Moving to Boulder Colorado from the Bay Area

If you’ve been considering relocating from the Bay Area to somewhere that still offers great food, strong job markets, a thriving outdoor lifestyle, and more affordable homes—you might want to take a serious look at Boulder and the surrounding areas in Colorado.

I recently spoke with Bernadette Melton, a top Compass agent based in Erie, Colorado, just 15 minutes east of Boulder. She’s lived in the area for over 20 years and works with a lot of folks relocating from California. What she shared was eye-opening—especially if you’ve been dreaming of mountain views, clean air, and a community where people still wave hello.

Why People Are Flocking from the Bay Area to Boulder, Colorado

Bay Area transplants are landing all over the Boulder region for different reasons—some follow their kids and grandkids, others are chasing new jobs in aerospace, healthcare, or quantum computing. Whatever the reason, many find that Boulder—and its surrounding communities like Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, Broomfield, and Brighton—offer a refreshing lifestyle shift that still checks a lot of the “Bay Area” boxes.

Bernadette mentioned that Boulder itself is a huge draw, and for good reason. It’s a lively town with great shopping, endless restaurants, and a uniquely progressive vibe that often feels like California—just at a higher elevation. That said, home prices in Boulder proper reflect the demand, so many buyers look to the neighboring towns for more space and more house for the money.

So What’s It Like to Live There?

Here’s the TL;DR: the Boulder region offers incredible access to the outdoors, beautiful views, newer homes (with basements!), tons of community events, breweries, festivals, and relatively easy commutes compared to the Bay Area.

Erie, for example, is one of the fastest-growing towns in the country, but it still has a small-town vibe with a historic downtown, breweries, and community festivals. Lafayette’s Peach Festival is just one of many annual events that give these towns their charm.

Commuting? From Erie to central Denver is about 45 minutes to an hour during rush hour—less if you can avoid peak times. The Denver International Airport (DIA) is only about 30 minutes away and has direct flights to pretty much anywhere, which is a huge perk for frequent travelers.

And if you’re an outdoor lover, you’re in heaven. Hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, paddleboarding, lake life in the summer and snow-covered slopes in the winter—it’s all accessible. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are weekend playgrounds. Even places like Nederland host quirky events like “Frozen Dead Guy Days.” No, I’m not making that up.

What About Jobs?

If you’re moving for work, you’ll find no shortage of opportunity. Major employers in the region include:

BAE Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace) in Boulder and Broomfield
Medtronic (medical devices) in Lafayette
UC Health and other hospital systems throughout the region
Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin with offices in both Boulder and the Denver Tech Center
A growing ecosystem around quantum computing and clean energy

Remote workers also love the area for its lifestyle and central time zone.

Let’s Talk Homes and Prices

Now to the part you’re probably most curious about: how much house can you get?

Condos/Townhomes: In Erie or Thornton, you can find condos starting in the $300s and townhomes in the $400s.
Single-family homes: Expect to pay at least $500,000 and up for a detached home. In places like Brighton or Longmont, you might find large, newer homes around $700K.
High-end properties: Executive homes with acreage, views, and 6-car garages in Erie or Niwot can run from $1.5 to $3 million.
Boulder proper: You’ll pay a premium for walkability and access to Pearl Street. A small, older home close to downtown might cost $1.5 million or more. A stylishly updated 3-bed, 2-bath in central Boulder? Expect to shell out $2 million+.

Want something truly luxurious? Niwot is a hidden gem between Boulder and Longmont. Think 28-acre estates with Flatiron views and space for horses starting around $4 million.

What’s Different from California?

Water and Mineral Rights: Yes, they matter. Colorado has strict rules on water access and mineral rights that can be separated from property ownership. You’ll want a knowledgeable agent to help navigate that.
Snow, Basements, and Ski Storage: Unlike many California homes, most Colorado homes come with basements—and for good reason. Between winter gear, skis, bikes, tents, and dogs, you’ll be glad for the extra space.
Restaurant Scene: No shortage of options! From Indian to Italian, vegan to steakhouse, the culinary scene has grown tremendously. Just don’t expect coastal seafood. Bernadette joked that her husband saves his seafood cravings for vacations.

Is Boulder Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of fresh air, more house for your money, strong job opportunities, and a lifestyle that values open space, biking trails, and small-town charm—you may want to give the Boulder region a closer look.

Whether you’re looking for a lock-and-leave townhome, a luxury estate with mountain views, or a walkable home near the buzz of Pearl Street, there’s something here for everyone. Especially for Bay Area homeowners ready for a change.

If you’re thinking of making a move from the Bay to Boulder, reach out anytime. I can connect you with a local expert likeBernadette to help you explore your options and see if Colorado living is the right fit for you.