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Boulder City, NV

Frequently asked questions

Boulder City, NV

Boulder City is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States. It is approximately 26 miles (42 km) southeast of Las Vegas. As of the 2020 census, the population of Boulder City was 14,885.The city took its name from Boulder Canyon. Boulder City is one of only two places in Nevada that prohibits gambling, the other being the town of Panaca.

The land upon which Boulder City was founded was a harsh, desert environment. Its sole reason for existence was the need to house workers contracted to build the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River (known commonly as Boulder Dam from 1933 to 1947, when it was officially renamed Hoover Dam by a joint resolution of Congress). Men hoping for work on the dam project had begun settling along the river in tents soon after the precise site for the dam had been chosen by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1930. Their ramshackle edifices were collectively known as "Ragtown".

Boulder City was originally built in 1931 by the Bureau of Reclamation and Six Companies, Inc. as housing for workers who were building the Hoover Dam.

The sheer scale of the dam and duration of the project required the Bureau of Reclamation to consider the construction of a semi-permanent town rather than a temporary arrangement. Boulder City was exceptionally rare as an example of a town fully planned under government supervision. This is unlike 19th century privately funded company town examples found in the United Kingdom, such as Port Sunlight, or in the United States, such as Pullman, Chicago.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 208.6 square miles (540.2 km²), of which 0.039 square miles (0.1 km²), or 0.02%, is water. This ranks Boulder City as the largest city in Nevada by land area and 35th in the country, but gives it a low density rate of only about 72 people per square mile.

Boulder City maintains strict controls on growth, limited to 120 single- or multi-family residential building permits for new construction per year. Hotels are also restricted to no more than 35 rooms. These restrictions are defined in the city code of Boulder City.

The government did not relinquish control of Boulder City until 1959, when the town was incorporated. Boulder City's incorporation ceremony took place on January 4, 1960. The city council selected pharmacist Robert N. Broadbent as the city's first mayor.

Health and wellness are integral to Boulder City's lifestyle, and the community embraces a range of options to support residents' well-being. The Boulder City Parks & Recreation Department oversees numerous parks and facilities, providing spaces for physical activity, leisure, and community events. Wilbur Square Park offers a serene environment for relaxation and exercise. Boulder City Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Snap Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic trails at Bootleg Canyon for hiking and mountain biking. Yoga lovers can find balance at The Studio in nearby Las Vegas. The Boulder City Fitness Center provides state-of-the-art gym facilities and fitness classes. Explore nature at Hemenway Park, known for its bighorn sheep sightings.

The top sites in Boulder City, NV are the Veterans' Memorial Park, Tom Devlin's Monster Museum, Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City, and Hemenway Park.

Population: 14,890 (2022). Area code(s): 702 and 725. Elevation: 2,510 ft (765 m). ZIP codes: 89005. Area: 208.6 square miles (540.2 km²)

FAQs

What is Boulder City, NV famous for?

Established in 1931 to house the builders of Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Nevada now brims with cute shops, killer cafés, and an Art Deco aura. Fewer than 30 miles southeast (but an entire world away) from Las Vegas, this charming southern Nevada burg is a hub for history and adventure at Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Colorado River, and beyond. Though it’s less than 40 minutes away from Las Vegas, the two cities couldn’t be more different. Boulder City, Nevada is a spot overflowing with history that brings the small-town charm along with a side of eclectic vibes.

Why is Boulder City, NV so expensive?

With an average annual household income of $83,943, it is recommended that an individual earn at least $62,792 per year to live comfortably in Boulder City. The highest expense in Boulder City is housing due to high demand and limited supply driving up prices. Even though the cost of living is cheaper than in Las Vegas, housing costs in Boulder City are 16.1% more expensive than Las Vegas housing costs.

What is the crime rate in Boulder City, NV?

Boulder City has an overall crime rate of 12 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Boulder City is 1 in 86. How does Boulder City fare compared to other communities in Nevada of all population sizes? Boulder City's crime rate is lower than approximately 46% of Nevada communities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Boulder City

Uphomes

Travel Nevada

Neighborhood Scout

Veterans' Memorial Park

Tom Devlin's Monster Museum

Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City

Hemenway Park

Boulder City Parks & Recreation Department

Wilbur Square Park

Boulder City Hospital 

Snap Fitness

Bootleg Canyon

The Studio

Boulder City Fitness Center 

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