Nicest areas outside/near Boulder? (Denver, Colorado Springs: 2009, homes, neighborhoods)

[julianap]

We love Boulder, but are curious about surrounding areas. What towns/communities are nearby Boulder and yet still have a smiliar feel to Boulder? We're looking for an upper class neighborhood-- large homes, large lots, top schools, close to ameneties, etc.

[Jerry Bckr]

Try Niwot.

[POhdNcrzy]

Not too many large lots around Boulder-Denver. Too surbanized and crowded for that. If you want large lots look at Larimer or Weld counties or the area between south Denver and Colorado Springs.

I'm not sure what your interests are, but Boulder is a very unique place. I don't think any of the towns nearby are anything like Boulder. Of course, it's not like the towns surrounding Boulder are totally different and foreign places either...

[eon-krate32]

Originally Posted by POhdNcrzy

Not too many large lots around Boulder-Denver. Too surbanized and crowded for that. If you want large lots look at Larimer or Weld counties or the area between south Denver and Colorado Springs.

I'm not sure what your interests are, but Boulder is a very unique place. I don't think any of the towns nearby are anything like Boulder. Of course, it's not like the towns surrounding Boulder are totally different and foreign places either...

Well it seems as though you aren't too familiar with the area. There is in fact a city that not only rivals Boulder in population, but surpasses it in land size. This city is Longmont. Try checking it out sometime. Other cities that might fall into the same category would include Westminster, Thornton, Lakewood, Aurora (Colorado's third largest city with over 350k residents), and Loveland.

[eon-krate32]

It seems to me that East-Northeast Longmont would be perfect for you. With all the new development doing on there (with mansions that price at $500k and up).

Longmont, while a far more residential city than Boulder, has just about everything Boulder has except the University (although it is home to Front Range Community College). Also HS's in Longmont are considered among the best in the state in many categories (from sports to academia).

[Micktooth]

We love Louisville Best Places to Live 2009 - Top 100: City details: Louisville, CO - from MONEY Magazine

[raysmom]

I'm probably prejudiced, but I live just outside of Golden, and raised my son here, and we love it. The area just southeast of Golden has a couple of great neighborhoods, good schools, highways are close and easy access, but the residential areas are isolated from them. Downtown Golden is fun and friendly, and there are unique shopping opportunities and lots of good medical care- yet it still has that small town feel! Beautiful views everywhere. A very good community college with classes for high-schoolers and adults as well, lots of restaurants. Boulder right up the road, Denver a stone's throw straight down the highway. A stone's throw from I-70 into the mountains, world-class golf course- but not overcrowded. Yup, no place is perfect, but Golden is right for me and my family!

[Phlosphr]

Lyons is nice and it has some really beautiful properties...not too close to amenities though 20 mins or so...

[mmhl]

I think Boulder has a feel unduplicated by any city in the country. Longmont is suburbia... Boulder is purely Boulder!

[qfrost]

Hey RaysMom! We're going to be checking out Golden next week, as well as the surrounding towns of Boulder. And for the same reasons you listed - anything closer to skiing but not too far from Boulder/Denver is good in my book.