Thinking about moving to Fort Collins in 2026? Colorado’s Front Range is a hive of growth in the region and includes over 85% of the state’s population, for good reason. Proximity to city living, mountain recreation, a Tier One research university, vibrant nightlife, and mild weather make Fort Collins a must-consider for relocation to northern Colorado.
Frequently ranked as one of the best places to live in Colorado, Fort Collins is sandwiched between I-25 and the Front Range. Quality of life is the biggest factor drawing people to the region, with a plethora of outdoor activities in easy reach.
Hiking, biking, trail running, and rock climbing are all popular activities among locals, students, and tourists alike. A thriving, well-maintained downtown area encourages families and students to patronize local businesses over chains. And, while the city at large may not be super walkable, over 280 miles of bike lanes and trails mean you can live sans car for most of the year.
Fort Collins, Colorado, was our first location outside of Denton, Texas, and it opened in 1998. We’ve invested in the local economy and moved folks in and out of the area for decades. If you’re considering a move, we’re the experts!
Whether you’re drawn to Fort Collins for school, a career at one of the big tech or manufacturing companies, or just for the beer (we know), there’s something for you in the Front Range.
Why People Are Moving to Fort Collins
Settled in the mid-19th century as a military installation protecting the Overland Trail, it shifted to agriculture and education by the 1870s with the establishment of the Agricultural College of Colorado (now Colorado State University).
Sheltered by the Rockies, the Front Range is protected from much of the extreme weather that plagues the more easterly parts of the state. Instead of nine months of winter and snow, Fort Collins enjoys more than 300 days of sun each year. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is especially important. And while the town isn’t as close to skiing as some, other outdoor activities take precedence. The Poudre River winds its way through town, offering kayaking, swimming if you’re brave, and even surfing in the Poudre River Whitewater Park.
After a full day of outdoor adventures, there’s nothing quite like a cold pint of craft beer. For beer enthusiasts, Colorado has long been a draw. Since the first brewery in the state opened in 1859, the state beer economy has exploded to over 400 breweries, with over 20 in Fort Collins alone. New Belgium, Odell, Jessup Farm Barrel House, and Funkwerks are just a few of the spots that locals and beer tourists flock to.
Fort Collins, Colorado, is more than just about hiking and brews; recently, big tech and manufacturing arrived on the scene, enriching an already stable local economy. And because Denver is close by, FoCo has resisted many national chains in favor of more mom-and-pop shops.
What’s driving growth:
The Rocky Mountains played a significant role in Fort Collins’s slower population growth over the last 150 years. Bordered by the Front Range on the west side and the Poudre River on the east, there was only so much land to build homes and businesses in town.
Over the last 50 years, demand from major employers has driven a population boom. Healthcare, energy, tech, and manufacturing are what turned a stable job market into a growing one. Big names like Broadcom, Otterbox, Hewlett Packard, Anheuser-Busch, and New Belgium Brewing Co. bring professionals from around the world to the region.
Students are also a significant source of growth, with CSU attracting over 34,000 students to its Fort Collins campus. As a Tier 1 Research university, it’s one of the top schools in the region, keeping high-tech and engineering firms staffed with high-quality candidates.
Quality of life factors:
The job market in Fort Collins is diverse and competitive, and is typically considered stable. Stable, however, doesn’t mean explosive growth. Since 2020, the city has leaned into its role as a haven for remote workers who can afford the higher-than-average real estate prices.
Especially in demand are:
- Software developers and IT professionals
- Nurses and medical services providers
- Manufacturing and Engineering
- Skilled Trades
Outdoor recreation is a way of life for Fort Collins residents, with access to over 280 miles of trails around the city and region. Hiking, rock climbing, and other mountain sports are nearby, and if you’re new and making friends, chances are meetups involve some kind of outdoor activity. Alongside outdoor activities, music, food, and beer are major lifestyle factors.
Little Guys Movers – Fort Collins is a longtime supporter of FoCoMA, the Fort Collins Musicians Association, and their FoCoMX music festival.
The cost of living in Fort Collins is typically higher than in other cities in the region. Housing, food, and transportation costs are higher than average, 8% higher than the national average. While developers are working to rectify the general lack of available housing, it hasn’t fully settled in. Median home prices sit in the $660k range. Additional housing units are coming online in the next few years, but until then, expect prices to remain where they are.
Best Neighborhoods in Fort Collins for Families & Professionals
Like a thing of beauty, the best neighborhood is always in the eye of the beholder. People at different life stages have different needs. And, the perfect house, on the perfect street, is 100% subjective, and possibly doesn’t exist.
