FAQs: City of Fort Collins
What is Fort Collins like?
Fort Collins is a “Choice City” that has been rated by several publications as one of the best places to live in the country. For a broad overview of the city, see http://www.fcchamber.org or http://www.ci.fort-collins.co.us. Fort Collins has many amenities including top-notch restaurants, shopping, parks, and recreational facilities. It is also in close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, several national parks, and the major metropolitan area of Denver. Residents enjoy a moderate, four-season climate. But don’t be fooled by the stereotype of Colorado as a snow Mecca: Although there’s world class skiing a short distance away in the mountains, down here at the foot of the mountains we see an average of 300 days of sunshine and 14.5 inches of precipitation a year.
What is the size of the town?
The population of Fort Collins is about 120,000 people. There are about 25,000 people enrolled at Colorado State University, so a large portion of the town is comprised of college students and university faculty and staff.
What are people like in Fort Collins?
Fort Collins has an interesting mix of residents with diverse backgrounds. Being a college town, there are naturally many young people in their early twenties. However, Fort Collins has several large, high-tech organizations such as Hewlett-Packard and Celestica, which attract slightly older (mid 20's to 40's) residents and their families. Overall, the average inhabitant of Fort Collins is young and well educated. Statistically, the median age of residents is about 29, and approximately 43% of the population has completed four or more years of college.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins?
The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. It's much cheaper to live here than Southern California or much of the East coast, but it's significantly more expensive than the Midwest and part of the south. To compare the cost of living in Fort Collins to where you live, check out http://www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/salcalc.html. The average rent in Fort Collins for a one-bedroom apartment is $550 and a two-bedroom is $640.
What do people in Fort Collins do for fun?
Outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, boating, biking, and skiing, are major pastimes. Fort Collins also has several museums, theaters, and an historical old-town shopping district. Additionally, the numerous restaurants, bars, and pubs offer enjoyable evening entertainment.
What activities are available in the area?
There are many hiking, running, and mountain-biking trails within a fifteen-minute drive. Some of the most famous ski resorts (e.g., Aspen, Vail) are within reasonable driving distances. For example, it is about a three-hour drive to Vail and a two-hour drive to Loveland Ski Resort. Within a 60-minute drive are Denver, Boulder, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition to watching our own Rams participate in Division I athletics, it is an easy trip to Denver to see the Avalanche, Broncos, Nuggets, or Rockies. There is plenty of shopping in town, as well as is a large outlet mall (J. Crew, Bass, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.) just outside of town.