by KatieDrucker | Jun 19, 2020 | Boulder Info
Heading for the hills has figuratively been on city dwellers minds since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Many urban dwellers fleeing to locations where they summer. Or at least trying to – with Gunnison County in Colorado issuing an order that requires non-residents to leave the county and mandatory quarantines in many places for out-of-towners.
But when these contaminated aerosols settle, urbanites might find themselves reevaluating their permanent place of residence.
And literally heading for the hills to Boulder might be the perfect fit.
Boulder has a big city drive with a small town feel and room to roam.
Erase the misconceived notion that Boulder is a town made up of tree-hugging hippies, crazed triathletes and people who jumped on the legal marijuana train to the Colorado foothills.
Boulder definitely has some of that, but is much more than just that.
Google, Twitter, Ball Aerospace, Crispin Porter + Bogusky and IBM are a few of Boulder’s household name employers, not to mention the entrepreneurial side of Boulder. Techstars’ incubator is located here and Crocs, Spyder, Justin’s, Celestial Seasons are just handful of copious Boulder born companies.
When Boulderites aren’t hard at work coming up with ingenious advertising, coding algorithms, innovative outdoor apparel and tea to sip on between activities – they are enjoying the fresh air on the trails zigging and zagging through the 45,000 acres of both mountainous and agricultural Open Space, driving 30 minutes to Eldora Ski Resort, stand-up paddle boarding in the Boulder Reservoir or climbing pitches in close-by Eldorado Canyon State Park.
And when Boulderites are done working and recreating, they go home to their houses nestled amongst the ponderosa pines in the Boulder Foothills, their more urban-style homes a short walk away from shops and restaurants, their suburban homes with friendly neighbors or to their “rural” homes where the alpacas and chickens are waiting in the backyard.
Boulder really has it all.
If you are intrigued about Boulder check out our Moving To Boulder and Best Neighborhoods in Boulder Colorado articles. Also, be sure to take a look at our Good Good Map to get a lay of the land.
Good Good is a Boulder area real estate agency. We specialize in helping good people find the perfect Boulder home. We’re low pressure but high touch. If you are moving to Boulder or thinking about moving to Boulder and need some help with logistics or need a guide in the Boulder area, we may be a good fit. Give us a call if you’d like to chat. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about the Boulder area or give you a tour.
Thanks,
Katie (Good Good Founder) | 720.415.4914 | Katie@goodgoodrealty.com
by KatieDrucker | Oct 8, 2019 | Boulder Info, Buying Tips
A lot of logistics go into a move – especially a move to a new town or state. The question I get the most from out-of-town buyers trying to figure out their move to Boulder is, what time of year do the most listings hit the market?
So, here is a short summary of Boulder real estate’s seasonal trends:
“Spring is nature’s way of saying let’s party.” – Robin Williams
The most action in the Boulder market happens in spring – listings hit the market like rapid fire and buyers gobble them up. The spring craze has been starting at the end of January and picking up real momentum by the end of March. The market is full bore in April and May and begins to slow around Memorial Day.
“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” – Sam Keen
The market goes on summer vacation right around July 4th. Few listings hit the market and those that do usually sit on the market longer because buyers are off backpacking or sun-bathing or at the water park with the kids.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus
The market picks up again the first weekend of September and remains pretty active until Thanksgiving – though the market is still slower in fall than in spring.
“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation” – Paul Theroux
The market goes into hibernation November through mid-to-end of January. But if a buyer is looking for a deal it is worthwhile to step out of the den to take a look at the winter inventory.
Check out our Moving To Boulder and Best Neighborhoods in Boulder Colorado articles if you’re new to the area and/or considering Boulder as your new home.
Good Good is a Boulder area real estate agency. We specialize in helping good people find the perfect Boulder home. We’re low pressure but high touch. If you are moving to Boulder or thinking about moving to Boulder and need some help with logistics or need a guide in the Boulder area, we may be a good fit. Give us a call if you’d like to chat. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about the Boulder area or give you a tour.