That said, these are the best neighborhoods we’ve found in the Fort Collins, Colorado area.
Fossil Lake Ranch: The Fort Collins Suburb for Families
Character: Luxury Craftsman and modern-traditional homes on spacious quarter-acre to one-acre lots.
Median home price: $1.0M – $1.1M
Who lives here: Affluent families seeking top-rated schools and outdoor access.
What makes it special: Zach Elementary earns an A grade and ranks #3 in Larimer County. Preston Middle School (A-minus) and Fossil Ridge High School (A-rated) complete the pipeline, all within about a mile.
Access to 1,400-acre Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area with wetlands, prairie, 2 miles of trails, and 180 bird species. Well-maintained sidewalks connecting to Lady Moon Park and Twin Silo Park (featuring Fort Collins’ tallest slide). 8 miles to downtown Fort Collins and easy access via bicycle.
Worth knowing: Homes range from $850K-$1.2M for modest ranch-style and modern traditionals, up to $1.5M-$2.7M for expansive luxury builds.
Old Town: Fort Collins’ Historic Heart
Character: Preserved Victorian architecture with mature landscaping, wide streets originally designed for horse-drawn carriages. Historic Old Town exudes charm—it was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street USA.
Median home price: $562K
Who lives here: Young professionals and young families seeking walkable, vibrant historic living.
What makes it special: Extreme walkability, a lively brewery and dining scene, and proximity to Colorado State University. Old Town Square is packed with nightlife, and nearby Library Park is ideal for families with young kids who need a break. Additionally, the downtown area offers plenty of restaurants and shopping. Fort Collins’ award-winning craft beer scene, including New Belgium and O’Dell Brewing Co., is centered in Old Town.
The area is known for historic landmarks like the 1896 Queen Anne-style Historic Baker House. And, while the neighborhood is charming, expect to pay top dollar for period homes. Great public and private schools are nearby, and the Downtown Development Authority continues investing in pedestrian-friendly improvements.
Worth knowing: Blends convenience with timeless charm, though comes with a premium price tag. Fort Collins is a “craft beer mecca,” and Old Town is the epicenter.
Campus West: The Fort Collins Neighborhood for College Students
Character: Student hub right next to CSU, offering a mix of affordability, accessibility, and student-friendly vibes.
Median rent: $1,000-$1,400 per month for student housing
Who lives here: CSU’s 34,000+ students, with 80% choosing off-campus housing.
What makes it special: Walking or biking distance to campus, close to Old Town restaurants and shops. Nearby complexes include The Social West, Governor’s Park, ReNew Foothills, The Social at Stadium Walk, and Union on Elizabeth. New eco-friendly developments with solar panels, recycling programs, and bike-sharing options align with CSU’s sustainability culture.
CSU SafeWalk program available—Campus Service Officers escort students anywhere on university property or within a three-block radius. Students get a better value than in Boulder or Denver, with flexible lease terms and move-in discounts.
Worth knowing: Lake Street Corridor is another popular student area offering affordability and campus access. Big Al’s Burgers and Dogs is nearby with eclectic recycled furniture decor.
Midtown / Near Campus: Fort Collins for Young Professionals & Renters
Character: Evolving area with new mixed-use developments, student housing complexes like The Mark (193 units), and modern apartment buildings along the College Avenue corridor between Prospect and Harmony roads.
Median rent: $1,200-$1,800/month for apartments and condos
Who lives here: Young professionals, recent graduates, and CSU students attracted by proximity to campus, Old Town, and employment centers.
What makes it special: Easy accessibility via the MAX bus line with stops at key locations, connecting to Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Affordable condos are available in the Midtown area starting around $210,000.
Close to Jessup Farm Artisan Village, The Shops at Rigden Farms, restaurants, and grocery stores. Easy walking/biking distance to Old Town’s breweries, restaurants, and nightlife. Midtown is accessible from College Avenue and the Mason Corridor.
Worth knowing: Fort Collins attracts many recent graduates seeking new careers, creating a population of young, single, educated, upwardly mobile professionals.
South Fort Collins / Warren Shores: Fort Collins for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Character: Rapidly growing suburban area with newer housing developments and family-oriented amenities. Warren Shores hugs Warren Lake with scenic walking paths and mature trees.
Median home price: $450,000-$550,000
Who lives here: Outdoorsy families and professionals who value proximity to CSU, shops, and hiking trails.
