From time to time, my posts will reflect information on specific local communities with the pros and cons associated with living in them. This post gives information on Boulder City, one of my favorties.
Boulder City is an interesting option for anyone considering relocating to the Las Vegas area, or for that matter a possible option for any local who wants a little different lifestyle. Unlike most of the rest of the communities in Clark County, Boulder City has not focused on growth over the last couple of decades. In fact, just the oppisite, they have very much restricted growth. The population is just under 15,000.
The commute to the Las Vegas valley is around 25 miles. There is no gambling in Boulder City. There are however a couple of casinos just outside the city limits. Speaking of the city limits, Boulder City is huge at just over 200 sq. miles with most of that size in incorporated areas to the south and west of the business and residential areas. This area to the south and west is really, in many ways, a wasteland excepting for this, it is prime development land for solar plants and solar energy. A couple of plants are up and running with plans for expansion and with more plants on the way. This will be a great source of tax revenue for the community, a community that has struggled through some economic hard times the last few years.
Real Estate prices in Bounder City have taken a big hit, similar to the hit taken in Las Vegas. The median price of a home was around $330,000 in 2006 and has reduced to around $140,000 now. One possible negative with respect to homes in Boulder City is that there has been, with a few exceptions, no significant development, as mentioned above, since the mid 1980’s. Most of the available homes, with the exception of a couple of condo communities and a few custom homes, are older, by Las Vegas standards.
Why would you want to consider Boulder City as your home?
It has a small town atmosphere with a slower pace of living. It is fairly close to Las Vegas and all the attractions of that city. There is also an intangible to consider, in my opinion. Boulder City is not a “cocoon” for the rich nor is it a “ghetto” of poor folks. You have a fairly broad spectrum of social classes in Boulder City that, due to the size of the community, are forced to interact with each other. They do so very successfully. Boulder City has a very low crime rate. According to the City-Data index, the average crime rate nationally is 319.1 with Boulder City at a very low 67.6.
Lets not forget the sheep!
A week ago, when returning from Arizona, I turned off the main highway to look around a bit. What I found is reflected in the photos I took below. Big Horn Sheep are a common place sighting in Boulder City. In fact, there are many traffic signs warning drivers to “watch for sheep”. I find these sheep to be almost a city treasure. They are so used to people they are almost like pets.
So, Boulder City is a somewhat sleepy little town, close to the big city and with Big Horn Sheep walking around like they own the place!
