Whether you are moving to Fort Collins for a new job opportunity, or you want to take a leap of faith to try something new, here are six helpful things you absolutely must know before moving to Fort Collins.
1. Fort Collins Is One Of The Best Places To Live In The States
Fort Collins ranks at the top in Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live” and top 4 in Livability’s “10 Best Places to Raise a Family.”
This city has a lot to offer, more than you can imagine!
According to the most recent U.S. Census data, Fort Collins is a picturesque Colorado city with over 170,243 residents. It is the fourth most populous city in Colorado after Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora.
This city is home to the public land-grant research university, the Colorado State University, fabulous recreational opportunities, vibrant nightlife scenes, fun family outings, and diverse cultural attractions.
If you start living in Fort Collins, you are an hour away from Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver International Airport, and Red Rocks. Fort Collins, just north of Denver, is a lively town with local cafes, pubs, and boutiques.
As you wander into the downtown side, you will notice a resemblance to the Main Street USA of Disneyland. The alleys have been upgraded into European-style walkways with Tivoli light and potted flowers, making each journey a beautiful experience.
2. The Cost Of Living In Fort Collins Is Slightly Higher For Good Reason
The city’s average house price is roughly $250,000, with prices starting at around $110,000. Larger homes with larger properties, on the other hand, can cost over $1 million or more. One-bedroom apartments typically cost between $750 and $1,500 a month. This depends on the size of the property and whether or not utilities and/or amenities are included in the rent. One-bedroom flats may be had for as little as low as $1,500 per month.
You may also notice a price increase at the petrol pump depending on where you’re moving from, with prices about $0.20 more than other mid-west or eastern areas. Utility prices are somewhat lower than the national average, ranging from $100 to $300 per month depending on the size of your property and how frequently you use the heat or air conditioning. In general, people will pay more in the winter to keep their homes warm.
Although the overall cost of living in Fort Collins is slightly higher, the crime rate is lower as compared to other cities in America.
3. Fort Collins Is One Of The Happiest Cities in America
Did you know that Fort Collins is the fourth happiest city in America?
New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner ranked Fort Collins as the 25 happiest city in America.
This study is based on 15 metrics that include everything, from eating healthy, financial security, and civic engagement to dental checkups. Each factor has proven results that influence the residents’ feelings of happiness and security.
If where you’re living does not seem to bring the best out of you, moving to Fort Collins will surely make you happy! As the saying goes, “you are an average of the 5 people you hang out with the most”. If you forge new friendships with a happier community after you move to Fort Collins, you’ll definitely feel happier!
4. Enjoy A Four Season Climate After Moving To Fort Collins
You will be able to enjoy a four-season climate. The winters will be cold and snowy, while the summers will be hot and dry because of the mid-latitude semi-arid cool steppe climate of Fort Collins.
The summer season usually starts around the second week of June and will continue through mid-September.
Take note that the hottest month would be July, so you might want to prepare your sunscreen and backyard pool.
During the summer season, it is usually perfect for any outdoor activities you have in mind.
On the other hand, the cold season starts during mid-November and will continue through March. Expect to have plenty of snowfalls in the winter and partly cloudy and windy days.
5. Plenty Of Employment Opportunities To Choose From
Based on City-data, Fort Collins is a well-balanced economy. The workforce in Fort Collins is manufacturing, education, and technology. Other industries in the area include business services, construction, finance, and trade.
The city is also a home for remote workers. It was ranked No. 5 on the list of Livability of the Top 10 Remote-Ready Cities in the U.S. and No. 14 on PC Mag’s list of The Best Work From Home Cities for 2021.
If you move to Fort Collins and are looking for a new job, we have listed some of the major employers in the city that you might want to check out:
- The Group Inc.
- Xcel Energy Co
- Banner Health
- Colorado State University
- Advanced Energy Industries Inc.
- First National Bank
- Hewlett-Packard
- University of Colorado Health System
- Poudre School District
- Larimer County
- Columbine Health
- Woodward and City of Fort Collins
6. Lots Of Fun Outdoor Activities In The Fort Collins
Are you a fan of outdoor activities?
You will be glad to know that Fort Collins is a perfect place for outdoor activities!
After moving to Fort Collins, you will come across lots of parks and open spaces. You will also have easy access to the trails and water, including the 6.5-mile long reservoir west of Fort Collins, the Horsetooth Reservoir.
You can also go out to enjoy mountain biking and paddleboarding, but if you are looking for something else to do, you can visit some of the cultural attractions in Fort Collins.
Check out Art Lab Fort Collins, a vibrant nightlife scene downtown, and the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, perfect for a family fun outing.
Conclusion For Moving To Fort Collins
If you need help with your move to Fort Collins from another state in the United States, check out our local moving services! At Sanelo, we have over 130 years of experience. We are a full-service moving company that can help you with all things moving-related. From applying for visas to logistic arrangements, we’re a one-stop provider!
Considering moving to other cities in Colorado? Here are our useful guides for moving to Denver and moving to Colorado Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Fort Collins
Is it expensive to live in Fort Collins?
The cost of living in Fort Collins is generally 10% higher than the national average. However, it is also a lot safer with a lower crime rate as compared to other states in America.
Is Fort Collins A Good Place To Raise A Family?
According to Livability, Fort Collins was ranked as the fourth-best city to raise a family. They looked at metrics such as the quality of public schools, the cost of child care, affordability of housing and the number of daycare options, parks and libraries.
Is Fort Collins Safe At Night?
Yes. Compared to the rest of the cities in America, Fort Collins has a lower crime rate according to FBI Crime Rates.
What Are Winters Like In Fort Collins, Colorado?
The winters are freezing and dry. It’s best to be well prepared with an ample amount of winter clothing from the months of December to February.