Jake46
Recycles dryer sheets
Planning to retire and relocate to Ft. Collins, CO this summer. But I am a little spooked about the winter experience this year. Any folks living there that can share their thoughts?
Jake46
Jake46
Nah, only 4.63%audreyh1 said:Do they have a 5% income tax in CO? That always gave me pause....
But a beautiful state. We always enjoy visiting.
Audrey
I've lived in Fort Collins for 28 years after growing up in the Midwest. It's still a college town, although it's growing into more of a high-tech center with companies such as Intel, AMD, and HP having a major presence. With all the farms and ranches outside of town, there is a really interesting blend of cultures. The biggest problem is that growth and traffic are becoming serious issues, with slow-and-go traffic on I-25 to Denver becoming more commonplace.Jake46 said:Planning to retire and relocate to Ft. Collins, CO this summer. But I am a little spooked about the winter experience this year. Any folks living there that can share their thoughts?
Jake46
In the downtown area there are a lot of solid, older houses you can renovate. Nearby Old Town is very nice, fun for shopping, eating, or just hanging out in the warmer months.Jake46 said:Sound Pounder
Thanks for the insights. I'm getting really excited. Seeking four seasons and wanting to leave high humidity, hurricanes & fire ants (Houston). We're hoping to find an older home near downtown that we can removate.
Jake46
brewer12345 said:We are heading to Denver & environs toorrow for a week-long visit with family. Gtta admit, every time I go the thought of moving crosses my mind...
Sand Pounder said:I've lived in Fort Collins for 28 years after growing up in the Midwest. It's still a college town, although it's growing into more of a high-tech center with companies such as Intel, AMD, and HP having a major presence. With all the farms and ranches outside of town, there is a really interesting blend of cultures. The biggest problem is that growth and traffic are becoming serious issues, with slow-and-go traffic on I-25 to Denver becoming more commonplace.
Regarding weather, it is truly a 4-season climate. But compared to the Midwest, it is generally milder and sunnier. In my time here we've had two really difficult winters, and this year was one of them. But my first year here (1979-80) was worse, when we had 10 FEET of snow. The climate is very dry compared to anywhere in the East or Northwest. You have to drink a lot of water, and your lawn will shrivel up in a matter of days if you don't irrigate in the summer. Altitude is a bit of a problem when you first arrive if you do hard physical activities. Summers are hot (90's) during the day but with low humidity.
I'm an avid bicyclist, and I can usually go pedaling every month. This year is an exception with all the snow and cold. Lots of nice bicycling trails throughout the city. Not a lot of really nice restaurants or cultural activities in town. Denver (an hour or so away) offers more in those areas.
Rocky Mountain National Park (1 hour away) is the favorite recreational activity. Plenty of hiking, snowshoeing, and backpacking. There are water sports in Horsetooth Reservoir and Boyd Lake minutes from town. If you swim or ski, the water is frigid except July and August. Good skiing is about 2 hours away, and sometimes a lot longer on busy ski days.
BTW, my parents and sister moved here after visiting a few times.
"Spring Creek guys"? Never heard of them. I usually ride by myself or with a few friends. There is a Spring Creek Bike Trail in town, maybe that's what they're named after.BunsGettingFirm said:Hey, I used to ride the Spring Creek guys. Are you riding with them?
Sand Pounder said:"Spring Creek guys"? Never heard of them. I usually ride by myself or with a few friends. There is a Spring Creek Bike Trail in town, maybe that's what they're named after.