Set against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains 65 miles north of Denver and 45 miles south of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Fort Collins is a vibrant and active community. As a regional center for employment, shopping, and healthcare, Fort Collins offers the convenience of a small town with virtually all the amenities of a larger city.
Demographics:
Fort Collins is the fourth largest city in the State of Colorado, with an estimated population of 158,600, including 31,725 students at Colorado State University. Fort Collins’ population is well-educated, with 44% of residents having a high school degree and 52.3% of them holding a bachelor’s degree.
Climate:
At 5,003 ft. above sea level and an average of 300 sun-filled days per year, low humidity, and moderate winters, Fort Collins enjoys a mild climate year-round. The area receives approximately 16 inches of rain and 59 inches of snow per year. The average high temperatures are 83.5 degrees during the summer and 44.0 degrees in winter..
History:
Fort Collins began as an army camp along the banks of the Poudre River. In 1867, the camp was dismantled, and the army moved out of the area. Although the military was gone, a settlement remained. In 1873, the city of Fort Collins was founded. Over the years, Fort Collins has grown and changed, but you can still see reminders of the past in the Historic Old Town District and many other sites around the area. Colorado State University’s began in the 1870’s, when the institution was founded as the Agricultural College of Colorado. For more information on local history, see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery local historical archives.
Lifestyle:
Colorado has earned a worldwide reputation as an area that offers an unparalleled lifestyle, and Fort Collins represents the very best of Colorado. Exciting recreation and sports activities, festivals, cultural activities, high-quality healthcare and great senior accommodations make Fort Collins a choice place to live.
From activities for the extreme athlete to the leisurely weekend enthusiast, Fort Collins has it all. In town, residents take advantage of 820 acres of developed park land, including 6 community parks and 44 neighborhood/pocket parks, golf, swimming and ice skating facilities, as well as 29 miles of trails offering scenic views of the Poudre River and the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
With more restaurants per capita than most cities in the nation, Fort Collins offers a great selection of places to satisfy your appetite. From spicy Mexican to delicious Italian and exotic Vietnamese, you can try a different cuisine every day.
If you want to escape the city limits, your favorite ski resorts and cross-country trails are in your backyard and summertime offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, camping and more. Trout fishing and whitewater rafting are popular activities on the nearby Cache la Poudre River.
There is no better place than Fort Collins for spectator sports. Colorado State University fans delight in watching the popular Rams football, basketball and volleyball teams. A short drive to Denver puts you in the seats of a Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies or Denver Nuggets game. The annual Greeley Stampede in Greeley and the nationally-acclaimed Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming are popular summer day trips.
Senior Living:
Seniors will find excellent amenities designed to suit their specific needs in Fort Collins. Housing choices are numerous and a variety of programs offer employment, volunteer and educational opportunities. The City of Fort Collins runs numerous activities through its Senior Center. Programs include arts and crafts, fitness, computer training and outdoor recreation. Day trips to popular destinations in Northern Colorado are also done through the Center.
Shopping:
A variety of choices make Fort Collins a great place to shop.