Coal mining in Colorado has a long history and longer trains. All it takes is getting stopped once at a crossing when an engine trailing 50 coal cars goes rumbling past to realize how important this industry still is in Colorado.
The superiority of Colorado coal is known throughout the world due to its much cleaner burn and lower level of sulphites. Superior, Colorado's Industrial Mine was the site of a massive, superior quality coal mine in the north central part of Colorado, outside of Boulder up until 1945 when the main mine was closed. Today's Superior has evolved into a quiet agricultural town with a ranching and farming emphasis.
Moving to Superior
How Much Will it Cost?
Set against the beautiful scenic background of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Superior is a desirable place to call home. With its high livability score, it has been ranked 23rd in the state as a place to live. Median rental rates for renting an apartment in Superior are 38% higher than the rest of the state. Spacious apartment complexes have mostly studios and 1 bedroom apartments for rent. You can occasionally find apartments with paid utilities or 2 bedroom apartments for rent, but it's not the norm in this part of the state.
When Should I Start Looking?
If you want to live here, start your search now. It may take a while because apartments to rent are in demand. Six weeks or longer out from your proposed move-in date isn't too early to find your dream place.
What Will I Need?
You'll need your credit score, a letter verifying employment and salary and a copy of your last paycheck stub to secure a home for rent in Superior. When it gets serious, you'll need cash in the form of a cashier's or bank check. Prepare for first month's rent and security deposit. Bringing your pet? They're usually welcome. Just bring more money for a deposit.
Neighborhoods
Superior has a liveability score of 81, very high for Colorado and the country. The community is just 5 miles from Boulder and Boulder University. A very popular area to live in is near Rock Creek, on the southeastern side of town.
This area is near Hwy. 287, Hwy. 36 and the Northwest Parkway, the main arteries of Northern Colorado. You're also just minutes from Broomfield and Downtown Denver.
Life in Superior
Culture
Red Rocks Amphitheater is a magnificent natural but man-enhanced outdoor theater in nearby Morrison. Most of the top musical acts coming through Colorado play Red Rocks. The views of sky, mountains and city lights are spectacular, and the sound system is state-of-the-art fantastic. There's a free museum with videos of many of the acts that have played there.
Nearby Denver is the repository of much of Colorado's history, but almost every town in the state has some kind of historic building or connection. There are a ton of museums in Denver ranging from the Modern Art Museum to the home of Molly Brown of Titanic fame. The Denver Zoo is a great place to visit year round -- the animals have indoor quarters for the colder winter months -- and the Denver Aquarium is also perfect for nature lovers.
Shopping
While Superior has the basics like grocery (there are 6 within a mile of the downtown area) and hardware stores, you'll probably want to head for Boulder, about 5 miles away, or Denver for anything special. If you want to fit in, make your first purchases a pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. This is acceptable wear anywhere from a formal wedding or social event to the weekend rodeo or Stock Show. Try Old Town Outfitters in Denver for the proper duds.
Flatiron Crossing Shopping Mall is not far from Superior and has all the stores you think you want. Along with the atmosphere of being in a mountain lodge, there's a smaller village attached to it with places to eat and a movie theater.
Dine Out
Colorado is the home of a lot of displaced Texans and other folks from the southern states. Fortunately, they brought their recipes with them when they arrived here, making Superior a great place to grab a plate of BBQ goodness!
One of the best Texas-style Barbecue restaurants is Wayne's Smoke Shack. Fall-apart-tender brisket, brisket chili, smoked salmon are just a few of the highlights. When you step through the storefront entrance, Wayne's there to greet you personally. Plunk yourself down at one of the wooden tables where there is no problem sharing a long table at crowded times. Proper BBQ is sliced on the spot, and served on butcher paper, and this is the way Wayne does it. And he sells it 'til its gone: another proper way to run a BBQ place.
Doug's Day Diner is tucked between Rock Creek and Flat Irons Mall. If you love bacon, this is where you belong. Doug's serves the thickest slices of bacon you will ever see in a restaurant. Most breakfasts come with three slices - almost impossible to finish, along with hash browns made from scratch. They serve big tasty portions just like Grandma wished she could make.
Get Outdoors
Colorado is the epitome of outdoors activities. Skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, fishing - it's all right there at your back door. Mother Nature must have a special love for Colorado because she puts on a spectacular show all year round. Rocky Mountain National Park with its herds of wild elk and mountain goats is minutes from Superior. Mountain biking and hiking trails criss cross the Rockies. The Colorado River is rife with birds, fish, eagles, and the occasional river rafter.
Getting Around
Superior's WalkScore is just 29 out of 100, basically because things are so spread out here. You're definitely going to need a car to successfully navigate the area. There's no public transportation - so your options are horseback, mule, or auto!
Most drivers in Superior have a 27-minute commute to work, which is just slightly above the state average. In winter it can be longer. Most people drive their own cars or carpool with colleagues. Amtrak runs through Denver east and west. The closest passenger airport is Denver International Airport.
