Colorado

Exploring Boulder, Colorado: From College Town To Growing Tech Hub

Published

1 year ago

June 4, 2023

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Exploring Boulder, Colorado: From College Town To Growing Tech Hub

Morning sun against the foothills of Boulder Colorado business area and campus.

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Like many cities across the American West, the origins of Boulder, Colorado, can be traced back to the gleam of gold. In the winter of 1859, the town was settled by a group of prospectors hoping to strike it rich in the rivers and streams that stretch across the mountainous landscape.

By 1877, a number of small businesses had popped up along Pearl Street and the township had established a small college for a handful of students—the University of Colorado Boulder.

The arrival of corporate offices for tech giants like Google, Apple and Amazon has pushed the wealth … [+] profile of the area.

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Although today those feed stores and saloons have now been replaced by galleries and gourmet restaurants, the university’s student body has grown to over 30,000 and you’d be hard-pressed to find a local prospector, much of Boulder has remained unscathed by modern development.

With 45,000 acres of protected open space—the largest per capita in the country—and long-standing slow-growth policies that have contained urban sprawl, Boulder has built a reputation as a world-class destination for outdoor recreation and one of the best places to live in the nation.

A trailer in a workspace at the Google campus in Boulder.

Denver Post via Getty Images

Such a reputation has drawn the attention of many out-of-state buyers looking to get closer to nature. Pair that with the arrival of corporate offices for tech giants like Google, Apple and Amazon, and the wealth profile for prospective buyers has continued to grow, pushing the luxury real estate market to new heights.

“In 2021, prices appreciated 19% and then 2022 was gangbusters,” says Marybeth Emerson of Slifer Smith & Frampton, whose recent sale of a $13 million mansion broke the record sale price for a residence in Boulder County. “This year, the ultra-luxury side—I’m going to call that $5 to $10 million— has been an extremely strong segment.”

Regardless of rising real estate prices, Emerson says the community has remained committed to preserving its green spaces and the Boulder lifestyle.

Located in the Newlands neighborhood of Boulder, this 1940s home has been extensively reimagined but … [+] still retains its original stone facade.

Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate

Homes in Boulder

Having over 150 years of township means that Boulder is supplied with its fair share of historical homes. Thanks to their seniority, many older properties are located in desirable neighborhoods, like Mapleton Hill, Chautauqua and Old North Boulder.

Although a number of restrictions have been placed on development, new construction homes still pop up on the market every so often. These modern products are often outfitted with top-of-the-line amenities, including retractable walls of glass for indoor-outdoor living, spas and saunas and home automation systems.

Architectural styles are varied, however, a thorough line of natural accents, particularly stone, can be seen in a majority of homes, reflecting the Boulder landscape. With flat irons and mountain crests all around, a premium is placed upon windows and outdoor spaces to maximize scenic views.

Custom properties in choice neighborhoods come at a premium. This estate in Boulder’s foothills is … [+] listed for sale at $3.75 million.

Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate

Prices in Boulder

In 2009, the median home price in Boulder was $335,000. Last month, that number nearly increased fivefold for single-family homes, climbing to $1.5 million.

At that price point, buyers can expect to find three- to four-bedroom detached homes or ultra-luxury condos.

With sizable well-appointed homes found across the city, location is largely what dictates pricing—properties in proximity to parks and hiking trails, along with those featuring exceptional views or elevated positioning make up the highest end of the market.

Overlooking the 17th hole of the golf course at Boulder Country Club.

Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate

The Vibe of Boulder

An outdoor lifestyle and appreciation for nature coupled with the active presence of CU Boulder has given the city a reputation as “granola,” a badge that residents seem to wear with honor.

Events sponsored by the university and open to the public include educational talks, concerts and performances by the world’s leading artistic and scientific minds.

Colorful boutique shops and restaurants line Parl Street Mall in downtown Boulder.

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While the city may often be associated with its natural landmarks, it still offers all the comforts, convenience and culture of an urban setting. Known for its food scene, breweries and nightlife, Boulder embodies the best of the “work hard, play hard” lifestyle, says Emerson.

“The lifestyle here attracts the kind of people who within the same day can wake up at five o’clock in the morning for a hike, go to the office, watch their kid’s soccer game and that night go out with friends for dinner and drinks.”

The University of Colorado Boulder is considered one the best public schools in the country

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Schools in Boulder

Regularly ranked among the top school districts in the state, Boulder Valley School District serves around 30,000 students across 56 schools throughout Boulder County.

The University of Colorado Boulder, known for its extensive research programs, is considered one the best public schools in the country, with such distinguished alumni as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, South Park co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus, to name a few.

An elevated city view of Boulder from Flagstaff Mountain.

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Surrounding Boulder

Often considered a suburb of Denver, Boulder resides 25 miles northwest of the state capital.

For skiing enthusiasts, Breckenridge is less than two hours away and Aspen is slightly less than four hours by car.

Denver International Airport, the second-largest airport in the world, serves 25 different airlines to over 215 destinations around the world.

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Colorado

Law enforcement investigate possible

Published

3 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Press Room

Law enforcement investigate possible “crime tourism” in Colorado – CBS Colorado

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A recent attempted burglary of an Aspen jewelry store has now drawn the attention of the FBI, as it appears to be a case of “crime tourism” or “burglary tourism.”

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Colorado

Colorado star and Heisman Trophy favorite Travis Hunter says he will enter the NFL Draft

Published

14 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Colorado star and Heisman Trophy favorite Travis Hunter says he will enter the NFL Draft

Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter said Thursday he plans to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

“That’s definitely for sure,” Hunter, 21, told reporters when asked if he intended to declare.

A favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, Hunter plays both cornerback and receiver for the Buffaloes. He is projected by many to be selected first overall next April.

When asked about playing both offense and defense as a professional, Hunter acknowledged the rarity of doing both, saying, “It’s never been done.”

He added: “I understand that it will be a high risk, [teams] don’t want their top pick to go down too early and I know they’re going to want me to be in a couple packages. But I believe I can do it. Nobody has stopped me from doing it thus far.”

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In 10 games for Colorado this season, Hunter has 74 receptions for 911 yards and nine touchdowns — all career bests. Defensively, Hunter has three interceptions, eight passes defended and 23 tackles.

Hunter was a highly recruited player coming out of high school. A consensus five-star prospect, he originally committed to Florida State before flipping his commitment to Jackson State — becoming the first five-star recruit to commit to an HBCU.

Hunter played for one season at Jackson State under head coach Deion Sanders, then transferred to Colorado before the 2023 season when Sanders took the head coaching job there.

Last season, Hunter averaged close to 115 plays per game, participating in offense, defense and special teams.

Sanders’s son Shedeur, who plays quarterback for Colorado, is projected to be among the first signal-callers selected in next year’s draft. Another player who could be a Heisman finalist, Sanders said Thursday that Hunter is the more deserving of the two to win the award.

“If it’s between me and him, I would want him to get it,” Shedeur Sanders said. “He does a lot of amazing things and things that haven’t been done before. I’m not a selfish guy. I know what he’s capable of, so I would rather him win.”

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Colorado

Seeking Revenge Against the Capitals | Colorado Avalanche

Published

21 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Seeking Revenge Against the Capitals | Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche (10-9-0) @ Washington Capitals (13-4-1)

5 p.m. MT | Capital One Arena | Watch: Altitude, 9News, My20, Altitude+ | Listen: Altitude Sports Radio (92.5 FM)

For the second time in six days the Colorado Avalanche will faceoff against the Washington Capitals. Colorado will battle to split the season series after a 5-2 loss at Ball Arena on November 15.

Soaring Past the Flyers

The Avalanche beat the Flyers 3-2 at Wells Fargo Center on Monday. Cale Makar posted his 10th-career multi-goal game and Casey Mittlestadt added a goal. Additionally, Mikko Rantanen recorded two assists and Justus Annunen made 24 saves. Following a scoreless first period, Makar opened the scoring with a wrist shot from the slot at 8:30 of the second period after receiving Nathan MacKinnon’s set-up feed. Makar thought he had his second of the game at 10:44 of the middle frame, but the goal was taken off the board due to a successful Flyers challenge for goaltender interference. However, Makar would eventually double Colorado’s lead on the power play with his eighth tally of the season at 15:08 of the middle frame with a shot from the point that deflected off a Flyers player on its way in. The Burgundy and Blue took a 3-0 lead at 8:34 of the third period when Mittelstadt dispatched the rebound created by Rantanen’s shot into the net for his seventh goal of the season. The Flyers answered with goals from Owen Tippett at 11:48 and Tyson Foerster at 13:32 to cut their deficit to one, but the Avs held on to secure their 10th victory of the season.

Leading the Way

MacKinnon leads the NHL in points (34) and assists (27).

Makar leads NHL blueliners in goals (8), assists (19), and points (27). He’s tied for seventh among NHL skaters in points and tied for fifth in assists.

Rantanen is tied for sixth in the league in goals (12) and tied for seventh in points (27).

History

The Avalanche are 18-20-4 in 42 previous regular-season games against the Capitals. Colorado is 4-1-0 in its last five matchups against Washington dating back to the 2022-23 season.

Winning Out West

The Capitals beat the Utah Hockey Club 6-2 at the Delta Center on Monday. Alex Ovechkin scored twice, and Charlie Lindgren made 24 saves. Utah opened the scoring with a goal by Jack McBain at 3:05 of the first period but the Capitals responded with tallies from Dylan Strome at 7:46, Nic Dowd at 7:56, and Ovechkin at 11:05. Ovechkin extended Washington’s lead to three with a goal at 5:38 of the second period before Nick Bjugstad scored for Utah at 11:44 to make it 4-2 in favor of Washington entering the third period. Ovechkin did leave the game midway through the third period with a lower-body injury and has been placed on injured reserve and ruled week-to-week. The Caps added two more goals in the third period from Brandon Duhaime at 7:30 and Aliaksei Protas at 9:56 to win 6-2.

Putting Up Numbers on the Potomac

MacKinnon has posted 28 points (11g/17a) in 20-career matchups against the Capitals including 11 points (5g/6a) in 10 road matchups against them.

In eight previous meetings with Washington, Makar has recorded six points (2g/4a).

Rantanen has registered 19 points (8g/11a) in 14 previous games against Washington including eight points (4g/4a) on the road.

Capitals’ Contributors

Strome leads the Capitals in points (28) and assists (22).

Connor McMichael is second on the team in goals (12) and third in points (19).

Aliaksei Protas is fourth on the team in points (18), third in goals (7), and tied for third in assists (11).

A Numbers Game

10

Makar became the first defenseman in franchise history to record 10 multi-goal games.

3

The Avalanche have three players (MacKinnon, Makar, and Rantanen) in the top 10 in points. No other team has more than one.

165

The Avs have registered 165 high-danger shots on goal, which ranks sixth in the NHL.

Quote That Left a Mark

“Juice is great. I think he’s been great all year. [He made] some big saves, especially at the beginning there…So [it was a] heck of a job from Juice for sure.”

— Casey Mittelstadt on Justus Annunen’s performance on Monday

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