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Melanie L. moving

Is Fort Collins worth moving to in 2026?

Longtime lurker here, Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? TIA! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
14 upvotes

2 Replies

Abigail H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
phoenix_gabriel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Fairview for 10 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And cultural scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
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