Looking for the very best places to invest in Boulder? Just 30 minutes north of the capital of Colorado lies the idyllic city of Boulder. Known for its exciting and diverse community, proximity to all things outdoors, and home of University of Colorado Boulder, the city of Boulder remains one of the most popular places to live in the U.S.. While it’s definitely more than just a college town, Boulder has a 50/50 split between renters and owners, making it an ideal place for investors of all kinds to seek out property. Though the popularity of Boulder comes at a premium, the average home price is ranked higher than what is average for the nation, you can guarantee your investment will hold its value for years to come given the demand for housing across the city. However, it is an area with many different neighborhoods to choose from, some that investors may not even be aware of. In this article, we’ll list the best places to invest in Boulder and what type of properties, neighborhoods, and price ranges you can expect there.
Frasier Meadows
Where is it located?
First up on our list is the neighborhood known as Frasier Meadows. Located just seven minutes from downtown Boulder, this neighborhood is home to an abundance of parks, restaurants, and entertainment options.
What types of properties are available?
Mostly comprised of B-class, single-family homes and condos, the homes in Frasier Meadows are priced just below average for the city of Boulder. Given its proximity to the city center, Frasier Meadows is a hub for both families and young professionals alike.
What other benefits are there?
While the proximity to the city center keeps Frasier Meadows interesting, it also has access to plenty of parks and outdoor areas. Residents of Frasier Meadows have no shortage of entertainment options, from trailheads to local Baseline Reservoir. The area remains in high demand so you can rest assured your investment will stay in demand as well.
Superior
Where is it located?
The suburb known as Superior is 11 minutes southeast of the city, and lies in between Boulder and Denver. The neighborhood benefits from its proximity to both cities, as well as the commercial area of FlatIrons Crossing. Residents of Superior have access to a variety of hiking trails and open spaces as well.
What types of properties are available?
There’s a large mix of properties available in Superior. Ranging from B-class, single-family homes, to C-class duplexes, condos, and apartments, whatever you’re looking to invest in, you can be sure to find in Superior. Most residents here own their homes, however there is still a prominent percentage of renters in the area. Considering the average home price is lower than that of the city of Boulder, this is an easier place for investors to get their foot in the door.
What other benefits are there?
The schools in Superior are highly rated, making the area highly desirable for families. With relatively low crime rates as well as easy access to both Boulder and Denver, Superior remains a popular area for families and young professionals.
University Hill
Where is it located?
Just east of the heart of downtown Boulder, and adjacent to University of Colorado Boulder, is the neighborhood known as University Hill. Apart from living in downtown Boulder, University Hill is about as central as it gets. Think close connections to everything the city has to offer, all packed within an exciting and diverse area.
What types of properties are available?
The properties available are mostly A-class, single-family homes with a few duplexes mixed in. The quality of property as well as the location makes University Hill a commodity for families and young professionals alike. With a walk score of 88 and bike score of 89, the neighborhood is perfect for anyone looking to keep to the heart of the city with all of their commercial needs met.
What other benefits are there?
As you may have guessed, there are a lot of students and faculty of the university that live here, and that means the area is in constant high demand. With a steady flow of renters and buyers alike, University Hill is perfect for both investors looking to become landlords. The demand of the area yields high returns, for those looking to resell homes.
Gunbarrel
Where is it located?
Just eight miles northeast of the heart of Boulder is the city of Gunbarrel. This area has a more suburban feel than the bustling city center of Boulder and has access to an abundance of parks, dining, and greenspaces for residents to enjoy. While Colorado residents, Boulder residents especially, enjoy the access to the great outdoors; residents of Gunbarrel benefit from proximity to an especially bountiful amount of trailheads, ponds, reservoirs, and golf courses, making it a suburban nature haven for locals.
What types of properties are available?
The properties available in Gunbarrel are mostly B-class, single-family homes that are priced average for the Boulder area. Many of the homes are 3 bed, 2 bath, making the area ideal for families. While many residents own their homes, rental rates remain steady in the area, making Gunbarrel an ideal place for investors looking to buy.
What other benefits are there?
The schools in Gunbarrel are highly rated, making it an in-demand area for the families of Boulder. It’s also a bit tucked away from the major highways nearby, giving it a more laid back feel that the residents of Colorado are known to enjoy. Basically, the overall small town vibe gives Gunbarrel a sense of charm as compared to the popularity of the Boulder city center.
Old North Boulder
Where is it located?
The most affluent neighborhood on our list is the area known as Old North Boulder. Just north of the city center, but filled with charming residential streets, residents of Old North Boulder get the best of both worlds when it comes to living in close proximity to a city center while still enjoying the feel of a quaint, quiet neighborhood.
What types of properties are available?
Given that Old North Boulder is the most expensive area on our list, the properties available here are mostly A+-class, single-family homes that are priced higher than average for the city. Given the neighborhood's historic roots, there is an abundance of renovated historic homes, as well as new builds in the area. So investors looking to renovate can find high returns nearby, as well as high demand for renters given Old North’s location.
What other benefits are there?
The greatest benefit to living and investing in Old North Boulder is the security in investment given the demand for the area. There will always be high quality applicants looking to rent here, given its proximity to both the University as well as the city center. There are also high returns to be found for investors looking to eventually resell. Given the area’s prestige, there is no shortage of the shops, dining, parks, and diverse culture that Boulder is known for. Residents of Old North Boulder have the luxury of proximity to everything while living in a uniquely charming neighborhood.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Invest in Boulder
The Boulder area is unique in nature and the neighborhoods are no different. There are many areas to know and love when it comes to Boulder, each one with its own culture, proximity to the outdoors, as well as distance from the city center. While properties in Boulder might come at a premium, the loyal residents of the area know that it is well worth the cost of living there. To get the best feel for where you’d like to invest, it always helps to talk to an expert who has boots-on-the-ground knowledge and knows each neighborhood like the back of their hand. Our Boulder team is always happy to help and answer any questions you might have. If you’d like to learn more about the Boulder market as a whole, including population insight, renal market trends, and more, download our Boulder Market Deep Dive.
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