What makes it special: Gateway to Fort Collins’ best hiking: Horsetooth Reservoir trails, Coyote Ridge (4.2 miles with wildlife), Cathy Fromme Prairie with wildflowers and bald eagles, and the Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. Close to Portner Reservoir for optimal fishing access and Fossil Creek Park. Nearby Lory State Park offers 28.1 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding, with views of Horsetooth Reservoir.
Worth knowing: Easy I-25 access for Denver/Loveland commuters, newer schools, and larger lot sizes than Old Town. Warren Shores feels tucked away while still minutes from midtown conveniences.
Old Town / Midtown: Fort Collins for Remote Workers
Character: Vibrant downtown with cafes, breweries, and shops, minutes from bike paths and outdoor trails—offering urban amenities and outdoor access.
Median home price: $605,000 (2024)
Who lives here: Tech-savvy remote workers attracted by Fort Collins’ strong startup community and innovation culture.
What makes it special: Multiple coworking spaces, including Cohere Coworking (a friendship-based community just steps from Old Town with flexible memberships, Zoom rooms, and phone booths). The Articulate in downtown Fort Collins offers 24/7 access, conference rooms, free professional headshots, and draft beer on tap.
Proximity to Colorado State University ensures a vibrant culture of constant innovation, with high-speed internet infrastructure throughout the city. The Old Town location provides walkable access to restaurants, breweries, and networking events.
Worth knowing: Fort Collins saw an influx of remote professionals relocating from Silicon Valley during the pandemic to enjoy a quieter, less hectic life while continuing to work for major tech companies.
Moving Calendar: When to Move (and When to Avoid)
Best Times
- Spring (March-May): Springtime brings rapidly changing weather, with late-season snowstorms possible in March and April, followed by milder weather in May. Peak tourism runs from June through September, so spring offers fewer crowds. Moving companies have better availability before the busy summer season.
- Fall (September-November): Crisp air and fall foliage provide a stunning backdrop, while the shoulder seasons host fewer crowds. Temperatures typically range from comfortable to cool, ideal for moving before winter weather arrives.
- Weekdays vs. weekends: Moving companies offer better pricing Monday-Thursday. Avoid Saturdays during football season (September-November) when CSU home games create traffic congestion.
Times to Avoid
- Student move-in/out: Over 5,000-6,500 students move into Colorado State University in late August, with the 2025 move-in occurring August 18-20. Traffic on College Avenue, Mulberry, and Prospect experiences significant backups during move-in days.
- CSU Football Game Day: Starting at noon the day before a home football game, several Transfort routes are detoured for campus game-day preparation. Avoid the entire third week of August and early May.
- Peak heat/weather: July and August bring average highs in the 80s, with afternoon thunderstorms common, bringing short but intense bursts of rain, lightning, and occasionally hail. Fort Collins is part of “Hail Alley,” one of the most hail-prone areas in the United States, with hailstorms most common in late spring and early summer. This is also peak moving season with the highest prices.
- Winter weather: Winters can be cold, with average temperatures often dipping below freezing; January is typically the snowiest month. November through April brings snowstorms that can cause hazardous travel and flight delays. Temperature swings of 50 degrees in a single day are not uncommon, as storm systems quickly blow through. Avoid late December through February for the most unpredictable conditions.
Stuff to do in Fort Collins:
Definitely go to these events, but if you can, avoid moving during the festivities.
- FoCoMX (Fort Collins Music eXperiment) takes place April 18-19, 2025, with 400+ bands across 30+ venues.
- Horsetooth Half Marathon in April
- Tour de Fat in August—costumed bike parade and festival at New Belgium Brewing
- Bohemian Nights Thursday Night Live concerts in Old Town Square (May 30-September 5, 2025)
- The Lagoon Concert Series at CSU every Wednesday evening (June 11-July 23)
- CSU Ag Day, State Pride, and Homecoming & Family Weekend (October 18)
Little Guys Movers
Little Guys Movers opened in Fort Collins in 1998, serving Front Range and beyond for almost 30 years. We’re rooted in our community, supporting art and cultural events year-round, and we’re big Rams fans!
When you call Little Guys, you’re talking to your neighbors, not a corporate stooge. Our crews are local, and you’re just as likely to see them in class, on the trail, enjoying live music (or playing), or kicking back and enjoying the view.
We offer free, no-obligation quotes for moves of all shapes and sizes. From a local, residential move to relocating your business across the country, we’re here and ready to help.
Whether this is your first time or you’re a regular customer, let us be the first to say, “Welcome to Fort Collins!