Tag: What it is like to live in Fort Collins

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.

What Is The Weather Like in Fort Collins

So, you may be wondering what is the weather like in Fort Collins, Colorado. Let’s take a look at what you can expect if you visit or move here.

What Is The Weather Like in Fort Collins: Seasons

In Fort Collins we get over 300 days of sunshine a year.  That means if you like sunshine you will probably like the weather in Fort Collins. We are also a climate that has four distinct seasons. You are able to enjoy summer, fall, winter and spring every year.

Summer

A mountain image depicting summer weather in Fort Collins

Summer time here does require air conditioning. We on average have over 40 days of over 90 degree temperatures in a season. That number has gone up over the years.  In the late 1980’s when I moved here A/C was considered a nicety but now it would be considered a necessity. The humidity is almost always low. This means that our summers have a dry heat so a 90 degree day almost always feels like just that. Our summers can have large afternoon thunderstorms which help to keep the evenings cooler.

Fall

A an image of trees depicting fall weather in Fort Collins

Fall in Fort Collins, Colorado is a wonderful time. We have many deciduous trees around town. In fall these trees turn a plethora of colors while they lose their leaves. The temperature is cooler going into the fall months. However, it is not uncommon to still have days in the 80’s until mid to late October. Our fall season is one of the best times because there is usually little storm activity but still warm weather. This means it is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy all our area has to offer.

Winter

A an image of snow and a sunset depicting winter weather in Fort Collins

In the winter you can expect snow. However, this is not as much snow as people from outside the area might expect. On average we get 55 inches of snow a season. It can snow anytime from September to May. However, accumulation only occurs in the colder months usually December to April. Winter can be cold with periods of time with below zero temperatures. However, most daytime temperatures are well above freezing with below freezing temperatures overnight. Snow in January and February can stick around for a week or more at a time.

What Is The Weather Like in Fort Collins: Spring

An image of flowers and snow depicting spring weather in Fort Collins

With spring blooming you might be surprised to learn that our snowiest month is usually March. With big temperature swings this means that we can have a large accumulation. However, within a couple of days this is usually all melted. You can expect bigger storms in the spring with heavy, wet snow. These storms are interspersed with periods of more seasonably warm weather. You can expect a snowy Monday. Yet within a few days conditions will probably have changed enough that you can have fun in the park on Saturday. Spring is warmer but you will still want a jacket once the sun goes down. Most of us have a jacket that lives in the car for just this reason.

So now you know a bit more about our local climate. Contact us for all of your Fort Collins, Colorado questions. We are your area experts.

Disc Golf Course in Fort Collins

There are quite a few disc golf course in Fort Collins. Disc Golf is a popular sport in Fort Collins and Greater Northern Colorado. This is reflected by the sheer number and quality of courses that we are fortunate enough to have here. Locals often have their top courses that they continue to play over and over again. Our local courses vary from beginner friendly to expert. With that in mind we will break down the different courses beginning with the easiest and moving to the most difficult at the end. Of course, any article like this is likely to be subjective so please don’t @ us if you don’t agree with our assessment. Make sure to download Udisc to get more in depth information on each of these courses.

Boltz Junior High

First, Boltz is one of our personal favorite disc golf course in Fort Collins. This is a 9 hole course with short-medium drives and relatively easy difficulty. As this course is mostly open there isn’t a lot to get in your way. However, beware of the tennis courts which are often locked. This can make retrieving an mis-thrown disc difficult. There is also a water hazard running down the middle of the course. The ditch can vary in moisture content depending on the season. You definitely want to be more concerned with in in spring and summer. Park by the tennis courts to find hole 1 near the massive cottonwood tree on the West side.

Cache La Poudre Middle School

Second is CLP which is a really fun course. While technically not “in” Fort Collins city limits it has earned its spot on this list. CLP is a 9 hole course with short drives and easy to moderate difficulty. This course is all about control with lots of big trees and plants to eat discs. The benefit is that lots of trees also mean lots of shade in the spring and summer. When arriving, park in the school lot after hours/on the weekend. From there find hole 1 near their outdoor amphitheater.

