Fort Collins, Colorado, is a truly remarkable city that offers an exceptional quality of life, making it a fantastic place to call home. With its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant community, and abundant opportunities, Fort Collins has plenty to offer its residents.
One of the standout features of Fort Collins is its stunning natural surroundings. Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city is blessed with breathtaking landscapes and easy access to outdoor adventures. Residents can enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby mountains, while also taking advantage of the picturesque Horsetooth Reservoir and Cache La Poudre River.
Fort Collins Area Communities
Old Town
Located in the heart of the city, Old Town is the historic district of Fort Collins. It features beautifully preserved Victorian-era homes, charming tree-lined streets, and a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Campus West
Situated near Colorado State University, Campus West is a popular neighborhood among students and young professionals. It offers affordable housing options, easy access to campus amenities, and a lively atmosphere with numerous cafes, bars, and student-oriented businesses.
Old Prospect
Old Prospect is a picturesque neighborhood known for its well-maintained homes, tree-lined streets, and friendly community. It’s a family-friendly area with parks, playgrounds, and excellent schools, making it a desirable place for families to settle down.
Rigden Farm
Rigden Farm is a newer residential development on the southeast side of Fort Collins. The neighborhood features modern homes, well-manicured streets, and an abundance of amenities, including parks, walking trails, and a community pool.
Fossil Lake Ranch
Located in southeast Fort Collins, Fossil Lake Ranch is an upscale neighborhood known for its beautiful homes, expansive parks, and tranquil lakes. It offers a suburban feel with a strong sense of community and convenient access to shopping centers and schools.
Harmony Corridor
The Harmony Corridor is a rapidly growing area along Harmony Road, featuring a mix of residential, commercial, and retail developments. It offers a range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments, as well as shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Top Employers in Fort Collins
Education and government services are two of the largest employers in Fort Collins.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins is known as a college town, with Colorado State University providing thousands of jobs to people who live here.
University of Colorado Health
The University of Colorado Health is the largest health system in the Fort Collins Area, providing great care and great jobs.
Poudre R-1 School District
The Poudre R-1 School District provides almost 5,000 jobs in the education sector to people who provide necessary government services and education services to the people of Fort Collins.
City of Fort Collins
The City of Fort Collins provides a wide range of services to residents, and thus employs a number of city workers and bureaucrats.
Larimer County
As the county seat for Larimer County, Fort Collins residents also have access to the jobs provided by the county.
Fort Collins Area Museums
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
This museum combines science, history, and culture to provide an immersive learning experience. It features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, a digital dome theater, and rotating exhibits that explore the natural and cultural history of the region.
Avery House
Built in the 1870s, the Avery House is a beautifully preserved Victorian home that now serves as a museum. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history of the house and the Avery family, as well as gain insights into life in Fort Collins during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures
This museum celebrates cultural diversity through its exhibits of art, artifacts, and textiles from around the world. It showcases different cultures and their artistic expressions, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Swetsville Zoo
Although not a traditional zoo, this unique outdoor sculpture park is worth a visit. Created by artist Bill Swets, it features a whimsical collection of animal sculptures made from recycled metal objects, such as car parts and tools.
Great Parks in the Fort Collins Area
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Just west of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. The park features over 29 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, with panoramic views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the scenic vistas.
Fossil Creek Park
This expansive park on the southern end of Fort Collins offers a range of amenities and natural beauty. It has a large playground, multi-use sports fields, a skate park, picnic areas, and a disc golf course. Fossil Creek runs through the park, providing a tranquil setting for walks and bike rides.
Lee Martinez Park
Located along the Cache La Poudre River, Lee Martinez Park offers a variety of recreational activities. The park features a large playground, picnic areas, a miniature train that offers rides, a petting zoo, and fishing ponds. It’s a family-friendly park with plenty of space for outdoor fun and relaxation.
Living in Fort Collins
Fort Collins boasts a vibrant and diverse community. The city has a strong sense of community pride, evident in its numerous local festivals, farmers’ markets, and cultural events. The downtown area is particularly charming, with its historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and an array of restaurants and breweries that make it a food lover’s paradise.
