Thanksgiving has passed and 2020 is drawing to a close with less than a month to go. It has been a tough year with the onset of COVID-19 shutting down our typical way of life, but we still have so much to be thankful for. It’s a perfect time to reflect on how fortunate we are to be living in Colorado’s Front Range. With the majestic Rockies as a backdrop to all our Front Range cities, this is one of the most stunning places to live on the planet.
Here’s what we can all be grateful for:
Strong employment
Retail and restaurants have suffered the most during the pandemic, yet our strong and diverse employment base is the main ingredient for a robust real estate market. Jobs attract people, and then people need a place to live. Major local employers include CU-Boulder, which has been here for over 100 years!
Stable real estate market
During my 40-year career of selling homes in the Boulder area, we have certainly experienced up and down cycles in our market. Nevertheless, our peaks have always exceeded our valleys, creating a strong growth in home values over the past four decades. In fact, for the sixth consecutive year, Boulder’s housing market is one of the nation’s top three for growth and stability, according to SmartAsset. The only downside is that it has made it difficult for first-time homebuyers to enter the market.
Low interest rates
We have enjoyed historically low interest rates for homebuyers over the past few months. Low interest rates help to fuel a real estate market. The Boulder Valley real estate market was certainly slower in the ‘80s when interest rates hit 16%, but it remained resilient with alternative forms of financing carrying us through. Rates are even lower now than they were a year ago at this time.
Water
Snow falling in the mountains to the west provides us with one of the freshest water supplies in the country. Every time we take a drink of water, we can be truly 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 Outdoor 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 remember 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 the 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 Airport
If you need to a break from home, a mere hour-long drive to top-ranked Denver International Airport will take you anywhere on the planet within 36 hours.
Reflecting
Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, sit back and reflect on what you are thankful for, including our paradise here the base of the mountains in Colorado!
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 or visit BoulderPropertyNetwork.com.