What it's Like to Live in Fort Collins, Colorado

Thinking about relocating to Colorado, consider the mid-size town of Fort Collins with a population of 174,081 (2020) Census.

It is no wonder that Fort Collins is ranked as #17 Top Places to Live in the U.S., due to its beauty and laid back lifestyle. Fort Collins has so much history and character, from the trolly that runs down Mountain Avenue and it's historical homes, to 'Old Town' structures and buildings with stories from another time, more than a century ago.

This town is well known for its craft beer and outdoor recreation. Being home to New Belgium Brewery and close proximity to Lory State Park, Horsetooth Reservoir and Poudre Canyon, it is not uncommon to spend the morning hiking or mountain biking in the foothills and hanging out on a patio at a brewery or distillery in the afternoon. This town offers a unique, laid back lifestyle not easily found in other cities around Colorado.

Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, the second largest public state University in Colorado. It is home to more than 33,000 students, many of which stay through the summer and after graduation because of the beauty and laid back atmosphere . With the influx of students every fall, it does increase the population of the town by nearly 20% in the fall.

Fort Collins has some great claims to fame. It's the home to author, Temple Grandin. A League of Their Own (1992 movie featuring Madonna and Tom Hanks) had scenes filmed at CSU and Walker. Walker Texas Ranger was also filmed in this small town. But, the most famous fact of all is that downtown Ft. Collins was the inspiration behind Disney’s Mainstreet.