Fort Collins is also renowned for its commitment to sustainability and a healthy lifestyle. The city is bicycle-friendly, with an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, and it consistently ranks among the top cities in the nation for bike-friendliness. Additionally, Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, which adds a youthful energy to the city and provides opportunities for education and innovation.
Fort Collins Housing Trends
With a great blend of hip downtown neighborhoods and family-friendly suburbs, there are many housing options depending on the kind of lifestyle you are looking for.
Housing costs are rising over time, but there are still a variety of options depending on your pricepoint, as there are many suburbs and cities surrounding Fort Collins.
Amazing Fort Collins Restaurants
Whether you’re craving international flavors, farm-to-table fare, or comfort food favorites, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants to satisfy your culinary desires in the city.
The Kitchen
Located in the heart of downtown, The Kitchen offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, and a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Snooze
An A.M. Eatery: If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast or brunch spot, Snooze is a must-visit. Known for its creative twists on classic breakfast dishes, this popular eatery serves up a variety of pancakes, eggs Benedict, and flavorful morning cocktails.
The Colorado Room
This casual and cozy spot is a local favorite, specializing in Colorado-inspired comfort food. From juicy burgers and sandwiches to tasty vegetarian options, The Colorado Room offers a diverse menu with a focus on supporting local producers.
Tasty Harmony
If you’re looking for vegetarian and vegan options, Tasty Harmony is an excellent choice. This eco-friendly restaurant serves up a wide range of plant-based dishes, from creative salads to hearty entrees, using organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious margaritas, Rio Grande is a popular spot for Tex-Mex cuisine in Fort Collins. Enjoy sizzling fajitas, flavorful enchiladas, and an extensive selection of tequilas.
Great Attractions for Fort Collins Stay-cations
The Gardens on Spring Creek
While not a traditional museum, The Gardens on Spring Creek is a botanical garden that offers a delightful horticultural experience. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, learn about sustainable gardening practices, and enjoy educational programs and events throughout the year.
Experience Art in the Streets
Fort Collins embraces public art, and exploring the city’s outdoor art scene is a unique experience. Take a self-guided tour of the numerous murals, sculptures, and art installations that adorn the streets and buildings of Fort Collins. The Pianos About Town program, featuring playable pianos decorated by local artists, is a particularly delightful addition to the city’s artistic landscape.
Tour Breweries
Fort Collins is often referred to as the “Napa Valley of Beer” due to its thriving craft brewery culture. Take a tour or visit one of the many local breweries, such as New Belgium Brewing Company or Odell Brewing Company, to sample a variety of handcrafted beers and learn about the brewing process.
Fort Collins Bike Trails
Fort Collins is renowned for its bike-friendly infrastructure and extensive network of bike trails. Rent a bike and explore the city’s scenic trails, such as the Spring Creek Trail or Poudre River Trail, which offer beautiful views and connect various parks and neighborhoods.
Shopping
Fort Collins has a great mix of unique local shops and big-name stores, often found side by side in shopping areas. There’s plenty of opportunity to shop ‘til you drop in this city.
The Cupboard
This iconic kitchenware store has been a fixture in Fort Collins since 1972. The Cupboard offers a wide range of high-quality kitchen gadgets, cookware, bakeware, and specialty ingredients. It’s a paradise for food lovers and home cooks.
The Art Lab
This art supply store is a haven for artists and creative individuals. The Art Lab offers a wide range of art supplies, including paints, brushes, paper, and more. They also host art classes and workshops, making it a great place to nurture your artistic side.
Raisin’ Roots Farm Market
This unique market features a curated selection of locally sourced produce, meats, dairy products, and pantry items. It’s a great place to support local farmers and discover the freshest ingredients to elevate your cooking and dining experiences.
Wadoo
This boutique shop showcases handmade and fair trade goods from around the world. From handcrafted home decor to unique accessories and gifts, Wadoo offers a selection of socially conscious products that support artisans and communities.
After graduating in 2016 from The University of Texas with a degree in English, Sanda Brown became a content writer for the BDX with a focus on website copy and content marketing.
At the BDX, Sanda helps write and edit articles on NewHomeSource.com, writes website copy for builders, and manages a team of freelancers that work on additional content needs.
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