Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, a city of around 100,000, renowned for its beauty and outdoor recreation, is also a cultural center for the central Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Its residents take full advantage of the city’s eclectic offerings.

A Boulderite could feasibly go to work or class during the day, hike one of Boulder's Mountain Park trails at lunch, have dinner with friends at an interesting ethnic restaurant, take in a performance at historic Chautauqua Auditorium afterwards and cap the night off at one of Boulder's many cafés.

Many people know Boulder for the history here involving the Beats and the hippies, who played important roles in the history of the city as well as the history of Naropa University. The university celebrates its arts as well as its artists through regular departmental performances as well as through events like the Boulder Fringe Festival, which has its roots in Naropa theater. In addition, the nearby University of Colorado offers a wide range of theater, musical theater, classical and jazz music, and opera to the public throughout the academic year.

Outside Magazine calls Boulder the "best all-around town" for outdoor experience, and it’s not hard to see why. Boulder is a great jumping-off point to the bountiful natural resources of Colorado, and offers a wealth of opportunities for hikers, climbers, skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, kayakers and nearly any other type of outdoor sport enthusiast.

For more information on Boulder's outdoor offerings, click here.

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—and the world-famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is only a short drive away.