Boulder is small and super expensive. I love the town, just wouldn't want to live right in the middle of it. Parking is a real bitch, and homes are extremely pricey. In my opinion, if you want the best of both worlds, look in between Denver and Boulder, in places like the Broomfield, Westminster, and Louisville areas. You can get a lot more home for the money, and you're 15 minutes from both Denver and Boulder. I just bought a house in Westminster because I love being close to the Boulder Turnpike (HWY 36) right in between the 2 cities.

And you're right, any of those suburb towns are very close to lots of "outdoor stuff". Eldorado Springs state park is 10 minutes away.

My wife have thought about moving as well at some point. My dad retired and move to Bella vista AR and I really like that area. And Fayetteville. Wherever we go I don't want balls cold winters. And the roads in AR would be a bikers dream. Though my buddy moved to Pensacola and lived there for a good 10 yes and loved it. we loved visiting down there. That would be on a list of mine as well.