

Boulder Arts Resource

“The Boulder Arts Resource is a joint project of the City of Boulder Arts Commission and the Boulder Public Library. The Resource serves Colorado's diverse arts community by showcasing and promoting hundreds of individual artists and groups working in all disciplines: visual, performing, film/video, literary, multidisciplinary. The Resource serves as a way to connect artists with the community and provides tools and information to help the arts to thrive in Colorado. On our site, users can find out more about local artists, view or listen to artists’ work, browse listings of arts events and venues and read about opportunities open to artists. All our services are free both to the artists and the public.”

Information Source: http://www.artsresource.org/  

Boulder Chamber Orchestra

“The Boulder Chamber Orchestra was established in 2004, and has since stood as Boulder’s premier chamber orchestra. Since our formation, we have played to sold-out audiences, and featured some of the area’s most talented musicians at our performances.

As a local organization, we are always seeking new friends who share our love of music, and our commitment to enriching the Boulder arts community.”

Information Source: http://www.boulderchamberorchestra.org/  

Boulder County Arts Alliance

“The Boulder County Arts Alliance provides information and resources for and about the artists and cultural organizations of Boulder County. Since 1966, Boulder County Arts Alliance has educated, supported and promoted artists in all arts disciplines (music, dance, theatre, film/video, literature/poetry and the visual arts.)”

Information Source: http://www.bouldercountyarts.org/  

Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra

“Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this season, the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1958, is a critically acclaimed, fully professional orchestra. Each season the orchestra presents dynamic programming, featuring masterpieces, promising new works, and both accomplished and emerging guest musicians and performing artists. With a strong commitment to education and community outreach, the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra provides several free concerts throughout the summer and in Boulder County classrooms through its Classroom Concerts Program. In addition, individual members of the orchestra teach classes both privately and through the Boulder Valley School District and Parlando School for the Arts. Classroom concerts alone reach more than 5,000 Boulder Valley school children each year.”

Information Source: http://www.boulderphil.org/  

Colorado Chautauqua Association

“On July 4, 1898, over 4,000 people gathered for the opening day of the Colorado Chautauqua. Boulder civic leaders and Texas educators had joined together to create a cultural and educational summer retreat. Today, the Colorado Chautauqua is one of three remaining Chautauquas in the United States, and the only site west of the Mississippi River, in continuous operation, with its original structures intact. Before radio and television, the Chautauqua Movement united millions in common cultural and educational experiences. Orators, performers, and educators traveled a national Chautauqua circuit of more than 12,000 sites bringing lectures, performances, concerts, classes, and exhibitions to thousands of people in small towns and cities. Theodore Roosevelt called Chautauquas, “the most American thing in America.”

Information Source: http://www.chautauqua.com/  

Dairy Center For The Arts

“The Dairy Center for the Arts provides an affordable home for artists & art organizations & encourages appreciation & advancement of the arts in Boulder and surrounding communities through programming, education, advocacy & outreach.”

Information Source: http://www.thedairy.org/  

Events

It is easy to engage in the business of life living in Boulder. Here are some of the events that repeat each year much like the passing of the seasons.

Boulder Bach Festival

“The Boulder Bach Festival was founded in 1981 to present the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and to encourage knowledge and appreciation of the Baroque master. Since 1982 a multi-day festival has been presented each year, featuring an orchestra, chorus, and soloists drawn from the pool of area musicians, with a few nationally-known artists from other parts of the country. Over the years it has gradually added concerts outside of its original format so that presentations now extend through most of the year. Lecture series, master classes, youth competitions, and an enrichment program for local elementary schools add to the Festival’s educational aspect.”

Information Source: http://www.boulderbachfest.org/    

Boulder County Farmer’s Market

“Every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening from April through October, the Boulder County Farmer's Market comes alive! Vibrant with color, lively chatter and friendly faces, the Market hosts thousands of Boulder County residents and out of town visitors each week. Folks come to the open-air market each week to shop, browse and meet their friends and neighbors.”

