The scenic beauty, friendliness, and promise of outdoor recreation is what you will find in the Boulder-Longmont area. This stunning Colorado locale is in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with abundant opportunities to get out and enjoy life on your terms.
Boulder has a quirky vibe with a reputation for being both one of the happiest cities in the U.S., and a fit place to live. Perhaps the two go hand-in-hand: As Elle Woods once said, “Exercising gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!” You can visit the Flatirons to hike among the red rock formations, or join Boulder’s biking culture. The “Bike Racer Capital of the U.S.” has a 4-to-1 bike-to-person ratio. Biking trails, a bike park, cycling clubs, and bike rental kiosks are all popular here. Additionally, some of Boulder’s residents include potential Olympians training in an elite athletic culture. You’ll also find the annual IRONMAN Boulder.
Longmont is equally enticing with its proximity to Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 1,500 acres of parks and open spaces, this city has scenic views and 300 days of sunshine, allowing for great outdoor adventures. Beer, museums, parks, delicious restaurants, and a friendly demeanor create a complete package for potential Colorado new homebuyers.
Whether you’re looking to relocate to Boulder-Longmont area as a first-time homebuyer in Colorado, or a retiree in the Centennial State looking for your forever home, discover amazing new homes and suburbs that allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle. NewHomeSource is your one-stop shop for your homeshopping journey, from finding the best places to live in Colorado to learning how to build your home there. Discover what qualifies the list below as the top 5 Boulder County suburbs. Find a Colorado new home that checks off your wants and needs list.
5. Niwot
- Population: 4,216
- Median Home Value: $712,000
- School Ranking: B
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
Niwot is a small town nestled between Boulder and Longmont. When you’re ready to enjoy a slower pace of life, this town is worthy of serious consideration. Enjoy a strong sense of community at the many seasonal events including holiday markets, fall festivals, summer concerts, and art walks. Shop the boutiques, stroll the sculpture park, or enjoy one of the delicious restaurants. Hike and bike and make memories in the local parks. The intriguing murals add charm to this inviting town. Take a look at the new home communities in Niwot.
4. Lafayette
- Population: 30,307
- Median Home Value: $498,400
- School Ranking: A
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 711
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 60
Live in Boulder County in a charming city. Lafayette is on the move. With excellent schools, parks, golf courses and water parks, this city has something for everyone. Shop the flea markets, take a hot air balloon ride, or sample some delicious flavors at farm-to-table dining venues. Lafayette new home communities include options that allow for low-maintenance living or ample room to entertain and relax. Choose from single-family homes and townhomes.
3. Gunbarrel
- Population: 10,199
- Median Home Value: $605,000
- School Ranking: A+
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes
This family-friendly suburb is known for terrific entertainment at its annual Gunbarrel Days Festival. Sawhill Ponds, Twin Lakes Open Space, and White Rocks Trailhead allow you to soak up all the beauty and recreation of this area. Find a favorite among the variety of craft beers in breweries and tasting rooms. Take a tour and sample some of the teas at the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory. A new home in this area will elevate your quality of life.
2. Louisville
- Population: 21,091
- Median Home Value: $677,000
- School Ranking: A
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 22 minutes
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 16
Louisville, is one of the safest cities in Colorado. This welcoming suburb is located to the southwest of Boulder closer to Denver. Art walks, street fairs, shops and eateries make the historic downtown a place to be. Harper Lake allows motorless boating and fishing. Coal Creek Golf Course is an excellent public golf course with gorgeous Rocky Mountain views. With just 20 miles separating Louisville from Denver, there is proximity to excellent employers, entertainment, arts and culture, professional sports and more.
1. Superior
- Population: 13,283
- Median Home Value: $660,000
- School Ranking: A
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
Relish the small town feel of Superior, Colorado with its charm, proximity to Denver and Boulder, and abundant amenities and services. With a rich coal mining history, Superior has transformed to a vibrant suburb. Check out the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a fun day trip where you can connect with nature, hike and bike, and cross-country ski. Choose Superior or one of the other Boulder-Longmont suburbs to find the perfect new home and start living the Colorado lifestyle you crave.
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.