Tag: What it is like to live in Fort Collins

What makes Fort Collins special

I am often asked by people moving to Fort Collins, what makes Fort Collins special. I would have to say, there are so many things. Fort Collins is home to approximately 170,000 people. We have grown so much over the years. People continue to move here and make Fort Collins home. But what is the attraction?

One attraction is the varied employment base. Everything from tech jobs at Hewlett Packard, Broadcom, AMD and Intel. Other major employers are Colorado State University, UC Health and Woodward. All of these employers are known for providing good paying jobs and providing their employees with rewarding work.

Outdoor fun

There is certainly more to life than work and Fort Collins knows how to fill your off hours with much to do. Fort Collins has over 9666 acres of developed parks. We also have an amazing trail system that snakes through Fort Collins. The trails can provide you with over 50 miles of trails in town to walk, bike and enjoy. This is one of Fort Collins crown jewels. In addition to trails to talk or bike on we have Horsetooth Reservoir for swimming, boating, camping and all of the outdoor fun, just outside of town. Ski resorts are within a couple of hours for winter fun. We have over 300 days of sunshine so you will have plenty of sunshine to enjoy the great outdoors.

Fun for foodies

If you are not into the great outdoors, we have many other things to enjoy. We have more restaurants per capita than any other city west of the Mississippi other than San Francisco. Dining out is so enjoyable in Fort Collins with a wide variety of food to temp your taste buds. Many restaurants are locally owned and operated. You are sure to find several places that will be on your favorites list. We also have a vibrant brewery scene with many micro breweries big and small in town. A couple of the big names you are sure to have heard of are New Belgium and Odells.

Arts and Entertainment

We also have arts and entertainment. The Lincoln Center is Northern Colorado’s largest presenter of professional performing arts. It presents nationally touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy, dance and children’s theater. Fort Collins also has art in public places. This means that without ever stepping into a gallery you can enjoy art driving around Fort Collins. Murals are painted on walls, pianos placed around town and even on utility boxes.

Special events

Our special events calendar will keep you busy through out the year with so many varied things to do. Everything from free concerts in Old Town, Taste of Fort Collins, The Foodie Walk, First Friday Art Walk and more.

What makes Fort Collins special is that it is an alive, vibrant small city filled with so much to do. Fort Collins has great places to eat too. The people also make Fort Collins special. Locals are often told that we are so friendly. We consider that a great compliment. Fort Collins also is not far from the big city of Denver for all that it has to offer. All in all, Fort Collins is a great place to call home. If you are considering moving here, please reach out for an informative relocation guide and Lestel’s professional relocation assistance.

Best of NoCo is out!

The best of NoCo came out recently. Best of NoCo is presented by Style Magazine. Each and every year for the last twelve years this local magazine has done their readers choice awards. The magazine has over 290 categories and received over 245,000 votes this year for the best of in those categories. Reviewing the results, you can discover what local business, people and places took the top three in the 2025 Reader Choice Rest of NoCo contest. If you are wondering. Every vote is legitimate. They have a platform that uses a two factor authentication process to ensure that there are no bots or fake email addresses to skew the results. These are hard earned winners, who are loved by our community.

Best food and drink

The categories are broad and include food, drink services and great places to shop for almost anything from automobiles to women’s fashion. My favorite category every year is food and drink. Some of the winners in this category include Gib’s Bagels for best bagel. Nordy’s for best Bar-b-Que and Silver Grill for best breakfast and best cinnamon roll. Walrus Ice Cream has won the best ice cream every year sine this competition began. This year Josh and John’s came in second place. Both place are special in their own way. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant has won best margarita every year since 2014. Just in case you would like to know who won best pizza, this year it is PizzaVino NoCo Italiano. They best out Krazy Karl.s Pizza. PizzaVine has multiple locations. My favorite location is in Jessup Farm off of Timberline Road.

Other categories

Food and drink are only one of the 290 categories in the competition. Some of the other categories include beauty, health and wellness, home and garden, pet, recreation and entertainment and retail (or as I would say, shopping.) Home and garden and retail are two of the larger categories in the competition. They include everything from the best roofing company, NoCo Roofing, to best handyman, flooring company, glass service and home remodeling. For the retail category you can learn which bookstore received the most votes and also which flower shop, furniture store and bike store, to name a few of the categories. Services are another big category. That includes mortgage lender, coming company and best insurance agent.

