Dakota Ridge is a fairly new area, located north of Wonderland Hills and alongside the Boulder foothills. The streets are wide and the houses have a modern feeling. With the energy-saving enhancements and eco-conscious building, Dakota Ridge gives homeowners the best of green living.
History: Before it was a desirable place to live, Dakota Ridge was an area on the edge of town that was almost consumed by a wildfire in November of 1990. Then again, in 2009, fires the foothills north of Dakota Ridge got very close to the homes built there. Aside from the brushes with destruction, as one of Boulder’s youngest neighborhoods, there isn’t much to report in the way of history. Only years of people traversing the trails on foot and animals hunting for prey.
Housing: Dakota Ridge is made up of single family homes, townhomes and apartment units. The neighborhood is still under development as there are a few dozen homesites left to be built and a 3-acre park that is under construction. When finished, the park will provide sheltered picnic tables, a children’s play structure and fields for throwing balls with the dog. Homes in Dakota Ridge start at the mid-$600’s and go up to several million dollars. There is affordable housing allocated in the area.
Restaurants & Shopping: There is an interesting mix of industrial and retail space located on both sides of Broadway in North Boulder. Businesses run the gamut from tattoo parlors and glass-blowers to the upscale Amante shopping center. Not only is Amante the meeting place for spandex-clad cyclists, the baristas here also make a mean cup of coffee. Other North Boulder favorites include the restaurant 4580, as well as a top quality bike shop, Boulder Cycle Sport. With a popular bus line servicing Broadway, Pearl Street is never more than a fifteen-minute ride away.
Family & Fitness: Outdoor play is the big draw of living in this neighborhood. With many hiking and biking trails within minutes of your doorstep, Dakota Ridge offers unparalleled access to all the beauty and adventure that Boulder’s Open Spaces have to offer. Additionally, there are trails up Lee Hill Road and a Gateway Fun Park open a few miles down US 36. Between the miniature golf, the batting cages and the food truck roundup, there is something fun for everyone.
Schools: Foothill Elementary, Centennial Middle, Boulder High
Quirks: Be sure to keep your eyes open if you live in this neighborhood. Hang gliders fly overhead and land in Foothills park. And, as with every up and coming part of town, Dakota Ridge does indeed have it’s own Neighborhood Association and Facebook page. You’ll never miss out on the action here.
Major Street Boundaries: Lee Hill Road on the south, Broadway on the west and bordered by sprawling foothills on the north and east.
Dakota Ridge is one of the most coveted neighborhoods in town, especially if you have a large family and price is not a factor. There are many easy transportation options when living here and a variety of trailheads to choose from. Living in Dakota Ridge makes you almost forget that downtown Boulder is right down the road.
