5 tips for living in Boulder
Boulder has a lot to offer, from free events and entertainment to great food and beautiful views. Whether you’re in Boulder for the first time this fall or have been in town for a while, here are some tips for making the most of your experience here.
1. Check out local events and things to do
Boulder's lively community events offer something for everyone, with gatherings throughout the season that bring students and locals together.
Head to 13th St. on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings for fresh food and other items from local vendors.
Pearl Street Stampedes are the kickoff celebration and pep rally before CU Buffs home football games.
Register to run a 5k, 10k, half marathon or full marathon on Sept. 28. or visit the course to watch and cheer on participants.
This festival on Oct. 3-5 features local food, live music and other activities all along Pearl Street.
2. Visit thrift stores
Need things for your apartment or home? Boulder is home to many thrift stores and secondhand shops, including the CU Boulder Surplus Store with items that the university no longer needs. Check your local thrift store for furniture, decor or appliances to furnish your place. Not only will you save money and find one-of-a-kind items, but shopping at thrift stores is a sustainable choice that can help the environment. For more sustainable living tips, connect with the Environmental Center.
3. Support local businesses and get involved
Get to know your neighbors and community on another level by attending local events and supporting local businesses. Check Downtown Boulder’s Bites on a Budget list for affordable and local dining options.
If you have some free time this fall, volunteering is a great way to get more involved in your community. Volunteering allows you to meet new people, support a cause that matters to you and gain experience you can include on your resume. Connect with the Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) to learn about opportunities.
4. Keep your lawn looking fresh
Believe it or not, the city of Boulder might measure the grass and weeds in your yard. Weeds and grass must be cut and maintained at less than 12 inches high. If you’re moving into a new place, check with your landlord to see who is responsible for lawn care. Your lease should also specify whether you or someone else will cut your grass.
Additionally, keep your lawn and areas of your neighborhood free of trash and sofas to avoid receiving a citation. Boulder ordinance prohibits upholstered couches on the front porch, front yard, or side yard only in the Hill neighborhood. There is an exception for couches placed outside during move-in/out or trash/recycling pickup. Most parks have both recycling bins and trash cans, and ways to clean up after pets.
5. Be considerate of others
We all play a part in the well-being of our community. Whether we realize it or not, our actions can sometimes affect those around us. For example, playing loud music at the end of a long day may help you relax, but it might also annoy your neighbors. Whether you’re in your neighborhood or other areas of Boulder, be considerate and thoughtful of those around you.
- Get to know your neighbors. Wherever you live, take time to introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. Exchange contact info so you can keep in touch if anything comes up.
- Pay attention to noise levels. You could be ticketed for unreasonable noise at any time of day.
- Follow fireworks restrictions. Fireworks pose a significant fire risk and can cause substantial noise disruption to residential areas. The city of Boulder and Boulder County prohibit possessing or discharging all fireworks, firecrackers or skyrockets.
- Register your party. Off-Campus Life and the Boulder Police Department have partnered to provide a registration program that will give you a 20-minute notification, instead of an immediate police dispatch, if your residence receives a noise complaint.
To learn more about ordinances, avoiding citations and other helpful tips about living in Boulder, connect with Off-Campus Life.
If you receive a citation or find yourself in legal trouble, Student Legal Services (SLS) can help. Visit SLS in UMC 311 or call 303-492-6813 to schedule an appointment.