10 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Fort Collins

Are you looking for the perfect place to live in Colorado? Look no further! Forbes’ pick as the best place to live in Colorado is Fort Collins! This city in the northern Front Range ticks the boxes: high incomes, a strong economy, a wealth of cultural activities, and abundant outdoor recreation, particularly when it comes to biking.

So where to live to make the most of Fort Collins? Countless neighborhoods, from Southridge Greens to Oakridge Village, add excellent amenities and perks to your Colorado lifestyle. While we can’t hit all of Fort Collins’ neighborhoods because there are so many great choices, we’ve pinpointed a few that come up again and again. Start your Fort Collins home search with these top communities.

Old Town

If you’re looking for an energetic atmosphere, Old Town is where it’s at! Called “FoCo” by the locals, this is classic historic Fort Collins, the epicenter of the whole city and its culture. In fact, if it feels familiar, that’s because Disney’s Main Street USA was modeled after Old Town’s historical and artistic vibe.

The wide downtown streets were designed for horse-drawn carriages back in the 1800s. Inside the historic buildings are various restaurants, craft breweries, shops, art galleries, and more entertainment options. These surround Old Town Space, the public space in the heart of the town where the concert series kicks off in the summer.

Library Park showcases several attractions, including the Old Town Library, the Carnegie Center for Creativity, and the Heritage Courtyard. Visitors can view historic cabins from the mid-1800s in the Heritage Courtyard.

It is also close to Colorado State University if you plan to study or work there.

The two homes were sold in Old Town during April 2023, ranging from $302,000 to $625,000.

Terry Shores

It’s not often you have lakeside living in Colorado, but in north Fort Collins, Terry Point and Terry Shores deliver an option for waterfront living. You can swim out to lounge on Terry Lake’s floating docks. Boats are limited to 10 hp on the lake, so it’s typically a calm and gentle waterway perfect for sailing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Residents have a selection of Fort Collins’ best attractions, like the all-ages Museum of Discovery and the educational zoo at The Farm at Lee Martinez Park. The private Fort Collins Country Club is packed with amenities for golfers, including tennis and fitness facilities.

It’s close to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, so you can enjoy amazing views of nature all year round. Residents also have easy access to essentials like grocery stores, health care providers, and schools.

Besides what’s outside the community, inside Terry Shores, residents have a private community park with gas grills, badminton courts, boat storage racks, and a groomed beach. There is a homeowner’s association, and all owners become members of the Terry Lake Recreational Association, which monitors the lake and stocks it with fish.

This neighborhood features beautiful single-family homes with spacious yards and townhomes for maintenance-free living. April 2023 had one listing at $740,000.

Old Prospect

If you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, Old Prospect has that reputation! Because it’s so bike-friendly, it’s not uncommon to see residents biking to work or any of the many green spaces in this centrally located part of Fort Collins.

Residents like how easy it is to get to schools, parks, and walking trails from the residential areas. Grocery stores include Whole Foods and King Soopers. The Colorado State University Arts campus is diagonally across College Avenue.

But the most notable perk is the access to open spaces. The community botanic gardens, The Gardens on Spring Creek, span 18 acres, while Rolland Moore Park has 68 acres with volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts and a playground.

The homes trend older, but that’s part of the charm. You won’t be lacking, as the neighborhood delivers modern amenities like local restaurants and boutique shopping.

University Park

Those looking for a more urban experience should check out University Park. Being so close to Colorado State University, naturally, it attracts students and young professionals. But other people like it for its multicultural and historic vibe, with homes dating back to the 1800s. And while it’s within walking distance to Old Town’s shops and dining venues, plenty of local fast-casual joints are inside the neighborhood.

University Park offers modern apartment complexes and single-family homes with spacious quarter-acre lots. It had three homes for sale in April 2023 at a median list price of $950,000.

Bucking Horse

If you’re looking for a more rural setting, the western neighborhood of Bucking Horse is the perfect spot. This community features beautiful ranch-style homes with plenty of acreage.

