City's regulations make homes attractive to those who value nature, outdoor activities

The New York Times recently lauded Boulder’s urban growth restrictions, guaranteeing local homebuyers will have views for years to come as well as easy access to hiking and biking trails and open space.

The publication says the city’s restrictions prevent housing developments from "creeping up the hillsides" and buildings higher than four stories from being built. The city has thousands of acres of open space, conservation easements and nature reserves, with approximately 25 percent of its sales and use taxes going toward protecting more open space. All of this means views and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are protected, according to the newspaper.

The New York Times quotes real estate agents who, it says, report an influx of second-home owners and retirees who value the natural environment and are willing to pay to live near it.

Re/Max of Boulder’s John McElveen was quoted as saying, "It’s not just the lifestyle here — people want the lower taxes, too. We see a lot of Californians and buyers from the Northeast."

The publication also recognized amenities such as the Pearl Street Mall and the University of Colorado, within walking distance of downtown, as well as a mild climate with about 300 sunny days a year historically.