By Tara Calihman of YOURboulder.com

You never hear people talking about the Wonderland Hills neighborhood. Perhaps it gets overshadowed by the fancy neighborhood to the south — Newlands — or perhaps the residents of Wonderland Hills just know how to keep a secret. Whatever the reason, this neighborhood offers residents quiet living, large lots and easy access to the Wonderland Lake.

History: Wonderland Hills got it’s start in the early 70′s as a new high-end development. It was designed to be a “luxury” suburb of Boulder that provided proximity to both the foothills and the vibrant downtown scene…mountain living without all that pesky driving.

Housing: The Wonderland Hills area features a mix of condos and single-family homes. Set along peaceful residential streets, this neighborhood feels farther away from town that it really is and as you might expect, there is a price to pay for the calm. Houses range from the $400,000′s to the millions and consist of spacious layouts situated on large lots.

Restaurants & Shopping: Living in Wonderland Hills gets you close to many of the favorite North Boulder institutions, including China Gourmet, Lucky’s Market and Dagabi. And should you want to venture farther, all of Pearl Street awaits a mere 10-minute SKIP bus ride away. With RTD bus stops located up and down Broadway (not to mention, a wide bike lane), you can travel all over Boulder with little hassle.

Photo by Zane Selvans on Flickr

Family & Fitness: The crowning jewel of this neighborhood is really Wonderland Lake and the extensive trail system that allows for miles of biking, hiking and general adventuring. Children of all ages will find something to love here. In addition to the many paths, the lake area also has a park with kid’s play structures, benches and a large open lawn perfect for picnicking. If outdoor recreation isn’t your thing, the North Boulder Rec Center is nearby. It offers a weight room, indoor pool and a variety of fitness classes.

Boulder County Schools