Moving to Fort Collins, CO
City Guide + Moving Help
Fort Collins, Colorado is one of Northern Colorado’s most desirable cities—offering a mix of outdoor lifestyle, strong job opportunities, and a vibrant local culture. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or a better quality of life, this guide will help you plan your move with confidence.
A professional team of real-people creating solutions.
Quick Facts About Fort Collins
POPULATION
~170,000
DISTANCE TO DENVER
~65 miles (~1 hour)
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
~$575,000
AVERAGE RENT (2BR)
~$2,100/month
AVERAGE COMMUTE
~22 minutes
BEST FOR
Families, professionals, CSU students
Why Move to Fort Collins?
Fort Collins blends the energy of a college town with the stability of a strong local economy. Home to Colorado State University and located at the foothills of the Rockies, it offers a lifestyle that’s both active and community-driven.
People move here for:
- A walkable, vibrant Old Town
- Access to hiking, biking, and water recreation
- Strong schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
- Growing job market in tech, healthcare, and education
- A welcoming, community-focused atmosphere
Compared to Denver or Boulder, Fort Collins offers similar lifestyle benefits with less congestion and a more approachable cost of living.
Common Neighborhoods/Areas
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 quaint neighborhood attracts retirees and professionals alike.
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, Jobs, Commute & Lifestyle
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:
- Lesher Middle School
- Fossil Ridge High School
- Liberty Common Charter School
- Polaris Expeditionary Learning School
Higher Education:
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
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
What to Know Before You Move
| TOPIC | KEY INSIGHT | PRO TIP |
|---|---|---|
|
Peak Moving Season |
• Summer (May–August) and CSU semester transitions are the busiest times of year.
• Good movers book up 4–6 weeks in advance. |
Book early to get your preferred date and the best rates. |
|
Traffic & Timing |
• Areas near CSU, Old Town, and Harmony Corridor can get congested.
• Class change times and event days increase traffic. |
Plan your move for mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid peak congestion. |
|
Weather |
• Winters bring snow and cold temps.
• Summers are warm, dry, and ideal for moving. |
Check the forecast and have a plan for winter weather just in case. |
|
Storage Needs |
• Competitive housing means move-in dates don’t always line up.
• Short-term storage is very common. |
Ask about our climate-controlled storage options for flexible, short-term solutions. |
|
Local Logistics |
• Some neighborhoods have HOAs, parking permits, narrow streets, or limited truck access.
• Downtown and campus areas may require permits. |
Let us know about any access restrictions ahead of time so we can plan accordingly. |
Looking for more moving tips? Check out our resources below.
OUR MOVING SERVICES IN FORT COLLINS
LOCAL MOVING IN FORT COLLINS
From downtown lofts to South Fort Collins neighborhoods like Harmony Crossing and Fossil Lake Ranch, we’re experts in quick, safe, and smooth moves across town.
LONG DISTANCE MOVING
Headed out of state or across the Rockies? We’re a Wheaton Van Lines agent with the resources and reliability you can count on for interstate moves.
SENIOR MOVING IN FORT COLLINS
As Silver Certified senior movers, we specialize in compassionate, respectful relocations for seniors, downsizers, and assisted living transitions.
SECURE STORAGE IN FORT COLLINS
Short- or long-term storage solutions right here in Northern Colorado. Climate-controlled, secure, and convenient.
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.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
430+ Reviews • 4.9-Star Average Rating
Ready to get started?
FORT COLLINS, CO MOVING FAQS
When should I book movers in Fort Collins?
We recommend scheduling your move 4–6 weeks in advance for the best availability. However, we can also accommodate last-minute moves, depending on our schedule.
Do I need storage during a move in Fort COllins?
Often yes—especially with competitive home closings. Explore our storage services here.
How much do movers cost in Fort Collins?
Costs vary based on home size, distance, and services, but most local moves range from moderate to complex depending on logistics. Contact us for a free consultation.
Is Fort Collins good for families?
Yes—top schools, parks, and safety make it one of the best family cities in Colorado.
Do you move CSU students or faculty?
Yes—this is a major part of local demand.
Are there special considerations for moving seniors in Fort Collins?
Yes. Senior moves in Fort Collins often require additional planning, especially when downsizing or transitioning into retirement or assisted living communities. Scheduling move-in times, coordinating with facility staff, and handling belongings with extra care are common needs.
Working with a mover experienced in senior relocations can make the process smoother, with support for packing, coordination, and flexible planning.
CAN YOU RECOMMEND A LOCAL FORT COLLINS REALTOR?
We sure can. Exodus has long-standing relationships with trusted Fort Collins-area real estate professionals and we’re happy to connect you. Just ask our team during your consultation—we love working alongside local experts who care about community as much as we do.
DO YOU OFFER WEEKEND OR SAME-DAY MOVES?
Yes! We understand that flexibility matters, which is why Exodus offers weekend moving services and may be able to accommodate same-day moves depending on availability. If you’re facing a last-minute move, give us a call—we’ll assess your needs and let you know what’s possible.
CAN YOU HELP WITH PACKING?
Absolutely. We offer full and partial packing services to suit your needs and budget. Whether you want us to handle fragile items, pack your entire home, or provide materials for a DIY approach, our experienced team will make sure your belongings are packed safely and efficiently.
