July 2025 | June 2025 | August 2025
July 2025
Frasca in Boulder Named Nation’s Top Restaurant by James Beard Foundation
Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Colorado, was named the nation’s Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation at its 2025 awards, adding to its Michelin star and past accolades for service and wine. Founded in 2004 by Bobby Stuckey and Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, Frasca specializes in the cuisine of Italy’s Friuli–Venezia Giulia region and is celebrated for its exceptional hospitality and adaptability in a challenging industry. The recognition not only highlights Frasca’s enduring excellence but also bolsters Boulder’s status as a rising culinary destination. Click here to explore their menu and make a reservation.
BizWest Mercury 100 List released
BizWest has revealed its "Mercury 100" list, spotlighting the fastest-growing private companies in Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado—ranked based on two-year revenue growth from 2022 to 2024. Fifty-six firms were honored across five revenue size categories at the June 12 awards event in Berthoud, featuring diverse local businesses ranging from IT and professional services to construction and specialty retail across counties including Boulder, Larimer, Weld, Brighton, and Westminster.
Fort Collins Tours expands into Loveland
Fort Collins Tours, known for its ghost and history tours in Old Town Fort Collins, has expanded its offerings into Loveland—launching a haunted pub tour on Thursdays, followed by a full ghost tour on Fridays—as part of its strategy to grow within Northern Colorado’s tourism market. The company hopes to build on Loveland’s unique history and downtown atmosphere to attract both locals and visitors. Owner Lori Juszak said expanding into Loveland was a natural step after years of success in Fort Collins, with plans to add even more themed experiences in the future. Click here to book your next tour!
June 2025
3 Colorado cities make Top 100 Best Places to Live
​Loveland, Colorado Springs, and Aurora have been recognized among the top 100 best places to live in the U.S. for 2025, according to recent Livability rankings. Loveland stands out for its vibrant public art scene, strong educational institutions, and community events like the annual Valentine Re-Mailing Program, which contribute to its nickname, "The Sweetheart City." Colorado Springs is lauded for its scenic beauty, economic growth, and status as "Olympic City USA," reflecting its association with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Aurora earns praise for its cultural diversity, extensive park system, and robust healthcare facilities, including the Anschutz Medical Campus. Click here to read the full report.
2 Colorado communities named top Affordable Cities for Retirees
A recent analysis by GOBankingRates identified Colorado Springs and Fort Collins as two of the most affordable cities in the U.S. for retirement. Colorado Springs ranked 13th, while Fort Collins secured the 22nd spot on the list. The study evaluated factors such as housing costs, grocery prices, healthcare expenses, and overall cost of living to determine affordability. Both cities offer a balance of economic value and quality of life, making them attractive options for retirees seeking affordability without sacrificing amenities. Click here to read the full study.
Erie ranks 15th in nation for population growth
Erie, Colorado, ranked 15th in the U.S. for population growth, expanding by 9.2% between 2023 and 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Its location between Boulder and Weld counties has attracted new businesses, retail centers, and restaurants. Home prices remain relatively affordable, with a median of $732,500. Major developments, like the 800-acre Westerly project, are underway, adding to Erie's rapid transformation from a small town to a thriving community. Click here to read more.
May 2025
CSU Grad Programs Earn Top 3 National Rankings
Colorado State University (CSU) has achieved national recognition with two of its graduate programs ranking among the top three in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program secured the No. 3 spot, highlighting its excellence in veterinary education and research. Similarly, CSU's occupational therapy program also ranked No. 3 nationally. Click here to read the full article.
Northern Colorado craft breweries rank among largest in nation
Fort Collins' Odell Brewing Co. and Longmont-based Monster Brewing Co. have been recognized among the nation's largest craft breweries, according to the Brewers Association's latest rankings. These two are the only Colorado craft breweries to make the list, highlighting Northern Colorado's significant role in the U.S. craft beer industry. Click here to read the full article.
IRES 1st Quarter Report
Information and Real Estate Services (IRES) recently released their Q1 2025 MarketWatch Report. In Larimer County, the median sales price was $582,950 for Q1-2025, a 0.1% increase year-over-year. The number of closed sales was up 5.9% dropping to 995. In Weld County, the median sales price was $518,750 for Q1-2025, a 3.9% increase year-over-year. The number of closed sales was up 0.9%, coming in at 1,174. In Boulder County, the median sales price was $815,000 for Q1-2025, a 1.4% year-over-year increase. The number of closed sales was down 10.2%, coming in at 616.