My wife and I are looking for a retirement/2nd home that we can purchase now and use for the future. We want to get out of the summer heat of Arizona, so we are looking at Tahoe and Colorado.

I read the reviews on here, but could not get a sense of whether or not Boulder was right for active middle -agers.

We are looking to spend about $400,000. That gets you a 1-5 year old furnished two bedroom 2000 sq. ft. condo right on the slopes in Tahoe. What does that get you in Boulder, or surrounding areas?

Any resources or opinions would be appreciated.

I was in Boulder once for a week. As I recall it, it's a university town, relatevely active but with no special features. It's been almost eight years, and my memories are fading away. I think you would like it if you're looking for a town that is rather calm, but not dead.
The University brings a lot of cultural events about, so it really depends on what you plan to do during your retirement.
I'm sorry but I really don't have a clue about real estate in the area.
Daniel

My son just bought a new house in Colorado Springs. He bought a 2000 sqf, 4bd, 3bath for $175,000. Granted it is not "on the slopes" like Tahoe, but reasonable drives to them and not as hard of a place to live. In fact I just spoke with him and today it was 70 degrees. Of course two weeks ago they had snow and it was 7 degrees.

Boulder is a popular place for active people of any age, including retirees. For a town of only 100,000 (which includes about 25,000 CU students) it has an amazing diversity of cultural, athletic, and other events. Due to growth restrictions (both vertical and horizontal -- the city is surrounded by green space) and the "Californication" of the city over the past 10-15 years, real estate prices have soared. $400,000 won't go real far if you are looking for a retirement mansion on the side of a mountain, but it might get you a small townhouse or condo on the east end of town (within 10-15 minutes of the mountains).

If you haven't already, why don't you visit for a long weekend and decide for yourself. Boulder has a way of latching on to people and not letting go, hence all the 40-somethings with PhDs in philosophy pouring lattes at local coffee joints because they can't stand the idea of moving somewhere else and getting a "real" job. ;-)

I'll tell you what... I have lived in Phoenix my entire life (22 years) and I started dating a girl who lives in Boulder about a year ago. Let me tell you, it is the most gorgeous town in the world. In the summer the weather is perfect. There are literally thousands of bike trails that run through the city as well as access to hiking. The view of the Rockies is unforgetable. Every summer, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival comes to CU and is a wonderful, culturally enhancing experience. Boulder offers a night life (Pearl Street) or romantic, quiet evenings (Chatauqua Park). It is the ideal place for someone who wants to retire, but still feel active and alive. The surrounding areas (Lafeyette, Superior, etc.) offer the same views of the Rockies at a price that is less expensive than Boulder. $400,000 on the outskirts of Boulder or in these surrounding areas could get you something equivalent to what you are describing in Tahoe. If you have any questions, don't hesistate to email me. Take care and good luck.

Hi there, I lived in Boulder for about 30 years now....If you are active (socially, physically, etc) Boulder is a wonderful place to live for people of any age.... People have this idea that it is a college town...well that is small part of it... there are tons of things to do, places to meet people, organizations, art, dance, theatre, science, hiking, biking, skiing, music, etc etc. I love LOVE living here. 400,000 will buy you a nice house in Boulder. You will have to look abit. I know a good realtor who has lived here awhile if you need one. I can give you tons of information about Boulder and the surrounding area if you'd like...Rebecca.

Boulder is beautiful and perfect for active people. Getting something in Boulder is pretty expensive. You could also look at Estes Park 50 minute from Boulder. There is less to do in the city itself but I truely don't think there is a more beautiful place in the world than Estes during the first snow of the season. The trees are red and yellow and orange. The elk are out bugling. You WILL have wildlife in your yard if you live in Estes. Elk, deer, other woodland creatures.