Superior
Marshall Fire resilience, rebuilding with BVSD schools, Flatirons views, and Rock Creek trails
Superior is a compact four square miles in Boulder County, about 18 miles northwest of Denver, home to roughly 13,400 people and a Flatirons view from most neighborhoods. Its recent story is one of rebuilding: the December 2021 Marshall Fire, the most destructive in Colorado history, took about 1,000 structures across Superior and Louisville, and the town has been building back since.
The frame for buyers: Boulder Valley schools, those Flatirons views, and the corridor's shortest combined commute to both Denver and Boulder, inside a community actively rebuilding.
Browse all 16 Superior neighborhoods
By Jessica Car · Updated August 2026
Lifestyle & Culture
Superior is, improbably, the grocery capital of the corridor: its Whole Foods and Trader Joe's pull shoppers from the neighboring towns, and a King Soopers waits five minutes away in Louisville. The Rock Creek Trail links to Louisville, Lafayette, and the regional network, while the growing Superior Town Center adds retail and dining and Flatiron Crossing's 30-plus restaurants sit five minutes away in Broomfield.
In-town dining is still finding its feet, with Wayne's Smoke Shack among the local standouts. The Superior Community Center covers co-working and events, and the calendar runs from the Superior Chili Fest to summer Movies and Music in the Park to a monthly community drum circle.
- Aug 19recurringSuperior Summer MarketDowntown Superior · Monthly outdoor market with local produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors; remaining dates August 19, September 16, and October 4.
- Aug 19Community Blood DriveSuperior Civic Space · Vitalant blood donation drive at the Superior Civic Space.
- Aug 26recurringOpen Mic Night at the Civic SpaceSuperior Civic Space · Free open mic performance night; sign-up starts at 5:30 pm, with further dates September 9 and 23.
- Aug 28recurringBoulder Film Friends in SuperiorSuperior Civic Space · Free monthly independent film screening presented by the town's Cultural Arts and Public Spaces committee.
- Sep 4recurringFirst Fridays Coffee with Town CouncilSuperior Civic Space · Monthly informal coffee conversation with Superior Town Council members.
- Sep 5recurringAsti Park Historical Museum Open DayAsti Park Historical Museum · The town's historical museum opens to visitors on the first Saturday of each month.
- Sep 5recurringSuperior Cemetery Open HoursSuperior Cemetery · The historic Superior Cemetery opens for public visits hosted by Historical Commission volunteers.
- Sep 12Superior Chili and Beer FestCommunity Park · Town-hosted chili and beer festival with live music and food vendors at Community Park.
- Oct 24Monster MashSuperior Civic Space · Free Halloween event with costume contests, games, and trick-or-treat stops along Main Street.
At a Glance
Who Superior Fits
Superior fits buyers who want Boulder Valley schools, Flatirons views, and unusually short access to both Denver and Boulder, and who see opportunity in newer construction inside a rebuilding community.
The trade-offs are price and wildfire exposure. The $680K to $780K median reflects a market reshaped by post-fire rebuilding, insurance is a genuine line item, and in-town dining and childcare are still growing. Buyers who prioritize the dual-city commute and BVSD will find one of the corridor's most convenient addresses; buyers wanting an established town fabric or simpler insurance math may look to the other BVSD communities.
Updated August 2026
Cost of Living in Superior
Estimated monthly cost at the $730,000 median home price and a $500 car payment. Open the calculator to adjust for your situation.
Estimated monthly cost
$6,014 – $6,274/mo
Covers housing, transportation, utilities, and groceries.
See the full breakdown: mortgage at today's rate, property tax at Superior's mill levy, utilities at local provider rates, and a gas estimate tuned to the commute distance. Adjust sliders to model your own budget.
Schools & Childcare
Compare schools across every metro community in the Schools & Parks guide.
The entire town sits inside the Boulder Valley School District, rated an A and ranked No. 2 in Colorado. Monarch High School is the zoned high school, the A-plus Peak to Peak Charter is nearby, and BVSD's elementary feeder system is a strength across town.