Vote next year

As you review the votes you may not agree with who is best and may feel like your favorite place was over looked and should be included. Remember, this is an annual event and there is always next year. You can vote and have your voice heard for the Best of NoCo.

Best Hikes Around Fort Collins

Hiking may not be on the top of your list of things to do this time of year. But, you can make plans for the next nice weather day. There are so many great open spaces and natural areas it is hard to pick the best hikes around Fort Collins. However, we did our best to come up with a comprehensive list that should have a little something for everyone. Whether you are just lacing up your hiking boots for the first time or you are a seasoned professional the Fort Collins area has hiking excursions perfect for you. Without further adieu let’s dive right in.

Best Hikes Around Fort Collins: Horsetooth Rock

Horsetooth Rock is a classic Fort Collins Hike. It is the one point that is easily identifiable from almost anywhere in town. Once you reach the peak you are able to take in so much of the front range it feels like you might as well be flying. 360 degree views are all yours if you are willing to brave the final rock scramble to the peak of Horsetooth Rock.

To get there take Harmony road in Fort Collins West until it turns into 38E. Continue West around Horsetooth Reservoir. Once around it is only a few more miles until you hit the Horsetooth Rock trailhead. Make sure to pay for a parks pass in order to park without being ticketed. Then follow the Horsetooth Rock Trail. It is well signed and hard to get lost as long as you stay on trail. This hike is a popular one so getting there early will always be your best bet.

Arthur’s Rock

Located in Lory State Park to the West of Fort Collins Arthurs Rock is another classic Fort Collins hike. Lory State Park is right on the outskirts of town and will take you about 20 minutes to get to from most places. Just follow CR 23 North along Horsetooth Reservoir. The turnoff for Lory is right after the final dam to the North. Stop by the gatehouse for a parks pass and then continue to the trailhead. This is another steep hike taking you up to some great vantage points that will allow you to see Fort Collins and many other neighboring towns and cities from up above. On a clear day from Arthur’s Rock visibility can be almost unlimited.

Best Hikes Around Fort Collins: Grey Rock

It only takes a short drive up the Poudre Canyon to reach the Grey Rock trail. With a large trailhead parking area it is pretty easy to find parking during slower times. However, weekends and holidays are very popular times for this hike. If you choose to do it during one of these times we recommend getting there early for the best parking opportunities. There is no pass required for parking and access. The trail to Grey Rock is a steep one that rewards you with some of the best views in Northern Colorado.

This was just a small selection of the amazing hikes we have around Fort Collins and in greater Northern Colorado. We are always happy to provide recommendations to folks. Whether you are new to the area or a seasoned local we probably have ideas for things you have never tried. Contact us and find out how we can help Fort Collins feel more like home.

Let’s Learn about Poudre School District

Let’s learn about Fort Collins Schools and who services the area’s educational needs. Poudre School District (PSD) services Fort Collins, Timnath, Wellington, Laporte, Red Feather Lakes, parts of Loveland, Windsor and other areas all the way to the Wyoming boarder. That is over 1,800 square miles. During the 2023-2024 school year, 25,967 students were enrolled in the district. There were also 3,134 students that were served by the district authorized charter schools and other programs.

PSD school buildings

The district has fifty four school buildings that span elementary, middle, middle-high, comprehensive high school, and even alternative schools. Alternative schools can be everything from alternative high schools to online, hybrid, and charter schools. PSD is quick to say that your school buildings are aging. There is an estimated one billion needed for capital improvements and maintenance. There are still thirty two school buildings in the district that do not have mechanical cooling. Classroom temperatures in those buildings can reach 85 degrees during classes in August and other hot times of year. But even with the challenges of aging buildings, PSD is succeeding with what they set out to do, educate the children that attend their schools.

PSD Students

The graduation rate demonstrates this. The class of 2023 had a graduation rate of 86.9 percent. That was the second highest rate of graduation, in the district, in more than a decade. Here is some additional information about our students. Eighty percent of PSD high school students participate in career and technical education courses, compared to a state average of seventy two percent. Last year 623 PSD students received career and technical education (CTE) industry certifications, showing that they have real-world, job ready skills for the work place. In addition, sixty six percent of PSD graduates earned free college credits.

PSD Teachers

Attracting and keeping good teachers is important for the success of a school district and the children of that district. The district had a ninety two percent retention rate for its teachers in 2023-2024. Teachers love working for the district and stay, but it is not because of the pay. The average PSD teacher’s salary is nine to twelve percent less than similar districts along the Northern Front Range.

