The Inimitable Draw of Boulder, Colorado
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With Front Range cities consistently ranking amongst the best places to live, it’s no wonder that Boulder, Colorado remains one of the most sought-after locales in the country. Proximity to mountain adventure paired with a small-town feel are just a few reasons tourists flock to the area; but how can buyers and sellers easily navigate the area’s hot real estate market? We sat down with Jennifer Fly, milehimodern Boulder’s newest Managing broker, to better understand the draw of Boulder and the importance of making informed buying and selling decisions in this increasingly competitive market.
the lifestyle
With the imposing Flatirons on the western horizon and Boulder Creek cutting through the town, an undeniable sense of outdoor stewardship permeates the Boulder community. Hiking, biking or simply enjoying the view are key staples in the daily life of a Boulder resident. It’s not uncommon to find tech CEOs, community figures and students enjoying a lunchtime bike ride or visit to Chautauqua during a standing meeting.
“Activity and exercise are an especially important part of the Boulder lifestyle,” says Jennifer. “The area offers so much opportunity for being active with a perfect setting and enviable weather.” In addition to the endless trails that weave in and out of the immediate area, Boulder is just one hour from Rocky Mountain National Park and within two to three hours of the major ski destinations, including Breckenridge, Vail and Aspen.
the job market
“Boulder’s robust economy and flourishing job market have captured the attention of tech companies for years,” says Jennifer. Tech giants such as Google, Amazon and Apple have a presence within the county, vastly contributing to the job market. According to Boulder’s 2020 Innovation Report, Boulder sits among top tech hubs such as San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Boston in per-capita venture capital investment.
While the area is considered a tech hub on the rise, homegrown organizations such as UC Boulder and Ball Aerospace have been providing lucrative job opportunities for decades. Per US News, the average salary in Boulder is $67,160 while the unemployment rate sits at 6.2%.
the culture
Although tech employees and students have flocked to Boulder in hordes, artists have always had a presence in the area. Boulder ranks just behind Los Angeles and Santa Fe as one of the nation’s highest concentration of artists with professional artists constituting 3.5% of the area’s workforce.
“The art and cultural and dining scene is very vibrant,” says Jennifer, and it shows with an abundance of art-focused organizations such as the East Side Art Institute and the NoBo Arts District.
Beyond the visual artistry that lives within the tapestry of the Boulder community, the food and dining scene is equally as astounding. Boulder residents and visitors enjoy a vast selection of cuisines that span from renowned dive bars to white tablecloth experiences and distinct chef’s table-style dining.
Photo courtesy of milehimodern
the housing market
Given that Boulder has been named the #1 Place to Live two years in a row, it’s no surprise that the housing market is extremely competitive. “Boulder has seen 478% increase in appreciation since 1991,” notes Jennifer. “Having a broker that can navigate pricing and negotiation is of the utmost importance.”
Beyond transactional finesse, buyers and sellers should seek brokers that are knowledgeable of the area’s eclectic housing styles and the intricacies of the county. “In Boulder County, there are a lot of properties that are considered rural,” says Jennifer. “By employing a broker that understands the niche neighborhoods and architectural styles, buyers and sellers are better equipped to compete in this market. Understanding the artistry of a community — including its people, homes and neighborhoods — is the core of our values.”
Powerhouse brokerages such as milehimodern are recognizing the need for elevated service in the Boulder area. “Clients don’t know what they don’t know, so having an expert that can anticipate the challenges of buying and selling in Boulder is a priority,” Jennifer continues. “milehimodern has already been selling in Boulder, but we’ve expanded our physical footprint to a new office location right on Pearl Street. Upon opening, we hope to further integrate into the community by hosting events, showcasing our incredible listings and get to know our clients on a more personal level.”