Information Source: http://www.boulderfarmers.org/  

Boulder Creek Festival

“Widely considered Boulder County's favorite event, the Boulder Creek Festival includes three days of festivities featuring a large variety of events, activities, food and entertainment unique to the Boulder community. Twelve separate event areas with 500 vendors showcase everything from community arts and crafts to health alternatives and technology while six performance stages feature a spectrum of music and dance. The Festival also features carnival rides, food and beverage vendors, and the signature event: The Great Rubber Duck Race! Join us each Memorial Day for the Annual Boulder Creek Festival, the best event in Boulder!”

Information Source: http://www.bouldercreekfestival.com/BCF_main.html  

Boulder Outdoor Cinema

“Official start is in June and runs through September.  We are located at 1750 13th St. in downtown Boulder directly behind the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and next to the Dushanbe Teahouse. We strive to have our feature presentation start by 9:00 PM. In the late season of August be begin movies around 8:30PM. We will have pre-movie independent shorts and live entertainment to keep you busy before the feature starts. Venue opens at 7:30 PM.”

Information Source: http://www.boulderoutdoorcinema.com/  

Boulder Public Library Film Program

“All films at the Boulder Public Library are free and open to the public. All shows start at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Canyon Theater.  Extensive free parking is located at the 11^th Street and Arapahoe Avenue entrance.”

Information Source: http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/films/  

Celestial Seasonings Tours

“The tour is free and takes 45 minutes. Walk through our Art Gallery and view original paintings from our tea boxes, created by some of the country's most famous illustrators. Visit our eclectic collection of very Celestial teapots and teacups. Entertain your taste buds with our Tea Sampling. Stroll through the Celestial Herb Garden, and see herbs and botanicals growing in a beautiful garden setting.  Venture into our "rocking and rolling" Factory, where 8 million tea bags are produced daily.”

Information Source: http://www.celestialseasonings.com/contact/visit-us.html  

Colorado Music Festival

“Founded in 1976, the Colorado Music Festival educates, entertains and challenges audiences of all ages by presenting classical music performed by extraordinary professional musicians from around the world at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder.”

Information Source: http://www.coloradomusicfest.org/  

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

“The Colorado Shakespeare Festival, one of the country's most renowned, presents the best of classical theatre each summer from mid-June to mid-August. Performances are staged in the 1,000-seat Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre with the majestic Flatirons Mountains as a backdrop, and indoors in the 400-seat University Theatre, Main Stage.”

Information Source: http://www.coloradoshakes.org/    

Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza

“The Ice Rink at One Boulder Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Boulder, one block off the historic Pearl Street Mall. The rink is surrounded by eclectic cafes, restaurants and shopping. Enjoy outdoor ice skating and winter cheer with family and friends. Open mid-November through mid-February -- 7 days a week and holidays.”

Information Source: http://www.bouldericerink.com/  

The Bolder Boulder

“The city of Boulder Colorado has hosted this 10K road run on Memorial Day every year since 1979. Up to 50,000 runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelchair racers participate making the Bolder Boulder among the largest road races in the world.”

Information Source: http://www.bolderboulder.com/  

Points Of Interest

 Still looking for some thing to do in Boulder? Well here is a short list to start with.

Boulder Creek Path

“The Boulder Creek Path stretches seven miles from east Boulder, near Valmont Reservoir, to the western end of town where Boulder Canyon and Fourmile Canyon intersect. This trail parallels Boulder creek as it runs east through the heart of Boulder and out into the plains. The trail, dirt and gravel for its upper few miles, is paved from the base of Boulder Canyon until its end at 55th Street. The path is very popular with bicyclists, rollerbladers, joggers and walkers, and the occasional kayaker hiking his boat up to the kayak course, so don't expect much solitude. You should expect a beautiful ride along scenic Boulder creek, with many benches and parks where you can stop and rest or have a nice picnic.”

Information Source: http://www.totalboulder.com/resources/49.html  

Boulder Public Library

The main branch is located at 1000 Canyon Blvd. The building is stunning in design and offers all of the latest technology in your library experience. Extensive supplemental programs exist for all age groups including reading sessions, films, music presentations, etc. One of the jewels of Boulder!

