What’s it like living in Fort Collins Colorado?

Chances are, since you are reading this post, you are considering moving to Fort Collins, Colorado.  You want to know really, what’s it like living in Fort Collins Colorado? We were once in your position and I recall there being a lack of information online about Fort Collins, so we put this post together to help you get a first hand account of what it is like to live in Fort Collins, Colorado and answer many questions you may have.

Questions like:

• What’s the weather like in Fort Collins? 
• What is there to do in Fort Collins? 
• Is it expensive to live in Fort Collins? 
• What are the property taxes?
• What are people like?
• Are Fort Collins schools good?
• Are there good jobs in Fort Collins?
• Is Fort Collins a good place to live?

These are exactly the kinds of questions we help our clients answer every day now—because today, we’re not just a family who moved to Fort Collins… we’re local real estate experts helping others do the same.

Carrie and I run The Levi Group, and we’ve helped hundreds of people find their footing (and their dream home) here in Northern Colorado. Whether you’re moving from out of state, relocating for a job, or just chasing that gut feeling that life could be better somewhere else—we’re here to help.

Our Story

Ten years ago, my wife Carrie and I made a decision that quietly reshaped every part of our lives: we moved from the Chicago suburbs to Fort Collins, Colorado.

At the time, we weren’t chasing a hot real estate market or trying to time a trend. We were a young family asking a simple but important question: Where do we actually want to live our lives?

If you’re researching moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, wondering what it’s really like to live here, or trying to decide whether relocating to Northern Colorado makes sense for your family, this is our story—and why we’re still here a decade later.

Life Before the Move: Suburban Chicago Living

We were living in Libertyville, a well-known suburb north of Chicago. It was a great place to grow up, raise kids, and stay close to family. The schools were solid. The neighborhoods were established. Everything was familiar.

But Midwest winters have a way of wearing you down slowly.

Long stretches of gray skies. Cold that limits outdoor time for months. Life increasingly happened indoors, and without realizing it, our routines started to shrink around the weather.

Over time, we began asking ourselves bigger questions:

• Were we wasting our lives away, sitting in the house for 8 months of the year waiting for the weather to change?
• Could we find a place where being active outdoors wasn’t seasonal?
• What kind of environment did we want our kids growing up in?

Those questions pushed us to start exploring options beyond the Midwest.

Why We Looked West

Like many families in Illinois, our first thought was California. I had a work conference in Newport Beach, and we turned it into a short family trip. The weather was incredible. The ocean was beautiful. The lifestyle looked appealing—until we started looking at housing costs, taxes, and overall affordability. Southern California simply didn’t align with the long-term lifestyle we wanted. We weren’t looking to stretch financially just to live somewhere warm.

That’s when Colorado entered the conversation.

Exploring Colorado: Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins

Around that time, I was offered a job opportunity that included a relocation package, giving us the chance to explore several Colorado cities firsthand.

Denver

Denver had energy, job opportunities, and a growing economy. But for what we wanted—space, neighborhoods, and long-term livability—the housing felt tight for families who didn’t want to compromise.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offered affordability and dramatic mountain views. But culturally and lifestyle-wise, it didn’t quite fit what we were looking for.

Discovering Fort Collins: The City That Felt Right

Our first stop was Old Town Fort Collins.

Almost immediately, it felt different.

Old Town had character without feeling dated, energy without chaos, and a strong local identity. The presence of Colorado State University gave the city life, but it didn’t feel like a college town that shut down when school wasn’t in session.

There were families, professionals, students, and retirees all sharing the same spaces—restaurants, patios, parks, and trails.

The next day confirmed it.

Neighborhoods, Trails, and an Outdoor-Centered Lifestyle

We spent time touring Fort Collins neighborhoods, driving through areas with parks, sidewalks, and kids riding bikes. We learned about the extensive trail system that connects large parts of the city.

Then we visited Horsetooth Reservoir.

Families paddleboarding. People hiking before dinner. Outdoor recreation wasn’t something people planned for—it was built into daily life.

Coming from the Midwest, that was eye-opening.

By the end of that visit, we knew Fort Collins wasn’t just a place we liked. It was a place we could see ourselves building a life.

Making the Move: The Hardest Part

The hardest part of moving to Fort Collins had nothing to do with logistics.

We were leaving behind family—parents, siblings, and the support system that makes early parenthood easier. There’s no sugarcoating that part.

But we also knew something important: if we didn’t make the move then, we probably never would.

So we committed fully, packed up our lives, and started over in Northern Colorado.

What Living in Fort Collins Is Really Like

Ten years later, we can say this without hesitation: moving to Fort Collins was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

A City That Grows With You

Fort Collins has a rare ability to support people through multiple stages of life.

