The Boulder housing market has been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years. Will prices continue to rise, or will we see a further decline? Let us explore the latest trends and forecasts for the Boulder housing market, providing valuable insights for both buyers and sellers.
Boulder Housing Market Report
How is the housing market doing? Boulder County, CO is a beautiful and thriving area located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With its stunning scenery, top-rated schools, and booming economy, it's no wonder why so many people are looking to buy or sell homes in this area.
According to Realtor.com®. Boulder County, CO remains a balanced market as of October 2023, indicating equilibrium in the supply and demand for homes. This equilibrium is a key factor for buyers and sellers to consider, as it influences negotiation strategies and overall market dynamics. The balance between buyers and sellers provides a stable foundation for real estate transactions.
Median Listing Home Price Soars to $869K
As of October 2023, the median listing home price in Boulder County, CO stands at a robust $869K, showcasing a noteworthy 11.6% year-over-year increase. This surge in prices indicates a thriving real estate market, making it essential for both buyers and sellers to stay informed about the ongoing trends.
Price per Square Foot Hits $396
The median listing home price per square foot in Boulder County, CO is $396. This metric offers a granular perspective, allowing potential buyers to assess the value they can expect for each square foot of living space. It's crucial for making informed decisions in a market characterized by such dynamic pricing.
Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 99.2%
In October 2023, homes in Boulder County, CO exhibited a remarkable 99.2% sale-to-list price ratio. This figure underscores the competitiveness of the market, with properties selling for approximately the asking price on average. Both buyers and sellers should be prepared for a balanced yet competitive environment.
Median Days on Market: 49 Days
On average, homes in Boulder County, CO are spending 49 days on the market before being sold. This metric reflects the pace of the market, with a slight increase compared to the previous month. Understanding the median days on market is crucial for sellers gauging the timing of their listings and for buyers assessing the urgency of their decisions.
Examining the trend in median days on the market over the past year, we observe a gradual increase. The current 49-day average is slightly higher than both last month and last year, signaling a nuanced shift in the market dynamics.
Boulder Housing Market Forecast 2023-2024
As prospective buyers and sellers in the Boulder, Colorado housing market, it's natural to wonder about the future trajectory of home values and market conditions. While no forecast can predict with absolute certainty, analyzing the available data can provide valuable insights into what may lie ahead.
The Boulder housing market, as forecasted by Zillow, provides crucial insights into the real estate landscape. According to the latest data as of October 31, 2023, the average home value in Boulder is $974,247, reflecting a 3.0% decrease over the past year. Homes in Boulder typically go pending in around 28 days, indicating a dynamic and competitive market.
Key Metrics as of October 31, 2023:
- For Sale Inventory: 574 homes
- New Listings: 139 listings
- Median Sale to List Ratio (as of September 30, 2023): 0.987
- Median Sale Price (as of September 30, 2023): $910,333
- Median List Price (as of October 31, 2023): $1,235,667
- Percent of Sales Over List Price (as of September 30, 2023): 20.3%
- Percent of Sales Under List Price (as of September 30, 2023): 59.4%
Looking ahead, the Zillow forecast for the Boulder Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in 2023 and 2024 indicates a trajectory of change. The RegionName “Boulder, CO” under the msa category in Colorado, based on data from October 31, 2023, suggests a decline of 0.7% by January 31, 2024, and a further decrease of 2.1% by October 31, 2024.
Boulder, CO MSA encompasses various counties within Colorado, serving as a significant economic and demographic region. The acronym MSA refers to Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a geographical region with a substantial population nucleus and close economic ties throughout the area. In the case of Boulder, CO MSA, it includes counties contributing to the overall housing market dynamics and economic activity.

Boulder Real Estate Investment Overview
Boulder, Colorado, is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and thriving economy. With a population of around 100,000, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The city's real estate market has been consistently strong over the years, with home prices increasing at a steady pace. In this overview, we will explore the Boulder real estate market and examine whether it is a good place for real estate investment.
The Boulder real estate market has a lot to offer investors. One of the primary advantages of investing in Boulder is the city's strong and diverse economy. Boulder is home to several major industries, including aerospace, biotech, and technology. The city's economy has been growing at a steady pace, which has led to a high demand for housing. This demand is expected to continue, given the city's high quality of life, natural beauty, and proximity to Denver.
Another advantage of investing in Boulder real estate is the city's excellent infrastructure. The city has an extensive network of highways, which makes it easy to travel within the region. Additionally, Boulder has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and light rail. This infrastructure is essential for real estate investors, as it makes it easier for tenants to access their properties and increases the overall value of the real estate in the area.
Boulder is also known for its exceptional schools and universities. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in the city and is known for its world-class research programs. This has led to a large population of students and faculty in the area, which has increased the demand for rental properties. Additionally, the city's excellent public schools have attracted families with children to the area, which has led to an increased demand for single-family homes.
Investors should also be aware of the challenges of investing in Boulder real estate. One of the primary challenges is the high cost of living in the city. The cost of living in Boulder is 29% higher than the national average, which can make it difficult for investors to find affordable properties. Additionally, the city's stringent zoning laws and building codes can make it challenging to build new properties, which can limit the supply of available housing.
Despite these challenges, the Boulder real estate market remains a strong and attractive investment opportunity. The city's strong economy, excellent infrastructure, and high quality of life make it a desirable place to live, work, and invest. Investors who are willing to navigate the challenges of the market can find excellent opportunities to grow their real estate portfolios in Boulder.
Hence, the Boulder real estate market is an attractive investment opportunity for those looking for stable, long-term growth. While the high cost of living and stringent zoning laws can make it challenging to find affordable properties, the city's strong economy, excellent infrastructure, and high quality of life make it a desirable place to live and work. For investors willing to put in the time and effort, the Boulder real estate market offers excellent potential for growth and returns.
It’s only wise to think about how you can and should be investing your money. In any property investment, cash flow is gold. A good cash flow means the investment is, needless to say, profitable. A bad cash flow, on the other hand, means you won’t have money on hand to repay your debt. Buying or selling real estate, for a majority of investors, is one of the most important decisions they will make.
Choosing a real estate professional/counselor continues to be a vital part of this process. They are well-informed about critical factors that affect your specific market areas, such as changes in market conditions, market forecasts, consumer attitudes, best locations, timing, and interest rates.
NORADA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS strives to set the standard for our industry and inspire others by raising the bar on providing exceptional real estate investment opportunities in the U.S. growth markets. We can help you succeed by minimizing risk and maximizing profitability.
References
- https://www.zillow.com/boulder-co/home-values
- https://www.redfin.com/city/2025/CO/Boulder/housing-market
- https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/co/boulder/real-estate
- https://www.zumper.com/rent-research/boulder-co
- https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Boulder_CO/overview
- https://www.coloradorealtors.com/market-trends/regional-and-statewide-statistics/