The quality of life in Boulder is amazing but I don't think it is sustainable unless you are wealthy. I have lived here off and on since the 90s. In the past couple of years it has changed dramatically. The rent is expensive, the picturesque views from within the city will be changing due to new construction (I have lost 25% of the views on my deck to construction in one year) and city council's current goal is revenue, not quality of life. BBC did a segment on Boulder's affordable housing market. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-29240704 I'd recommend Denver before Boulder.