Boulder Apartments and Rentals

An atypical college town through and through, Boulder is much more than just a haven for students and hippies, as the residents of this mountain town have a colorful history, numerous outdoor activities and was named as one of the best vacation destinations in 2012 by Frommer's. Home to some of the most well-read citizens in the country, according to Amazon.com, the metropolis is known for its diverse and outdoorsy population as well as its bookworms.

People looking for Boulder apartments for rent will likely enjoy much of what the city has to offer, and the mixture of a vibrant college atmosphere, numerous eateries and myriad outdoor destinations will give future residents quite a choice on what to do. Named to the best bike cities list in the U.S. by Bicycling magazine and the top 10 areas for well-being by Gallup, one will be confident they chose the right place to live.

The area that is currently designated as the city was initially discovered in the 19th century, as several explorers were commissioned to investigate the wilderness in the former Nebraska Territory. The first settlement in the area was established at Red Rocks by gold seekers, and from this the upstart town grew to a population of 324 by 1860.

After several years of positioning settlements and adjusting the map of the western U.S., the federal government established the Territory of Colorado, with Boulder being named the county seat in 1867. Just four years later, the city was incorporated and the development of several business districts and commercial centers helped to support its growth.

The modern city began to take shape during this period, especially after the opening of the University of Colorado in 1877. People flocked to the area for educational purposes or to attend several of the retreats established in the expanding metropolis, and individuals looking for Boulder rentals may set up their homes in these areas for the same reasons more than a hundred years later.

The city is home to the 110th largest GDP among major metropolitan areas, according to a Greyhill Advisors report, but its per capita rank ranks it at 22, highlighting the success of its relatively few residents. The largest employers in the region are the University of Colorado, IBM, the city's school district and Sun Microsystems, all of which have more than 3,000 workers.

The University of Colorado is really what dominates the area, and many of the residents are either students or employed by the institution. CU offers 3,400 courses in 150 fields, has won numerous NCAA championships and has a unique culture that is known across the country. Its 24,757 undergrads keep football games raucous, dominate a portion of the local bar scene and support many of the small, family-run shops in the town.

The high number of students makes finding Boulder apartments a challenge during some parts of the year, but the quick turnover rate allows for many of these places to be available at a later date.

Although finding Boulder rentals is competitive in areas like "The Hill," there are variety options for apartment rentals throughout Boulder. New rental developments tend to be in the northern section of Boulder, while older, more traditional housing can be found in the downtown area.

The median gross rent in Boulder is $1,082 a month, according to the 2010 Census, but these prices tend to be based on where someone is looking to live within the city.

Flagstaff Mountain overlooks the spacious downtown area, and many students and outdoorsy folk tend to head to Chautauqua Park to go hiking or to take in the sights. The area's residents also enjoy some of the finest skiing in the country, as many facilities are located within driving distance and Eldora Mountain is within 30 minutes of Boulder.

The student body adds a young and enthusiastic spirit to a city that already has a vibrant culture and numerous fun activities for families and young couples. Being active is the norm in the region, and people looking for Boulder rentals will be pleased with the offerings that are available to them in places with quick access to the outdoors.

To find a Boulder apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.