Fort Collins, CO, known as "The Choice City," is a vibrant community with a rich history and a high quality of life. Located in northern Colorado, Fort Collins is approximately 65 miles north of Denver and 45 miles south of Cheyenne, WY. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its excellent recreational opportunities, beautiful parks, and strong sense of community.
Fort Collins' climate features mild winters and warm, dry summers, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Horsetooth Reservoir and the expansive Poudre River Trail, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics. The nearby Rocky Mountain National Park provides additional outdoor adventures, including camping and wildlife viewing.
The cultural scene in Fort Collins is vibrant, with attractions like the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and the historic Old Town district. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Colorado Brewers' Festival and the NewWestFest, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a priority in Fort Collins, with institutions like Colorado State University providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools serve a diverse student population, making Fort Collins an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital, also supports a strong job market and ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care.
Living in Fort Collins combines the benefits of urban living with the warmth of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and bike lanes, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its cultural richness, excellent amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Fort Collins offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Located in the state of Colorado, Fort Collins is a mid-sized city with a population of 166,069 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Fort Collins is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. With an average age of 30 years old, Fort Collins could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. In Fort Collins, only 43% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Fort Collins. With an average one way commute time of only 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Fort Collins, Colorado could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Fort Collins and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from health & safety, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Colorado and national averages.
Using data and statistics Fort Collins has received a livability score of 81 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Fort Collins could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Fort Collins ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Fort Collins has received high marks for education (B), employment (B) and housing (B+). The bad news for Fort Collins, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (D).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Fort Collins, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Fort Collins undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Fort Collins: New Belgium Brewing, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and Anheuser-Busch Brewery.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Fort Collins can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Fort Collins meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Fort Collins. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Fort Collins are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Fort Collins come in at $398,800, which is 50.7% higher than the Colorado average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fort Collins, the home price to income ratio is 5.7, which is 35.7% higher than the Colorado average.
| Statistic | Fort Collins | Colorado | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 69.7% | 75.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.7% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.0% | 3.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 4.9% | 1.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.2% | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.6% | 7.0% | 4.6% |
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