• Young professionals love the social scene, breweries, trails, and walkability.
• Families appreciate the neighborhoods, schools, parks, and sense of safety.
• Empty nesters value the culture, outdoor access, and manageable pace of life.

It’s not a city you outgrow.

Outdoor Living Is Everyday Life

In Fort Collins, outdoor access isn’t a perk—it’s part of the infrastructure. Trails, open space, foothills, and water are woven into the city itself.

That changes how you spend your time.

Strong Community Feel

Despite steady growth, Fort Collins still feels personal. Local businesses matter. Community events are well-supported. Neighborhoods feel like neighborhoods, not just collections of houses.

That balance is increasingly rare.

Why So Many People Are Moving to Fort Collins, Colorado

Over the years, we’ve met countless people relocating to Fort Collins from:

• Chicago and the Midwest
• Texas
• California
• The East Coast

Most share similar motivations:

• Better quality of life
• Four distinct seasons without extreme winters
• Easy access to nature without sacrificing city amenities
• A welcoming, down-to-earth culture

Fort Collins doesn’t try to be a massive metro or a quiet mountain town. It sits comfortably in between—and that’s exactly why it works.

Thinking About Moving to Fort Collins?

We’d love to be a resource for you. If you’re looking for a relocation guide, school district breakdowns, or insights into Fort Collins neighborhoods, we’ve probably already written about it or filmed a video on it (and if not, we will).

Most of all, we’d love to share what we’ve learned since moving here—not just the facts and figures, but the things you can’t Google: the energy of a Saturday morning at the market, the quiet magic of a sunset over the foothills, or the joy of watching your kids thrive in a place that finally feels right.

This is the place that changed everything for our family.
If you’re wondering if it could do the same for yours, we’d love to talk.

Fort Collins Weather: What It’s Really Like Year-Round

If you’re considering moving to Fort Collins, CO, there’s a good chance you’re wondering, “What’s the weather like?” Coming from the Midwest, the promise of more sunny days was a big attraction for us, but there were still questions—would the winters be harsh? Would summer be unbearable? The good news: Fort Collins has four true seasons and some of the most enjoyable weather in Colorado.

Winter in Fort Collins

Winter was our biggest question before relocating, especially with young kids. Fortunately, Fort Collins winters are surprisingly manageable. Unlike Colorado’s higher-elevation towns, most of Fort Collins sits around 5,000 feet, which means less snow and milder conditions than many people expect.

From November to February, expect a few snowstorms that range from a dusting to around 6–10 inches. March and April are actually some of the snowiest months, with occasional storms bringing up to a foot of snow. But snow here tends to melt quickly thanks to strong sunshine and low humidity. Roads are usually cleared fast, and about 90% of the time, your plans don’t need to change.

Even on heavier snow days, the city is well equipped. Road crews are on top of it, and if you’ve got a reliable all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, you’ll be just fine. The biggest challenge is your own driveway or shaded sidewalks, which can remain icy for an extended period, especially in areas that face north. Investing in a snow shovel, ice melt, and quality boots is crucial.

As for temperatures, it’s true: 30 degrees in Fort Collins feels warmer than 30 degrees in a place like Chicago or Dallas. That’s because of the dry air and intense sun, which often makes winter days feel 10–15 degrees warmer than the actual reading. While we do get a handful of single-digit or sub-zero nights, it’s usually when you’re home anyway. Daytime highs average in the 40s, and sunny skies are common—even in January.

We always tell clients: warm socks, boots, and a solid winter coat are must-haves, but chances are, you’ll be peeling layers off by midday.

Spring & Summer in Fort Collins

While winter has its charm (hello, ski trips and fireplace nights), we absolutely fell in love with spring and summer in Fort Collins.

By mid-April, things start to green up. Snow gives way to blue skies, tulips, and hiking weather. Locals love heading to trails like Horsetooth Falls or riding bikes along the Poudre River Trail. And yes—flip-flops make an appearance!

From May to October, Fort Collins feels almost coastal. Expect daytime highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s, with cooler evenings in the 50s. Even in July—typically the warmest month—temps usually peak in the high 80s to low 90s. A few homes here still don’t have AC, but most newer homes do. And with the dry air, even warm days don’t feel oppressive.

Fall in Fort Collins

If you’re moving to Fort Collins for the lifestyle, fall might just seal the deal.

By mid-September, the foothills come alive with golden cottonwoods and glowing aspen groves. Crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and cool evenings make it perfect for hiking, backyard dinners, and football season. Fort Collins also comes alive with harvest festivals, CSU game days, and pumpkin patches.

Camping this time of year is unbeatable. We love heading up to Red Feather or Poudre Canyon for a quick weekend away, with crackling fires, flannel shirts, and starry skies.

What’s there to do in Fort Collins, CO?

