Another List with Boulder on the TOP (Arvada: real estate market, homes) - Colorado (CO) - City-Data Forum

livecontent · 05-11-2009, 09:14 PM

Boulder is Number 1 on this list from Forbe's

America's Top 25 Towns To Live Well

America's Top 25 Towns To Live Well - Forbes.com

Livecontent

Mike from back east · 05-11-2009, 09:23 PM

Is it better to Live Well or to Live Content?

livecontent · 05-11-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Is it better to Live Well or to Live Content?

Very Good! Yes, that is the problem with this list and many others. They use measures of living well that do not always equate to living content. In this list from Forbe's, the main focus is a place, you can be economically successful in a attractive geographical area.

Of course, Arvada, which is just down the foothills from Boulder, would never be selected. Arvada is just too bland, quiet, sedate, stable, homely, neighborly, to meet their definitions of living well. But, it is just the sort of place that one can slowwwwwly enjoy a life of contentment.

I have lived in Boulder and it is a very nice place to live. But it is not a small town; it is very traffic congested; it is not quiet and sedate with the hormonal college crowd. It attracts many creative, aggressive people who, because of necessity, need a big ego to compete; but diminish the qualities of being a good neighbor. You can live "well" and "content" in Boulder, if it suites your age, your wallet and your desires.

There are many such towns, villages and cities that do not make these glittering lists of glamor. They are all over the country and if you look closely enough, they are in your own backyards.

Livecontent

Katarina Witt · 05-11-2009, 10:14 PM

I've begun to lose faith in these Forbes "lists". They come out with a new one every week or so, and many of them are quite lame. That said, Boulder is OK.

Sandpointian · 05-12-2009, 02:43 AM

This is a rather lame question, but I am just seeking some pointers to help kick-start my research.

My younger brother just moved to Boulder with his wife. He has a good job $50K-$70K. She is an urban woman with native fluency in several languages who I am sure can hook up with a good international company, but has no current job.

They love skiing. They love the outdoors. They are very international. They love fishing and hunting. They love the arts. I do not think they would want acreage other than an ample urban/suburban lot (i.e. anything<1.5 acre would be a safe assumption).

With rates this low, I wanted to see what they are facing wrt the real estate market over there. I have never been to Boulder for any length of time and do not know the city.

The object of the exercise: please name three (or more?) neighborhoods or areas within neighborhoods to consider for a middle to upper middle class couple, currently DINKS, but with plans for children. Ideally, these would be places that offer them the best of Boulder within their price range, without becoming an albatross. Also, they would places that can grow with them as their family and roots in the area grow.

Thanks for your help, S.

Micktooth · 05-12-2009, 08:57 AM

I am thrilled to be at or near the top of any "good" list. Y'all don't know how well we have it here. I've lived in many places that wouldn't get even a look for a positive list. Any place can have its pitfalls, but Boulder is by far the best place that I have ever lived, and I'm proud to live here!

Hipchik · 05-12-2009, 06:18 PM

^ Well said! I agree

POhdNcrzy · 05-13-2009, 01:52 PM

Sandpointian said, "The object of the exercise: please name three (or more?) neighborhoods or areas within neighborhoods to consider for a middle to upper middle class couple, currently DINKS, but with plans for children. Ideally, these would be places that offer them the best of Boulder within their price range, without becoming an albatross. Also, they would places that can grow with them as their family and roots in the area grow."

Sandy, uhmm, I think you are describing pretty much all the neighborhoods in Boulder except for the numerous (and well-hidden) trailer parks.

Real question is, do you wanna and can ya afford a $500,000 starter home on a $60k salary??

Sandpointian · 05-14-2009, 06:33 AM

Poh...$500k? really?

even after the past couple of years?

Scott5280 · 05-14-2009, 07:56 AM

..500k in Boulder proper will buy you a very modest home..(think close to California pricing)..a one acre+ homesite alone in Boulder will cost you at least 250k-700k...The Boulder real estate market has stayed rather insulated compared to the rest of the state. Outside Boulder's city limits is a different story. You can get some lots in adjacent Boulder mountain communities 1 acre plus for mid 100's-300's..