After spending nearly 20 years soaking up the sun and lifestyle of Los Angeles, I started feeling restless. I wanted change and couldn’t ignore the rising rent prices. So, I packed my bags and rolled on over to Boulder, Colorado.
Here’s the kicker: I’ve got more room for less cash, and I’ve noticed a dramatic boost in both my social life and my well-being.
When I was younger, living in a vibrant city like LA or New York seemed like the ultimate dream. The idea of being part of the hustle and bustle, going out for cocktails or trying new restaurants right around the corner, was super appealing. Once I finally made it to LA, I was in love—the mild winters, gorgeous hiking spots, and endless sunshine felt like a fairytale.
But after two decades in the city, my ambition to become a movie producer was fading, while my passion for writing about the outdoors was only growing.
Making The Move: Bigger and Better
Finding a spacious, reasonably priced condo in Boulder was at the top of my to-do list. All honestly, Boulder’s real estate isn’t the cheapest around. Research indicators from Zillow showed that the average home price matches or even surpasses what you’d spend in LA.
Despite that, I can’t complain about what I found! With $450,000, I scored a beautifully renovated two-bedroom apartment complete with great landscaping, awesome neighbors, and a jaw-dropping mountain view. Similar digs in Los Angeles would have cost me a pretty penny.
At 37, I finally have my own office space to double as a guest room, plus there’s room for my partner and our lab mix!
Your Way To Every Adventure
Boulder is known for its high number of sunny days each year—over 300, they say. I can’t vouch for the exact count, but the sunshine feels great! This charm is further enhanced by world-class hiking just a 15-minute drive away, local farmers’ markets, and miles of scenic bike paths.
With such easy access to outdoor activities, I quickly found a community of fellow outdoor lovers. In just a month, I was looped into group chats and email threads with new friends across the U.S., leading to a whole crew of hiking buddies!
I’ve met a ton of outdoorsy folks, including a fellow writer, a one-time mountaineer, and plenty of skiing partners for winter adventures. Joining several women’s hiking groups has been fantastic for expanding my circle and enhancing my social life.
Most importantly, all this outdoor fun has worked wonders for my mental health. I feel more free, relaxed, and less stressed living in a smaller city environment.
The Surprise of the Music Scene
When I first landed in Boulder, little did I know how rich the local folk and bluegrass scenes would be. Year-round, there’s at least one music festival happening in parks or breweries, and it’s fairly common to stumble upon amazing musicians performing live at local venues.
To keep myself stirred up during the colder months, I picked up a guitar and teamed up with my boyfriend to start a folk band—something I never envisioned myself doing back in LA! Our band, Trouble’s Braids, has been gigging regularly around the Front Range for over a year now.
Finding Balance Between Career and Leisure
Don’t get me wrong, moving to Boulder was the right call for me. Sure, I miss the hustle of LA at times. The late-night scene can fall short since most restaurants shut their doors by 8:30 p.m. Local fun activities are less frequent, and I sometimes have to drive an hour for a concert at Red Rocks or catch a play in Denver.
But you can’t put a price on the closeness to nature I now enjoy. It’s created opportunities for genuine connections with like-minded people, and not to mention the mental and emotional benefits of embracing nature has enriched my life immensely.
I often wonder how I would be if I had stayed in Los Angeles, and I’m eternally grateful to have made the switch instead.
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