16 Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Collins, CO

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Fort Collins is at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, 60 miles north of Denver.

Its growth rate is among the top in the rank of cities in Colorado and the United States.

Fort Collins is highly populated and has a multi-cultural setting.

The city has a variety of restaurants and also recreation facilities to serve its massive population.

Recently, there has been an influx of people moving to Fort Collins from far and neighboring areas.

The migration led to increased investment opportunities and job creation.

However, before you make a permanent decision to move to Fort Collins, we will give you what makes Fort Collins popular and the cons of living in the city.

Pros of Living in Fort Collins

1. More Affordable To Live Compared To Other Cities In Colorado

The cost of living in Fort Collins is slightly above the national average because of the city’s social amenities and high-quality life.

This, however, should not discourage you.

Life in Fort Collins is more affordable than in neighboring cities such as Denver in Colorado.

In most matters, your budget and finances dictate your choices.

You will have to consider them before moving to this beautiful city.

Fort Collins offers pocket-friendly residential areas outside its CBD, and you will get an apartment to suit your budget.

2. A Remarkable Transport System

Fort Collins transport service is all-around and readily available.

You will have an easy time commuting to work, school or when going shopping in the town.

The city’s parking is pocket-friendly, safe, and easily accessible.

The city boasts a reliable public transport system.

Buses in Fort Collins play on multiple routes and are eco-friendly as they run on bio-diesel or compressed natural gas.

3. A Great City for Cyclists If You Love Riding

We are all looking forward to healthy living, and regular exercise contributes to it.

Fort Collin’s major mode of transport is bicycling.

The city bike-share programs, dedicated bike lanes, and parking make riding enjoyable when moving about.

In Fort Collins, they even have a bicycle co-op.

4. Fort Collins offers an opportunity for investment in real estate

With the increased migration to the town, there is a high demand for housing.

The city is currently ranked as the most stable, growing real estate market in Colorado and is also among the best in the U.S.

Home values have continued to rise in Fort Collins.

The result of increased job opportunities in the city makes the residents capable of afford to purchase homes.

There is also an increase in investors in the real estate sector in the city to meet the high demand.

5. A great place for outdoor activities

If you love outdoor fun, Fort Collins will not let you down.

The city’s nightlife is full of options to indulge in.

Fort Collins hosts many annual live concerts and festivals that Fort Collins hosts cover all genres and ages for everyone interested.

Fort Collins has multiple places you can visit with your children on weekends.

These places will give the thrilling experience your children desire.

One such place is the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

6. The City Economy and Job Market

According to City-data reports, Fort Collins’s economy is well-balanced, and the effects of the U.S. national economy are not felt within it.

The city offers job opportunities in various sectors, but technology, manufacturing, and education are the main employers.

Other industries in Fort Collins offering job opportunities include construction, finance, business services, and trade.

The major employers in the city are:

• Colorado State University
• First National Bank
• Advanced Energy Industries Inc.
• Xcel Energy Co
• Hewlett-Packard
• The Group Inc.

7. The City Provides Utilities to The Community

Electricity, water, sewerage, and stormwater utility provisions have the lowest rates in the state and nationwide.

The city’s utilities meet and are beyond all state and federal quality standards.

Fort Collins conservation programs are award-winning.

8. Education Is Central To the City Community

Fort Collins is one of the best cities to raise a family.

The city is in the Poudre School District (PSD), ranked among the best districts in the state.

Fort Collins Poudre High School offers a recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

In total, Fort Collins has the following schools:

• Elementary Schools – 31
• Middle Schools – 10
• High Schools – 3
• Charter Schools – 4

Cons of Living In Fort Collins, Colorado

Like in other cities, there will be the best of the place and some setbacks when living within the area.

Fort Collins is not exceptional, and here are some cons you will experience in the town.

1. The Airport Is Not Within the City Proximity

Depending on the traffic from Fort Collins, the airport is 45 – 60 minutes away.

If you use air travel regularly, this may not be an ideal place.

The time-saving way to the airport is taking the E-470, a costly toll road with some vehicles rated above $20 per use.

The high-priced cost is frustrating when traveling into or out of Fort Collins.

The same applies when traveling to other satellite towns in Denver.

2. Lack of Diversity

Fort Collins’s population is predominately white at 80%.

The city minority group is not well represented.

Factors contributing to this lack of diversity include:

The city history: As a military fort founded in 1864, the town was not open for settlement until after the civil war largely continues to contribute to it being predominantly white.

Location: Fort Collins location is in an area that is not diverse.

The closest cities with minority populations are over an hour away (Boulder and Denver).

3. There Are No Local Professional Sports Teams

If you consider supporting your hometown an important community identity in Fort Collins, you will miss this.

A lack of local professional sports can lead to declining community spirit and civic pride.

In Fort Collins, no professional sports teams, and the sense of community identity may be lost.

However, sports enthusiasts living in the town can sacrifice the one-hour drive to Denver to watch and support Denver’s professional sports teams.

4. Housing Costs Are Higher Compared To Neighboring Cities

This is one of the main drawbacks of Fort Collins.

Although the cost of living is relatively cheaper than in other cities, a large portion of your budget will go to buying or renting.

The housing cost index in Fort Collins ranks at 168.6, much higher than the U.S. average of 100.

5. The Colorado State University and Other Colleges’ populations may get rowdy

The population of CSU’s proximity to town sometimes may be rowdy.

University students’ night parties, sports, and other activities may deny you a peaceful rest at night or during the daytime, especially if living near the institution.

6. If You Are Planning To Rent, You Need Good Timing

Finding places for rentals, it’s easier in the late spring and early summer when students have gone on holiday.

More rentals are available before students start getting back into town at the beginning of the fall.

7. Fort Collins Is Not A Place for Singles

The population of the town consists mainly of college and university students.

The age set may not work well for you if you are single.

When going out, you will find that you mostly have to contend in the company of couples or the youthful students.

If you are looking for a partner to settle down with, you may have to depend mainly on social media, dating clubs, and Apps.

8. Traffic Jams

During peak hours, you will experience traffic jams as students go to classes and the working population moves.

Traffic jams in Fort Collins can also be seen during weekends when people move for outdoor activities, shopping, or fun.

Final Thoughts on Relocating To Fort Collins

Living in a city with a stable economy, job, and investment opportunities is a dream of everyone.

Furthermore, with its excellent schools, Fort Collins will give your children an opportunity for quality education.

If you are planning on moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, we hope our guide on the pros and cons of the city will help you make the right decision.

Feel free to share and contact us for further info on Fort Collins and other cities you wish to know about.

Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Collins, CO – Summary Table

Fort Collins Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Fort Collins Safety Review

Safety Index:

80

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW