Worst things about Fort Collins nobody talks about
Random thought, I'm a remote worker and With a population of 170K, Fort Collins is a mid-size city. Average temperature is around 47°F, so expect cold winters. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. TIA! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
35 upvotes
15 Replies
Autumn G.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Brielle
great question, following
39 upvotes
Arianna Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 8 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are solid. 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Naomi Allen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 8 years. Moved from Phoenix for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are solid. 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. Dating scene is rough. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Natalie C.
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The dating scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Harper Kelly
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Joshua Hall
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Riley Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 31, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Midtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
19 upvotes
Cora Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 54, moved here 4 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Midtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
19 upvotes
Luna Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are better than expected. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Gary J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are underrated. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
chill_abigail28
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
13 upvotes
Walter P.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in tech. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Kenneth R.
Moved here from Portland about 7 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to community vibe but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
