Home Care In Boulder, CO

When I was younger, living in a big city like Los Angeles or New York seemed like the epitome of hipness and culture to me.

I wanted to be in the middle of the action, to be able to stroll down my block for a cocktail and thumping music or hit up the newest Ethiopian restaurant on a whim.

Once I finally moved to Los Angeles, I loved it. As an outdoorsy person, I even felt spoiled by its mild winters, solid hiking trails I could drive to, and year-round sunny weather.

But after 20 years of living there, my dreams of making it big as a film producer were waning just as my career as an outdoor journalist was soaring.

Leaving a big city in search of cheaper rents and improved outdoor access was on my radar. I craved change, and knew I should leave if I ever wanted to own a place.

The increased frequency of summer heat waves and even worse traffic during my years in the city might have been the final nails in the coffin.

I knew my ideal new city would have to be pretty lively, with sunny weather, more access to the outdoors, and desirable real estate I could more reasonably afford.

After many weeks of careful online research, I settled on the small Colorado city of Boulder with a population of just over 100,000. I still haven't looked back.

Right off the bat, I doubled my living space

One of the first things on my Boulder to-do list was to find a well-priced condo and snatch it off the market before I got left behind.

To be honest, the real-estate market in Boulder isn't wildly affordable. In fact, based on data from Zillow, the average home in Boulder is about as much (or a little more) than the average home in Los Angeles.

However, I feel really happy with what my money has gotten me here.

For $450,000, I ended up in a gorgeously updated two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit from the 1970s with mature landscaping, great neighbors, and an absolutely stunning mountain view.

In Los Angeles, something similar in one of my preferred neighborhoods would've easily cost far more.

Finally, at the ripe age of 37, I have my own office, which doubles as a guest room. Plus, later on, I had plenty of space for my partner and a lab mix to move in.

Easy access to the outdoors helped me make friends and improve my mental health

Boulder is famously said to have over 300 days of sunshine each year.

I can't say for sure if that's true, but I do get tons of it, which helps make the Colorado city an outdoor lover's paradise. Within a 15-minute drive, I have access to world-class hiking in the Flatirons, a farmers market, and miles of well-planned bike paths.

Because of this, it's been so easy to find friends who also love the outdoors.

Within one month of moving to Colorado, friends from across the country had added me to group texts and email chains with their Boulder connections, setting me up with a bevy of new hiking pals.

I met a fellow outdoorsy author with a cute mutt, a former mountaineer, and loads of people to go skiing with in the winter months.

Being able to join a handful of new women's hiking groups helped me build my social groups, too.

Beyond building my circle, all that access to the outdoors has vastly improved my mental health. I feel freer, more relaxed, and less anxious living in the center of a small city.

I even joined the local folk music scene

When I moved to Colorado, I had no idea that the folk and bluegrass music scenes were so legendary in Boulder County.

In just about every season of the year, there's some kind of outdoor music festival happening in city parks, at local craft breweries, or at the storied Planet Bluegrass. Here, you're just as likely to stumble across a badass banjo player busking on the Pearl Street Mall as you are at a major music venue.

In order to keep my hands busy and foster a sense of community during the cold, dark winter months, I picked up a guitar and started a folk band with my boyfriend.

It's something I never would have dreamed of doing when I lived in LA, but I'm proud to say that Trouble's Braids has been steadily gigging all across the Front Range for over a year.

I have to drive a little further for big events, but living here is well worth it

Moving to Boulder was the absolute right decision for me.

There are some things I miss about living in a big city. For example, I have more limited late-night options since many local restaurants close by 8:30 p.m. I also don't have as much access to big events, and I have to drive for an hour to go to a concert at Red Rocks or see a musical in Denver.

However, the nearness of the natural world is an invaluable addition to my lifestyle. It's helped me build new relationships with like-minded outdoorsy people, and I have built many connections that I treasure.

I don't know where I'd be if I had stayed in Los Angeles, but I'm really glad I'm here instead.

A black bear sow attacked a Boulder, Colorado, man while he was walking his dogs late Saturday evening. According to a press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the man was walking two dogs on-leash along High Street in Boulder around 11pm on September 6th. In response, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers warn Boulder to take extra precautions related to bear safety.

Black Bear Attack in Boulder

The Boulder man was walking his dogs along High Street when, according to a statement made to CPW officers, a black bear sow with a cub nearby started to charge at him and his dogs. The man tried to run away but tripped over the dogs’ leashes, and the sow then scratched the man across his back. He faced only superficial injuries.