We are Proud of the quality of education that is provided by Poudre School District. The numbers show that they are doing what they set out to do. Providing a successful, inspiring place for every child to think, learn and grow. The district prepares children to be successful in a changing world. Thank you PSD for what you do!

Is It Better To Live In Fort Collins or Denver?

Image of downtown Denver skyscrapers illustrating Is It Better To Live In Fort Collins or Denver?

If you are relocating to Colorado, you might not know too much about the area. Some of our larger cities and towns might have drawn in your attention and made you wonder what it is like to live there. In order to help make this complicated decision a little easier we wanted to to address a few potential areas of interest. With that in mind, is it better to live in Fort Collins or Denver?

Housing Costs

When it comes to the Fort Collins vs. Denver debate housing costs play a vital role. However, it doesn’t matter if you are planning to rent or buy your residence. This is because Denver housing costs in 2022 across the board are 9.3% more expensive than that of Fort Collins. Living in Fort Collins means being able to afford a slightly better home, or rent a nicer apartment.

Is It Better To Live In Fort Collins or Denver: Traffic

When comparing Fort Collins and Denver, traffic is an important consideration. While Fort Collins does have its own traffic issues they are nothing compared to the congestion in and around Denver. Denver traffic is a common occurrence at all hours of the day. This can even be true on weekends and holidays. In Fort Collins 5:00 PM can be a tough time to get around. However, most of the day you shouldn’t have any trouble getting from point A to point B.

Community Feel

Image of bikes in Old Town Fort Collins illustrating the community feel when considering Is It Better To Live In Fort Collins or Denver?

Denver and its affiliated suburbs are a sprawling mix of development. This can make it difficult to have a real cohesive community feel. Of course there are some areas where this isn’t the case. However, by and large the Denver area lacks a real community connection outside of its local sports teams. Fort Collins on the other hand is just small enough to result in a feeling of community. We have Colorado State University and all of its sports teams to cheer for. Additionally, if you frequent the same spots you will likely begin to make friends with other regulars.

Is It Better To Live In Fort Collins or Denver: Job Opportunities

Due to its size and the fact it is a capital city Denver will always be able to provide more opportunities for jobs than other cities in Colorado. However, these opportunities often come with steeper competition both from inside and outside the area. This is especially true in the era of remote work. Fort Collins boasts a number of large employers like Broadcom, Otterbox and Colorado State University among many others. Competition for these positions can often be less intense than you might experience in Denver and other large metro areas.

Still trying to understand the question, is it better to live in Fort Collins or Denver? Contact us today and we can discuss some of the benefits of Fort Collins and Northern Colorado. We even offer a tour of the area if you are interested. If you still think Denver is a better fit we can help make some introductions to smooth out your transition to a new area.

Best Coffee Shops in Fort Collins

With our readers in mind we have compiled a list of the best coffee shops in Fort Collins. With any town there are a variety of coffee shops to choose from. For instance you can go with a tried and true chain like Starbucks. Doing so allows you to know that you will receive roughly the same quality product and experience regardless of location. However, the small one offs or mom and pop shops with a couple of locations are often where the heart of a community exists. We have a number of coffee shops that are close to our hearts here in Fort Collins. Whether you are looking for a quick drive through or somewhere to work on your newest novel there should be something on this list for you.

The Human Bean

A picture of the human bean demonstrating Best Coffee Shops in Fort Collins

One of our favorites. The Human Bean has a variety of Northern Colorado locations to choose from. They offer a fast drive through experience. The Human Bean also carries a vast array of to go breakfast food options for anyone in a rush in the morning. These include several gluten free choices for the gluten sensitive among us. With friendly staff and amazing coffee The Human Bean is a can’t miss coffee shop in Fort Collins.

Best Coffee Shops in Fort Collins: Alley Cat

Located on Laurel just across the street from Colorado State University, Alley Cat is a coffee shop well known and loved by our local students. The free wifi is something that really appeals to the student population. However, this isn’t to say that you have to be a student to enjoy its lively atmosphere. This is because everyone is welcome to grab a coffee at Alley Cat. While you are there make sure to try one of their famous sandwiches.

