With a town slogan of “Life is Better Up Here,” Nederland is 1.6 square miles – the most extensive mountain town in Boulder County. Residents enjoy rural mountain life 8,230 feet above sea level with Barker Reservoir in their front yard, world-class skiing in their backyard, and the cultural and entertainment activities of Boulder just a 17-mile drive through scenic Boulder Canyon. Approximately 1,445 people call the town of Nederland home, and an additional 5,000 inhabit surrounding mountain areas.

As the gateway to nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park, Roosevelt National Forest, and James Peak Wilderness, Nederland is the perfect place to enjoy Rocky Mountain living and all it has to offer. 

The town has long been known as a haven for hippies, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking to live off the beaten path. Yet today, the influence of a growing and economically vibrant Front Range is being felt, and Nederland is becoming a not-so-well-kept secret. New residents are taking root and building bigger homes alongside the existing, more modest homes in the surrounding area, bringing change to the hippie haven.

This is not the first time Nederland experienced a cultural shift. While the town got its start from those who came to mine tungsten ore, a barn on the road to the deserted mining town of Caribou was converted into a music studio in 1972 by producer James William Guercio. Dubbed Caribou Ranch, the studio opened a new chapter in Nederland’s history as famous musicians such as Elton John, Chicago, Michael Jackson, Frank Zappa, and Rod Stewart came to record their albums.

The music influence held steady until 1985 when a fire destroyed the studio control room, and it was never rebuilt. The Caribou Ranch acreage is now preserved as a majestic swath of open space precious with gold in autumn when the Aspen grove’s leaves change. 

Visitors flock to Nederland to enjoy outdoor activities year-round with skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort popular in the winter, and hiking and biking accessible the rest of the year. Nederland’s annual Frozen Dead Guy Days brings visitors to town to enjoy quirky coffin race and other activities.

Employment comes from the ski area and local businesses in town. The vast majority of residents work for companies outside of Nederland, either telecommuting to jobs nationwide or physically commuting to Boulder or the Denver area. Buses run daily.

Nederland’s real estate market is poised for growth. Homeowners enjoy the serene and beautiful landscape of the area and pride themselves on having a strong sense of community. The median home price in Nederland is currently around $460,000. Offering a range of home prices, Nederland is the perfect place for buyers who are looking for a Colorado mountain town with incredible scenery and access to outdoor activities.

Sources: BizWest Economic Profile & Market Facts, Current U.S. Census Bureau Data, Boulder Area Association of Realtors, IRES MLS for 2017

For more information see: https://nederlandco.org/