Fort Collins combines a historic downtown, a major university, easy access to the mountains and a famous craft beer scene. About an hour north of Denver, it’s a top choice for families, outdoor lovers and anyone who wants a smaller-city feel with plenty to do. Here’s what to know about living in Fort Collins.
Location and commute
Fort Collins is the county seat of Larimer County and Colorado’s fourth-largest city, with about 170,000 residents (2020 census). It sits roughly 60 miles north of Denver along I-25. Many residents work locally, while others commute toward Loveland, Boulder or the north Denver suburbs.
Lifestyle
- Old Town: a walkable historic downtown with restaurants, shops, music and events.
- Colorado State University: brings sports, arts and a steady rental market.
- Outdoors: Horsetooth Reservoir and Horsetooth Mountain on the west side, the Cache la Poudre River and an extensive bike trail system.
- Breweries: Fort Collins has more than 20, from local favorites to major national brewers.
Schools
Fort Collins is served by Poudre School District, which also serves nearby towns. Confirm schools for a specific address.
Homes in Fort Collins
You’ll find historic bungalows near Old Town, established neighborhoods from the 1970s through the 1990s, and newer subdivisions on the edges of town and in nearby communities like Timnath, Windsor and Wellington. Many newer neighborhoods have HOAs and metro districts, so review the fees and taxes carefully.
What to know before buying
- Rental rules: Fort Collins has occupancy limits for unrelated residents in many areas and its own short-term rental rules, which matters if you plan to rent to students.
- Radon: common in Northern Colorado; test and mitigate if needed.
- Expansive soils: some areas have soils that can affect foundations; a good inspection is key.
Thinking about Fort Collins?
We help buyers and sellers in Fort Collins and across Colorado’s Front Range. Browse our current listings, read about nearby Loveland, or call us at (720) 403-2940. Own a home in Fort Collins? Get a free home valuation.