Everything You Need to Know About Living in One of Colorado’s Most Desirable Cities

Table of Contents
- Why Move to Fort Collins, CO
- Top Neighborhoods in Fort Collins
- Cost of Living & Housing Market
- Schools & Education
- Jobs & Economy
- Commute & Transportation
- Things to Do in Fort Collins
- Tips for Moving to Fort Collins
- Senior Moving Services in Fort Collins
- Storage Solutions in Fort Collins
- Why Choose Exodus as Your Fort Collins Mover
- FAQs About Moving to Fort Collins
Why Move to Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins, Colorado blends vibrant city life with scenic beauty, top-tier schools, and a strong sense of community. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains and home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. Whether you are moving for education, career opportunities, or simply a higher quality of life, Fort Collins offers something for everyone.
Why residents love Fort Collins:
- A lively downtown scene with historic charm
- Dozens of craft breweries, restaurants, and cultural events
- Excellent schools and a family-friendly environment
- Outdoor lifestyle with trails, lakes, and mountain access
- A forward-thinking city with small-town warmth
Top Neighborhoods in Fort Collins
Whether you prefer historic homes or new developments, Fort Collins has a neighborhood to match your lifestyle.
Old Town
The heart of Fort Collins—historic architecture, unique shops, and walkability make this area a favorite among professionals, artists, and CSU students.
Rigden Farm
A master-planned community with parks, walking trails, and convenient shopping. Ideal for families seeking a suburban feel with easy access to downtown.
Harmony Corridor
Located in South Fort Collins, this area features upscale homes, golf courses, and easy commuting routes.
Fossil Lake Ranch
Known for its luxury homes, top schools, and proximity to parks and natural areas. Popular among growing families.
Westchase
Peaceful and well-maintained, this neighborhood attracts retirees and professionals alike.
We also frequently help customers move to surrounding areas such as Windsor, Loveland, Wellington, Laporte, and Timnath.
Cost of Living & Housing Market
Fort Collins has a higher cost of living than some Northern Colorado towns, but it remains more affordable than Boulder or Denver.
Estimated Costs (2026):
- Median home price: $575,000
- Average rent (2-bedroom): $2,100/month
- Utilities + internet: ~$250/month
- Groceries: Average for Colorado
- Sales tax: 3.85% city + 2.9% state
- Property tax: Approx. 0.6% of assessed value
While prices vary by neighborhood, Fort Collins real estate continues to appreciate due to demand, quality of life, and access to jobs and education.
Schools & Education
Fort Collins is served by Poudre School District, one of the top-performing districts in Colorado. The city also offers several charter and private school options.
Notable Schools:
- Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School
- Fossil Ridge High School
- Liberty Common Charter School
- Polaris Expeditionary Learning School
Higher Education:
- Colorado State University (CSU) – A top-tier research university and major local employer.
- Front Range Community College – Offers affordable degree and certificate programs.
Jobs & Economy
Fort Collins boasts a diverse and growing economy fueled by education, technology, healthcare, and clean energy.
Key Employers:
- Colorado State University
- Hewlett-Packard Enterprise
- UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital
- Otter Products
- Woodward, Inc.
The city also supports a thriving entrepreneurial scene and many residents work remotely, thanks to strong internet infrastructure and coworking spaces.
Commute & Transportation
Fort Collins is well-planned for both car and bike commuters. Most residents enjoy short travel times compared to larger metro areas.
Average commute time: ~22 minutes
Transportation options include:
- Transfort public bus system
- MAX Bus Rapid Transit line
- Ample bike lanes and trails—Fort Collins is a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community
- Proximity to I-25 for regional travel
- ~1 hour to Denver International Airport
Things to Do in Fort Collins
From festivals to fly-fishing, Fort Collins offers year-round recreation and entertainment.
Highlights include:
- Old Town Fort Collins – Historic downtown with shopping, dining, and live music
- Horsetooth Reservoir – Boating, swimming, hiking, and camping
- Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – Family-friendly and interactive exhibits
- CSU Rams Athletics – Catch a game or event on campus
- Brewery Tours – New Belgium, Odell, and dozens of local craft breweries
- Parks and Trails – Over 50 natural areas and a robust trail system
Tips for Moving to Fort Collins
- Book your movers early, especially in summer or around CSU semester transitions
- Use color-coded labels to organize boxes by room
- Secure a parking permit for downtown or campus-area moves
- Ask your mover about storage if your new home is not move-in ready
- Choose a mover who knows Fort Collins neighborhoods and local logistics
Why Choose Exodus as Your Fort Collins Mover
Whether you are relocating across town or across the country, Exodus Moving & Storage has served Fort Collins for over 30 years. With a passion for Northern Colorado, we are locally owned, community-focused, and proud to be your neighbor.
What sets us apart:
- Local crews who know Fort Collins inside and out
- Familiarity with city logistics, CSU traffic, and HOA rules
- Personalized moving plans with transparent estimates
- Full-time, trained movers—not subcontractors
- Senior and veteran relocation specialists
- Proud supporters of:
- Member of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
- Wheaton World Wide Moving Agent – providing national reach with local care
At our core, Exodus Moving & Storage is a professional team of real people creating solutions across Colorado.
Senior Moving Services in Fort Collins
Exodus Moving & Storage is Silver Certified by NASMM and Wheaton Worldwide Moving, making us specially trained to support seniors through important life transitions, including moves into retirement communities.
Whether you are moving into an independent living residence or helping a parent relocate closer to family, we provide:
- Packing and unpacking
- Support through life transitions
- Patience, care, and personalized planning
- Coordination with assisted living or senior housing staff
We are proud to support senior moves throughout Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.
Storage Solutions in Fort Collins
We provide secure, climate-controlled storage in Northern Colorado with flexible plans for both short- and long-term use.
Perfect for:
- Delayed closings
- Home staging or renovations
- Seasonal storage
- College students between semesters
Our Load Once / Store / Unload Once trailer model reduces handling and risk of damage.
FAQs About Moving to Fort Collins
Is Fort Collins a good place to raise a family?
Yes. With excellent schools, parks, and low crime rates, Fort Collins is consistently ranked as a top city for families.
Does Exodus offer packing and storage?
Absolutely. We offer full-service packing and secure, climate-controlled storage in Northern Colorado.
Can you help with long-distance moves?
Yes. We handle interstate moves with the same care and professionalism as our local services.
Do you help students or college faculty relocate?
Yes. We regularly move students and faculty in and out of CSU housing, apartments, and homes near campus.
Is Fort Collins expensive compared to other Colorado cities?
It is more affordable than Boulder or Denver but slightly higher than nearby towns like Loveland or Greeley.
Ready to Make Fort Collins Home?
Get in touch with Exodus Moving & Storage today to start planning your Fort Collins move. Our team is here to answer your questions, build a tailored moving plan, and help you settle in with ease.Call us at 970-484-1488 or click here to request a free quote.