Upon arrival to the scene, CPW officers found an overturned trash can and evidence of bear activity. Several hours of searching for the sow and cub wound up unsuccessful. Multiple sows and their cubs have been in the Boulder area in recent weeks, with the city’s proximity to the mountains and natural food supply making it a top location for the wild animals.

“Colorado Parks and Wildlife should always be the first call when bears are spotted in town. The resident experiencing bear conflicts should contact CPW directly as we are able to provide education, advice and track wildlife movement in order to make more-informed management decisions. While bears are trying to bulk up for winter, it’s especially important to stay vigilant about trash so they are not rewarded with non-natural food.” – Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch.

During the late summer and fall, black bears enter a phase called hyperphagia. Throughout this time, they will eat up to 20,000 calories per day in order to sustain themselves through the winter. In fast food terms, that’s around 20 chicken sandwiches, 10 large orders of french fries, 10 soft drinks, and 10 milkshakes.

CPW marks the most sightings and conflict reports throughout the state during this time, as the animals become more active and visible in human spaces. The number one attractant to bears in trash. Residents and visitors must secure trash in bear-resistant cans and lock away all garbage and food until the morning of pick-up.

Residents and visitors should also keep garages, cars, and windows locked, and take bird feeders down to reduce the likelihood of bears eating trash. Once a bear has found its way into human food or garbage, they’re much more likely to return to the area again and again in search of further food.

Boulder’s proximity to dozens of stellar hiking trails makes it an incredible place to live or visit if you love to hike. Nestled at the base of its iconic flat irons, it’s one of the best spots to get into nature.

There are so many great trails close to town, the dilemma is knowing which ones to spend time exploring. This list of trails near Boulder includes a variety of hikes for all levels and desires.

Betasso Preserve trails

Home to seven short but rewarding trails, the Betasso Preserve is a day-use area that offers easy, moderate, and difficult hiking. The preserve sits just west of Boulder, immersed in bucolic foothills that are dotted with evergreen trees and rock formations. In addition to hiking, leashed dogs and horseback riding are permitted here. If you’re dying to get out on the trail in a hurry, this spot is just 15 minutes away.

Boulder Canyon Trail

Because this trail connects to the Boulder Creek Path in town and explores the gorgeous canyon of its namesake, it can get crowded, even on weekdays. But if you don’t mind company, it’s an easy and enjoyable two-mile hike that will take you into the mountains just west of town.

Enchanted Mesa Trail

Clocking in at almost three miles, this loop is an easy hike that starts just south of Chautauqua Park. Moderately used, the Enchanted Mesa Trail offers some of the best views of the Flatirons in the area. The trail is open year-round, but if you visit during the winter, wear the appropriate footwear to avoid slipping on the ice.

One of the most popular and beloved hikes near Boulder, the Lions’ Lair Trail treks through lush, steep inclines of mountainous evergreen forests. It’s generally thought of as one of the prettiest hikes in the area.

With an 810-foot elevation gain, the Lion’s Lair is a four-mile out-and-back trail that gets tough towards the end. It provides stellar views of the surrounding mountains and the sprawling Front Range Urban Corridor.

Chautauqua Trail Overlook

Another hike that delivers sublime views of the Flatirons, the Chautauqua Trail Overlook is a moderately challenging and popular trail that starts just outside of Chautauqua Park. Under the right conditions, this short hike delivers surreal above-the-cloud views and picturesque wildflower scenes.

But be warned: between this trail’s proximity to town and its beauty, it’s an extremely popular trail. However, if you show up on a weekday morning, you’ll probably have most of it to yourself.

A quick 15-minute drive south of Boulder, a hike on the Flatirons Vista trail will take you through bucolic grasslands and meadows. Wildlife is bountiful on this trail, and you might see deer, bobcats, and even bears while you hike.

This three-mile loop is said to be a rewarding hike, but make sure your car is locked and that your belongings are out of sight. Numerous reviews of this trail mention car theft occurring in the trailhead parking lot.

Located just southwest of town off of Flagstaff Road, this trailhead provides access to numerous hikes that range from easy to challenging levels of difficulty. Compared to the immense popularity of the nearby trails surrounding Chautauqua Park, local hikers love this network of trails because it’s easy to access and far less crowded.

