Fort Collins downtown aerial view

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Fort Collins, CO is the #11 Best City to Live in the USA

Building in Fort Collins CO
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Fort Collins, CO
Quality of Life
Liv Score

653
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 72
Demographics 29
Economy 92
Education 65
Health 60
Housing 50
Infrastructure 47
Amenities 65

Why Fort Collins is one of the best cities to live in

Fort Collins, CO’s downtown area is so charming that Disneyland modeled Main Street USA off of it. In addition to being Mickey-approved, this Northern Colorado college town is known for phenomenal outdoor recreation and brewing some exceptional craft beer. Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is a welcoming community for all types of people, from recent college grads looking to launch their careers to entrepreneurs starting their own companies to retirees who have access to a state-of-the-art senior center. What’s more, Fort Collins has a thriving economy and a robust entrepreneurial spirit, making it the perfect place to grow your career or start a business. The Fort Collins business community has emerged as a national leader in up-and-coming industries like clean energy and bioscience, helping the city of 166,000 secure its rank as one of the best places to live in the U.S. 

What are Fort Collins’ major industries and employers?

Manufacturing, high tech, higher education, and the state and federal government are among the top industries. Key manufacturers in Fort Collins include Advanced Energy, Aleph Objects, Anheuser-Busch, In-Situ, Noosa, Otter Products, Tolmar, Vestas, Walker Manufacturing, Water Pik, and Woodward.

What are the major colleges and universities in Fort Collins?

Colorado State University

What is the weather like in Fort Collins? 

Fort Collins gets all four seasons (sometimes in a single day).

What is there to do outside in Fort Collins?

Horsetooth Reservoir is a 6.5-mile-long watering hole where locals love to boat, fish, swim, stand-up paddleboard and kayak. Hiking and biking trails surround the reservoir, and Horsetooth is also a fun place to camp. (You can reserve tipis and cabins!) 

Fort Collins, CO is Remote-Ready

What makes Fort Collins a great place for remote workers?

With a low unemployment rate, a robust job market and more jobs being added every month, Colorado is a haven for those looking to get to work. Fort Collins is an ideal spot for telecommuting, thanks largely to the super-fast high-speed internet connections available for residents. Additionally, those looking to expand their knowledge and sharpen their skills can enroll in classes or attend lectures at Colorado State University, a four-year, public land-grant university.

What Locals Love in Fort Collins, CO

What is the best local bookstore in Fort Collins?

Old Firehouse Books is an independent store selling new and used books in, you guessed it, an old fire station! 

How do you spend a weekend in Fort Collins?

Hit the Poudre Trail for a walk or run. The 21-mile trail traces the scenic Cache la Poudre River.

What can you do for free in Fort Collins?

Pack your binoculars and head to Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area to see bald eagles. (Pro tip: Look in the cottonwood trees, where they hang out during the winter months). The Fort Collins Audubon Society offers birding field trips throughout the year.

What’s the best way to spend happy hour in Fort Collins?

Go brewery hopping. Fort Collins is home to 20 breweries (and counting), including New Belgium Brewing Co., which is the maker of Fat Tire and the fourth-largest craft brewer in the United States. Many breweries offer free tours.

What’s something only locals know about Fort Collins?

There’s an underwater city at Horsetooth Reservoir. The town of Stout originally was a camp for workers who ran the nearby stone quarries. It was evacuated and flooded during the Colorado-Big Thompson Project in the 1940s. 

Is Fort Collins, CO a good place to live?

Endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, a robust job market and a welcoming community make Fort Collins a best place to live in Colorado.

Thinking of Moving to Fort Collins?

What is the Fort Collins, CO Real Estate Market Like?

Fort Collins, CO real estate features a diverse array of housing types and styles. You can find modern downtown condos, residential neighborhoods that look straight out of the 1960s, and large open suburbs to the west right up against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Homes for sale in Fort Collins are highly sought after by young professionals looking to work remotely in the shadow of the Colorado Rockies. Local real estate agents have their hands full finding houses for newcomers to Fort Collins, always for that next big market in Colorado real estate.

Quick Facts About Fort Collins, CO

Average Commute
17.15
Median Home Value
$490,263
Med. Household Income
$74,942
Total Population
172,676
Walk Score
32
Median Property Tax
$2,017

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