Welcome to Niwot
One of the best towns to call home in northern Colorado
Less than ten miles from downtown Boulder, the quiet community of Niwot is a quaint neighborhood featuring an eclectic mix of locally-owned restaurants, coffee shops, bars, boutiques, and more. Set among the front range of the Rocky Mountains, Niwot is an adventurer's paradise. The Boulder Reservoir, a popular spot for swimming, boating, swimming, picnicking, and fishing, is located nearby, in addition to Boulder’s extensive network of hiking and biking trails.
Niwot, which translates to “left hand,” was named for an Arapaho chief, whose tribe lived in Colorado before the beginning of the Colorado gold rush. Niwot was first platted in 1875 with the extension of the Colorado Central Railroad, and the resulting growth continued into the 20th century. In present times, this unpretentious community has become one of northern Colorado’s best-kept secrets, and favorite places to call home at the end of the day.
What to Love
- A scenic setting against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains has provided Niwot residents with direct access to hiking and biking trails, endless winter recreation, and a plethora of other joyful things to do in the great outdoors
- The quaint downtown is home to several unique shops, eateries, coffee shops, art galleries, gift shops, and more
- Annual community get-togethers include Oktoberfest, a summer concert series, public art shows, and more
- Niwot is conveniently located adjacent to Highway 119 and is less than ten miles from downtown Boulder
Local Lifestyle
Life in Niwot is peaceful and calm. Mornings can be enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee in hand from one of the several locally-owned coffee roasters. After a quick pick-me-up, locals enjoy getting out onto one of the area’s many trails. The Niwot Loop Trail, stretching across 3.5 miles of untouched green terrain, is a popular option, conveniently located just on the eastern edge of town. Most evenings, a great crowd can be found at one of the many tasty eateries along Niwot Road enjoying a fine variety of delicious cuisine served with a smile.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Niwot is a largely residential, quiet neighborhood. Most shopping and dining can be found on Niwot Road, just off of Highway 119, ensuring residential enclaves remain as calm and quiet as possible. Here, residents can gather with friends and family to celebrate special occasions, or just get out of the house, without having to stray too far.
The Old Oak Coffee House is a great way to start the day. The pastries are the product of family recipes and are enjoyed by all. Coffee isn’t their only specialty; paninis, soups, and homemade spaghetti are affordable lunchtime favorites in Niwot, and adult beverages are also available.
One popular dinner option among locals would be Sachi Sushi, also located just off Niwot Road. In addition to traditional Japanese rolls, Sachi has perfected ramen, offering many varieties with dozens of toppings and add-ins available. More formal occasions can be celebrated at 1914 House, a cozy eatery focused on serving the freshest, local ingredients available. Some of their top dishes include prime rib, scallops, mussels, and other luxurious classics.
Things To Do
The town of Niwot hosts a series of events throughout the year, ensuring there is always something on the calendar to look forward to. One of the most anticipated events is Rocks & Rails. Each Sunday throughout the summer, Whistlestop Park hosts a community happy hour with live music performances. As the weather cools down, residents can look forward to sampling Bavarian brews and bites at Oktoberfest, lighting the community tree on Enchanted Evening, and the holiday parade. Niwot also hosts city-wide breakfasts, art shows, wine tastings, fireworks displays, and more.
Schools
Niwot citizens have access to a number of top-rated neighborhood schools, both public and private. Some of these include:
- Niwot Elementary School, preschool-5th grade; NES consistently ranks as one of the best elementary schools in the state with test scores far above the Colorado average.
- Boulder Valley Waldorf School, 18 months-8th grade; situated on a 38-acre campus, BVWS is well-known for their small student-teacher ratio.
