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Where to Live Guide: Fort Collins Neighborhoods

April 24, 2020

Fort Collins boasts an abundance of outdoor amenities, a flourishing arts scene, award-winning schools, a highly educated population and a plethora of local shops and restaurants. As a thriving agricultural and high-tech center, it’s also the fourth-largest community in the state and one of the top 100 places to live in the nation. 

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why so many choose to live in this alluring Northern Colorado city. But the big question is, which Fort Collins neighborhood do you want to call home? 

We’re here to help with a comprehensive breakdown of some of the most popular and what makes each unique. 

Downtown Fort Collins 

If you’re looking for easy access to urban attractions with the comforts of a suburban lifestyle, then Downtown Fort Collins is the place to be. These charming, centrally located neighborhoods are why many fall in love with the city. 

Old Town Fort Collins 

With delightful turn of the century architecture and impressive mature landscaping, Old Town Fort Collins is an absolute gem. The wide streets that were created for horse drawn carriages decades ago now allow plenty of room for cars and bikes alike. That’s convenient when there are so many local shops and eateries nearby to ride too! 

Whether you want to enjoy a pint at a brewery along the Poudre River, head down for live music in Old Town Square or need to be close to the Colorado State University campus, Old Town Fort Collins has you covered. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $580,000 
  • Schools: Laurel Elementary, Lesher Middle School, Fort Collins High School 
  • Amenities: Close proximity to restaurants, shops, Library Park, Old Town Square and Colorado State University 

Old Prospect 

Located within walking distance of the Gardens on Spring Creek, Whole Foods, King Soopers and area schools, the Fort Collins neighborhood of Old Prospect offers an extremely convenient location. Plus, it’s just around the corner from Totally 80’s Pizza and Museum (which features nostalgic memorabilia and delicious parmesan twists perfect for a unique night out!) 

Due to its central location, a large portion of residents bike to work (more than 99.5% of other neighborhoods in the country, in fact!) 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $407,450 
  • Schools: O’Dea or Lopez Elementary Schools, Lesher Middle School, Fort Collins High School 
  • Amenities: Numerous walking/biking trails 

University Park 

With established homes dating back to 1889, University Park is a well-established neighborhood with a wide range of home styles. Most homes feature a quarter-acre lot, so it’s also a great neighborhood for anyone who wants a little elbow room from their neighbors. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $425,000 
  • Schools: Laurel Elementary, Lesher Middle School, Fort Collins High School 
  • Amenities: Library Park and Old Town Fort Collins are just a few blocks away 

 

North Fort Collins 

North Fort Collins offers a variety of different neighborhoods ranging from rural properties with acreage to established neighborhoods and new builds. With a number of communities surrounding lakes, it’s also a great place to look if you want to live on the water. 

Maple Hill 

For newer homes near the Fort Collins Country Club, Maple Hill has plenty of options. Many homes feature open floor plans with vaulted ceilings and three to four bedrooms. Plus, it’s centrally located near Long Pond Reservoir, Richard’s Lake and Lindenmeier Lake so residents have plenty of opportunities to bust out their paddleboards! 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $369,000 
  • Schools: Tavelli and Eyestone Elementary Schools, Lincoln Middle School, Poudre High School 
  • Amenities: Neighborhood pool and park, as well as open space and trails 

Country Club Estates 

Located on the south side of Richard’s Lake, Country Club Estates is an established Fort Collins neighborhood with homes that sit on larger lots of half an acre. Most units are single-story ranches built between the 1960s and 1970s that are 90% owner-occupied. 

Want to play a quick 9 holes? Then head to the Fort Collins Country Club located just around the corner! 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $520,000 
  • Schools: Tavelli or Eyestone Elementary Schools, Lincoln Middle School, Poudre High School 
  • Amenities: Easy access to open space, the golf course and nearby lakes 

Terry Point and Terry Shores 

Located along the north and east shores of Terry Lake, Terry Point and Terry Shores offer an idyllic waterfront location. These Fort Collins neighborhoods feature homes with mature landscaping and large lots as well as townhomes for easy maintenance. 