The Cart

An image of the cart coffee shop illustrating Best Coffee Shops in Fort Collins

With a local presence of 27 years The Cart is definitely a can’t miss coffee shop in Fort Collins. It is located inside of Spouts grocery store at the intersection of Lemay and Drake. The Cart offers a small coffee shop feel that is great for a meeting or writing the next chapter of your novel. Once you are done you can grab some pastries from Great Harvest Bread a few doors down, or hit up Island Grill next door for dinner.

A picture of a coffee cup illustrating Best Coffee Shops in Fort Collins

Did we miss one of your favorite Best Coffee Shops in Fort Collins? Contact Us and we will add it to the list. As area experts we can also provide any other recommendations you may need, or even an area tour if you are looking to relocate. We are always happy to shed some light on what makes Fort Collins a great place to call home!

Best of Fort Collins 2022

Best of Fort Collins 2023

Exciting news! One of my favorite things, out of so many, about Fort Collins is that we do the “Best of Fort Collins 2022” Every year it is so fun to see who won “best of” in the different categories. The big news is that the results are in for 2022. So…who won in the different categories? Here is a list of some of the results.

  • Best all around restaurant: Austin American Grill
  • Best Breakfast: Silver Grill
  • Best Dessert: Walrus Ice Cream
  • Best Romantic Restaurant: Jay’s Bistro
  • Best Salad Bar: Spoons, Soups, Salads and Sandwiches
  • Best Meal For the Money: Krazy Karl’s Pixie and Sports Bar
  • Best Mexican: Blue Agave Grill
  • Best Tourist Attraction: Old Town
  • Best Gift Shop: The Cupboard
  • Best Grocery Store: King Supers
  • Best Florist Shop: Palmer Flowers
  • Best Family Amusement: The Gardens at Spring Creek
  • Best Birthday Party Venue: Fort Fun
  • Best Barber Shop: Floyd’s 99 Barbershop

What makes Fort Collins Great

Fort Collins is a great place to call home because of these Best of Fort Collins 2023 winners.

That is a long list and the list in the “best of” section of the Coloradoan is even longer. It covers “best of” for service providers, doctors, hospitals, beauty and health, entertainment, shopping and so much more. I am always available for recommendations, but this list is fun to refer to also.

Remember to enjoy all that Fort Collins has to offer and the unique places that are special to just Fort Collins, not just those on the Best of Fort Collins 2022 list. Nothing turns you into a local faster than knowing where all the great spots are. So, if you are looking for a special place, we can help. Whether it is a new home or just a community recommendation. Just reach out and contact us we provide special recommendations to some of the communities best kept secrets. We just ask that you promise not to spoil them by making them too popular.

Fort Collins Haunted Places

When you are in a town as historic as Fort Collins you are bound to come across a few places that are thought to be haunted. In fact Fort Collins is ranked as the 3rd most haunted U.S. city. Whether there is any merit to these claims is for your to decide. This Halloween we wanted to share with you three haunted places in Fort Collins, CO.

Walrus Ice Cream

An image of the Fort Collins Haunted Places Walrus Ice Cream

The first of these is Walrus Ice Cream. Years ago, and long before it was an ice cream shop this building had tunnels underneath where the dead were taken prior to being embalmed or cremated at the neighboring morgue. According to locals this location has a bizarre energy. The shop has experienced overturned cabinets, smashed out windows, and other unexplained events. All of this is believed to be caused by their resident ghost Charlie. You can read more in a question and answer session with the shop’s owner.

Fort Collins Haunted Places: The Avery Building

This building is believed to be haunted because events that took place in 1889. William Avery’s wife Mary was believed to have been having an affair with Avery’s business partner Frank Millington. Evidently, shortly after Avery suddenly fell ill and later succumbed to his illness. After Avery’s untimely death it was discovered that he had 50 times higher than a lethal dose of arsenic in his body. Investigators also discovered that his wife Mary had recently purchased arsenic. She and her lover were put on trial but later acquitted as it could not be proved that either had done the poisoning. William Avery’s ghost is still believed to wander the property.

Colorado State University Statistics Building

An image of the Fort Collins Haunted Places Colorado State University Statistics Building

The statistics building is one of the older buildings on the Colorado State University campus. This means there is a lot of history that has occurred there. One of the reasons it is believed to be haunted is because of the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 and 1919. Another is two untimely deaths that occurred in a now filled in pool. There are frequently strange and unexplainable phenomena that take place in the statistics building. Is it ghosts, or something else? We leave that for you to decide.

