Boulder, Colorado, known for its stunning natural beauty and active outdoor lifestyle, is a city that offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and rugged adventure. Boulder neighborhoods are diverse, with a strong sense of community and a commitment to sustainability. The city is surrounded by the iconic Flatirons, providing residents with easy access to hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Boulder is also home to the University of Colorado, which contributes to the city's lively cultural scene, making it a vibrant place to live for students, professionals, and families alike.

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The Boulder neighborhood map is an essential tool for those looking to explore the different communities within the city. Boulder neighborhoods vary from quiet, residential areas with tree-lined streets to more vibrant, urban districts with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The map highlights neighborhoods with higher livability scores in green, indicating areas with superior amenities, safety, and overall quality of life. Neighborhoods with lower scores are marked in red, providing guidance for those seeking to find the best fit for their lifestyle and needs.

Best neighborhoods in Boulder

# Hood Population Area (km 2) Livability Score 
1 Colorado University 7,763 2.85 81
2 North Boulder 11,930 9.23 77
3 South Boulder 16,230 12.73 75
4 Southeast Boulder 20,905 11.78 75
5 Gunbarrel 9,239 11.29 74

The best Boulder neighborhoods are recognized for their high livability scores, which take into account factors such as access to local amenities, low crime rates, and proximity to nature. These neighborhoods offer a balanced lifestyle, with access to parks, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions. Whether you're looking for a neighborhood with a strong sense of community, close proximity to hiking trails, or a vibrant arts scene, the best Boulder neighborhoods provide a high quality of life that appeals to a wide range of residents.

Worst neighborhoods in Boulder

# Hood Population Area (km 2) Livability Score 
1 East Boulder 3,257 7.22 65
2 Central Boulder 27,096 10.91 66
3 Crossroads 7,095 3.54 71
4 Palo Park 2,365 2.81 74
5 Gunbarrel 9,239 11.29 74

The worst Boulder neighborhoods tend to score lower on livability metrics due to challenges such as higher crime rates, fewer amenities, and economic difficulties. These areas may face issues like underperforming schools and limited access to community resources, making them less desirable places to live. Despite these challenges, each neighborhood in Boulder has its own unique appeal, but those classified among the worst Boulder neighborhoods often struggle with factors that impact the overall quality of life.

Largest neighborhoods in Boulder

# Hood Population Area (km 2) Livability Score 
1 Central Boulder 27,096 10.91 66
2 Southeast Boulder 20,905 11.78 75
3 South Boulder 16,230 12.73 75
4 North Boulder 11,930 9.23 77
5 Gunbarrel 9,239 11.29 74
6 Colorado University 7,763 2.85 81
7 Crossroads 7,095 3.54 71
8 East Boulder 3,257 7.22 65
9 Palo Park 2,365 2.81 74

Popular Boulder, CO Neighborhoods

The residents of Boulder, Colorado lead an elegant lifestyle nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city is full of elegant homes and an astounding variety of exciting things to see and do. Boulder is home to the main campus of the University of Colorado. It has a state of the art public transportation system, with a large number of convenient stops located throughout the city. There is also a municipal airport located in the northern boundaries of the city. Denver is a short drive, 25 miles, southeast of Boulder. There are many popular neighborhoods strategically placed within the city limits of Boulder. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include; North Boulder, South Boulder, and Central Boulder. These neighborhoods are popular among a variety of households including families and young professionals.

North Boulder

The North Boulder neighborhood is located just under two and a half miles from the downtown epicenter. It is home to a variety of higher end single family residences. There are a variety of many exciting things to see and do within the neighborhood. Shopping and various types of entertainment destinations are among the top list of things to do in North Boulder. Some of the most popular places to go are Diameter, Velocity Enterprises, and The Amazing Garage Sale. There is also a large variety of dining options to choose from within the neighborhood including; Bookcliff Vineyard Tasting Room, Pronto's Pizza, and La Choza.

South Boulder

South Boulder is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a ton of parks and hiking trails located within the proximity of the beautiful homes of South Boulder. Harlow Platts Community Park Playground, Bear Canyon Trail, Table Mesa Trail, and Bill Bower Park are among the top destinations on beautiful summer days in South Boulder. Families can also take advantage of a variety of educational options for their family's needs. Bixby School, Summit Middle School,and Mt. Hope Lutheran Church and Preschool are all located within the boundaries of the South Boulder neighborhood. The Stir It Up Cooking School is also located in South Boulder and a great option for anyone looking to increase their cooking skills. South Boulder is located a little over three miles from the downtown area of Boulder, Colorado.

Central Boulder

Central Boulder boosts lower crime rates, higher home values, and a ton of variety of amenities for residents and visitors alike. Central Boulder is a great place for young professionals and growing families. Libraries, parks, and a huge variety of entertainment options are all located in Central Boulder. Popular restaurants in the area include; South Side Walnut Cafe, King Sooperss, and Boulder Tamales LLC. There are a large variety of unique shops to visit too. Twig Wizardry LLC., Maggie Evans Designs, Tuesday Morning, and Do It Best are among the top list for shopping destinations. Central Boulder is also home to a large variety of fitness centers also. Siddha Yoga Meditation Center, Grant Place Pilates, Beat Cyclem and The Student Recreation Center are only a few of the options available. Central Boulder also has a variety of entertainment destinations. Boulder Outdoor Cinema, 15th Street Gallery, CU Heritage Center, and The Connection Bowling, Billiards, and Games are all very popular.