Boulder, United States 🇺🇸
#1267
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Boulder is a vibrant city situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Renowned for its outdoor lifestyle and progressive culture, it offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 108,250 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 250 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD; major banks include Wells Fargo, Chase, and local credit unions |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality; Boulder water is sourced from mountain reservoirs. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Chase, Bank of America; online banking options like Revolut and Wise are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and co-living spaces like WeWork. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies like Boulder Rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel in Boulder and local motels such as the Boulder Twin Lakes Inn. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Boulder offers proximity to dining, shopping, and entertainment. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Flatirons and Central Boulder area provide a mix of quiet spaces and vibrant community hubs. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork Boulder provides a vibrant coworking environment, with hot desks and private offices. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Ozo Coffee is a popular spot with reliable wifi and ample seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Boulder Startup Week is a prominent networking event that attracts many entrepreneurs and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local expat groups on Meetup.com and Facebook for socializing and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are widely available in Boulder. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Boulder B Cycle offers bike rentals and is an eco-friendly way to explore the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | While Boulder is inland, Union Reservoir is a popular nearby lake for water activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines operates flights from nearby Denver International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Denver International Airport (DEN) serves as the main international gateway. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via US-36 connects Boulder to Denver and other key areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Flatiron Flyer provides bus transit to Denver and surrounding areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | RTD offers day and monthly passes for public transportation. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Boulder is accessible via bus and shuttles to nearby cities like Denver and Estes Park. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Boulder Community Health is the primary healthcare facility offering comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Prana Yoga is a popular yoga studio with various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 24 Hour Fitness and the Boulder Rec Center both offer extensive fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Boulder's Best Laundromat offers wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Grubhub and DoorDash are widely used for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try a Boulder-style green chili at a local diner. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant offers delicious vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Piece, Love & Chocolate is a local favorite for decadent desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Boulder Farmers Market offers fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses often sell through their own websites, but Amazon is also available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart partners with local stores for grocery delivery in Boulder. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Pearl Street is the main nightlife district with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Boulder Beer Company is one of the oldest craft breweries in Boulder. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Merchant offers a curated selection of wines to taste. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Find food trucks along Pearl Street during weekends. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Dushanbe Tea House provides a mix of international and local flavors. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Flatirons are iconic rock formations that dominate the landscape. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art showcases local and regional artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark is a notable cultural site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Boulder Temple offers a glimpse into the city's diverse spiritual landscape. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Boulder Creek Festival celebrates the community with food, art, and music every spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Vibrant districts like Pearl Street Mall feature shops, restaurants, and street performers. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Boulder Theater hosts a variety of live performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Boulder Farmers Market runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays and features local vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Fox Theatre is a local music venue known for hosting popular acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Boulder has many murals and installations around town, especially in the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cooking Studio offers cooking classes focusing on local ingredients. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret features art and performances in an eclectic setting. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Boulder County Courthouse is an example of historic architecture in the area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Boulder's Native American heritage is preserved in local museums and cultural events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks provides ample hiking and biking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away, offering stunning vistas. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Boulder Creek Path is a scenic trail perfect for walking, biking, and running. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Chautauqua Park offers breathtaking views of the Flatirons and surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Flatirons Vista makes for excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Barker Reservoir allow for evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | USPS, UPS, and FedEx have multiple locations throughout Boulder. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFixit and the Boulder Computer Repair offer tech support locally. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Boulder Indoor Cycling has community spaces for activities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Boulder Public Library offers language learning classes regularly. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Boulder Public Library has quiet study areas and free wifi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The North Boulder Recreation Center hosts community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Boulder has several gaming cafes, such as The Gaming Lounge, catering to PC and console gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Boulder; the nearest are located in Black Hawk, about 30 minutes away. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $450,000 per studio (e.g., 500 sq ft = $900 per sq ft) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350,000 per studio (e.g., 500 sq ft = $700 per sq ft) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $550,000 per 1-bedroom (e.g., 700 sq ft = $785 per sq ft) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400,000 per 1-bedroom (e.g., 700 sq ft = $571 per sq ft) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750,000 per 2-bedroom (e.g., 1,000 sq ft = $750 per sq ft) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600,000 per 2-bedroom (e.g., 1,000 sq ft = $600 per sq ft) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 21%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The USA uses a federal tax system based on worldwide income with state and local taxes. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 37% depending on income levels. |
| 🧾 VAT | There is no VAT; sales tax is typically around 8%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules governing US taxation on foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax rates vary by county; Boulder County tax rate is around 0.5% annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | There is no statewide property transfer tax, but local and county fees may apply. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Non-resident aliens enjoy different tax considerations; check local regulations. |