Boulder, CO, is a Rocky Mountain paradise with picturesque views of the foothills and the Flatirons. With countless outdoor activities, museums, art galleries, and the CU Boulder sports teams, it’s no wonder Boulder is also home to about 104,200 people. If you’re moving to or living in Boulder, expect the median home sale price to be around $1,070,000, and the average rent in Boulder to be about $2,987.
If those prices are out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected the 10 best affordable Boulder suburbs to consider living in. And the best part is that they’re all less than 26 miles away from the city center. That way you can live nearby without paying the price of living in Boulder.
#1: Federal Heights
Median home price: $346,000
Average sale price per square foot: $286
Distance from Boulder: 19 miles
Federal Heights, CO homes for sale
Federal Heights, CO apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $346,000, Federal Heights claims the first spot on our list of affordable Boulder suburbs. About a 19 mile drive away from downtown Boulder, Federal Heights is home to roughly 14,400 residents. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to explore Camenisch Park where there are trails, sports facilities, and fishing spots.
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#2: Sherrelwood
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Median home price: $433,500
Average sale price per square foot: $213
Distance from Boulder: 21 miles
Sherrelwood, CO homes for sale
Sherrelwood, CO apartments for rent
Taking the second spot on our list is Sherrelwood. About 21 miles southeast of downtown Boulder, you can hike the Flatirons and Boulder Creek Path in just a quick drive. Living in Sherrelwood, you’ll want to check out Sherrelwood Park and the nearby water tower on Elm. When living in this suburb of 19,200 people, you can also spend time exploring the charming downtown.
#3: Shaw Heights
Median home price: $452,500
Average sale price per square foot: $164
Distance from Boulder: 18 miles
Shaw Heights, CO homes for sale
Shaw Heights, CO apartments for rent
Just 18 miles away, you’ll find the suburb of Shaw Heights. There’s plenty of picturesque and outdoorsy activities to take part in when living in Shaw Heights. Make sure to visit one of the many local shops and attractions if you move to the third most affordable suburb.
#4: Westminster
Median home price: $485,000
Average sale price per square foot: $239
Average rent for an apartment: $2,120
Distance from Boulder: 20 miles
Westminster, CO homes for sale
Westminster, CO apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Shaw Heights is the suburb of Westminster. About 116,300 people live in this Boulder suburb, where you can explore the Butterfly Pavilion, enjoy outdoor activities at Standley Lake Regional Park, which offers boating, fishing, hiking trails, and scenic views, and visit the Westminster Promenade, an entertainment and dining district with shops and restaurants. Westminster is also a great area to consider if you’re also looking to be close to Denver.
#5: Berkley
Median home price: $510,500
Average sale price per square foot: $320
Average rent for an apartment: $2,199
Distance from Boulder: 21 miles
Berkley, CO homes for sale
Berkley, CO apartments for rent
Drive 21 miles outside of Boulder and you’ll find the suburb of Berkley, another great area to add to your list. Home to 12,600 residents, this affordable town can be a great choice for people looking to remain close to Boulder without paying the price for a home in the city. Living in Berkley, you can explore the Lowell Ponds State Wildlife Area and nearby Clear Creek Valley Park.
#6: Gunbarrel
Median home price: $525,875
Average sale price per square foot: $368
Average rent for an apartment: $2,230
Distance from Boulder: 8 miles
Gunbarrel, CO homes for sale
Gunbarrel, CO apartments for rent
A recognizable Boulder suburb is Gunbarrel, where the median home sale price is about $500K less than in Boulder. With just about 9,600 people living in Gunbarrel, it’s a great suburb to consider moving to. You’ll have easy access to what makes this suburb unique, so make sure to check out the scenic hiking trails like White Rocks Trailhead and Sawhill Ponds, explore the Twin Lakes Open Space, and stop by one of the many local cafes.
#7: Thornton
Median home price: $542,475
Average sale price per square foot: $225
Average rent for an apartment: $2,456
Distance from Boulder: 26 miles
Thornton, CO homes for sale
Thornton, CO apartments for rent
Next on our list of affordable Boulder suburbs is Thornton, which is only a 26 mile drive into the city center. With a population of roughly 141,900, living in Thornton is a great alternative to Boulder. If you’re going to call this suburb home, plan time to visit the Trail Winds Recreation Center, which offers a variety of recreational facilities, including a pool, fitness center, and sports courts, check out the Thornton Arts & Culture Center, and play golf at one of the courses.
#8: Frederick
Median home price: $558,976
Average sale price per square foot: $228
Average rent for an apartment: $2,674
Distance from Boulder: 22 miles
Frederick, CO homes for sale
Frederick, CO apartments for rent
If you’ve lived in Boulder for a while, it’s likely you know of Frederick. This affordable suburb is home to roughly 14,500 residents, so you’ll have a fraction of Boulder’s population while remaining only 22 miles from the city. Be sure to check out the charming downtown Frederick, and explore Centennial Park that hosts a hot air balloon festival.
#9: Dacono
Median home price: $569,500
Average sale price per square foot: $181
Distance from Boulder: 21 miles
Dacono, CO homes for sale
Dacono, CO apartments for rent
Without traffic, you’ll be in downtown Boulder in about 30 minutes, making Dacono a great place to buy a house in. Close to 6,300 people live in this suburb, but there’s always something new to explore in Dacono like watching a NASCAR race at Colorado National Speedway.
#10: Longmont
Median home price: $570,394
Average sale price per square foot: $259
Average rent for an apartment: $1,994
Distance from Boulder: 16 miles
Longmont, CO homes for sale
Longmont, CO apartments for rent
Taking the last spot on our list of affordable Boulder suburbs you’ll want to consider moving to is Longmont. Without traffic, you’ll find yourself in Boulder in roughly 16 miles. This suburb has a population of 98,900 and you can explore St. Vrain State Park, known for its lakes, fishing opportunities, birdwatching, and scenic natural surroundings. Make sure to wander through Downtown Longmont, featuring historic architecture, local shops, restaurants, and cultural events, and check out the Sunflower Farm. There’s always something to check out while living in this awesome suburb.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Boulder and under a 26-mile drive from downtown Boulder. Median home sale price data and average rent price from the Redfin Data Center during December 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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