Fort Collins High School

Third is FCHS which is a pretty wide open 9 hole course with medium drives and easy to moderate difficulty. FCHS is usually one of the least crowded courses on any given day. Unlike CLP, FCHS openness means less shade in the hotter months which is something to keep in mind. Park on the Southwest corner of the high school building to find hole 1 to the West.

Aggie Greens

Aggie Greens is an 18 hole course with long drives and a moderate difficulty. It is a newer course without a lot of older growth trees which can mean hotter play in the summer. This is a course you should make sure to play at least once while in Fort Collins. CR23 will take you directly to the proper parking area.

Edora Disc Golf Course Fort Collins

Finally, Edora is an 18 hole course with medium to long drives and a hard difficulty. With this in mind, long driving ability is a must on this course or it can quickly become a slog. It is easy to mix things up with long holes interspaced with shorter ones. With 18 holes there is a lot of opportunity to mix up your play if you don’t want to do it in order. Edora is a well known course and as such it is often crowded on weekends. Park near the pool and ice center to find hole 1 down the hill to the North.

Hopefully you were able to discover a new disc golf course in Fort Collins from this list. As always if you have any questions or need any recommendations about the Fort Collins and Greater Northern Colorado area we are here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out and Contact Us for any of your needs.

10 Reasons Why Fort Collins Sucks

Fort Collins Colorado sucks even though it seems to make it to the top of every “best of” list out there. With this high ranking has come a lot of attention from people who might be looking to relocate. If you are considering moving here, let us save you some time so that you can consider other areas. 

Nice Weather

Fort Collins gets on average 300 days of sunshine each year. Take it from us, nice weather gets old. We often get seasonal depression in the summer as it begins to feel like groundhog day with the same cloudless days and warm temperatures continuing ad nauseam. You would probably be happier in a place that has actual weather like the Pacific Northwest.

Too many restaurants.

If you want to open a restaurant, Fort Collins is not for you. With more restaurants per capita than any place West of the Mississippi many new restaurants close with some of the long term institutions beating them out for their customers. If you are just someone who likes to go out to eat, good luck figuring out where you want to go. There are simply too many choices and you will likely forget about some restaurants if you don’t happen to be on that side of town. It is truly unfortunate. 

Street Art Everywhere

Lots of cities have graffiti all over their utility boxes. This tends to make it easy to tell which gang’s territory you happen to be in. Not so in Fort Collins. Many of our utility boxes are painted by local artists. Does this mean there is a gang of artists? 

Traffic

Most places have terrible traffic on the roads. We do too, but Fort Collins sucks because of the traffic on the trails. Your ears will be ringing with “on your left” from all the cyclists that pass you on a leisurely Saturday morning walk on the trail. With more than 40 miles of paved trail it would seem that no place is safe from cyclists and runners. It’s usually best to just stay home.

Pianos About Town

Some parts of town look like an apartment complex dumpster after the first of the month will all the pianos left to and fro. Even worse, some of our more musically inclined residents even play them, filling the air with spontaneous music. Who needs that?

Fort Collins Connexion

The City has begun offering the internet as a utility. Who wants reliable high speed internet? We know many people who enjoy fighting with Comcast or another ISP about their ever fluctuating bill, service outages, and slow internet speeds. It truly is the holy trinity of a good time. So who would want reliable high speed internet from the same people who provide water and electricity? This is just nonsense.

Too Many Local Industries. 

Most normal places are reliant on one major industry such as oil and gas, timber, or tech. Not so in Fort Collins. Our top local employers are spread out across a number of industries. From Colorado State University to UC Health, Broadcom to Otterbox, New Belgium Brewery to Woodward Governor not to mention local government administration for the city and county. Unfortunately, if you are hoping to find an affordable home this means property values will always remain high since downturns in one industry won’t cause a mass exodus of area residents.

