Old Town Fort Collins has always had a certain pull—walkable streets, historic homes, local shops, and a community feel you don’t find everywhere. After helping hundreds of families relocate to Northern Colorado, I’ve heard just about every reaction buyers have when they walk through Old Town. Some fall in love instantly. Others are surprised by what comes with living in an area built more than a century ago.
If you’re thinking about buying in Old Town, this breakdown will give you a straightforward look at what buyers are saying—good and bad—so you can make the right call for your situation.
Buyers Love the Character and History
One of the first things people point out is the charm. Homes here aren’t cookie-cutter. Buyers appreciate the mature trees, front porches, and architectural details that today’s production builders simply don’t create. Think craftsman and bungalow style with long shotgun lots backing to alleys.
A comment from one of my clients sticks with me. After buying a home over 100 years old, they said they weren’t “the owner of the house,” but the steward of it—because the home will outlast them. That mindset reflects how people view Old Town: they’re not just buying property; they’re becoming part of its story.
Walkability and Local Culture Matter
Many buyers moving from out of state—especially from dense urban areas—love the ability to walk or bike everywhere. Old Town’s trail access, music venues, breweries, restaurants, and local shopping are a big draw.
Fort Collins has a reputation for punching above its weight when it comes to entertainment and culture. Between Washington’s, the Armory, the Comedy Fort, and events like the Colorado Marathon and Tour de Fat, buyers quickly understand that Old Town is active without being overwhelming.
And yes—breweries come up all the time. With more than 20 local breweries and two national names (New Belgium and Odell), people love being able to bike to grab a beer after work or even on their lunch break.
The Energy of CSU Adds to the Appeal
Old Town benefits from the energy and innovation coming out of Colorado State University. Buyers often tell me they like the balance: the historic charm of Old Town mixed with the youth and movement that CSU brings.
With around 35,000 students, CSU contributes to the downtown buzz, supports local businesses, and keeps the economy strong.y.
Outdoor Access Still Ranks as a Top Priority
Old Town buyers consistently mention outdoor access as a deciding factor. Whether it’s heading up the Poudre Canyon, hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, biking through our 45+ miles of paved trails, or enjoying our 100+ miles of interconnected open-space paths, people see Old Town as the perfect basecamp.
A few clients tell me they can go from morning coffee downtown to an afternoon hike in less than an hour—and that’s not something many cities offer.
But… the Age of the Homes Often Surprises Buyers
Here’s where reality sets in. Old Town homes are old—many were built before modern building standards.
Buyers frequently point out:
- Small primary bedrooms without walk-in closets
- Small closets in general
- Basement limitations (watch your head!)
- Older foundations
- Higher maintenance costs
- Environmental concerns – lead, asbestos etc.
It’s not unusual for buyers to underestimate the time and budget needed to update these homes.
That’s why I remind people: historic charm comes with historic upkeep. You’re buying character—just be ready for projects.
Parking and Traffic Can Be a Frustration
Most buyers mention parking at least once. Between campus activity, events, and downtown visitors, parking can be tight depending on the block. Some homes don’t have garages or have older alley access that isn’t always ideal. In fact the city of Fort Collins is trying to figure out how downtown homes can leverage EVs and chargers even if they don’t have a garage on park on the street.
Traffic isn’t terrible by big-city standards, but during CSU events or festivals, it can feel busy. Additionally rush hour traffic (5PM and 8AM), downtown roads CAN get busier.
Prices Reflect Demand—And That Can Be a Barrier
Old Town continues to be one of the most competitive parts of Fort Collins. Buyers talk about the challenge of finding updated homes at a reasonable price. Many understand that they’re paying for location and character, but it still comes up in nearly every conversation.
With Fort Collins expected to grow from around 180,000 residents to more than 240,000 by 2040, demand isn’t slowing down. That includes Old Town.
Expect the highest $/ft in this area with a bottom of around $300/sq ft and can exceed $750/sq ft.
Buyers See Old Town as a Special Place
What I hear most often is this:
“This is the cutest downtown ever! The homes are well maintained and your walking to Mary’s Mountain Cookies? Yes please!”
Old Town isn’t perfect. The charm comes with quirks. The walkability comes with heavier traffic. The history comes with maintenance. But for many buyers, that’s part of what makes this part of Fort Collins so meaningful.
If you’re considering a move to Old Town—or anywhere in Northern Colorado—my team and I have helped hundreds of families make the transition. Whether you want a historic bungalow, a craftsman with character, or an investment opportunity, we’d be happy to walk you through the process and help you decide if Old Town is the right fit.