Information Source: http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/  

Boulder Recreation Centers

The City of Boulder maintains a robust Parks & Recreation Department that includes three Recreation Centers in North, East and South Boulder. These recreation centers offer an extensive series of programs for all age groups and a wide variety of interests. PRD also oversees the Flatirons Golf Course and the Boulder Reservoir facilities. Another of the jewels of Boulder! 

Information Source: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=73  

Boulder Shambhala Center

“Established in 1974, the Boulder Shambhala Meditation Center is part of an international community of urban meditation and rural retreat centers founded by the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. At the Boulder Shambhala Meditation Center, we practice and teach mindfulness- awareness meditation. This technique originates directly from the Buddha Shakyamuni and has been passed from teacher to student for over 2500 years.” 

Information Source: http://www.boulder.shambhala.org/  

Chautauqua Park & The Flatirons

“Chautauqua Park is located near Grant and Baseline Streets in Boulder. The Ranger Cottage is generally staffed all week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Here you will find park maps, brochures and information. ”

Information Source: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2996&Itemid=1035

Dushanbe Teahouse

“In 1987, during his first visit to Boulder, Mayor Maksud Ikramov announced that Dushanbe planned to present our city with a Teahouse to celebrate the establishment of sister city ties. From 1987 -1990, more than 40 artisans in several cities of Tajikistan created the decorative elements our Teahouse, including its hand-carved and hand-painted ceiling, tables, stools, columns, and exterior ceramic panels. Often these skills are handed down from generation to generation within families. Lado Shanidze served as chief architect.”

Information Source: http://www.boulderteahouse.com/  

Fiske Planetarium and Science Center

Upon his death in 1966, Wallace Franz Fiske (Class of 1917) donated $1.13 million to the University of Colorado.  One quarter was given to the Music Department while the remainder of the bequest was “to build and equip a planetarium for the University of Colorado”. The hours of operations are Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Information Source: http://fiske.colorado.edu/  

Naropa University

“Naropa University's founder, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, was born in Tibet in 1940. In 1959, after the Chinese invasion, he escaped Tibet through the Himalayas to northern India. With the founding of the Naropa Institute in 1974 (later to become Naropa University), Trungpa realized his vision of creating a university that would combine contemplative studies with traditional Western scholastic and artistic disciplines.”

Information Source: http://www.naropa.edu/  

National Center for Atmospheric Research

“NCAR provides the university science and teaching community with the tools, facilities, and support required to perform innovate research. Through NCAR, scientists gain access to high-performance computational and observational facilities, such as supercomputers, aircraft and radar - resources researchers need to improve human understanding of atmospheric and Earth system processes. NCAR and university scientists work together on research topics in atmospheric chemistry, climate, cloud physics and storms, weather hazards to aviation, and interactions between the sun and Earth. In all of these areas, scientists are looking closely at the role of humans in both creating climate change and responding to severe weather occurrences. Contact NCAR for tour information.”

Information Source: http://www.ncar.ucar.edu/  

National Institute of Standards and Technology

“Founded in 1901, NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. Contact NIST for tour information.”

Information Source:  http://www.nist.gov/  

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

“NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science.  Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them. With roots dating back to 1807, when with the Nation’s first scientific agency, the Survey of the Coast, was established NOAA has evolved to meet the needs of a changing country.  NOAA maintains a presence in every state and has emerged as an international leader on scientific and environmental matters. Contact NOAA for tour information.”

Information Source: http://www.noaa.gov/  

Pearl Street Mall

“The Pearl Street Mall is a wonderfully charismatic four-block-long pedestrian mall. Colorful, bright flowers fill the square gardens and the shopping, dining, and entertainment on the Pearl Street Mall, as well as throughout downtown, are truly incredible. The great selection of art galleries, jewelry stores, clothing stores, sporting goods stores, and much more should keep you happily busy for hours. Taking a break for lunch or dinner will be delightful at one of downtown Boulder’s amazing restaurants. You can also take a break from shopping and be awed and entertained by one of Boulder’s street performers. Downtown Boulder also hosts events year round, including holiday events, outstanding art shows, and great musical events.”

