Recently, we’ve had a few families who are considering a few different areas. One of my favorite clients truly made a march madness style bracket when they were considering different locations. If you are considering moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, you are probably wondering what you should do to compare different locations. Fort Collins is a beautiful city with a wonderful community and many great opportunities. However, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect location that suits your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
To help you make an informed decision, we have put together some tips on what to do when comparing different locations to Fort Collins.
Research the Neighborhoods
Fort Collins has several neighborhoods that offer unique features, such as proximity to parks, shopping centers, schools, and entertainment spots. Look for information about the neighborhoods’ crime rates from the Fort Collins Police Department and home values. Additionally, consider the type of housing available in each neighborhood, such as apartments, condos, townhouses, or single-family homes.
Check the Cost of Living
Before moving to Fort Collins, it is essential to consider the cost of living. This includes housing costs, taxes, healthcare, and other expenses. While some states and localities may have lower housing costs, they may have higher taxes or property insurance and other expenses that may not be immediately apparent. Calculate your monthly budget and determine how much you can afford to spend on housing and other expenses.
Visit the Area
It is essential to visit the area before you move to ensure that it meets your expectations. If possible, schedule a tour of the area and some neighborhoods you are considering. Take a walk around the area, have lunch down in Old Town and observe the environment. Speak to residents, waiters or waitresses and get their opinions about the community. Also, check out the local amenities such as parks, restaurants, shopping centers, and other entertainment spots.
Consider Commute Time
If you have a job, you should consider the commute time to your workplace when choosing a location. Fort Collins has several main roads and highways that can help you get around town quickly. Access to I25 is quick and easy. Fort Collins is on a grid network so, check the traffic patterns during rush hour and evaluate the time it will take you to get to work.
Evaluate the Schools
If you have children, you will want to consider the quality of the schools in the area. Fort Collins has many excellent schools that offer top-notch education. Look for information about the schools’ academic performance, extracurricular activities, and teacher-to-student ratios. Additionally, consider the proximity of the schools to your preferred location.
Seek Assistance from a Realtor
A professional real estate agent can help you find the perfect location to move to in Fort Collins. A realtor should be a location expert, know different up and coming areas, developments along the way and overall knowledge of the area. They can also provide you with valuable information about the local housing market and assist you in negotiating a fair price for your new home. From there, they should be able to provide great referrals and suggestions for trades and work to be done on your home from around the area.
Check the Weather
Fort Collins has a dry and sunny climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are hot, while the winters are cold and snowy. If you are not accustomed to these weather patterns, it may take some time to adjust. Therefore, it is essential to check the weather patterns in the area and determine if they suit your preferences.
When comparing different locations to move to against Fort Collins, it is essential to research the neighborhoods, check the cost of living, visit the area, consider commute time, evaluate the schools, seek assistance from a realtor, and check the weather patterns. By taking these steps, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect location that suits your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
