Pretty, Good City Planning, Ego-Centric - 8/16/2008

Boulder is mono-chromatic. I always say, for a liberal town, it's pretty conservative. I am from the east coast and once enjoyed a forward sent to me that was a link to a website "stuff white people like" and I found it pretty funny- so I relayed a couple of the blogs to a few friends here that SERIOUSLY didn't get it. They said in a confused, clueless, dry tone, "I guess I just never knew black people or was friends with non-white people". Wow. Wow. There is a general forced be-at-one-with-yourself-even-if-you-are-fuming-underneath tone. Yoga is competitive! Christ, I climb, bike, run, bla bla bla and because of this extracurricular resume people suggested that I would fall in love with Boulder. 6 years later and I am afraid I just see people who do these things as a programmed necessity, not enjoyment. They are pretty self indulged and scheduled. Friendships form if you have the same yoga class- that right there is the friendship, not if you have the same sense of humor, or ideas...you mostly meet activity partners. It's very very expensive, on the flip side I feel like you do see where you tax dollars go- like a good bus system, bike lanes, and open space- but the employment doesn't seem to help you out much. Most people here aren't from here, and I'm pretty sure they brought their money IN and it didn't come from landing that high paying job here. It's so GREAT when CU is not in session. That school has no qualifications other than being over the age of 10 (maybe). Students behave like it's a mere extension of high school having no direction or passion or clue as who they are or what they want to do, so alas, "Mom, dad, I think I'm going to go to CU". They are loud, careless, and destructive and annoying. The town exhales when summer break and Christmas rolls around.

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Boulder: still good, but probably not what it used - 5/14/2008

I have been in Boulder (or nearby county) for almost 10 years and I must agree with those who see it as a highly educated, liberal, progressive, clean, healthy city (the list goes on...). BUT, it is way expensive relative to the available jobs (especially if you want anything other than a condo) and the students can be annoying. Many of them seem to treat it as their own little party palace with little regard for those who call it home (I guess this applies to any college town). My wife and I (jokingly) say under our breath every spring (to the lingering students): "We can't wait until you're gone!" It's not really that bad, but the summer is MUCH better in their absence. Of course, much of the economy depends on the university, so go figure. The people are generally nice, if a little self-centered and detached. And there is a kind of attitude of elitism that grates a little. I am tremendously liberal and live as green and sustainable a life as possible, but everyone around here is so damn proud of their way of doing things that you can begin to loathe Prius drivers as intensely as Hummer drivers. Lots to do if you like the outdoors and many shops and ways to spend even more money. I am an artist and let me say that if you like contemporary art, you're out of luck unless BMOCA or CU has a decent show up. They deserve credit for making an effort, but most people here want landscapes and painted ponies and that's what they get. Luckily, Boulder is essentially a suburb of Denver (yes, I said it) which has the beginnings of a solid art scene (even if it still has a long way to go). I am originally from the midwest and have lived in St. Louis, Dallas, Denver and Kansas City and even though it seems odd; a place like Kansas City or Chicago can seem like a breath of fresh air. I've never spent any serious time on the East coast (known for its grime and rude citizens), so take that into consideration regarding my comments.

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Weather - 5/10/2008

From late Spring through the beginning of Winter, the weather is very pleasant.

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Recreation - 4/24/2008

Great city for biking, hiking, walking, etc. and rarely more that 2 weeks without golf.

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Boulder - diverse, charming and costly - 4/21/2008

Boulder is one of the most misunderstood cities in the country. There are many who seem to have an opinion of it even if they've never seen it or lived here. Hippie, granola, yuppie, communist, socialist - these are just some of the more common characterizations I've heard. It's a fabulous place if you are financially fortunate to live in any of the historic districts. If you are less well-off you can still get reasonable housing farther out - like maybe 10 minutes away. ...Great university, functional public transportation system, inspiring mountains, great restaurants, homeless vagrants, great parks and recreational centers, absurd housing inflation, politically active and intelligent residents, constantly threatened with commercial encroachment, historically preserved - this is the real Boulder. A city that is forever wrestling with the forces that make it vibrant but also threaten to destroy it.

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Boulder - diverse, charming and costly - 4/21/2008

Boulder is one of the most misunderstood cities in the country. There are many who seem to have an opinion of it even if they've never seen it or lived here. Hippie, granola, yuppie, communist, socialist - these are just some of the more common characterizations I've heard. It's a fabulous place if you are financially fortunate to live in any of the historic districts. If you are less well-off you can still get reasonable housing farther out - like maybe 10 minutes away. ...Great university, functional public transportation system, inspiring mountains, great restaurants, homeless vagrants, great parks and recreational centers, absurd housing inflation, politically active and intelligent residents, constantly threatened with commercial encroachment, historically preserved - this is the real Boulder. A city that is forever wrestling with the forces that make it vibrant but also threaten to destroy it.

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Boulder - Pros/Cons - 4/6/2008

Pros: 1. Very low crime rate 2. Excellent school system 3. Beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains 4. Home to University of Colorado 5. A good place to live and raise a family Cons: 1. Extremely high cost of living and housing 2. Unaffordable place to live 3. Bad traffic compared to other cities its size 4. UC is a big party school

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Public Transport - 3/13/2008

The bus and light rail system in the Boulder/Denver area is exceptional, service is efficent,economical, and easy to use.

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Boulder - 3/12/2008

Boulder has many obvious pluses but also a number of negatives. Pros: 1. Boulder is one of the prettiest cities in the U.S 2.very informed and educated community 3. excellent school system 4. very low crime rate 5. great outdoor options in your backyard. 6. # of good rests and shops Cons: 1. A number of people embrace the Gordon Gecco from the film Wall Street mentality that greed is good. 2. Many of the people are all about themselves in Boulder and also want you to share their values and beliefs. 3. Many people in Boulder simply aren't as tolerant as they would like you to believe they are 4. awful traffic 5. zero diversity, Boulder is for the most part lily white 5. the town has many old hippies many whom have given up what they believe in long ago 6. if you don't make good money don't consider moving to Boulder it is VERY expensive. 7. CU also attracts a HIGH # of kids from Malibu, Bev Hills and other higher rent places, these kids often bring with them a sense of entitlement. Boulder like any towns has its pluses and negatives. Is it an awful town? NO. Is it as great as advertised? NO. While Boulder is beautiful many of the people are the biggest negative about Boulder.

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Boulder's a Great Place! - 12/6/2007

It seems that one's take on Boulder is relative. Granted, I don't live in Boulder (I've only visited for graduate school), however having grown up in a big city (New York), and spending my post college years in Los Angeles, Boulder seems small, quiet, and super friendly. I was blown away by how nice the people were. Everyone seems to be friendly for the sake of being friendly. While there are some cars on the road, it's nothing compared to the sort of traffic I've encountered in NY and LA! Lots of people have negative feelings towards Boulder, but it seems to be a case of more conservative people hating on a town that attracts a lot of like-minded people. This doesn't make it 'bad' or 'elitist' or 'pretentious.' It just makes it a bit different than the rest of Colorado. I doubt that anybody would claim that the mountain towns are 'elitist' or 'pretentious' just because they're more liberal than the rest of Colorado. True, there are mostly white people there, but that seems to be true of most places save NYC, or other places where people rely heavily on public transportation. Even in LA, where there is a good deal of diversity, you mostly see people of your own background and economic level. That's not boulder, that's america!

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Considering a move to Boulder - 9/8/2007

Moving from Boston. Don't mind the cold but looking for a more affordable city with more sunshine. Any suggestions for a suburb of Boulder?

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Boulder - 8/13/2007

Boulder pros/ cons Pros 1. Very pretty city 2. excellent schools 3. good shops and rests. 4. very low crime rate Cons 1. the way many of the people act is repulsive" very of a much me, me, me mentality 2. ungodly expensive compared to what many people actually make who live in Boulder 3. poor air quality 4. zero diversity 5. traffic is a constant headache 6. many of the Boulderites act like they are better and superior to everyone else. 7. CU has a reputation for being of the top party schools, so unless you enjoy listening to parties choose wisely where you live 8. if you are a liberal person, this is a good fit, however, if you are conservative you will not fit in. Boulder is one of the most liberal minded cities in the US along with...Berkeley, Ann Arbor, Madison and Cambridge.9. Many people move to Boulder with the expectation that this is the Boulder of 1960's and 1970's it is not, although, it is still a very liberal minded city.

