Boulder, Colorado

The accolades given to the city of Boulder are so numerous, and so diverse, that the municipality keeps a running list on its website:

“#1 Most Educated City in America” —Forbes magazine

 “#6 City with the Highest Ratio of Artists in the Country”—National Endowment for the Arts

“#5 Best Green Places to Live in America”—Country Home magazine

“#2 Cities with a High Percentage of Workers Employed in High-Tech Work”—American Electronics Association

And those are just the 2008 awards. Spirituality, environmentalism, science, sports and the arts make Boulder, with a population of approximately 100,000, a cultural and creative force.

A Boulderite could feasibly go to class in the morning, hike a Boulder Mountain Park trail at lunch, have dinner at an international restaurant and, finally, take in a performance at historic Chautauqua Auditorium before capping the night off at one of Boulder's many cafés.

The Beat writers played an important role in the city's history, as well as the history of the university. Naropa celebrates art and artists through regular departmental performances, as well as events like the Boulder Fringe Festival, which has roots in Naropa theater.

Outside Magazine calls Boulder the "best all-around town" for outdoor experience, and it’s easy to see why. Boulder is a great jumping-off point to the bountiful natural resources of Colorado, offering a wealth of opportunities for hikers, climbers, skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, kayakers and more.

For social outings and nightlife, Boulder residents head to downtown’s famous Pearl Street Mall, the lively, youthful environs of University Hill or nearby Denver. Boulder draws some of the country’s best touring musical artists and a wide range of cultural events to venues like the Fox Theatre and Boulder Theater—not to mention the world-famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, which is only a short drive away.