highRground

In Boulder County, mountain living is attainable, and accessible, and reasonable. Why? Because the city of Boulder is nestled right up against the renowned Flatirons and Indian Peaks. With the mountains right there already, all it takes is a ten to twenty minute drive–westward and upward–to reach some of the most serene, scenic communities you’ll find not only on the Front Range, but in Colorado.

Where are the mountain homes?

Boulder Heights - At the up-and-coming north edge of Boulder is Lee Hill Road, which connects Boulder Heights to the NoBo community and beyond. These homes near BLM land feature sweeping views of Boulder and spectacular natural rock and pine views. Although it’s no more than ten minutes from town, the wildlife lets you know you’re living in their world.

Pinebrook Hills - A lovely community up Linden Avenue consisting of single family homes ranging from the typical stick-built two-story, to exercises in grandeur that resemble small hotels. What you’ll find in Pinebrook is a new reservoir in the making, and a tight-knit association between residents, despite the area that these winding roads cover.

Jamestown - A close-knit community of families and professionals who mostly work from home or in Boulder. Here you’ll be able to hear the babbling of Lefthand Creek, and hear great live bluegrass bands and other artists jamming at the Mercantile. Jamestown is up Lefthand Canyon, between US highway 36 and the historical, scenic Peak to Peak Highway.

Nederland - With its own elementary, middle, and high school, Nederland is one of the larger towns in the area; its grocery store, restaurants, gas stations, and small mall make it a central stop for those living in outlying towns where the amenities are few. Few mountain towns in Colorado to receive regular public transportation to it via the RTD system, which makes “Ned” a place of great convenience to commuters who work in Boulder, or even Denver, especially during the winter, when the drive up and down Boulder Canyon becomes a trickier excursion. The RTD bus service serves not only Nederland, but the town of Eldora as well, with direct service to Eldora ski resort. Now that’s a nicety that won’t cost you your skis.

Crestview Estates - This deceivingly large community is tucked into the hills between Boulder and Lefthand Canyon, just west of US highway 36, for no-brainer access to Boulder (to the south) and Lyons (to the north). While you’ll notice the larger single-family homes here, there is also some vacant land on which to build in this reasonably-priced community.

Sugarloaf - Renowned for its one-time resident David Crosby, Sugarloaf goes up, up, up, and west, west, west, as an the ultimate scenic alternate passage to the Peak to Peak Highway. Here, the homes range from grand and opulent to modest and off-the-grid. Those in Nederland, Gold Hill, and Ward can take Sugarloaf to and from Boulder, which is paved about halfway, and dirt road the rest of the way.

Magnolia - Sugarloaf’s twin sister to the south of Boulder Canyon, Magnolia homes are just as likely to offer the same spectacular, sweeping views, with lots of flat meadow at the top, where the road connects to the Lazy Z community, Gross Reservior, and eventually the Peak to Peak Highway.

Table Mesa/Devil’s Thumb - South Boulder’s answer to the country community takes the shape of the Devil’s Thumb subdivision. Although it’s not nearly as high or as “out there” as the other mountain communities, it’s on the edge of open space for prime privacy and quietude. Devil’s Thumb marks the edge of the Table Mesa neighborhood, which is gaining popularity with Boulder newcomers and natives alike.

Coal Creek Canyon - Technically not in Boulder County, these home between Boulder and Golden are nestled in an intimate and markedly quiet little canyon near the mountain towns of Nederland, Rollinsville, Black Hawk, and Central City. Beginning at highway 72 and ending at highway 119 (the Peak to Peak Highway), the neighborhoods in Coal Creek include Pinecliffe, Wondervu, Miramonte, Copperdale, and Castle Village.

Other little mountain respites close to Boulder include Sunshine Canyon, Four Mile Canyon, Eldorado Springs, and the Walker Ranch Area.