Thanks,
Katie (Good Good Founder) | 720.415.4914 | Katie@goodgoodrealty.com
by KatieDrucker | Aug 27, 2019 | Boulder Info
Moving to Boulder or coming to check out the area? I know it’s hard to believe you would ever want to escape Boulder on the weekends, but trust me, sometimes you need to get out of Dodge – even when “Dodge” is as good as Boulder is. Check out some of my favorite weekend getaways:
1. Hike and Eat in Nederland:
When Boulder is too hot to get outside, Nederland – a tiny Western-ish town nestled in the Foothills 30 minutes above downtown Boulder, is a good place to go. Hike one of the many trails and then grab some delicious pizza (don’t forget to ask for a side of the spicy honey though my inner New Yorker is disappointed in me for that) and beer at Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse before heading back down to the bustling (and sometimes sizzling) city of Boulder.
2. Dance and Dine at Gold Hill Inn:
Put on some flannel, get in the mood to stomp your feet and head up the hill to Gold Hill – an old mining town with a rich history for a Friday night of food and dancing. Gold Hill Inn offers a six course meal in their dining hall and has Bluegrass/Folk bands playing in the bar area almost every Friday night Memorial Day – New Years Eve.
3. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park:
Four hundred and fifteen square miles of mountainous terrain with 300 miles of hiking trails to explore, Rocky Mountain National Park is only an hour from Boulder. If you are not in the mood to put on your hiking boots Trail Ridge Road is a great option. The road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park climbing to 12,000 feet with awesome overlooks and mountains as far as the eye can see.
Experience rustic Colorado in the lap of low-key luxury at this Ralph Lauren-esk guest ranch. Nordic ski, fat tire bike, hike, soak in one of the best hot tubs I have found in the state, get your yoga on, get a massage or curl up with a book – the options are endless. This is one of my favorite places in Colorado – and believe me – I have explored every nook and cranny of this state.
5. Lunch at Tennessee Pass Cookhouse:
If you are in Boulder during the winter months don’t miss earning your gourmet lunch by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing one mile to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. The cookhouse is a yurt with 180 degree views. Located 2 hours and 15 minutes from Boulder but worth every minute of the scenic drive. (Note: dinner is also an option but the menu is meat heavy and you don’t get the views.)
You may also want to read our Moving To Boulder and our Best Neighborhoods in Boulder Colorado articles if you’re new to the area and/or considering Boulder as your new home. And check out our Good Good Map to learn more about the lay of the land.
Good Good is a Boulder area real estate agency. We specialize in helping good people find the perfect Boulder home. We’re low pressure but high touch. If you’re looking for a real estate guide in the Boulder area, we may be a good fit. Give us a call if you’d like to chat. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about the Boulder area or give you a tour.
Thanks,
Katie (Good Good Founder) | 720.415.4914 | Katie@goodgoodrealty.com
by KatieDrucker | May 28, 2019 | Boulder Info
Whether it is a lazy brunch day or the fuel you need to rejuvenate your body after an early morning activity – Boulder breakfast will not disappoint. Here are 3 must-gos for brunch:
- Snooze Eatery: An upbeat breakfast hotspot with seasonally changing food selections, a creative cocktail menu and the most scrumptious pancakes around. Plan on putting your name on the list an hour or so before you want to eat.
- Lucille’s Creole Cafe: Not only should you plan on a wait time on the
weekends, the large portions and plate-sized buttermilk biscuit side will make you need to plan on a nap-time afterwards. The food at Lucille’s is flavorful and fresh – they have their own farm – and southern in style served in a quaint Victorian house.
- The Buff Restaurant: A Boulder institution, The Buff has a welcoming, neighborly vibe. The menu is large and more on the traditional side with a Southwestern flair and some do not miss items like the pecan caramel quesadillas.
Bon appetite!
For Locations, Menu & More Info: Snooze, Lucille’s,The Buff
Good Good is a Boulder area real estate agency. We specialize in helping good people find the perfect Boulder home. We’re low pressure but high touch. If you’re looking for a real estate guide in the Boulder area, we may be a good git. Give us a call if you’d like to chat. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about the Boulder area.