Information Source: http://www.boulderdowntown.com/about_us   

University of Colorado

“Founded in 1876 with a campus in Boulder, the University of Colorado includes three unique campuses offering more than 300 degree programs. The University of Colorado is recognized as a national leader in teaching and research excellence.” As a resident of Boulder, you have the pleasure of accessing many of the CU facilities and programs.

Information Source: http://www.colorado.edu/    

University of Colorado Art Museum

“The CU Art Museum of the University of Colorado at Boulder is committed to enhancing public understanding of the visual arts and to advocating interdisciplinary approaches to the social, cultural, technological and historical context of art.  The Museum presents exhibitions and related educational events through which we emphasize
diversity, critical thinking, creative research and training in museum practices. Our activities serve the academic community of the University, the metropolitan area and state-wide populations. We provide access to art of the highest quality through exhibitions of regional, national and international significance.”

Information Source: http://www.colorado.edu/cuartmuseum/  

University of Colorado Museum of Natural History

“With more than four million artifacts and specimens, the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History houses one of the most extensive and respected natural history collections in the Rocky Mountain and Plains regions, making it one of the top university natural science museums in the country.”

Information Source: http://cumuseum.colorado.edu/  

Sports & Recreation

Still not tired? These activities should round-out your day or weekend.

Bicycling

Bicycling, mountain, road or leisure, is everywhere in Boulder. Boulder tops many “best bicycling towns” lists. There are too many information resources to list here so simply click on the two Information Source directories below to begin your journey into Boulder biking. Happy pedaling!

Information Source: http://bcn.boulder.co.us/transportation/bike.page.html

Information Source: http://www.getboulder.com/sports/sports_bicycle.html

Fishing

“With 6,000 miles of streams and more than 2,000 lakes and reservoirs to fish, Colorado is angling country. There are many excellent locations, including lakes in eastern Boulder County and Rocky Mountain National Park. For the youngsters, head to the children’s fishing pond near the Boulder Justice Center. A catch-and-release policy is in effect for Rocky Mountain National Park and most of Boulder Creek, which offers a perfect spot to relax and fish without even leaving the city.”

Information Source: http://www.getboulder.com/sports/sports_fish.html  

Golf

There are two golf courses within the City of Boulder. The Flatirons Golf Course is public and is operated by the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation Department. The Boulder Country Club is a private equity golf club.

Information Source: http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/course.asp?course=124045  

Information Source: http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/course.asp?course=121745  

Hiking

Living next to the Rocky Mountains assures you that you will have endless hiking opportunities available to you. The list of hikes is very very long. Click on the links below for descriptions and reviews of various hikes available to you in and around Boulder. Remember – “Leave No Trace”.

Information Source: http://www.trails.com/activity.asp?area=12619    

Information Source: http://www.getboulder.com/sports/hiking_favesSU02.html  

Rock Climbing & Mountaineering

Boulder is the rock climbing capital of the world. I usually don’t link to business web sites, but there is no better source of information than the business web site of Total Climbing headquartered in Boulder.

Information Source: http://www.totalclimbing.com/page.php  

Running

Next to bicycling, running seems to be a favorite in Boulder. Seems many people actually enjoy both, especially the triathlon crowd. For the best information, you need to go to the biggest running clubs in Boulder – click below. Strap-on your GPS and go!

Information Source: http://www.boulderrunning.com/  

Information Source: http://www.runningrepublic.com/    

Skiing & Snow Boarding

The Eldora Resort ski area is within 40-minutes of Boulder with public bus transportation from Boulder to the ski resort. It doesn’t get any easier. Still, the majority of Colorado ski resorts are on the west-side of the Continental Divide. With millions of ski visitors each year, the information resources on the Internet are overwhelming. Below are just a few of the more popular ski information web sites. By the way, I’m working on a web site for purchasing Colorado ski condos – www.JustColoradoSkiCondos.com.  

Eldora Resort: http://www.eldora.com/   

Information Source: http://www.onthesnow.com/CO/skireport.html 

Information Source: http://www.coloradoinfo.com/travel.asp?pageid=19|24|482