As many of you already know, I was born and raised in Fort Collins. So when it comes to living in Northern Colorado, one thing that I definitely lack most is perspective.
But after speaking with different clients with different backgrounds, I decided to share with you the top things THEY wish THEY knew before moving to Fort Collins. Hopefully, this article will help you get a better perspective of what it’s like living here. Let’s dive in to things I wish I knew before moving to Fort Collins.
It’s super dry here
It is very dry here. We live in an arid climate, so you’re definitely going to want to put your lotion on, throw on the humidifier at nights, and throw some Vaseline in your noise so that you don’t get a bloody nose at night. Once you get used to it, it is kind of nice actually because it is a dry heat and you don’t have to change you clothes once you step outside due to sweating. We have minimal humidity and generally considered very dry and arid.
The sun is intense
If you don’t wear your sunscreen or a hat regularly (especially if you’re bald), you’re probably going to get a sunburn. The sun is very intense here. On the other hand, we don’t necessarily have the heat that Texas or Florida have. But, we’re higher up, so the sun can get pretty intense during the day.
The great thing about the 300 plus days of sun and having an intense sun where it snows, the snow and ice melt REALLY quick.
Harmony Road traffic
Another thing you should know is that the traffic going on Harmony Road is pretty significant, especially during work commute hours. I joked one time that the folks in traffic should just stop by DC Oaks on their way home and grab a burger and beer. It would take just as long it seems as waiting in traffic.
With Prospect Road widening at I25, Kechter Road opening up, HOPEFULLY, Harmony Road gets a little traffic relief in the near future.
People are super nice
One of the best things about Fort Collins is that the people here are very nice. Sure, you may get a jerk every now and again. Or maybe someone who doesn’t want anyone else to move here. The best comment though I’ve heard from a previous client about the friendliness of the people in Fort Collins is “it is one thing to know about, it is another thing to experience it.”
Make sure if you move here to smile and wave.
There are tons of parks
There are a lot of parks and playgrounds in Fort Collins, which makes it an ideal place to raise a family. Parks hidden away, massive parks all over town, you could go to a new park every day of the month in Fort Collins if you wanted to.
Some of my favorites though are Spring Canyon Park, Fossil Creek Park, Twin Silos Park and City Park.
The weather is perfect
These are not my words. These are the words from someone moving from Georgia. While maybe it’s not perfect, it is a great climate with 4 seasons to enjoy.
Things about the weather that is annoying is the wind, hail storms and every 3 years or so polar vortexes. You have to know moving here, we’re going to get snow, there is going to be cold days, but overall the weather in Fort Collins is pretty awesome.
Local businesses are welcome
We are very supportive of local businesses here. Most people are very intentional about where they shop. As much as possible, people want to shop local.
People’s yard games are strong!
It feels like everyone’s yard game is strong in Fort Collins. People tend to spend a lot of time learning and exploring gardening. Whether that is having draught resistant landscaping, manicured lawns, raised garden beds, people love spending time outdoors and in their own lawns.
A/C is necessary
Another thing you should know is that it gets hot here, so you need to have A/C installed in your home. That being said, folks from Texas and Florida are quick to mention you can easily turn your A/C off many nights as the nights do get significantly cooler here. You need an A/C, but it may not be as used compared to other hot and humid climates.
Booking reservations
If you want to go camping at Horsetooth Reservoir or visit a national park, you need to book a reservation in advance. Park entries since our shutdown in 2020 have been limited and it seems as though parks and public areas are sticking to the trend of requiring reservations.
On the other hand, you don’t need to make restaurant reservations here unless it’s a holiday or a special weekend. Generally, you can decide to go out to dinner at 5PM on a Friday night and be seated by 6PM at a nice restaurant here in town.
Winters are not that harsh
Although many people are afraid they won’t “survive” the Northern Colorado winter, the truth is that winters are not that harsh. On average we see about 7-10 snow storms (2+ inches of snow). Can you survive 7-10 snow storms/year?
And there you have it! Those were the things I wish I knew before moving to Fort Collins, Colorado. Feel free to reach out to me if you’re considering moving here; I’d be happy to help! In the meantime, check out the full video below:
