If you're thinking of buying Colorado real estate, Boulder is one of the best choices you could make.

Boulder has been called "the healthiest city in the world" because so many Boulder residents are perpetually engaged in outdoor sports. You can blame this on the near-perfect weather and breathtaking natural surroundings.

More than 31,000 acres of open space and nature preserves surround the city, and you'll have lots of time to enjoy them: Boulder has an average of 300 sunny days per year. There is a joke that if you buy a home in Boulder, you're required by law to own a mountain bike. While this might not be true, the climate and environment make Boulder an ideal home for anyone who likes physical activity.

The city of Boulder, Colorado is nestled up against giant slabs of sedimentary stone called the Flatirons, which have become symbols for Boulder. You'll see these monuments on t-shirts, coffee mugs, virtually all tourist merchandise, and a lot of local art.

If you choose to buy real estate in Boulder, Colorado, you'll own a piece of the spot where the nationally recognized Rocky Mountains meets the Great Plains.

Of course, natural beauty isn't the only factor that makes Boulder real estate a wise investment. A strong job market makes it likely that when you buy a home in one of the highly desirable Boulder Neighborhoods, your home will keep its value over the long term.

Colorado's economy is estimated to be growing at 2.2% per year, with a diverse range of jobs and employers. Government agencies and large corporations create thousands of jobs in education, aerospace, service, and many other industries and sectors.

As far as Boulder employment goes, IBM is the largest non-government employer in Boulder, Colorado. Other big employers include the University of Colorado, Ball Aerospace, Tyco International, and Celestial Seasonings.

When you buy a house in Boulder you'll find that getting around is easy, no matter which means of transport you choose. If you prefer to forego that scenic drive through the Rocky Mountains, Boulder has an extensive bus system operated by RTD, the Regional Transportation District. The city of Boulder also has a world-class network of bike lanes and other amenities for cyclists. Of course the many trails around Boulder make it fun to get around on horseback, mountain bike, or your own two feet.

Learning and culture are important factors in deciding where to buy a home. The quality of education can often determine the value of a Colorado house over time.

Boulder has a well-educated population. Nearly a third of all adults over 25 in Boulder hold college degrees. Education in Boulder is supported by the University of Colorado. The University not only trains and educates college students, but also offers amenities and classes to learners of virtually every age.

Each spring for the past fifty years, the University of Colorado has hosted the World Affairs Conference. Boulder also hosts a renowned Shakespeare Summer Festival.

Nestled among the foothills in Boulder Valley, the city of Boulder has a wide-open feel. Whether you enjoy skiing, hiking, horseback riding or golf, you'll find plenty of exciting reasons to buy a home in Boulder, Colorado.