You may be wondering, what are the top things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado? If you’re considering a move to Northern Colorado, the lifestyle here is one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with Fort Collins—and it’s easy to see why.

As avid hikers and boaters ourselves, we were instantly drawn to the endless outdoor activities. Fort Collins is surrounded by scenic trails for all skill levels, with hiking hotspots like Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Arthur’s Rock, and Lory State Park right in our backyard. Prefer two wheels? Fort Collins is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with over 285 miles of biking and walking trails winding through town and along the Cache la Poudre River.

If you’re into fly fishing or whitewater rafting, the nearby Poudre Canyon offers world-class opportunities just 20 minutes from town. And when winter rolls in, you’re still just a couple of hours from top Colorado ski resorts like Breckenridge, Loveland, and Winter Park.

For golf lovers, Fort Collins is home to several public and private golf courses, including Collindale, Southridge, and Ptarmigan Country Club. Whether you’re a casual weekend player or a dedicated member, there’s a course for every level.

Fort Collins also ranks as one of the best cities for craft beer enthusiasts, boasting more than 25 breweries, including local legends like New Belgium and Odell. From sunny patios to brewery tours, the beer scene here is worth exploring.

If you’re moving with kids, you’ll find a wide variety of youth recreational sports—soccer, lacrosse, football, baseball, tennis, and more—offered year-round through city leagues and clubs. There are even half and full marathons held throughout the year, including the popular Horsetooth Half, if you’re a runner looking to plug into the local fitness community.

In short, Fort Collins offers something for everyone—whether you’re raising a family, retiring, or just chasing that Colorado lifestyle. If you’re planning a move, we’d love to share our local insight and help you feel at home in Fort Collins.

Whether you’re relocating from Texas, California, or the East Coast, Fort Collins weather is one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado. This is the place to be if you’ve been dreaming of four real seasons, more than 300 days of sunshine, and temperate, bearable winters.

Is it expensive to live in Fort Collins, CO?

Yes and no. On average, the homes here are pricier than homes just south, east, or north of us. In Chicago, we found that we wanted a bigger home because of the heat/extreme humidity and long winters. We found ourselves staying inside many months of the year. We have found that we can function with a smaller house here due to the comfortable summer weather. Living in Fort Collins, you can expect to be outdoors a lot, and therefore you might not need such a big house. If you want a larger home because, well, you just want one, go for it. Fort Collins has some beautiful homes that will impress for sure. If you are looking for more affordable housing in Northern Colorado, you might want to check Windsor, Timnath, Loveland, and Berthoud. 

Housing is available in Fort Collins below the $500k range, but you will mostly be looking at three-bedroom homes around 2,000 sq ft that may require some work. Fort Collins sales taxes are lower here at 4.35%, and groceries and utilities are very reasonably priced as compared to Illinois.

What are Fort Collins property taxes like?

Coming from Chicago, we were used to high property taxes, but that is not the case in Fort Collins. If you’re thinking about moving to Fort Collins, it’s smart to factor in property taxes when budgeting for a home. The good news? Colorado has some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S. In Fort Collins (Larimer County), the average effective property tax rate is around 0.55% of a home’s assessed value.

For example, on a $500,000 home, you can expect to pay roughly $2,750 per year in property taxes. Keep in mind that Colorado taxes are based on a percentage of assessed (not market) value, which is typically lower than the sale price. Your actual bill may vary slightly depending on the neighborhood, special districts, or school zones.

What are the schools like?

Poudre School District (PSD) primarily serves Fort Collins, offering a blend of traditional, charter, and alternative schools. As of the 2024–2025 school year, Fort Collins has approximately:

• 32 elementary schools
• 11 middle schools
• 9 high schools

These numbers include neighborhood schools, choice options, and charter programs. PSD is known for offering various academic paths, including International Baccalaureate (IB), STEM, dual-language immersion, and career/technical education programs.

What kinds of work are available in Fort Collins, CO?

If you’re thinking about moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, one of the most important things you may want to know is what kinds of jobs are available there. The good news is that Fort Collins has a developing and diverse economy, which makes it a wonderful spot for professionals, entrepreneurs, and people who work from home.
Colorado State University (CSU) is one of the biggest employers in the state. It creates jobs in education, research, and administration. Fort Collins is also home to a lot of IT and innovation companies, such as Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Broadcom.
Another big business is healthcare, with UCHealth and Banner Health hiring people for a wide range of medical and administrative jobs. The city also helps with biosciences, clean energy, brewing, and manufacturing.
Because the area’s population is growing, construction and development are booming for people who work in skilled professions. Fort Collins is a popular tourist and craft beer destination; therefore, there are many jobs in hospitality, food service, and outdoor recreation.
Fort Collins has job opportunities, a wonderful lifestyle, and a strong professional community, whether you’re looking to change careers or move with a distant job.