This is just a sample of some of the supposed Fort Collins haunted places. There are quite a few historic buildings in town each with their own stories. We also have many homes and buildings that have been built much more recently. Contact us for help finding a house that probably isn’t haunted.

Golf Courses in Fort Collins

To start off this list let’s explore the municipal golf courses in Fort Collins, Colorado. Information on each of these courses and how to book at tee time can be found on the municipal golf website.

Collindale

An image of a sign depicting the Collindale Golf Course in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Let’s first take a look at Collindale golf course. Collindale is an 18 hole course with a par of 71. Additionally, it is characterized by a medium green length which are fast and well manicured. Collindale also features a driving range for those of us who need to shake the rust off early in the season. This course also features the C.B. & Potts restaurant and bar at the clubhouse. The clubhouse is a great place to finalize your business deals post play, or just grab a bite to eat before heading home.

Golf Courses in Fort Collins: City Park 9

Shorter greens and old growth trees characterize this 9 hole course located near Old Town Fort Collins. City Park 9 has a par of 36 and is great for a fast game when you don’t have time for a full 18 holes. This popular short course is great for those who want to walk while they play. Just make sure to lighten up your bag before hand.

Southridge

Rolling hills medium green length and spectacular views make Southridge a local favorite golf course. With 18 holes at a par of 71 this course is one that you should not miss when visiting or living in Fort Collins, Colorado. A fun fact about Southridge is that it is also a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Who knows what neat birds you might see when you play this course.

Golf Courses in Fort Collins: Fort Collins Country Club

Our area also has a number of privately run golf courses. The most notable of these is the Fort Collins Country Club. The course features 18 holes that features great mountain views and mature trees lining the fairways. In order to play here you will need to be a member. If you are interested in membership more information can be found at the Fort Collins Country Club’s website.

Mountain Vista Golf Course

Mountain Vista is another private course in our area. It is 9 hole course located just North of town. Want to get in 18? Just play the course twice. This course also features a driving range, putting range, and chipping area. The chipping area even has a practice sand pit. Find yourself getting thirsty out there? No worries there is a full service beverage cart for all your needs. Visit the Mountain Vista website for more information.

XGolf

While it is not really a golf course XGolf offers a unique golfing experience. You will be able to play digital golf using the latest technology. These golf simulators have a 98% shot prediction accuracy. This is a great way to work on your golf game when the weather is less than ideal. There is also a bar, ping pong, foosball, and shuffle board. More information about booking a session can be found at the XGolf website.

Contact Us if you have any questions about the recreation opportunities our area has to offer.

Signs You’re From Fort Collins

People from Fort Collins have a number of distinct qualities. Living in a unique place has had an impact in all of our lives. Moreover, this often translates to a number of indicators that you are around someone who calls Fort Collins home. Here are a few signs you’re from Fort Collins.

Ram Gear Everywhere

An image of a Colorado State jersey to demonstrate the signs you're from Fort Collins

If you are from Fort Collins, it is almost impossible to not be a Colorado State University Ram’s fan. Even if you have another alma mater, you likely have Ram hats, gloves, coffee mugs or something else somewhere in your home. Having Ram gear in your house is one sure sign you are from Fort Collins.

Signs You’re From Fort Collins: Ope

A word with a bazillion uses. It is usually used by Coloradans to say “sorry for being in the way.” If you are from Fort Collins there is no question that you use this word all the time. Moreover, from trying to get around someone else, to dropping something on the floor, ope is your go to.

The Wave After Merging

If you are from Fort Collins you are probably a pretty polite driver. If someone lets you merge you take the time to acknowledge that they went out of their way for you. Additionally, it is not uncommon to see locals wave if you let them merge. Most of us aren’t really sure where the horn is on our car. This is because unlike other places it is very uncommon for us to honk at other drivers. We use our best manners on the road because we know that we all have places to be.

Signs You’re From Fort Collins: A Taste For Craft Beer

An image of a Colorado Sunshine Hard Cider to demonstrate the signs you're from Fort Collins

In Fort Collins we are spoiled. We have access to a variety of different craft breweries. This means that we can be a bit picky when it comes to the beverages we select. Additionally, we are fierce advocates for our favorite breweries. So don’t be surprised if we turn down a Corona in favor of one of our local favorites.

Those are just a few signs that you’re from Fort Collins. Contact us today if you want to call this wonderful place home.