Updated
Fort Collins is a rising star on Colorado’s Front Range. The fourth largest city in Colorado is taking full advantage of its recent inflow of residents, fast becoming a destination for vacationers and consistently ranking among the top cities to live in the US. Located 65 miles north of the state capital of Denver, this town of 150,000 residents is the home of Colorado State University, laying claim to all that big cities offer without all the big city hustle.
Any conversation about Fort Collins will include talk of CSU. The University claims nearly 32,000 students among undergraduate and graduate programs, and nearly 6,000 employees (nearly double any other business in the city). Several companies have established outposts in Fort Collins, including Hewlett Packard, Intel, and National Semiconductor. News of the opportunity has traveled far, recently ranking the city #7 on Forbes’ list of the Best Places for Business and Careers. Families thrive in Fort Collins, taking full advantage of the highly regarded public school system and parks department, as well as comparable real estate prices to other Front Range towns.
With Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park only 45 miles away, many residents take full advantage of all the mountains have to offer, from hiking, camping and fishing to skiing and biking. It’s easy to see why most cars have ski and bike racks on their roof. If you’re without a car, don’t fret! Transportation around town is a breeze, with public transportation offering dozens of routes within town limits and neighboring cities. Biking is a great way to take advantage of Fort Collins. The city offers cyclists over 280 miles of designated biking trails. Take advantage of the city’s Bicycle Library in the heart of Old Town Square—borrow a bike for the day and grab a map to one of the several self-guided tours, including historic sightseeing routes, brewery tours, and even a tour to discover the town’s eco-friendly initiatives.
Fort Collins is perfect for families, with many events aimed for youth and adults. The Youth Orchestra of the Rockies and the Fort Collins Children’s Theatre introduce children of all ages to the performing arts. The city proudly promotes 50 parks to keep kids active, ranging from small neighborhood outposts to larger community spaces. Fort Collins is home to several breweries, with many gaining national recognition. New Belgium Brewing Company has paved the way for other North Colorado brewers, and several, including the Odell Brewing Company, are hot on their heels. Each summer, these breweries join 45 smaller operations to celebrate all things Ale at the Colorado Brewers’ Festival, offering all-ages fun that includes eclectic food offerings, a taste of the thriving music scene and local artists showing off their talents.
