Moving to Fort Collins CO in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Fort Collins, CO.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Fort Collins, CO.

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Is moving to Fort Collins Colorado right for you?

Fort Collins is one of the best places to live in Colorado and in America. The city’s low crime rate, shorter commuting time, and beautiful neighborhoods make Fort Collins appealing to people of all lifestyles.

If you’re considering moving to Fort Collins and wondering if the city is right for you, this guide contains all you need to know to make the right decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Fort Collins Colorado is right for you.

facts of Fort Collins, CO

Quick facts to know before moving to Fort Collins

  • Fort Collins's violent crime rate is lower than the national average
  • Fort Collins is a city of millennials
  • Fort Collins averages 237 sunny days per year
  • Fort Colin’s winter low in January is 15 degrees
  • Over the past year, Fort Colin’s jobs have grown by 3.5%
  • Fort Collins average one-way commute time is less than 20 minutes
  • Around 43.6% of Fort Colin’s residents are renters

What’s the population of Fort Collins, Colorado?

Fort Colin’s population is 177,556 people. The capital city stretches across over 58 square miles making it the 4th largest city in Colorado. Fort Collins is nestled in Larimer County and the city is the county seat of Larimer County. The city is located on the Cache La Poudre River about 65 miles away from Denver.

  • Fort Collins has a population density of 3,105 people per square mile
  • The median age in Fort Collins is 29.9 years
  • 29.5 years is the median age for males and 30.3 years for females
  • Fort Collins is currently growing at a rate of 1.48% annually

HHow fast can you commute in Fort Collins, CO?

Fort Collins’s average one-way commute time takes 19.6 minutes. That’s lower than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes commuting to work if you move to Fort Collins. Less time on the road means less stress and having more time for other things.

Here’s how people in Fort Collins get to work:

  • About 72.4% of Fort Collins CO residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 7.9% of Fort Collins CO residents carpool with others
  • Up to 6.8% of Fort Collins CO residents work from home
  • About 2.0% of Fort Collins CO residents take mass transit

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What’s the weather like in Fort Collins, Colorado?

Fort Collins averages 237 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Fort Collins, the following is a quick snapshot of the city’s weather:

  • Fort Colin’s summer high in July is around 87 degrees
  • Fort Collins averages 16 inches of rain per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • On average, Fort Collins gets 48 inches of snow per year. U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Fort Colin’s winter low in January is 15 degrees
  • Fort Collins gets 90 days of precipitation every year
moving to fort collins

Top 10 reasons to move to Fort Collins, CO

People are moving to Fort Collins, Colorado for many reasons. As one of the largest cities in Colorado, Fort Collins is constantly attracting people from all over the state and beyond.

Since you’re considering moving to Fort Collins, the following are the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • Fort Collins is one of the best places to live in the US
  • Fort Collins is the number one city for families in Colorado
  • Fort Collins housing market is steady and growing
  • Fort Collins is close to Denver
  • It’s the fourth happiest city in America
  • It’s one of the greenest cities in the country
  • It’s hyper-local
  • FoCo hosts a variety of (free!) events
  • You can opt outside every day
  • Fort Collins craft beer scene is legendary
fort collins pros and cons

Pros & cons of moving to Fort Collins, Colorado

If you’d like to find out if moving to Fort Collins is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

This can make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Fort Collins, Colorado is right for you or not.

The pros of Living in Fort Collins The cons of Living in Fort Collins
More affordable to live compared to other cities in ColoradoThe airport is not within the city proximity
A remarkable transport systemLack of diversity
A great city for cyclists if you love ridingThere are no local professional sports teams
Fort Collins offers an opportunity for investment in real estateHousing costs are higher compared to neighboring cities
A great place for outdoor activitiesColleges’ populations may get rowdy
The city economy and job marketYou need good timing to rent
The city provides utilities to the communityFort Collins is not a place for singles
Education is central to the city communityTraffic jams
Affordable groceries and utilitiesGreater housing costs
Beautiful sceneryLots of traffic
Fort Collins is a city for cyclistsDistance to airport
Craft beer capital of ColoradoNo professional sports teams
Great education systemLack of diversity
Fort Collins has good health care
Fort Collins has decent weather
place to live fort collins

Best places to live in Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Fort Collins gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods.

If you’re moving to Fort Collins and wondering what places the best for you are, the following is a list of the ten best places to live in Fort Collins, CO:

Rank City Population Median Income
1Severance, CO5,611$109,207
2Lyons, CO2,302$106,743
3Wellington, CO8,651$89,100
4Windsor, CO23,679$103,933
5Firestone, CO13,165$97,862
6Longmont, CO95,864$79,140
7La Salle, CO3,377$76,500
8Loveland, CO81,774$72,515
9Mead, CO4,978$94,947
10Eaton, CO5,646$86,620

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cost of living in fort collins

Cost of living in Fort Collins, Colorado

Affordable living in a big city is one of the key perks of moving to Fort Collins, CO. The cost of living in Fort Collins, Colorado is 116.7. The United States average is 100.

