The Real Deal on Boulder from Folks Without an Axe to Grind, Please! (Craig: sublet, to rent)

[Neditate]

Mr. Lane, please take your rant somewhere else. We get it, we got it, we are over it. The OP is not interested in what you have to say and neither are the majority of us. I too have been to Flagstaff and it is a pitiful comparison. Please just stop it!

[Scott5280]

I totally agree Neditate--let's just start comparing St George to Santa Barbara..geez

[katzenfreund]

Let's please get back to the topic.... BOULDER.
The OP specifically asked for POSITIVE posts about Boulder, so I am asking those who have a negative view to save it for another thread. Any more of those types of posts on this thread and they will be deleted.
Thanks for you cooperation.

[CCCVDUR]

quote=WolfBoy914;7575428I still have to disagree about Boulder not being a good place to set up a business. My brother-in-law just moved there and started a business and it is going very well.

Thanks for your reply and I will respond in a positive manner pursuant to the request. I think we all agree more than disagree and there's just a misunderstanding. Of course, Boulder is more business friendly than Flagstaff. They've recruited high tech companies that Flagstaff has not. Although both cities have "smart growth" policies, which I personally disagree with, Boulder clearly has not taken that as far as Flagstaff, where major companies aren't relocating. The presence of high tech companies in Boulder is a big plus for any person, like myself, trying to move to a place with higher paying jobs

And Tom... You simply need to stop comparing Flag and Boulder. You can not. They are far too different. Boulder is much larger, nearly twice the size in fact and that isn't including the 30k CU students. Then you have to add in the surrounding areas and Denver just down the road.

You're absolutely correct. Another big plus - Denver is nearby whereas Phoenix is 2+ hrs from Flagstaff. Also, Phoenix and Flagstaff are both in huge recessions with firings and layoffs. Denver and Boulder not so bad.

Flag may want to be like Boulder, but it isn't.

Yes, SOME of us here in Flag DO want to be like Boulder. There's a lot of potential. If the Flagstaff voting populace would stop voting the same anti-business people into office, then Flagstaff would be like Boulder. Flagstaff keeps losing companies, like alternative energy companies, who want to come here, and then go to Albuquerque instead. Both Boulder and Albuquerque are becoming leaders in Alternative Energy Technologies.

I have been to both many times, in no way do they even come close to having the same vibe.

Haven't been to Boulder yet, but from what I here from recent visitors and people who live(d) there, they are different. I Agree w/ you. However, it sounds good, but just may be too expensive for me personally, at least right now. Economically, it is better than Flagstaff and Santa Fe, but the "smart growth" policies make it expensive for young people to buy a home - although renting might work.

[Remember]

WB:
So Boulder's population doesn't include the students? I was wondering about that.

Well, I'm glad at least some people think Boulder's business climate is good, since we plan to open a business there too. It sure seemed to be thriving a few weeks ago, but that was just from a tourist's perspective.
I wonder what it's like in terms of the cost of doing business - permits, fees, taxes, etc. I only have Portland to compare it to. In recent years it seems Portland has made it more difficult for small businesses to launch and grow. The permitting process can be exorbitant (like $9000 in permits for the last interior expansion we did [no changes to exterior]) and there's a fee based on how they believe the project will affect traffic. A pizza place I like got charged $10k to move across the street because of the estimated interference that would have on traffic.

Does anyone have a commercial realtor they know & trust?

[WolfBoy914]

I was on Pearl Street in Boulder yesterday and it was busy. Walked by Jax (home restaurant to Hosea winner of this year's Top Chef) and it was JAMMED. The city has a great vibe and everyone was very nice. If you can afford it and have the right mentality Boulder is a great place.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by Remember

WB:
So Boulder's population doesn't include the students? I was wondering about that.

ALL college town populations include students. I have posted about this time and again, so I'm just going to say, do a search.

[WolfBoy914]

Mmmmmm. Are you sure? They are not permanent population, similar to a beach resort whose population swells in the summer.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by WolfBoy914

Mmmmmm. Are you sure? They are not permanent population, similar to a beach resort whose population swells in the summer.

Yes, I'm certain. See #7:

Facts About Census 2000 Residence Rules

[WolfBoy914]

wow... I really didn't know that, thanks.