Welcome to The University Hill!

The historic University Hill sits right up against the Flatirons, close enough that the mountains never feel like a backdrop. They’re just there, hovering at the edge of the day. The neighborhood moves quickly at times, slows down at others, and rarely feels the same two hours in a row.

Life here unfolds mostly on foot. The University of Colorado Campus, coffee, food, trails, and home all sit close enough that plans stay loose. You step out for one thing and end up doing three. A quick errand turns into a conversation. A short walk stretches longer than expected. Nights don’t always end where they started, and that feels normal here.

The Hill has layers that reveal themselves slowly. Mornings are lighter, almost calm. Afternoons carry a steady hum. Evenings bring people back into the streets. Spend enough time here, and you stop trying to define it. You just learn how it works.

Quick Snapshot of University Hill

The Hill moves fast and doesn’t try to impress you – but it delivers. Here’s what you should know before you visit:

Known For

Live music at the Fox Theatre, student energy, street murals

Vibe

Busy | Eclectic | Lively | Historic

Walk Score

88/100 - The second most walkable neighborhood in Boulder!

Learn More

Parking

Street meters (free after 7 pm ), small paid lots

Dog Friendly?

Yes! Especially early mornings near campusor on quieter streets.

Nearby Dog Parks

What It’s Like

Living on the Hill feels like being part of a moving soundtrack. Mornings start with quiet streets, coffee shops opening, and students and neighbors heading to class or work. By late morning, the place wakes up: bikes everywhere, open windows with music, and errands that are easy because everything’s close. You never have to rush. Evenings bring the buzz. Some nights are social, some nights are mellow, and you learn which to pick.

Culture & Creativity

Art Around Every Corner

Public Art | Street Wise Murals

Boulders Outdoor Gallery

The Hill's murals comecourtesty of Street Wise Arts, touching on themes like women in STEM and climate action. Grab a coffee and follow the map to find your favorites.

View the Mural Map

Live Music & Legacy

Live Music | Fox Theatre

Boulder's Music Landmark

The Fox Theatre draws crowds almost nightly with touring acts. Just steps away is the old Tulagi sign, a throwback to the Hill's '60s-era music history and its role in launching legends like The Eagles.

See What's Playing

University & Student Life

Student Life | CU Boulder Energy

Connected to CU

Living alongside the university, The Hill reflects student culture at every turn. Cafes double as classrooms, events spill into the streets, and whether you're a student or not, the energy is hard to miss.

Learn More

The Hill lives in sync with CU Boulder – classes spill into the cafés, and student life shapes the neighborhood rhythm. You’ll see study groups posted up at coffee shops, students biking between classes, and events hosted around campus landmarks. Whether or not you’re a student, the energy is undeniable.

Things to Do on The Hill

With a mix of dining, live music, coffee shops, and outdoor spots all within easy walking distance of the University of Colorado campus, there’s always something to do on The Hill. Here are some of our favorites!

College Avenue & The Hill Strip

College Avenue is the spine of The Hill! This is what most people picture when they think of this neighborhood. It’s the main drag that connects CU Boulder campus life with food, drink, errands, and a surprisingly broad range of everyday activities. It’s talkable, active nearly all day, and different depending on what time you go.

College Avenue starts to hum early, especially during the university year. People walk from campus to grab coffee or breakfast, swing by a shop, or pick up a sandwich between classes. It’s easy to string together errand runs – post office, dry cleaners, quick food stops – without ever needing a car. Walkability is part of how the neighborhood grew up because this street connects the campus directly to the rest of Boulder’s grid.

Food & Drink You'll Notice

There’s a surprising range packed into just a few blocks:

Alpine Modern Cafe – A neighborhood favorite for morning coffee and pastries (and the kind of place that feels familiar after just a few visits)
The Sink – Boulder’s oldest restaurant (serving burgers, pizzas, salads, and a long history since 1923), perfect for lunch or a casual dinner while catching up with friends.
The Corner – Classic counter-service spot that works any time of day.
Deli Zone on The Hill – Simple, quick sandwiches and snacks that fit campus rhythm.

Shopping & Everyday Errands

There are more than just eateries here. You’ll find small retail shops, coffee roasters, bookstores, and places to pick up gifts or the essentials. This isn’t a tourist playground – it’s the everyday side of Boulder’s economy. Because it’s anchored so close to CU Boulder, the retail mix stays tied to real foot traffic from campus and nearby housing.

Live Music & Nightlife

College Avenue doesn’t turn into a party street, but it does feed into nightlife. Bars and music venues, most notably Fox Theatre, anchor nights on The Hill. Shows here are known to spill out onto the street afterward and shape the feel of the surrounding blocks on event nights.

The College Avenue stretch is the default living room of University Hill. Not a museum, not a theme, just the street you use, walk along, stop by, and weave into the rest of your day. Living in this area, this road becomes your first choice for everyday errands and a launching point for nights out or quick plans with friends.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is the anchor for nightlife on The Hill. It sits right on College Avenue, quietly dictating how evenings unfold in this part of Boulder, even for people who never set foot inside.

The theatre opened as a live venue in the early 1990s and has built a reputation for hosting touring artists, indie bands, electronic shows, and local acts in an intimate setting. With a capacity of under 700 people, the shows here feel close and energetic rather than overwhelming.

On show nights, you’ll notice the shift early. Lines form along the sidewalk well before doors open. Nearby restaurants fill faster, bars time their rush around set breaks, and even if you’re just passing through, the neighborhood feels more animated and social.

Good to Know Before You Go

Shows – Most concerts start between 8-9 PM, with doors opening slightly earlier. Weekends and popular touring acts sell out quickly, so check their site often if you don’t want to miss out!
Crowds – Expect heavier foot traffic on College Avenue during shows, especially near the theatre entrance.
Getting There – Walking is easiest. Parking nearby can be challenging on show nights, and rideshare drop-offs tend to cluster along side streets.
Noise & Activity – Music and crowd noise are noticeable on event nights, but usually taper off once shows end.

The Fox gives The Hill its cultural after-hours identity. It draws people in without turning the neighborhood into a party district. Nights feel social but still tied to the everyday charm of Boulder.

Did You Know?

Robert Redford once worked as a janitor at The Sink while attending CU!

The Fox Theatre opened as a movie house in 1926 and became a music venue in 1992.

Tulagi, once a bar and music venue, hosted the Eagles in their early days.

Getting Around

Whether you’re walking from campus or circling for parking, The Hill is easy to navigate – once you know the tricks. It’s a compact, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, but parking fills up fast. Your best bet? Skip the center and walk in from a few blocks away.