The community was developed to promote active lifestyles. It offers walking trails, a large swimming pool, and attractive landscaping. A new community park is opening in 2023. Additionally, residents can participate in community events, such as painting, beer tasting, yoga classes, and live music. One cool place to check out is the Jessup Farm Artisan Village which showcases the city’s Western roots and maker heritage.

The single-family and townhomes here tend to be newer, having been built in the 2000s and 2010s. A homeowner’s association runs events like Easter Egg Hunts and a Christmas Barn Lighting event.

Warren Shores

Fort Collins has Warren Shores south of downtown for another waterfront living option. The picturesque and private Warren Lake is only accessible to non-motorized craft from adjacent subdivisions like Warren Shores.

This neighborhood is an excellent choice for those wanting top schools for their family, a prime location with easy access to highways, and lots of outdoor spaces. Part of the neighborhood runs along Warren Park and the next-door Collindale Golf Course.

Homes here trend towards midcentury and ranch styles, mostly built in the 1960s and 1970s. There is a clubhouse with a swimming pool and tennis court amenities. The average lot size is 0.17 acres. April 2023 had one home for sale at $799,000.

Southridge Greens

Southridge Greens’ zip code is among the nation’s highest-income-earning communities. The community has access to plenty of recreational activities, including golfing at the 18-hole Southridge Green Golf Course. Fossil Creek Park is one of the city’s highlight parks, with its neat prehistoric-themed playground and specialty facilities for dogs and skaters.

The houses here are spacious and feature fantastic views of the mountains. Most were built during the 1990s. In April 2023, it had two homes for sale from $478,000 to $1.03 million.

Country Club Estates

For luxury living in Fort Collins, Country Club Estates is your best bet! You’ll find spacious homes on half-acre lots with upscale amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts. Many homes have a ranch aesthetic, as it was built during the 1960s and 1970s.

The scenic community is beside Long Pond Reservoir and Lindenmeier Lake. The private 18-hole Fort Collins Country Club golf course is nearby; membership lets you practice your swing anytime. The country club offers dining, tennis, fitness, and swimming facilities. Another local option for play is the Adriel Hills Golf Course, but it’s a small, six-hole par 3 course.

OakRidge Village

In OakRidge Village, you’ll find beautiful homes with plenty of modern amenities. If you’re into golfing, it borders Southridge Golf Course, giving you easier access to the rolling fairways.

Residents can expect to find winding streets lined with trees, lush landscaping, and walking trails connecting the neighborhood to shopping and park spaces. It has 7.28 acres of shared green space.

Most homes were built in the 1980s. Depending on where you live within the subdivisions, the community has covenants and several homeowner’s associations (see Filing II and Filing III). OakRidge Village had one home for sale at $765,000 in April 2023.

Brown Farm

Brown Farm should be at the top of your list for those looking for an affordable neighborhood with lots of charm! This area features charming homes without an HOA and plenty of acreage, with some lots up to 0.3 acres.

Blevins Park is central to the neighborhood. On the 7.25 acres of space are playgrounds and sports fields. And Browns Farm has impressive access to the Front Range mountains and two expansive natural areas nearby, so your kids will never be bored.

Many homes were built in the 1970s and 1980s, so you’ll find their styles diverse. Some homes are adjacent to green spaces or walking trails. Brown Farm had one listing at $480,000 in April 2023.

Kechter Farm

If a new home appeals to you, look at Kechter Farm in southeast Fort Collins. It has the amenities you’d expect from a newer master-planned community, like a resort-style clubhouse as the focal point of the community.

Kechter Farm is desirable for families because it’s zoned for two of the area’s most consistently top-ranking schools. Use the 30 acres of open space and walking trails to burn off their energy. And, if that’s not enough, Kechter Farm is near nature preserves and the Fossil Creek Reservoir.

This neighborhood features beautiful homes with lots averaging 0.16 acres and stunning views of the mountains.

Living in Fort Collins, CO

No matter what kind of Colorado lifestyle you’re looking for, Fort Collins has endless neighborhoods offering diverse amenities and perks. Whether looking for a lively urban atmosphere or a more rural setting, find what you need in these great communities. Start your Fort Collins home search today with a local real estate agent who can help you narrow down these top choices!