Greater Boulder Area, CO.
_If you can survive the winter_
- It's college town with good departments (talks and other activities).
- Decent startup scene
- Some research orgs exist (NCAR/NREL)
- Local incubator
- Options to pursue an active life
_If you can survive the winter_
- It's college town with good departments (talks and other activities).
- Decent startup scene
- Some research orgs exist (NCAR/NREL)
- Local incubator
- Options to pursue an active life
Boulder is the most frustrating and disappointing place I’ve lived. I tried so many different things to make friends, date, build community, or simply have a good night out but just couldn’t make it work there. For a place with such a good reputation around the western US, it was such a disaster for me.
Moving to Denver felt like waking up after a long strange dream. I organized a river float trip on the first weekend (via meetup, couchsurfing, and gociety) and immediately had friends to hang out with in Denver (people who actually wanted to hang! Which I could not find in Boulder). I’d go out to shows, chat up the occasional lady and have a date the next week. I’d go out by myself and often strike up conversations with friendly strangers. The Denver Cruiser ride was a ton of fun. I can see why so many young Americans are moving there.
Boulder is really good for young attractive college students and families who have old wealth or a couple exits to be able to afford property.
The OP question is good intellectual environment...I highly recommend you don't go to Boulder.
edit: Boulder is really beautiful and amazing for biking. But I found the people really private/cliquey and a strange mix of wealthy/snobby and provincial.
On the flipside, there is nothing intellectual about Denver..... great people, love the outdoors, but having intellectual conversations not involving Broncos or Rockies doesn't happen.