Colorado State University

From game day football traffic to crowded bars and restaurants in old town on the weekends it’s no secret that CSU has a major effect on Fort Collins. As one of the area’s largest employers and with many alumni staying in the area, if you don’t like the color green or you attended CU, you might find it difficult to spend any length of time here.

Natural Areas

Another reason that Fort Collins sucks is Four words, annoying natural lands everywhere. Seriously everywhere. The Fort Collins Natural Areas Department has set out the goal for everyone in town to be a ten minute walk from nature. In order to achieve this there are pocket natural areas all over town. If you like to see the way the pilgrims lived this might be appealing, but for the rest of us who live in modern times we need wifi and places to plug in our hovercars.

Magazines Are Just Trying to Sell Ads and Subscriptions

Don’t believe the hype from Money Magazine, Outside or anyone else, they don’t live here. Just ask yourself if you knew about a gem of a place to live would you scream it from the rooftops for thousands of people to hear, or just keep it to yourself and your closest friends? That is exactly what is happening here, your best bet is to find places that never win awards or are nominated for best of lists. We guarantee that’s where those rich magazine executives live!

If it isn’t clear this was our attempt at some tongue in cheek humor this April Fools Day. While we all fondly remember the good ole days of a young and small Fort Collins, as it has continued to grow it remains a great place to call home. If you have made it this far and still want to move here please don’t hesitate to contact us, we would be happy to help you find your new home.

How Much Snow Does Fort Collins Get

Two of the top questions that I am frequently asked by relocation buyers are: How is the weather? How much snow does Fort Collins get in the winter.  In Fort Collins we get over 300 days of sunshine a year.  That means if you like sunshine you will probably like the weather in Fort Collins.  The other question regarding how much snowfall we get may require a bit more information than just a number.  On average we get 55 inches of snow a season.  There is the number, now you would probably like some more detail about what that means.

Snow Way!

Snow in Fort Collins can occur early, sometimes in late September or October and can also occur in May.  That is a long stretch of time, but understand early snow and late snow are not always the case. In 2021-2022 snow season we did not get real measurable snow until December 31.  It was quite a shock to all of us. 

Big Storms Happen

An interesting snow fact is that March is our snowiest month.  So when some parts of the country are getting spring flowers blooming, we may be getting a big snowfall. The nice thing about spring snow is that our daytime temperatures are usually warmer, so even a big snow does not stick around very long.  We had a record breaking snow about 20 years ago where we had over 30 inches of snow the middle of March.  Fort Collins did not see much movement for several days while the City cleared streets. Life did get back to normal pretty quickly, but that is a snow that we still talk about.

For You Ski Bums

I am also frequently asked how close is the closest ski resort.  We have several options for you and none of them require getting on I-70 and driving through the Eisenhower Tunnel.  The first option is Eldora Mountain Ski Resort, in Nederland, CO.  This ski resort is just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Fort Collins.  Another option is Steamboat Springs ski resort.  That is over 3 hours away and includes a beautiful drive up the Poudre Canyon.  The best kept secret is Snowy Range Ski Area in Wyoming.  It is only 1 hour and 45 minutes away and always has the shortest lift lines and the is the least expensive option in the area. You can drive to Denver and get on I-70 and ski the resorts that Colorado is known for like Vail, Breakenridge, Copper Mountain and the rest. Unfortunately, you will have to deal with traffic. 

We Still Have 300 Days of Sunshine

The Fort Collins area has so much to offer and great weather can be included in that list of reasons people love living here.  Summer time here does require air condition. We on average have over 40 days of over 90 degree temperatures in a season. That number has gone up over the years.  In the late 1980’s when I moved here A/C was considered a nicety but now it would be considered a necessity.

If you are considering a move to the Fort Collins area a knowledgeable real estate agent is a must.  Contact me and I will help you with navigating all the details required to call our great area home!