Fort Colin’s average cost of living is higher than the national average. The following are the key components that make up Fort Colin’s cost of living:

Living Expense Fort Collins Colorado National Average
Overall116.7120.5100
Grocery101.1100.7100
Health87.583.8100
Housing167.2167.5100
Median Home Cost$487,800$488,600$291,700
Utilities91.398.4100
Transportation87.4106.7100
Miscellaneous152.5120.4100

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Fort Colin’s housing market

If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Fort Collins CO, we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market. This will make it easier for you to make up your mind about buying a home or not if you’re moving to Fort Collins, Colorado:

  • Fort Collins median home cost is $487,800
  • Over the last ten years, home values in Fort Collins have risen by 102.0%
  • Currently, Fort Colin’s home values have appreciated by 12.6%
  • Around 43.6% of Fort Colin’s residents are renters
  • Up to 1.2% of homes and apartments in Clearwater are open to rent

What’s the average home rental price in Fort Collins CO?

Fort Collins rental market is known for its affordable homes. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Fort Collins, look at the average rental prices below:

  • Fort Collins’ average rent for a studio apartment is $1045
  • Fort Collins’ average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $1,102
  • Fort Collins’ average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,370
  • Fort Collins’ average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,947
  • The average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is 2,333
jobs in fort collins

How is the job market in Fort Collins, Colorado?

How fast can you get a job if you need one in Fort Collins, CO? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Fort Collins wasn’t left out.

Since you’re considering moving Fort Collins, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

  • Fort Colin’s unemployment rate is 5.6%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
  • Fort Colin’s job growth has been positive so far
  • Over the past year, Fort Colin’s jobs have grown by 3.5%
  • Fort Colin’s future job growth is predicted to hit 51.77%
  • Getting a job in Fort Colin’s is easier compared to other similar sized cities in the state
Employment Information Fort Collins, Colorado United States
Income per Cap.$31,686$31,177
Household Income$60,110$57,652
Unemployment Rate5.66
Recent Job Growth-4.60%-6.18%
Future Job Growth51.77%33.51%

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What are the top career options in Fort Collins, CO?

You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Fort Collins, CO. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs in Fort Collins, CO.

Rank Job Title Annual Salary Entry Level Salary # Of People
1Physicians and Surgeons, All Other$257,820$152,510170
2Chief Executives$199,550$95,08030
3Surgeons$195,710$87,49030
4Dentists, General$194,810$114,770170
5Family and General Practitioners$174,110$72,940200
6Marketing Managers$156,740$87,020100
7Lawyers$153,660$64,780270
8Architectural and Engineering Managers$143,410$91,480310
9Financial Managers$140,050$70,200230
10Computer and Information Systems Managers$139,040$88,810260

What is a good salary in Fort Collins, Colorado?

Moving to Fort Collins Colorado could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more money or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

  • Fort Colin’s average annual pay for average jobs is $61,528
  • Fort Colin’s average hourly pay is $29.58 per hour
  • Fort Colin’s average weekly pay is $1,183 per week
  • Fort Colin’s average monthly payment is $5,127 per month
  • Colorado’s minimum wage is $13.65 per hour

Top Industries in Fort Collins, Colorado

Like several other large cities, Fort Colin’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Fort Collins, Colorado. The following is a list of the city’s largest industries since you’re considering moving to Fort Collins, CO:

  • Construction And Mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Government
  • Trade
  • Transportation And Utilities
  • Information
  • Financial Activities
  • Professional And Business Services
  • Educational And Health Services
  • Leisure And Hospitality
  • Other Services
taxes in fort collins

Is Colorado a tax-friendly state?

If you’re moving to Fort Collins from out of state, you’ll have to get familiar with the state’s taxes.

Colorado has one of the lowest average effective property tax rates in the country. If you're moving to Colorado, you should be aware of the key taxes you'll most likely pay in the state. Here's a simple breakdown of the taxes in Colorado:

  • Colorado's income tax is a flat rate of 4.63%
  • Sales tax in Colorado range from 2.90% - 11.20%
  • Colorado's average effective property tax rate is 0.55%
  • Gas tax is 22.0 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
  • Diesel tax is 20.5 cents per gallon of diesel
fort collins mo things to do

Best things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado

There are lots of exciting things you can do in Fort Collins. The city is home to several attractions, and you’ll find lots of amazing things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado.

If you’re moving to Fort Collins, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit and explore. Check out the list below:

  • Wander Old Town Fort Collins
  • Holiday Twin Drive-In Theater
  • Horsetooth Reservoir
  • Go Hiking
  • Visit The Spring Cayon Park
  • Take a ride on Birney car 21 trolley!
  • Horseback Riding at Beaver Meadows Stables
  • Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
  • Explore the Farm at Lee Martinez Park
  • See the Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway
  • Tour the home of a Fort Collins founder
  • Hike Greyrock and take in the view
  • Take in some history at the Avery House

What is the crime rate Fort Collins, Colorado?

