Moving to Boulder, Colorado: Your 2026 Relocation Guide
Thanks for signing up! This guide covers what newcomers ask us most about moving to Boulder: setting up utilities, Colorado's license and registration deadlines, schools, neighborhoods, getting around and what to watch for. If anything here raises a question, call or text Matthew Starr at 720-432-8695.
Download the PDF with the move checklist, neighborhood guide and tips to print and keep.
Download the Boulder Relocation Guide (PDF)Boulder at a Glance
Boulder sits at the base of the Flatirons, about 25 miles northwest of Denver. It is home to CU Boulder, the Pearl Street Mall and one of the largest city open space systems in the country.
Your First 90 Days: The Boulder Move Checklist
| When | Task | Where to do it |
|---|---|---|
| Before move-in | Start city water and sewer | City of Boulder Utility Billing, 303-441-3260 |
| Before move-in | Start electric and gas | Xcel Energy, 1-800-895-1999 |
| Before move-in | Order internet | Comcast, CenturyLink or Allo Fiber (rolling out) |
| First week | Set up trash, recycling and compost | Choose a licensed hauler from the City's list, or check with your HOA |
| Within 30 days | Transfer your driver license | A Colorado state DMV office (county offices do not issue licenses) |
| Within 90 days | Title and register your vehicles | Boulder County Motor Vehicle: offices in Boulder (1750 33rd St.), Longmont (529 Coffman St.) and Lafayette (1755 S. Public Rd.). Appointments required; open Monday to Thursday, closed Fridays. |
| Before registering | Emissions test first if your vehicle is more than 7 model years old (this county is in the program area) | An Air Care Colorado station |
| Any time | Enroll your kids in school | Boulder Valley School District |
| Any time | Register to vote at your new address | GoVoteColorado.gov |
Providers can change at the edge of town or between subdivisions. We'll confirm them for any address you're considering.
Where to Live in Boulder
As of October 21, 2026, many single-family homes on our site were listed between about $900,000 and $2 million, at roughly $612 per square foot.
| If you want... | Look at |
|---|---|
| An entry price | Condos from the $300,000s |
| Historic homes near downtown | Mapleton Hill, Whittier and Newlands |
| Family neighborhoods | North Boulder, Table Mesa and Martin Acres |
| Foothills and estates | Pine Brook Hills and Boulder Heights. See Boulder County luxury homes. |
| Near Boulder but quieter | Gunbarrel and Twin Lakes |
Prices change daily and are not a guarantee of value. See current listings on our Boulder homes for sale page.
Schools
Boulder Valley School District. Register with the district for your neighborhood school, or apply through open enrollment for a school or program of choice.
A few areas in northeast Boulder are in St. Vrain Valley Schools instead.
School assignments depend on the exact address. Confirm boundaries with the district before you buy.
Getting Around
- By car: US 36 to Denver, Highway 119 to Longmont, Highway 93 to Golden.
- By bus: RTD's Flatiron Flyer bus rapid transit runs between Boulder and Denver, and local HOP and SKIP routes cover town.
- By bike: an extensive network of multi-use paths and creek trails.
Healthcare
Boulder Community Health's Foothills Hospital is the city's main full-service hospital.
What It Costs to Live Here
- Property taxes: they depend on the address, school district and any metro district. Look up the actual tax bill for every home you consider.
- Sales tax: the state rate is 2.9%, and the city, county and special districts add their own, so the total varies by address.
- Insurance and radon: hail drives Colorado home insurance costs, and nearly half of Colorado homes test above the EPA radon action level. Get quotes and test during your inspection period.
Good to know: Boulder sits at the edge of the foothills, so ask about wildfire mitigation and insurance on homes near open space, and check floodplain maps near the creeks.
Read the full breakdown in The True Cost of Owning a Home in Colorado.
Things to Do Once You're Here
- Chautauqua and the Flatirons trailheads
- Open Space and Mountain Parks: about 35,600 acres open to the public
- Pearl Street Mall, the farmers market and CU events
For the honest trade-offs, read Pros and Cons of Living in Boulder.
Relocating for Work?
If your employer offers REAL Assistance, you may qualify for free relocation support and member benefits. Either way, we can help you narrow neighborhoods by video call, tour homes live or by video, and connect you with local lenders and inspectors.
Get a Free Relocation Consultation Search Boulder Homes Free Buyer's GuideFrequently Asked Questions About Moving to Boulder
Who provides utilities in Boulder?
The City provides water and sewer. Xcel Energy provides electric and gas. Trash is handled by private licensed haulers.
Can I commute from Boulder to Denver without a car?
Yes. RTD's Flatiron Flyer bus rapid transit runs along US 36 to downtown Denver.
Updated October 2026. Sources: local town and city websites, county motor vehicle offices, the Colorado DMV, school districts, RTD and the U.S. Census Bureau. Market figures from MLS listings as of October 21, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice; confirm details with the agency involved.
Header photo: the Flatirons by Mangosapiens, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