Thanks, Katie (Good Good Founder) | 720.415.4914 | Katie@goodgoodrealty.com
by KatieDrucker | May 22, 2019 | Boulder Info, Buying Tips, Selling Tips
When I was a Freshman at University of Wisconsin the Halloween celebration was the biggest gathering in the USA behind Time’s Square New Year’s Eve and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
It was terrifying.
The bars all let out at the same time and the streets were packed with drunk college kids. What was a fun weekend turned into chaos – rocks being thrown at windows and police spraying pepper spray.
The next year, instead of trying to police the situation more, the city took a different approach. They embraced the celebration – allowing bars to stay open all night long and bringing in flood lights to make the city feel like daytime all weekend.
If you can’t stop it, embrace it.
That is in part, according to a city planner, the reason the Boulder City Council decided to loosen up regulations surrounding accessory dwelling units (additional living unit that has separate kitchen, sleeping, and bathroom facilities on a single-family lot). The city wanted to encourage all those homeowners with illegal ADUs to finally comply with the ADU regulations, and therefore city inspections.
If you have an illegal ADU that you want to make legal or you want to add an ADU to your property – apply now. There are a limited amount of seats at this party.
The number of ADUs will be limited to no more than 20 percent of parcels – increased from the previous 10 percent – within 300 feet of a subject property (ADUs, cooperative housing units and non-conforming structures count in the saturation calculation.) But get ready for an arduous long process because the lights do not stay on all night over at Boulder City Planning and Development Office and they are short staffed and drowning in an increased number of ADU applications.
Here is the summary of the other big changes that went into effect on Feb. 1, 2019:
- ADUs can be a larger size (800 square feet for a detached ADU and 1,000 square feet or one half the size of the principal home (whichever is less) for an attached ADU) and not provide the required additional parking previously required to get approval for an ADU in exchange for agreeing to limit rent to 75 percent of the Area Median Income based on the number of bedrooms. Currently that is about $1,835 for a 2 bedroom including utilities.
- The minimum lot size required was lowered from 6,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet for all types of ADUs.
- The 5-year minimum age requirement for the primary home to create an ADU was done away with.
- The occupancy limit has been increased.
- Short-term rentals – like Airbnb – for newly created ADUs have been outlawed and owners that wish to create an ADU must forfeit a short-term rental license for the principal dwelling as well.
Once your ADU gets approved the permitting process or retro-permitting process begins.
So go add value to your property and head over to Boulder Planning and Development office – 1739 Broadway Boulder CO 80302 – to hurry up and wait.
For more details about the new ADU regulations visit: https://bouldercolorado.gov/housing/adu-update
Good Good is a Boulder area real estate agency. We specialize in helping good people find the perfect Boulder home. We’re low pressure but high touch. If you’re looking for a real estate guide in the Boulder area, we may be a good fit. Give us a call if you’d like to chat. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about the Boulder area or give you a tour.
Thanks, Katie (Good Good Founder) | 720.415.4914| Katie@goodgoodrealty.com
by KatieDrucker | May 15, 2019 | Boulder Info
If you are a New Yorker like me – we all know there are a lot of us here – you will feel right at home at Lolita’s – Boulder’s “bodega”.
In this city that definitely sleeps, Lolitas is the lone 24-hour mart (with the exception of 7-eleven) with a little of everything and high price tags for the convenience.
Don’t miss the little hidden deli tucked in the back of the store, in my opinion, it is Boulder’s best deli – and New Yorkers know their delis.
For Locations & More Info: https://www.facebook.com/lolitasmarket/ (Lolita’s doesn’t have a website).
Good Good is a Boulder area real estate agency. We specialize in helping good people find the perfect Boulder home. We’re low pressure but high touch. If you’re looking for someone to guide you through the real estate process in the Boulder area, we may be a good fit. Give us a call if you’d like to chat. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about the Boulder area or give you a tour.
Thanks,
Katie (Good Good Founder)
720.415.4914
Katie@goodgoodrealty.com
