Favorite Things We Love About Fort Collins, Colorado

After living here for over a decade, our family has a long list of favorite things we love about Fort Collins — from the 300+ days of sunshine and walkable Old Town to the trails, breweries, and the community feel that makes this city unlike anywhere else. Here are our top picks for anyone considering moving to Fort Collins.

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1. Outdoor Adventures, Year‑Round

If you love the outdoors, Fort Collins delivers in spades. With a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, over 40 natural areas, and 285+ miles of trails, you can hike, bike, kayak, run, ski, and explore any time of year. It’s one of the biggest reasons our family fell in love with this city — and one of the favorite things we love about Fort Collins that never gets old.

Trails & nature: From the Poudre River Trail running through the heart of the city to foothill hikes at Horsetooth Mountain and Lory State Park, there are spots for every pace and skill level. You can be on a trail within 10 minutes of almost any neighborhood in town.

Water & white-water fun: The Cache la Poudre River — Colorado’s only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River — offers white-water rafting, fly fishing, and easy-access river adventures just minutes west of town. And Horsetooth Reservoir is our family’s go-to for kayaking, paddleboarding, and summer sunsets.

All-season activity: Whether it’s summer biking and rafting, fall foliage hikes, or winter sledding and snowy trail runs, Fort Collins keeps moving. With 300+ days of sunshine, even January feels active. Outdoorsy lifestyles don’t just survive here — they thrive.

→ Related: Top 3 Favorite Hikes in Northern Colorado

→ Related: Best Day Adventures From Fort Collins

2. Vibrant Downtown & Local Culture

One thing that always impresses newcomers — and keeps longtime residents feeling at home — is the lively, walkable city center. Old Town Fort Collins was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A., and once you walk it, you’ll understand why.

Walk or bike everywhere: Many restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and parks are within a short stroll or bike ride. Fort Collins is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community — one of only a handful in the entire country — and the walkability of Old Town is a major reason people choose to live here.

Local flavors & nightlife: With 20+ craft breweries — including New Belgium, Odell, and Horse & Dragon — Fort Collins is widely recognized as Colorado’s craft beer capital. The restaurant scene punches well above its weight too, from Silver Grill’s famous cinnamon rolls to farm-to-table spots like Ginger and Baker.

Arts, community events & charm: The downtown vibe blends old-town character with modern energy. FoCoMX, NewWestFest, Tour de Fat, Thursday Night Live, First Friday Art Walk, and seasonal farmers markets keep the calendar full year-round. There’s always something happening, but the city still feels grounded and approachable.

→ Related: Northern Colorado Events Calendar 2026

3. Excellent Schools, Stability & Quality of Life

For families — or anyone thinking long term — Fort Collins checks many boxes. It’s one of those places where quality of life isn’t just a selling point; it’s something you feel in your daily routine.

Strong education options: Colorado State University anchors the city with energy, research, and a strong workforce pipeline. Poudre School District serves Fort Collins with approximately 52 schools — including traditional, charter, IB, STEM, and dual-language programs — giving families real choice.

Housing stability and community feel: Fort Collins’ housing market is steady, with a median home price around $525,000 and property taxes among the lowest in the country (~0.55%). The mix of established neighborhoods, newer developments, and downtown living means there’s something at every price point and lifestyle preference.

Balanced lifestyle: Fort Collins offers a comfortable pace of life with the amenities of a larger city — great healthcare through UCHealth and Banner Health, diverse dining, cultural events, and a strong local economy — without the congestion, cost, or stress of a major metro.

4. Great for Kids, Families & Long‑Term Living

Fort Collins stands out for raising a family — and it’s one of the reasons our own family chose to put down roots here:

• Safe, friendly neighborhoods — from the 4 main areas of Fort Collins, each with its own character, you’ll find communities where neighbors know each other and kids ride bikes to school.
• Plenty of parks and open space — Fort Collins has 40+ natural areas and a trail network that connects neighborhoods to nature. You’re never more than a few minutes from green space.
• Activities, events, and outdoor adventures for every age group — youth sports leagues, summer camps, seasonal festivals, and family-friendly brewery patios make it easy to stay active and connected.
• A strong sense of community — block parties, farmers markets, school events, and local traditions create the kind of bonds that make Fort Collins feel like home quickly.

A Lifestyle That Works for Everyone

Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone looking for peaceful retirement living, Fort Collins delivers versatility and comfort. The city consistently ranks among the best places to live in the U.S. — and after more than a decade here, we understand why. It’s not one single thing. It’s all of it together: the sunshine, the trails, the breweries, the neighborhoods, the schools, and the people.

Thinking of Making the Move? We’re Here to Help

If you want to explore what living in Fort Collins could look like, the team at The Levi Group would love to help. Reach out anytime for neighborhood insights, schools, commutes, or home-buying guidance.

For a complete overview of relocating, visit our Moving to Fort Collins, Colorado — The Complete Relocation Guide.

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