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Community guide

Living in Fort Collins, Colorado

A college town that grew into one of the Front Range's most sought-after cities, about 45 minutes south of Cheyenne on I-25.

Why people move here

Fort Collins at a glance

Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, and the university still sets a lot of the city's rhythm: fall football weekends, a steady supply of renters, and a downtown that stays busy year round. Old Town is the heart of it, with restaurants, shops and the square where most of the summer events happen.

The outdoors is close. Horsetooth Reservoir and its trails sit on the city's west edge, and the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, runs right through town before heading up the canyon. The city also has a long craft brewing history, including New Belgium and Odell.

Getting around is mostly by car, but the MAX bus rapid transit line runs north and south along the Mason corridor between downtown and the south end of town. Denver International Airport is roughly an hour and a half away, depending on traffic.

Prices

What the market looks like

Per Redfin, the Fort Collins median sale price was $549,738 for the three months ending September 2026, up 0.9% from a year earlier, and homes sold in a median of 50 days. For comparison, Redfin's Cheyenne median for the same period was $399,260. That gap is why Mariah gets a steady stream of calls from Fort Collins buyers asking what the same budget buys north of the state line.

Older homes near Old Town and CSU tend to sell on location, while the newer subdivisions on the south and east sides compete more on size and finishes. Inventory and pricing change month to month, so treat these numbers as a starting point, not a quote.

Neighborhoods

Where to start looking

Old Town and near CSU

Older homes, walkable streets and the shortest trip to campus and downtown. Expect smaller lots and strong demand from both owner occupants and investors.

Midtown and the College Avenue corridor

A mix of mid-century homes and newer infill, close to shopping and the MAX line.

South and southeast Fort Collins

Newer subdivisions with more square footage, larger garages and easy access to Harmony Road and I-25.

Nearby towns

Timnath, Windsor and Wellington sit just outside the city and are worth a look if you want newer construction or a shorter drive north. Each has its own taxes and school assignments, so compare them address by address.

From a client

What buyers say

“Mariah Jeffery made buying a home for our CSU college student in Fort Collins, CO incredibly easy. ... Her communication, market knowledge, and attention to detail were outstanding.”
Christina Calhoun · Buyer, Fort Collins, CO, Google review

Video

Cheyenne vs. Fort Collins

Mariah breaks down why businesses and buyers are weighing the two cities, and what changes when you cross the state line.

On the market

Listings

Mariah does not have a listing in this city on the site right now. Below are a few of her current Wyoming listings to the north. For homes in this city, ask her to set up a custom MLS search so new listings reach you the day they hit the market.

Map

Fort Collins on the map

About 45 miles south of Cheyenne on I-25, with Loveland just to the south and Greeley to the southeast.

FAQ

Common questions

What do homes cost in Fort Collins right now?

Redfin puts the Fort Collins median sale price at $549,738 for the three months ending September 2026, with homes selling in a median of 50 days. Prices vary a lot by neighborhood and home type, so ask Mariah for a pull of recent sales on the streets you like.

Is Fort Collins far from Cheyenne?

Not really. The two cities are about 45 minutes apart on I-25, which is why plenty of people live in one and work, shop or own property in the other. Mariah is licensed in both Colorado and Wyoming.

Can Mariah help me buy a home for a CSU student?

Yes. She has helped parents buy near Colorado State University, and one of those buyers left the review on this page. Buying instead of renting can make sense for some families of students, so run the numbers with your lender and tax advisor before you decide.

How do I check schools for a Fort Collins address?

Most of Fort Collins is served by Poudre School District. Boundaries change, so confirm the assigned schools for any address directly with the district before you write an offer.

Thinking about Fort Collins?

Call or text Mariah for a quick read on neighborhoods, prices and what your budget buys on either side of the state line.

Market figures are from the sources named next to them, with the period stated, and change month to month. Listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Mariah Jeffery, Ph.D., CCIM, is a REALTOR® licensed in Wyoming and Colorado with Coldwell Banker The Property Exchange, 255 Storey Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82009. Equal Housing Opportunity.