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Beautiful City with a wonderful Cultural Life - 8/10/2007

This city is something else.....you have to see it to believe it.....BEAUTIFUL setting.....mild climate and a culture like no other!

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boulder - 8/9/2007

boulder's "progressive sprawl restrictions" ... are actually significant contributors to sprawl and homogenization (of skin color, of world views). in my opinion, this is iconic of boulder in so many ways. the climate is nice and the scenery is beautiful, too.

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Boulder is a great city!!!! - 8/8/2007

Can be pricey due to the restrictions on sprawl (which I think is great).....who needs another Florida. Small areas around Boulder can be better priced and offer a good amount of green space as well.....Louisville, Longmont, Lafayette, Westminster........all within minutes to any outdoor adventures

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The climate is wonderful here - 8/8/2007

Even in the winter if you don't like the weather just wait a day......we get 60+ degrees in the winter a lot. The scenery and culture here is magnificent......its clean and rich in green space......not to mention at the base of the Front Range!!!

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Would have been great 15-20 years ago - 7/12/2007

Spoke with residents who have been here for a while and many agree that the city's gone downhill over the years.. Very congested, poorly designed (4 lane "mini highway" cuts right through the university, elitist mentality (when compared with the more blue collar Colorado Springs for example) Personally, it's just too close to Denver for my liking but the city does sit right at the entranceway to the Rocky Mountains, so if you're a ski freak, there's definitely an upside to living here.

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Boulder is not what you may be thinking - 6/21/2007

Boulder today is comprised of a lot of people that have more money than courtesy. It's not the Boulder of yesterday. It's all grown up and certainly not the pleasant environment that many people have come to think of when they think of Boulder. My impression of Boulder after having lived here for three years is.. a tie died wearing person in a new BMW will just about run you over trying to get a parking place at Whole Foods, all the while talking on their cellphone, paying absolutely no attention to anyone but themselves. For me one of the best ways I can tell about a place is the way people drive. In Boulder the drivers are the worst I have ever experienced, and I have lived in two of the top five cities noted for bad drivers. Rudeness and simply a lack of caring for other people are found everywhere. And it's certainly not just the 30,000 college students either. You may also be surprised with the large number of conservatives in this area, known for its liberal bent. In summary, good luck, however if you have a few million stashed away you might be okay, but even then, the cost of housing will take most of your money.

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Sunshine - 6/15/2007

Boulder is an open minded town in the mountains of Colorado. There are 52 fourteen thousand foot peaks in Colorado, it's a stunning state. Boulder is a very affluent college town. There are many athlete's and alternative health practitioners as well as food choices.

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boulder essence - 6/1/2007

"Until Boulder, I'd spent my entire life in big cities, including two of the most beautiful in the western world, Paris and Stockholm. After 23 years in the suburbs of Washington, DC, I decided to make a change. Unfettered by children (grown now) and an office job (I work at home), I took the chance and rented an apartment in Boulder...to test the waters (although there's not much around here). After 6 months, I knew I wanted to stay. All the other postings are right in one way or another (expensive and little or no diversity, to name a few) but no place is perfect. We each have to discover what it is in a place that speaks to us: for me, it is the incredible weather, the friendly people (it's not fake - I've decided that people are friendly here because they're happy), the great musical venues, the concern for the environment, the open space, and waking up every morning to views of the Flatirons, the Foothills, and the Rockies. Is it DC, Paris, Stockholm? No, but what it offers are intangibles that feed my soul in a different way at this particular stage in my life." perfect. THIS is the quintessential boulder-ite! "unfettered". "worldly" in a stockholm/paris/"sunny-day-soul" kind of way...that might not have it any other way, likely with some money to rest on or for a rainy day (that may never come)! love it!

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