Boulder sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. It’s an outdoor recreation paradise, but it’s not perfect. Its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty easily mask why we think this is one city you should avoid. If you’re planning a trip to Colorado, you’ll want to keep reading.
Today, we’re looking at five reasons you should avoid Boulder, Colorado. Let’s get started!
Where Is Boulder, Colorado?
Boulder, Colorado, sits approximately 30 miles northwest of Denver. It’s down the road from the famous Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado. The city sits at 5,430 feet above sea level. This location makes it the perfect combination for those who love urban and outdoor settings.
What Is Boulder, Colorado Known for?
When people think of Boulder, Colorado, they consider the award-winning breweries, many outdoor activities, and the energetic downtown atmosphere. Boulder has a reputation for skiing, climbing culture, and open spaces.
While many cities struggle to offer residents outdoor adventure opportunities, Boulder has a ski resort and 21 other ski resorts within driving distance. The residents love the outdoors and often frequent the many local climbing gyms when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Pro Tip: Heading to Colorado for a skiing adventure? We revealed The Best Colorado Ski Resorts you need to check out!
Why Is Boulder So Popular?
Boulder is a trendy spot because it’s a unique western city. It has much to offer locals and visitors who want to stay active. There’s a hopping nightlife and party scene with three local colleges and 36 colleges within 50 miles. It’s a beautiful combination of natural and artificial beauty that provides an excellent backdrop for a dynamic lifestyle.
Part of the appeal of Boulder is also its proximity to Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park. Almost anything you could ask for in a place to live is within driving distance, and you get a scenic landscape to enjoy.
Is Boulder a Safe City?
If you’re looking for a safe place to live or visit, it might not be Boulder. According to Neighborhood Scout, Boulder is only safer than 6% of US cities. There were 361 violent crimes in Boulder, according to their recent report. There were also 673 burglary reports, 3,368 theft reports, and 382 motor vehicle thefts. For a city with a population of 108,000, it’s not the safest city for its size.
Pro Tip: Lace up your hiking boots and head to these 11 Best Trails for Hiking in Colorado.
5 Reasons to Avoid Boulder, Colorado
If Boulder is still on your list of places to visit, here are several reasons we think you should reconsider. Let’s take a look!
Very Dry Climate
The climate in Boulder is arid, and it sees approximately 300 sunny days per year. While soaking in vitamin D might improve your mood, you better invest in moisturizer. Boulder has a high desert climate, so that everything will dry out. If you usually have trouble moisturizing your skin, you will struggle in Boulder.
Many people also suffer from nosebleeds in dry climates. If you’re one of them, be ready for one bloody nose after another. The environment can wreak havoc on your sinuses and make life complicated.
It’s a College Town
Boulder is home to three colleges, and 36 other colleges are within 50 miles of the city. When you combine the schools’ enrollment, there are 250,000+ college students within a 50-mile radius of the city. This explains why the average age for a resident in the city is 28.6 years old. While living in a hopping city appeals to some, not everyone finds it as attractive.
A younger population means a more active nightlife with bars and restaurants. There’s also an increase in activity and noise. If you enjoy quiet, you won’t find it in most parts of Boulder. Luckily, there are many forests you can escape to if needed, but it’s not always ideal.
Crime Is Still Existsant
While Boulder falls below the national crime average, it’s above average for crime compared to similar-sized cities. Research indicates that the odds of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime in Boulder are one in 23. While we’d like those odds if we were playing the lottery, it’s not so comforting regarding overall safety.
So Much Snow
If you don’t like snow, you’ll dislike it here. The city has an average of 89 inches of snow per year. That’s more than seven feet of snow! If you’re not into skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, there are better places you can visit without fighting the snow.
Plentiful snow can fall in the area with little notice. This can strand you or force you to change your travel plans. It can ruin your trip if you only have a few days in the area.
Crazy Expensive
You can’t expect excellent views and activities without paying for them. Boulder’s median family income is $113,000+, so you should expect to pay a premium for almost anything you do here. Going out to eat and other activities will cost more.
If you want the most bang for your buck regarding housing and everyday life, it will not be in Boulder.
Think Twice Before You Boulder
Don’t get us wrong; Boulder is an incredible city full of potential. However, it’s not for everyone. It can be chaotic in some portions, and traffic can be a nightmare. For many, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the landscapes are or how close the city is to a national park; Boulder is one city they’re avoiding.
Do you plan to take a trip to Boulder in the future? Let us know in the comments!
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