District boundaries are complex in Denver. Verify school assignment by address.
- Monarch HS (Louisville/Superior)
- Peak to Peak Charter (A+
- BVSD's strong elementary feeder system
- Daycare Centers
- Limited in Superior proper, small town of 13,400
- Pre-K Availability
- BVSD preschool programs, CO Universal Preschool available
- Avg Monthly Cost
- $1,200–$1,800/mo (Boulder County average)
Commute & Transit
See drive and transit times for the whole metro in the Commute guide.
No town on the corridor splits the difference better. Boulder is 10 to 12 minutes up McCaslin Boulevard, downtown Denver runs 25 to 30 minutes off-peak on US-36 (40 to 55 in rush hour), and a Flatiron Flyer Park-n-Ride nearby covers the car-free version of either trip. A Walk Score of 54 counts as respectable for a four-square-mile town, and the flat Rock Creek Trail is the local cycling and walking spine.
Get A Market Snapshot
What Homes Cost
Updated August 2026
The median runs $680K to $780K as of 2026, which slots Superior between Louisville and Lafayette. Much of the current inventory is post-fire new construction at premium prices, with some lots still mid-rebuild, and insurance and wildfire risk belong on the spreadsheet for any purchase here.
Resources
The effective property tax rate is about 0.55% in Boulder County, with combined sales tax between 7.96 and 8.65%. Cost of living runs roughly 41% above the national average, in line with the rest of Boulder County. The Town of Superior supplies water, Xcel handles electricity and gas, and Comcast and CenturyLink cover internet. The defining practical homework is wildfire: the Marshall Fire proved grassland fire risk on the Front Range is real, so mitigation and insurance planning belong early in the process.
Similar Communities
Communities in the same region, same county, or a similar price tier as Superior.
Common QuestionsFAQ, Superior
What are the school ratings in Superior?
Superior is served by Boulder Valley School District, rated A by Niche and ranked #2 in Colorado. Monarch HS (shared with Louisville) is the zoned high school, and Peak to Peak Charter (A+) is nearby. BVSD’s strong elementary feeder system serves the community. Enrollment zones vary. Always verify by address before purchasing.
How long is the commute from Superior to Denver?
The off-peak drive from Superior to Downtown Denver takes 25–30 minutes via US-36. During rush hour, expect 40–55 minutes. Boulder is just 10–12 minutes via CO-170 / McCaslin Blvd. The Flatiron Flyer BRT is accessible via a nearby US-36 Park-n-Ride for direct service to Denver and Boulder.
What is the median home price in Superior?
Superior’s median home price ranges from $680K to $780K as of 2026. The Marshall Fire rebuild has changed the market, with new construction at premium prices and some lots still under reconstruction. Superior is positioned between Louisville ($822K–$841K) and Lafayette ($600K–$680K) in pricing.
What outdoor recreation is available in Superior?
Superior offers Rock Creek Trail connecting to Louisville, Lafayette, and the regional trail network. Community Park provides playground, sports fields, and a splash pad. Coal Creek Trail access is available, and most neighborhoods feature Flatirons views. The town covers 4 square miles with a Walk Score of 54 (Somewhat Walkable).
What is the cost of living in Superior?
Superior’s cost of living is 41% above the national average, driven primarily by housing. The property tax rate is approximately 0.55% (Boulder County), and the combined sales tax rate ranges from 7.96% to 8.65%. Median household income is $130,000+. The Marshall Fire rebuild has introduced new construction that may carry premium pricing.
What dining and shopping options are available in Superior?
Superior Town Center has a growing dining and retail scene, including Wayne’s Smoke Shack (BBQ). Flatiron Crossing mall in Broomfield is 5 minutes away with 30+ restaurants. Superior serves as the corridor’s grocery hub with Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s in town, and King Soopers in Louisville is 5 minutes away. The Louisville Farmers Market is also 5 minutes away on Saturdays.