Best Neighborhoods in Fort Collins

Suppose you stumble into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, you might just find the northern Colorado town of Fort Collins. 
Located in Larimer County, Fort Collins is the most populous municipality here. But many people are not eager to make this town their home just for its stats and an opportunity to hike the mountainous terrain. 
Over the years, Fort Collins has managed to maintain a laid-back atmosphere while never failing to catch up with the modernities of today’s age.
From historic areas to community spirit and unique slices of nature, these best neighborhoods in Fort Collins offer some of the top spots to settle down. 
Let’s explore what makes these neighborhoods stand out in a bit more detail.

Quick Overview

• Bucking Horse — Best Neighborhood for an Active Lifestyle
• Huntington Hills — Most Family-friendly Neighborhood
• Old Town — Most Artistic and Historic Neighborhood
• University Park — Best Blend of Urban and Suburban Life
• Southridge Greens — Best for Retirees
• Rigden Farm — Best Neighborhood for First-time Homebuyers
• Waterglen — Most Affordable Fort Collins Neighborhood

Bucking Horse

If access to I-25 and mountain views are enough to convince you that living in Fort Collins is a working charm, then you should be in the East Fort Collins neighborhood of Bucking Horse.
Boasting one of the town’s most unique and welcoming communities, this neighborhood has a farmhouse-chic vibe that makes it stand out. Residents here can access community gardens, bike trails, and even a working urban farm.
Bucking Horse is where you will easily find farm-to-table dining literally in your backyard. If you worry about the structural integrity of your home, the ones here are newer, with some only a decade old. 
What makes it even cooler? 
The Jessup Farm Artisan Village! This trendy spot is a hub for local shops, a coffee roastery, and even a fitness studio. The artisan village aims to preserve Fort Collins’s agricultural history.

• Population: 1,563
• Median Household Income: $59,357
• Average House Rent: $1,687
• Median Home Value: $616,950
• Great For: Outdoor enthusiasts

Huntington Hills

Perhaps a friendly suburban atmosphere is your kind of place, Huntington Hills has your name all over it. Located near the city’s south side, Huntington Hills is the definition of a family-friendly neighborhood.
Top-rated schools, a fantastic neighborhood pool, numerous parks, and a welcoming community, this place easily ranks as the best Fort Collins neighborhood for families. This is the place where you will see neighbors chatting on their front lawns with plenty of space to stretch out and relax.
One big highlight is Fossil Creek Park, just minutes away, where you can enjoy everything from playgrounds to a splash pad to a dog park for your furry friends. Plus, the area has great access to shopping and dining at nearby Front Range Village.
If you are considering making the move, don’t forget that the movers in Fort Collins take pride in having the local knowledge to help smooth your transition.

• Population: 1,251
• Median Household Income: $77,831
• Average House Rent: $1,755
• Median Home Value: $539,000
• Great For: Families

Old Town

Vintage appeal, modern fun, and a dash of history with your daily coffee; if you have ever conceived this to be the life you want, plan on relocating to Old Town.
From the colorful murals that line the streets with brick buildings and some of the town’s best restaurants and inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, there’s no arguing that Old Town Fort Collins is one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Collins.
Old Town has an artsy vibe, with galleries, street performances, and regular festivals. When it comes to housing, you will find an array of 19th-century Victorian houses alongside modern condos.
Just remember, this central location does come with a price. Homes here are pricier, and rentals can be a bit hard to come by because everyone wants a piece of Old Town magic. 
While Fort Collins as a whole has a relatively low crime rate, Old Town does see a little more activity due to its lively nightlife. But it’s nothing out of the ordinary for a bustling downtown.

• Population: 3,773
• Median Household Income: $81,733
• Average House Rent: $2,230
• Median Home Value: $580,000
• Great For: Young professionals and history buffs

University Park

You guessed it right—University Park is located near Colorado State University. This gives the neighborhood an intellectual soul that makes it youthful and academic. 
Of course, you can expect a lot of foot traffic with students, professors, and researchers milling around. Coffee shops are always abuzz with students, and homes are a mix of old and new.
The beautiful green area has tons of mature trees and lush parks like the serene Rolland Moore Park. While it is close to the university, crime here is generally low. 
In fact, the only struggle here is that you’ll need to learn to live with a bit of noise from lively student activities.

• Population: 1,320
• Median Household Income: $81,733
• Average House Rent: $2,230
• Median Home Value: $593,000
• Great For: Academics, young families, and students.

Southridge Greens

Southridge Greens is your dream neighborhood if you have ever fantasized about living on a golf course. 
This quiet, upscale area established around the beautiful Southridge Golf Course has manicured lawns and plenty of curb appeal.
What makes Southridge Greens stand out as one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Collins is that it’s a bit more low-key, with an exclusive feel. But it’s still friendly and welcoming. 
The housing market here consists mostly of single-family homes with spacious yards, making it a top pick for families. Plus, this neighborhood has proven to have good levels of safety which is another appealing benefit.

• Population: 931
• Median Household Income: $88,788
• Average House Rent: $2,950
• Median Home Value: $1,220,000
• Great For: Golf lovers, retirees, and anyone seeking an upscale environment

Rigden Farm

Think of Rigden Farm as the newer neighborhood that it is with a mix of townhomes, condos, and single-family homes. 
It has a modern, fresh feel with plenty of amenities nearby, including grocery stores, fitness centers, and coffee shops. 
The neighborhood is strong on community with an HOA that keeps things looking pristine. You will find beautiful parks and easy access to biking trails that connect you to the rest of Fort Collins. 
Rigden Farm is one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Collins for first-time homebuyers. Those who want a move-in-ready home without the hassle of renovation will find great options here.

• Population: 2,220
• Median Household Income: $95,962
• Average House Rent: $1,863
• Median Home Value: $450,000
• Great For: First-time buyers and professionals seeking convenience.

Waterglen

For a peaceful and affordable neighborhood on the east side of Fort Collins, Waterglen is the ideal place. 
It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Collins for those looking for a budget-friendly home without sacrificing comfort or proximity to the city. 
The homes here are newer and grant easy access to I-25 despite being a suburban area. So, you can get around town quickly with only a short drive to shopping, dining, and entertainment. 
Plus, the neighborhood has some streets with a high walkability score. While this is great for your evening strolls, it can mean a lot of leg traffic and noise, depending on the time of the day. 
Conversely, there are a few streets where you need a car to get around. 

• Population: 343
• Median Household Income: $81,733
• Average House Rent: $2,230
• Median Home Value: $493,000
• Great For: Budget-conscious families and commuters.

Neighborhoods in Fort Collins — Choose Yours

No matter which neighborhood you choose to live in, Fort Collins offers a mix of outdoor adventures and modern amenities. 
Among the best neighborhoods in Fort Collins are University Park and Waterglen, which balance city lifestyles with suburban life. Meanwhile, for a more active lifestyle on highly walkable streets, Bucking Horse should be your go-to. 
Although Old Town primarily has historic homes, it also has modern buildings — a great place for creatives. Huntington Hills, on the other hand, has a family-oriented environment matched only by Rigden Farm with its affordable homes and amenities.
So, what’s your pick?