At the foothills of the Rocky Mountains sits lovely Fort Collins, Colorado. With a thriving cultural scene and nearly unlimited opportunities for outdoor adventures, Fort Collins offers a distinct lifestyle with friendly communities, excellent schools, and plentiful nature. Those assets have made Fort Collins one of the most sought-after destinations in the United States and perfect for folks seeking a balanced and vibrant lifestyle.
If you’re moving to Fort Collins sometime soon or arrived and need information about the city, you’re in the right place! Below, you’ll find a plethora of information on what it’s like to live in Fort Collins, including things to do, the cost of living, the housing situation, and much more. If that sounds like the in-depth information you’re searching for, read on!
The Cost of Living in Fort Collins
The cost of living index in Fort Collins is slightly above the national average. However, when you consider the quality of life and amenities that the city offers, it’s still reasonable. The overall cost-of-living index is approximately 116/100, 16 points above the national average. Again, that’s alright when you consider everything the city offers. No, Fort Collins isn’t the cheapest city in the United States, but it’s far from the most expensive, especially in Colorado, where costs tend to be relatively high.
The Weather in Fort Collins
If experiencing all four seasons is something you enjoy, Fort Collins is perfect. The summers here are warm, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities. During fall, the entire city is painted in gold, orange, and red and is quite lovely. Winter turns Fort Collins into a white wonderland, although if you aren’t fond of weeks’ worth of snow, it can get old rather quickly.
By the time spring rolls around, you’ll be glad to be rid of the white stuff and watch the many gardens and parks in the city burst into bloom. According to Best Places, the comfort index in Fort Collins during summer is 8.9/10, which is fantastic. Winter is slightly less comfortable, with a rating of 5.4/10, thanks to all the cold, ice, and snow.
Fort Collins’ Job Market
If you’re looking for a job when you arrive in Fort Collins, you’ll be pleased to know that the job market is robust thanks to a wide range of industries in the city. They include technology, agriculture, healthcare, and education, among several others. Hewlett-Packard Enterprise is one of the significant employers in the city, as well as Colorado State University. If you’re a craft brewer, you also find a thriving craft brewery scene in Fort Collins that could be profitable.
The Housing Situation in Fort Collins
Fort Collins offers various housing options that accommodate many lifestyles and preferences. Downtown Fort Collins, for example, is energetic and exciting, while those who prefer a more suburban lifestyle find Fort Collins’ tree-lined streets and spacious homes very inviting. Many historic properties in Fort Collins have been preserved in their original beauty, but there are plenty of apartments and condominiums to choose from.
Are Fort Collins’ Schools Highly Rated?
If you have children, you’ll be pleased to know that Fort Collins is renowned for its excellent educational systems, starting in preschool and going all the way through university. Many of the schools in Fort Collins are rated outstanding, thanks in part to Colorado State University. A prestigious institution of higher learning, Colorado State University offers a wide range of academic programs while also contributing significantly to the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of Fort Collins.
How Far is it to Denver from Fort Collins?
If you take Interstate 25 south, the distance between Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado, is about 65 miles (105 km). Depending on the traffic, it can take between one hour and one hour and 15 minutes to drive from one city to the other. In other words, it’s a relatively convenient commute to Denver for folks living in Fort Collins, although, in winter, it can be treacherous and much longer on occasion.
Does Fort Collins Offer Skiing and Snowboarding Opportunities?
Although Fort Collins isn’t a renowned ski resort like several other areas in Colorado, you can find skiing and snowboarding opportunities within driving distance. Several excellent ski resorts are within one and two hours of the city, including the following;
- Eldora Mountain Resort
- Loveland Ski Area
- Winter Park Resort
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Keystone Resort
A Little Bit About Colorado State University
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado State University (CSU) is known for its vibrant campus and excellent academics. The university was established in 1870 and has a rich history of providing high-quality education to students while fostering a deep level of innovation.
One standout feature of CSU is the commitment they’ve made to both research and innovation. The university is well known as a hub for groundbreaking research in many different fields, including veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and several others. Thanks to this deep commitment, CSU attracts students from across the globe.
The campus of CSU is also well known for its stunning natural surroundings, including the nearby Rocky Mountains and Horsetooth Reservoir. With a dedication to sustainability, strong engagement in the community, and a high level of academic excellence, Colorado State University is one of the top schools in the United States.
Need to Store Some Stuff in Fort Collins? Let SecurCare Help You do it Safely and Affordably
Whether you’ve just arrived and have a truck full of furniture you need to store while you search for your new home in Fort Collins, or you’ve lived here your entire life, choosing a storage unit in Fort Collins from SecurCare Self Storage is a great choice! SecurCare has two full-service self-storage facilities in Fort Collins ready to help you. With 24/7 video security, electronic gates, and convenient drive-up storage units, storing your things with SecurCare is easy, safe, and convenient.
If you have a vehicle you need to store or need climate-controlled storage units to keep your things safe from Colorado’s cold winters, we have those also. When you’re ready, you can reserve a storage unit online in under five minutes with no deposit needed and no credit card necessary. Once you do, your storage unit will be waiting for you when you arrive in the lovely city of Fort Collins, Colorado!