Boulder Creek may be unincorporated, but the historic village of about 4000 residents has just about everything. We have both a grocery and a health food store, volunteer fire department, library, US Post Office, bank, medical offices and dentists, dry cleaner, a gas station, solar energy firm, barbers and hairdressers, a vet and a pet store, several churches and a spiritual center, clothing store, video rental, pharmacy, two liquor stores, gift shops, graphics design, auto repair and auto supply store, elementary school and two hardware stores. Locals enjoy several coffee houses, plus the local tavern or the brew pub, which serves a wide menu including a kids' meal. Restaurants include a burger joint, pizza, health food, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, breakfast through dinner.

Homes in Boulder Creek are amongst the most affordable in the region. While the more affordable homes are typically on smaller lots (under 1 acre), there are many homes available on generously sized lots approaching an acre or more. There are wonderful restored Victorian era homes available in town, or for the same price you can live in a modern home overlooking the golf course. Many homes were originally summer cabins, so it is important to use a realtor and inspectors to help you understand how well the home has been adapted over time for modern living.

For employment, many commute "over the hill" to work in the Silicon Valley. New residents say that they find the commute offers great opportunity for wildlife sightings and spectacular vistas, and agree they would rather drive a little farther than sit frustrated in traffic and live in more expensive, smoggy and congested areas. There is even a local custom observed on the commute roads: the "locals" become accustomed to all the curves and show their appreciation for slower drivers pulling into a safe turn out by flashing their emergency lights briefly, as if to say, "thank you!"