Is Fort Collins a safe city for you and your loved ones? Like several other large cities in the United States, Fort Collins has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about the city’s crime rates since you’re considering moving to Fort Collins, CO:

  • The violent crime rate in Fort Collins is 16.2. The national average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Fort Collins is 37.1 The national average is 35.4
  • Residents have a 1 in 460.6 chance of being the victim o f a violent crime
  • Residents have a 1 in 46.0 chance of being the victim of a property crime

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Statistic Count Raw Fort Collins/ 100k People Colorado/ 100k People National/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K4,0842,389.93,256.92,346.0
Violent Crime371217.1423.1387.8
Murder10.65.16.5
Robbery3621.168.373.9
Aggravated Assault293171.5286.9279.7
Property Crime3,7132,172.82,833.81,958.2
Burglary350204.8400.3314.2
Larceny3,1351,834.51,909.31,398.0
Car Theft228133.4524.3246.0
schools in fort collins

Best Schools & Universities in Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Fort Collins, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

The following is a list of the best schools in the city if you’re moving to Fort Collins Colorado:

Top 5 Public Elementary Schools in Fort Collins, CO

  • Zach Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 570 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Traut Core Elementary School
    Public, PK-5 | 501 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Lopez Elementary School
    Public, PK-5 | 438 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Liberty Common Charter School
    Charter, K-12 | 1,142 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Ridgeview Classical Charter Schools
    Charter, K-12 | 703 students, Rating: 8/10

Top 5 Public Middle Schools in Fort Collins, CO

  • Liberty Common Charter School
    Charter, K-12 | 1,142 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Ridgeview Classical Charter Schools
    Charter, K-12 | 703 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Mountain Sage Community School
    Charter, K-8 | 313 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 829 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Lesher Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 771 students, Rating: 7/10

Best Public High Schools in Fort Collins, CO

  • Liberty Common Charter School
    Charter, K-12 | 1,142 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Ridgeview Classical Charter Schools
    Charter, K-12 | 703 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Fossil Ridge High School
    Public, 9-12 | 2,055 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Colorado Early College Fort Collins
    Charter, 6-12 | 1,355 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Compass Community Collaborative School
    Charter, 6-10 | 152 students, Rating: 7/10

Top Colleges and Universities in Fort Collins, CO

  • Colorado State University

  • College America - Fort Collins Campus

  • Front Range Community College-Larimer Campus

  • IBMC College

  • Regis University Ft Collins Campus

  • University of Northern Colorado

  • Colorado State University

  • McKinley College

  • University center for the art

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Fort Collins a good place to move to?

Fort Collins is a fantastic town for people of all ages! The region is rich in history and is home to stunning old structures. The Colorado State University students keep the city vibrant and enjoyable. There are lots of kid-friendly activities in the neighborhoods and Old Town area of Fort Collins, which is wonderfully clean and safe.

Is Fort Collins a good place to live?

Fort Collins is a good place to live in. The city is routinely included in "best of" lists and has earned a reputation for its high standard of living and expanding population. Fort Collins, one of Colorado’s fastest-growing cities, is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains about 60 miles north of Denver.

Why do people move to Fort Collins?

Fort Collins is home to a variety of cultural attractions, such as the downtown entertainment district's Art Lab Fort Collins. A visit to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is just one of the many alternatives for family entertainment. Because Fort Collins has something to offer everyone, so many people are choosing to call it home.

Does Fort Collins get a lot of snow?

Fort Collins Colorado gets 48 inches of snow on average each year. The March 2003 blizzard set a record for the heaviest snowfall ever, with 32.2 inches falling during the storm. Snow starts to fall in the city in October and ends for the season in April.

Does Fort Collins get cold?

Between November 20 and March 1, which is 3.4 months, there is a cold season with an average daily high temperature of less than 49°F. With an average low temperature of 20°F and high temperature of 41°F, December is the coldest month of the year in Fort Collins.

Is Fort Collins cheap to live?

Fort Collins' cost of living is roughly 118.3 on a scale of 100, while Colorado's is 121.1. Although rent affects Fort Collins, Colorado's average cost of living, additional rental costs include those for commuting, food, health care, energy, and transportation.

What is Fort Collins best known for?

Fort Collins is known for being the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado. Seven percent of American and 70 percent of Colorado's craft beer production comes from Fort Collins. Visit Anheuser-Busch to view the Clydesdales, learn how Budweiser is manufactured, and explore the history of one of the nation's oldest breweries.

Does Fort Collins have 4 seasons?

Fort Collins gets all four seasons in a year. Fort Collins is tucked up against the Rocky Mountain foothills and next to the Cache la Poudre River. Approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, the city is located. A mild, four-season climate with 300 days of average sunshine and 14.5 inches of precipitation each year is enjoyed by the locals.

Is Fort Collins a party town?

Fort Collins is a party town. There are a ton of things to do in downtown Fort Collins both during the day and at night. As a college town, the nightlife is thriving and offers a diverse selection of live performances, artisan brews, food, and art.

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