We’re seeing major population growth throughout entire Northern Colorado region and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon. As a matter of fact, I expect the growth to continue at a much faster pace in the future. With the population growth comes development, so we’re also seeing major buildings and centers emergence. I’ll be honest, that’s pretty exciting news considering Northern Colorado has so much to offer.
Recently, I’ve talked about the counties and cities of the region. Today, I want to share what’s it’s like living in Northern Colorado.
Schools and school districts
It’s safe to say we have a strong backbone in education here with the University of Northern Colorado and Colorado State University. We also have smaller community colleges that supply a significant amount of population growth and stability for employment in Aimes CC and Front Range CC. From there, we have great elementary schools. Poudre school district, Greeley/Evans, Thompson Valley, and a few others.
I-25, US-34, and Highway 287
Our main interstate is I-25. Then, going east to west we have US-34 that connects Estes Park to Loveland to Greeley and East. Finally, Highway 287 goes from Fort Collins North to Red Weather and up to Wyoming and then all the way South to Denver and beyond, which is our main highway and a major thoroughfare through Fort Collins.
For longer trips, we have a small municipal airport – Fort Collins/Loveland Airport. One day here in the new future we hope to have a tower or even a virtual tower to allow for commercial airlines. There used to be trips from Allegiant Airlines to Scottsdale, Las Vegas and a couple of other areas. It has been gone for about 10 years, but hopefully comes back one day soon!
Travel times
For people who have to commute to work, it’s important to take travel times into consideration. If you want to get from Fort Collins to East Greeley, it will take you about 45 minutes by car. From Old Town Square to South Loveland or Berthoud TPC, it’s going to be about 30-40 minutes. And then if you want to go camping in Red Weather, set aside up to 60 minutes for travel if your coming from Fort Collins. In general, traffic is not a big deal in Northern Colorado, but you could find yourself traveling and commuting if where you live is not where you work.
Northern Colorado Downtowns
Greeley, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins all have their own unique downtowns. They’re the biggest active downtowns in Northern Colorado. Depending on your interests, you can find a lot of fun activities and events to enjoy in these downtowns.
Loveland was just completely redeveloped. Fort Collins’ Old Town is Old Faithful! Windsor is small and quaint, but fun, safe and growing. Greeley has a bunch of new opportunities finding their way to their downtown. It is a growing area with lots of redevelopment money coming in.
All 4 downtowns have their high points.
Water issues
Water is a big issue in Northern Colorado. Some of the cost of living and affordability of our housing are due to the lack of water. However, a huge reservoir is going to be built North of Fort Collins and it’s hopefully going to be able to provide water for the expected growth of Northern Colorado.
So there you have it! From our population growth, what it looks like to travel, bigger cities, and exciting things, I hope this helps you understand and get a better idea of life in Northern 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 about living in Northern Colorado below:
