Thanksgiving week has passed – a perfect time to reflect on how blessed we are here in Boulder by the thriving economy, strong real estate market, and everything that Boulder has to offer. Uniquely located at the foot of the majestic Flatirons, we enjoy one of the most stunning backdrops of any city in the country.
Uniquely located at the foot of the majestic Flatirons, we enjoy one of the most stunning backdrops of any city in the country. (Photo: Braden Collum, Unsplash).
Here’s what we are grateful for:
Strong employment
Since May of 2014 the unemployment rate has ranged between two and four percent. A strong employment base is the main ingredient for a strong real estate market. Jobs attract people, and then people need a place to live. In addition, a key employer, the University of Colorado, has been around for over 100 years.
Stable real estate market
Over my 40-year career selling homes in Boulder Valley, we have certainly experienced cycles in the market. Yet our peaks have always exceeded our valleys, creating robust growth in home values over those four decades. The only downside to our market is that it makes it challenging for first-time buyers to find homes to buy here.
Low interest rates
We have enjoyed historically low interest rates for home buyers. Low interest rates help fuel the real estate market. The Boulder real estate market was certainly slower in the ’80s when interest rates hit 16 percent, but it remained resilient as alternative forms of financing carried us through.
Water
Snow falling in the mountains to the west of Boulder provides us with one of the freshest water supplies in the country. Every time I take a drink of water in Boulder, I’m profoundly thankful!
Open space
Our city’s green spaces and mountain parks were preserved by visionary city leaders of the past. More recently, Boulder residents voted to tax themselves to purchase open space for the benefit of all and preserve our splendid natural surroundings.
Access to recreation
It has been said the only thing Boulder is missing is an ocean. While that’s true, we can delight in skiing 20 miles to the west, water skiing at Boulder Reservoir, mountain biking and road biking right on our doorsteps in glorious mountain parks. The city has one of the most extensive recreational trail and bike path systems in the country. And don’t forget kayaking and tubing down Boulder Creek! We truly live in a wonderland for outdoor recreation!
Chautauqua
I think of all the concerts, meals, and the hikes that have taken place at Chautauqua. A Boulder tradition since 1898, Chautauqua offers timeless entertainment, relaxation, and breathtaking mountain and city views.
Flagstaff Mountain
There is nothing like a drive or bike ride up Flagstaff mountain to bring peace to your soul. Top it off with dinner at the Flagstaff House where you can delight in picturesque sunsets, city lights, and moon rise.
Downtown and Pearl Street Mall
Almost every out-of-town guest we have ever hosted has raved about the ambiance of our unique downtown and iconic Pearl Street Mall. With a distinctive selection of retail shops, top restaurants, art galleries, and more, it’s a treasure.
Access to Denver International Airport
If you need to a break from home, a mere hour-long drive to Denver International Airport – ranked the No. 1 top airport in the U.S. and the No. 2 best airport in North America by Skytrax – will take you anywhere on the planet within 36 hours.
Sit back and reflect on what you are thankful for, including our paradise here the base of the mountains in Colorado!
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By Duane Duggan. Duane has been a Realtor for RE/MAX of Boulder in Colorado since 1982 and has facilitated over 2,500 transactions over his career, the vast majority from repeat and referred clients. He has been awarded two of the highest honors bestowed by RE/MAX International: The Lifetime Achievement Award and the Circle of Legends Award. Living the life of a Realtor and being immersed in real estate led to the inception of his book, Realtor for Life. For questions, e-mail DuaneDuggan@boulderco.com, call 303.441.5611 or visit www.BoulderPropertyNetwork.com.