None of the trails here are particularly long, but the steep elevation gains of the Flagstaff are said to be challenging, making it ideal for experienced hikers looking for something to keep them occupied without taking up much of their time.

Featuring three easy trails set at the length of around three miles each, the Coalton Trailhead is located just north of the Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge. Compared to the popularity of the trails west of Boulder, these hikes are considerably less crowded. You’ll pass through vast grasslands that offer excellent views of the flat irons and surrounding mountains on these trails.

Located on the western edge of Boulder in picturesque foothills, the Centennial Park Trailhead delivers access to a network of short trails. Ranging from half a mile to a mile and a half long, these trails offer stellar views of red rock formations, the sprawling city of Boulder, and the surrounding mountains.

These hikes are relatively easy, but you won’t have to look for them if you need more of a challenge. Across the street from the trailhead, you’ll find the Mount Sanitas Trailhead, a difficult three-mile loop trail.

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

A popular hike in the mountains just west of town, the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is just over a mile long and is considered to be moderately challenging. It’s a great option for getting a quick 45-minute hike in without going far from town. Reaching the top of this out-and-back trail offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Boulder.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Boulder’s scenic backdrop isn’t anything to sneeze at, but people travel further north to Rocky Mountain National Park from around the world to experience its astounding natural beauty. About an hour’s drive north of town, this national treasure is loaded with 355 miles of hiking trails.

From pleasant nature walks to trails that feature grueling alpine inclines, there’s more than enough diversity here to please every hiker in your group. And though it’s relatively close to Boulder, there are great places to camp or rent a cabin for the night after your day of exploring one of America’s most pristine and celebrated natural offerings.

Those are among the best places for hiking around Boulder County, Colorado.

I grew up just north of Boulder, Colorado, so I may be biased, but in my opinion it is one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the country. Boulder has much to offer, from its exciting college football team, the Colorado Buffaloes, to its gorgeous trails and mountains. But the city also stands out for its high-speed internet and wide variety of broadband providers.

Boulder residents can expect median download speeds of approximately 328 megabits per second, according to Ookla Speedtest data -- just a tick above the Colorado statewide median of 316Mbps and the national median of 291Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Not too shabby.

If you live in Boulder (or are planning to move there), you have a few options, but the two most widely available internet service providers are Xfinity and CenturyLink. Our pick for the best overall internet service provider in Boulder is Xfinitybecause of its extensive coverage across the city and wide selection of plans. Other options include CenturyLink, which is widely available but limited to slower DSL plans, along with fiber from Quantum Fiber and 5G home internet from T-Mobile -- and to a lesser extent, Verizon.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Other available internet providers in Boulder

Though we think Xfinity, Quantum Fiber and T-Mobile are the best providers in the area, Boulder has other ISP options to consider.

The average starting price for internet in Boulder is just under $42 per month -- less expensive than the national average but just a few dollars more per month than its bigger sibling to the south, Denver, which comes in at $39.

Cheap internet options in Boulder

The cheapest internet plan in Boulder is Rise Broadband's 25Mbps or 50Mbps plan for $35 per month. There are plenty of caveats, however. That promotional price lasts for only one year and these speeds are pretty low if you plan to have heavy internet usage.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, which starts at $40 monthly, drops to $35 per month when you bundle an eligible cellphone plan, such as Go5G Plus and Magenta Max.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Boulder broadband speeds

Per the FCC, all Boulder households have access to broadband internet speeds of 250Mbps down and 25Mbps upload and 94% have access to 1,000Mbps down and 100Mbps upload.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Boulder

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

This guide leverages an in-house artificial intelligence tool called RAMP, which is trained on our own writing and uses our database to generate content about specific internet service providers that our writers can use in determining and presenting our picks for a given guide. Check CNET’s AI policy for more information about how our teams use (and don’t use) AI tools.

Because our database isn't exhaustive, we go to the FCC’s website to check the primary data for ourselves and make sure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. Plans and prices also vary by location, so we input local addresses on provider websites to find the specific options available to residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of our prepublication fact-check.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

What’s the bottom line on internet providers in Boulder?

Xfinity covers nearly every address in the city and features the widest array of plan choices of any provider in the area. That’s why it gets our nod for the best ISP in the city. However, Boulder households have other viable options, including fiber plans from Quantum Fiber and a fixed wireless connection from T-Mobile Home Internet.

Internet providers in Boulder FAQs