Residents can take advantage of living along the lake with a number of water sports or simply swimming out to lounge on one of the lake’s floating docks. Sounds good to us! 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Sales Price Range: $524,000 – $1,690,000 
  • Schools: Cache La Poudre Elementary, Cache La Poudre Middle School, Poudre High School 
  • Amenities: Lake access, open space, tennis court and local wildlife 

 

South Fort Collins 

South Fort Collins is filled with many family-friendly neighborhoods. One of the more rapidly growing areas of the city, it boasts a number of residential and commercial new builds, a plethora of parks and excellent schools. 

Warren Shores 

Warren Shores is a highly sought-after Fort Collins neighborhood for its ideal location and numerous amenities. Located next to picturesque Warren Lake, homes here offer mature landscaping and easy access to the university, highway, and downtown shops. 

Plus, Warren Shores has several nearby parks including Warren Park, Golden Meadow Park and Landings Park. So, getting out to enjoy Colorado’s 300+ days of sunshine couldn’t be easier! 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $595,000 
  • Schools: Kruse Elementary, Boltz Middle School, Fort Collins High School 
  • Amenities: Clubhouse, tennis, pool and recreational areas. Also located near several paths including Warren Lake Path, Golden Meadow Park Trails and Power Trail. 

Huntington Hills 

Regarded as one of the most family-oriented neighborhoods in the city, Huntington Hills has something for everyone. Whether you want to partake in one of the area’s many attractions or enjoy some fun in the sun at the pool and tennis courts, Huntington Hills in a crowd-pleaser. 

This Northern Colorado neighborhood also offers a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. With the nearby foothills and Portner Reservoir, there’s no shortage of things to do. Or, head to Fossil Creek Park for a picnic and a game of baseball! 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $433,000 
  • Schools: Werner Elementary, Preston Middle School, Fossil Ridge High School 
  • Amenities: Open space trails and parks, tennis courts and pool 

Southridge Greens 

Southridge Greens offers a wide range of property types in varying price ranges to accommodate different lifestyles and budgets. This quiet and peaceful neighborhood also has a below-average crime rate, making it one of the safer places to call home. 

The neighborhood is among the 15% highest income neighborhoods in America. Its residents are comprised of executive and management professionals, remote workers (more than 98.5% of other neighborhoods in America, in fact!) and retirees. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $503,939 
  • Schools: Werner Elementary, Preston Middle School, Fossil Ridge High School 
  • Amenities: Walking trails, homes along the Southridge Golf Course offer scenic views and open space 

Oakridge Village 

If you like parks and open space then you’ll love Oakridge Village. Located just north of the Southridge Golf Course, this community features a large neighborhood park and an abundance of trails. 

Homes here are generally two-story on larger lots in addition to several patio homes, so there’s sure to be a property type that meets your needs. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $462,000 
  • Schools: Werner and Kruse Elementary Schools, Preston and Boltz Middle Schools, Fossil Ridge High School 
  • Amenities: Walking trails, outdoor volleyball, parks and a playground 

 

East Fort Collins 

Featuring easy access to I-25 and panoramic mountain views, East Fort Collins neighborhoods are as convenient as they are scenic. Many have a rural feel, so they’re wonderful for anyone who wants the charm of country life inside the city. 

Bucking Horse 

Are you focused on healthy living? Then you’ll love Bucking Horse! This Northern Colorado neighborhood features multiple walking trails, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and edible landscaping. Plus, its idyllic location between Johnson Farm (a future working farm) and Jessup Farm (where locals can enjoy the artisan village) makes it feel like a country retreat. 

Still not convinced? Well then, check out one of the neighborhood’s many events. Whether you enjoy free live music, painting or yoga and beer, this community has it all! 

