If you've got family there are many cities within about a 30 minute commute of Boulder that are much more affordable (larger house/more land for same price). This would include towns such as Longmont, Firestone, and Erie. Some towns in the area border on being rural, but have become less so over the last fifteen years.

I grew up in Longmont and worked in Boulder for a couple years after college. Great area to live and work. I've since moved to Seattle, but I enjoy every trip home to see friends and family in the area.