Back to Boulder, now married with kids! (renting, schools)

[localgirlpdxbldr]

My husband, 2 girls and dog are moving back! My husband accepted a great job offer and will be there in only a short few months! I'm expecting a time of much surprise, adjustment, and reflection ahead.

I grew up in downtown Boulder, but haven't really spent much significant time there since 1997, except for holiday visits here and there! I have all these candy coated memories of my sunny childhood but now wonder what I'll be faced with.

I remember the mall crawl in the '80s, hanging out at Penny Lane, roaming downtown and Crossroads mall as a teenager. I never really appreciated the landscape or the seasons.

Now, I'm so excited to see the bright blue skies (coming from gloom, clouds, and rain), the flatirons, trails, and outdoor opportunities.

But what will it be like, fitting in as a married-with-two-kids 30 something? What's that culture like? How do you meet people? Are people relatively uptight or laid back about child rearing?

[Idlewile]

Boulder is filled with families just like yours and there is much to do as far as activities for families and kiddos.

Meeting people is the same as anywhere else; it's honestly as easy or hard as you want to make it. There are plenty of groups on MeetUp to join if you'd like to fast track making friends and you will meet plenty of families just through your kids' schools. The local Moxie Moms is a cool group with a tight knit Boulder focus.

As far as uptight or laid back when it comes to child rearing, that's dependent on who you hang out with; I would not characterize Boulder one way or another. Parents tend to be very involved with their kids' school and activities.

Good luck to you and your family.

[OhioToCO]

Originally Posted by Idlewile

Parents tend to be very involved with their kids' school and activities.

I second that! From what I've seen parenting has some "competitive edge" in Boulder, if you will. Yes, parents are very involved, lots and lots of clubs and activities for the kids, and parents are always trying to insure their child is in all the "best" sports and activities and will help them every step of the way. Sometimes to the point of being too "helicopterish" in my opinion, if you know what I mean. But overall it's great - I think lots of different parenting lifestyles can draw the best out of Boulder parenting scene.

[Marc Wishner]

Boulder is a GREAT place for raising kids. There are many families here your age and many activities for kids and parents. Your fond memories should persist and you will build new ones quickly !

[Sobe Itsavized]

Lol, the 80's. Just saying that makes me grin almost laughing.