Homes here are new and range from single-family residences to condos and townhomes, so it’s easy to find a property to fit your lifestyle. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $503,682 
  • Schools: Riffenburgh Elementary, Lesher Middle School, Fort Collins High School 
  • Amenities: Swimming pool, brewery, coffee shop, farm to table restaurant, boutique clothing shop, park, open space, bike trails, community events, a photographer and adjacent to the Prospect Ponds Natural Area 

Rigden Farm 

Featuring ranch and two-story homes built between 2000 and 2011, Rigden Farm is an easy walk or bike ride from the grocery store and nearby restaurants. Plus, this Northern Colorado neighborhood has a selection of townhomes and condos for those looking for great amenities with less maintenance. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $387,000 
  • Schools: Riffenburgh Elementary, Lesher Middle School, Fort Collins and Liberty Common High Schools 
  • Amenities: A pool, Rigden Farm Park, bike paths, open space and near Rendezvous Trail and Power Trail 

Waterglen 

If you want newer construction with less yard maintenance, then check out the East Fort Collins neighborhood of Waterglen. Homes here were typically built in the early 2000s and sit on small to moderate-sized lots. However, what it lacks in yard space is made up for with an abundance of green belts and open space perfect for taking a stroll. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $325,000 
  • Schools: Laurel Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, Fort Collins High School 
  • Amenities: Rabbit Bush Park, open space trails and easy access to I-25 

 

Trail Head 

With a wealth of open space and a large park, Trail Head offers plenty of room to roam. Homes in this Northern Colorado neighborhood are single-family residences that sit on small to mid-sized lots. It’s also conveniently situated near I-25, so commuting is a breeze! 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $415,000 
  • Schools: Laurel Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, Fort Collins High School 
  • Amenities: Trail Head Park, open space trails and easy access to I-25 

 

West Fort Collins 

For those who love the mountains, the neighborhoods of West Fort Collins are pure perfection. The extensive network of trails to nearby Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park and Mountain Park makes it easy to get out and enjoy the Rocky Mountains in minutes. 

The Ponds at Overland Trail 

Nestled against the foothills, The Ponds at Overland Trail is a popular west Fort Collins Neighborhood with plenty of community open space. That’s 73 acres of open space, to be exact! Featuring native grass and natural walking paths that connect with the nearby Foothills Trail and Maxwell Natural Area, The Ponds makes it easy to get back to nature. 

The Ponds is also conveniently located near Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park and the Holiday Twin Drive-In Movie Theatre (for anyone looking for a great date night idea!) 

Many of the neighborhood’s single-family homes back to open space, so residents can enjoy stunning Colorado views right out there back window. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $470,000 
  • Schools: Bennett Elementary School, Blevins Middle School, Rocky Mountain High School 
  • Amenities: An abundance of natural trails and easy access to nearby state parks and downtown 

Poudre Overlook 

If you love the mountains and outdoor activities, then the neighborhood of Poudre Overlook is the place for you. Located where the Poudre River runs under Overland Trail, this Colorado neighborhood is just 12 minutes from the Poudre Canyon and Roosevelt National Forest. 

Plus, with so many nearby trails it’s the perfect spot to kick off your Rocky Mountain escapades. Bike along the Poudre River Trail all the way to Old Town for some live music, or head out to Lions Park to breathe in some fresh mountain air. No matter which direction you head, you’re sure to find adventure. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $570,000 
  • Schools: Irish Elementary School, Cache La Poudre and Lincoln Middle Schools, Poudre High School 
  • Amenities: An abundance of trails and easy access to natural areas 

Brown Farm 

With an affordable price-point and easy access to Colorado State University and downtown Fort Collins, Brown Farm is a great Northern Colorado neighborhood for first-time homebuyers. In addition to nearby public lands, the community also features an impressive 7.25-acre park, making it a great location to enjoy time outdoors. Blevins Park boasts a playground, picnic shelter, two sports fields and restroom facilities. 

Need a place to keep your boat, RV or camper? Look no further! Brown Farm’s lack of an HOA means you can park your recreational vehicles right in your driveway. That’s great news if you want to enjoy them at nearby Horsetooth Reservoir or anywhere else along the Front Range. 

The neighborhood at a glance: 

  • Median Sales Price: $379,900 
  • Schools: Olander and Bauder Elementary Schools, Blevins Middle Schools, Rocky Mountain High School 
  • Amenities: Blevins Park, sports fields and easy access to open space and downtown 

With an endless list of amenities, a great school system, an idyllic location and a lively cultural scene, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to live in Fort Collins. Now the only question is, which Fort Collins neighborhood will you choose? 

Learn more about relocating to Northern Colorado here. 

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