Fort Collins, CO | Here's Everything You Need to Know

Location: Fort Collins, Colorado

Welcome to Fort Collins. Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is known for its vibrant culture, outdoor recreation, and welcoming community atmosphere. Here is what you can expect from life in this Northern Colorado city.

Fort Collins is a health-minded and highly active community, widely recognized for its world-class outdoor access—fly fishing, hiking, kayaking, and biking are part of everyday life. The city also offers strong community amenities, including locally owned restaurants, breweries, and boutiques, along with excellent bikeability and thoughtful urban design. Fort Collins is known for its extensive city tree program, development design standards, signage regulations, and an emphasis on zoning and long-term planning, all of which contribute to its cohesive aesthetic and livability. With limited freeway intrusion and an extensive trail network, the city maintains a connected, human-scaled feel.

The community is further supported by highly regarded public and charter schools, a strong arts presence—including music, theater, and museums—and a culture that values civic engagement and quality of life.

About Fort Collins

Fort Collins traces its origins to the 1860s, when it began as a military outpost known as Camp Collins. Strategically located along the Cache la Poudre River, it served as a safeguard for the Overland Stagecoach Line, an important transportation route to the western United States. The city was officially founded in 1873, followed by the arrival of the railroad in 1877.

In 1879, the Colorado Agricultural School—now Colorado State University—was established after being granted land by the State of Colorado, shaping Fort Collins’ growth, economy, and culture in lasting ways. A notable local institution, The Silver Grill Café, one of Colorado’s oldest restaurants, opened in 1933 in Old Town and remains a community favorite.

Today, Fort Collins frequently appears on national rankings for quality of life, livability, and overall well-being, earning recognition for everything from its outdoor access to its peaceful, community-oriented environment.

The Neighbors

Fort Collins is a dynamic city with a wide range of residents who contribute to its diverse and engaged community. The city is known for its “live and let live” culture, where people value collaboration, respect, and shared stewardship of public spaces.

Thoughtful planning is evident throughout the city, from minimal commercial signage and strong tree requirements to dedicated bike lanes, uninterrupted trail systems, and a robust parks network that includes seven parks of 50 acres or more. These features attract residents who appreciate access to outdoor space and a well-designed urban environment.

Fort Collins has approximately 170,000 residents, with about 360,000 in the greater metropolitan area. The population is notably well educated, with roughly 55% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and approximately 98% holding a high school diploma.

Colorado State University plays an important role in the community, with a student body of more than 34,000, contributing to the city’s energy, economy, and housing market. Fort Collins also benefits from a strong local economy and well-rated school systems, making it a place where many people choose to establish long-term roots. In addition, the city offers a range of housing and lifestyle options that appeal to individuals at many stages of life.

The median household income in Fort Collins is approximately $83,598. Major employment sectors include education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.

What to Expect

Fort Collins consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States, and for good reason. The city offers a high quality of life, abundant sunshine, and a strong emphasis on an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Residents enjoy easy access to hiking, biking, rock climbing, and water recreation at Horsetooth Reservoir and along the Cache la Poudre River.

With more than 280 miles of trails and over 50 parks, Fort Collins is particularly appealing to those who value access to open space and recreation. The craft beer scene is also an integral part of the city’s identity. Home to more than 20 craft breweries—including the nationally recognized New Belgium Brewing Company—Fort Collins is often referred to as one of Colorado’s craft beer hubs.

The Lifestyle

Fort Collins enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine per year, supporting year-round outdoor activity.

• Summers: Warm and sunny, with average highs in the mid-80s

• Winters: Cold and snowy, with average highs in the low 40s and an average of about 51 inches of snowfall annually

• Spring and Fall: Mild and scenic, offering changing foliage and comfortable temperatures

Unexpected Appeal

The heart of Fort Collins is its historic Old Town, often noted as inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. Old Town offers a lively atmosphere with locally owned shops, diverse dining options, and an active nightlife. The city also supports a strong arts and culture scene, including live music venues, theaters, galleries, and museums.

The Fort Collins Real Estate Market

Fort Collins offers a relatively accessible housing market compared to many similarly desirable communities nationwide. The average single-family home is priced under $750,000, while the luxury segment—representing approximately the top 5% of the market—begins around $1.15 million and features a wide variety of architectural styles and settings.

Neighborhoods throughout the city are often centered around parks, trails, community amenities, and lifestyle features. The market has historically demonstrated steady performance, with long-term average appreciation around 6% annually, supported by a diverse and resilient local economy.

Economy and Employment

Fort Collins benefits from a strong and diversified economy with key industries in healthcare, technology, education, and manufacturing. Major employers include Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, OtterBox, and Odell Brewing Company. The city also fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, supported in part by research initiatives and partnerships connected to Colorado State University.

You’ll Fall in Love With

The amenities of a larger city, paired with immediate access to outdoor recreation.

Many people are surprised by how much Fort Collins offers for a city of its size—from national retailers like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods to a vibrant local dining scene, award-winning healthcare systems, a major university deeply engaged in the community, and a thriving arts and music culture.

Just beyond city limits, residents enjoy some of Colorado’s best recreation: fly fishing and rafting on the Poudre River, paddleboarding and boating at Horsetooth Reservoir, hiking in state and national parks, and winter activities such as snowshoeing and backcountry skiing near Cameron Pass. There truly is something for everyone.

Local Recommendations

Coffee

• Lima Coffee Roasters

• Bread Fellow (coffee and house-made baked goods)

Breakfast

• Silver Grill Café

• Ginger and Baker Café

Lunch

• Star of India (lunch buffet)

• Maida Trattoria

Dinner

• Nick’s Italian Restaurant and Bar

• The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (for the atmosphere)

Drinks

• Social Speakeasy

• Sunset Lounge

Festivals

• Tour de Fat: A costume bicycle festival held in Old Town

• Taste of Fort Collins: A celebration of local food with live music headliners

Outdoors

• Poudre River Kayak Park in Old Town Fort Collins

• Arthur’s Rock hike in Lory State Park, especially in spring for wildflowers and panoramic views

Best-Kept Secrets

• Colorado State University women’s volleyball games—fast-paced, lively, and consistently competitive

• Holiday lights in Old Town—a festive and immersive winter experience