Neighborhood Guide
Boulder, Colorado
A vibrant, walkable neighborhood with Victorian charm and college-town energy. Located between the CU Boulder campus and the foothills, University Hills offers an eclectic lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Boulder.
Last updated: September 2026
Overview
University Hill, locally known as "The Hill," is one of Boulder's oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods. Developed in 1890 as a residential area for University of Colorado faculty and staff, the neighborhood is characterized by its Victorian and Tudor-inspired architecture, including early 1900s bungalows and multistory homes. Its hilly streets and big trees create a picturesque setting between the CU Boulder campus and the Rocky Mountain foothills.
The 13th Street corridor serves as the neighborhood's commercial hub, known simply as "The Hill." This bustling stretch features college-centric establishments like The Sink Restaurant and Bar (a Boulder institution since 1923), Illegal Pete's, The Corner, and a variety of cafes, shops, and music venues. The Hill is also home to CU Boulder's fraternities and sororities, adding to the lively, youthful energy.
University Hills maintains a progressive, eclectic character with a free-spirited vibe. The neighborhood blends student-oriented housing with established residential homes, attracting a diverse mix of students, faculty, professionals, and long-time residents. Cultural attractions like the Fiske Planetarium, the CU Art Museum, and the Natural History Museum are all within walking distance.
AJ's Take
"University Hills is where Boulder's college-town spirit comes alive. As a CU graduate myself, I have a special appreciation for this neighborhood. It offers walkability to campus and downtown, historic homes with character, and a energy you will not find anywhere else in Boulder. It is a great option for CU affiliates, investors, and anyone who wants to be at the center of Boulder's cultural life."
AJ Chamberlin, Professional Broker, Colorado Legacy
Lifestyle
Walk to CU campus, Pearl Street Mall, and The Hill's restaurants and shops. Most daily needs are within a few blocks.
The neighborhood borders the CU Boulder campus. Ideal for faculty, staff, and graduate students.
The Sink, Illegal Pete's, The Corner, Half Fast Subs, and multiple coffee shops and music venues on 13th Street.
5 min to downtown, 2 min to CU, 25 min to Denver, 45 min to DIA.
Housing
Market snapshot (September 2026): University Hill's median sale price ran about $1.575 million over the trailing 12 months (Homes.com, down about 5% year over year), with a more volatile three-month median near $1.3 million (Redfin). The neighborhood is changing quickly: the Limelight Hotel Boulder opened on Broadway in 2025, Half Fast Subs reopened on 13th Street in September 2025 after a fire shut it down, and CU Boulder opened Code Talker Hall, a roughly 330-bed all-electric residence hall in the University Hill area, in August 2026. The Hill remains a strong choice for CU-affiliated buyers and investors who want walk-to-campus living with serious rental demand.
Median Sale Price (12-mo)
~$1.58M
Homes.com, down ~5% year over year
Recent 3-Month Median
~$1.3M
Redfin, thin sales volume
Housing Mix
Mixed
SFH, rentals, fraternities, condos
Education
Grades K-5 | BVSD
Grades 6-8 | BVSD
Grades 9-12 | BVSD | GreatSchools: 9/10
Adjacent to the neighborhood. A top-ranked public research university with 35,000+ students.
At a Glance
Whether you are a CU faculty member, an investor, or someone who loves the energy of The Hill, I can help you find the perfect home in this unique neighborhood.
Or email aj@attitudehomes.com