The Rise of the Pied-à-Terre: Boulder’s Lock-and-Leave Lifestyle

A New Kind of Boulder Living

As families, investors, and professionals rethink what home means, many are embracing a flexible, lock-and-leave lifestyle. For some, that means a weekend foothold near Pearl Street. For others, it’s a modern condo just steps from CU’s campus—equal parts convenience and connection.

A recent Wall Street Journal feature highlighted this shift nationwide, with families purchasing small, design-forward condos in their kids’ college towns as a way to stay close while creating a comfortable, personal retreat (WSJ, Oct. 17 2025). It’s a growing trend that resonates right here in Boulder, where campus energy, mountain access, and vibrant culture converge.

Beyond the Dorms and Hotels

From parents visiting CU students to alumni craving a home base for game days and summer hikes, the appeal is clear: a pied-à-terre offers freedom without the upkeep of a full-time residence. Downtown condos and townhomes—especially those near The Hill, Walnut Street, and the West Pearl corridor—deliver walkability, security, and low-maintenance design. 

Design That Feels Like Home

The WSJ story highlighted that the best pied-à-terres are not about extravagance—they’re about intentional design. With thoughtful finishes, layered lighting, and subtle color palettes, even a one-bedroom condo can feel like a curated retreat. Many Boulder developments reflect that same ethos: open layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, and terraces that bring the outdoors in. Add in underground parking, private storage, and secure building access, and the formula for effortless living is complete.

Lifestyle Meets Investment

Lock-and-leave living isn’t just about ease—it’s about opportunity. Whether used for weekend visits, leased to long-term tenants, or kept as a future retirement base, Boulder’s condos often hold their value. For parents, a CU-adjacent pied-à-terre can be both practical and sentimental.

Living Lightly, Staying Connected

Ultimately, the modern pied-à-terre captures Boulder’s spirit. Whether nestled downtown or overlooking the Flatirons, these homes offer something rare: the ability to lock up, head out, and return whenever the mountains call.