For many, the state of the residential market is still bleak and unpredictable; and making a plunge is quite risky, if not all too impossible. But why not focus on starting to make your research about sought-after locations, rather than burrowing in the flooded housing market. Experts in the real estate industry said that home buyers should get smarter, and this doesn’t mean browsing through affordable houses or properties, but checking first on great locations instead. But just what are the qualities that should be looked over or present in these so-called neighborhoods with that “quality of life?” There are simple qualifiers, really: reputable schools; thriving economy; mode of transportation or commute; and of course excellent services, facilities, and/or amenities for recreation, enjoyment, and relaxation. While some locations may just either possess one or two at the most of these, Fort Collins real estate in Colorado may already be at the helm of promoting that quality of life you’ve long been searching for.
Fort Collins houses four major high schools and several charter schools with junior high and high school grades, which include Rocky Mountain High School, Fort Collins High School, Fossil Ridge High School, Poudre High School, Centennial High School, Ridgeview Classical Schools, Polaris School of Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, and Liberty Common School. The prestigious and popular Colorado State University is also located in this city. The University offers more than 150 programs of study in its eight colleges; and its academic programs are said to one among the best in the nation, as it promotes quality, innovation, and achievement. According to The Princeton Review, a New-York based education services company, CSU is one of the 120 “Best in the West;” and was included on the list of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education as well.
Incidentally, 48% percent of the city residents aged 25 and older either are college graduates or some possess advanced degrees.
The city’s local economy is diverse, with manufacturing, service-related, agri-tech, and bioscience businesses thriving here. Some high-tech companies relocated to Fort Collins due to the resources of the CSU and its research facilities. Items and goods produced here include pharmaceuticals, electronic components and accessories, aircraft parts, scientific instruments, measuring and controlling instruments, radio and TV equipment, fleet automation industrial chemicals, engines, turbines, machinery, and communications equipment. The city also promotes and produces clean energy technology, including Smart Grid technology, biofuel, and solar technology.
Believe it or not, the majority of all commute trips here in this city are either five miles or less in length, and biking here is very much encouraged. There are more than 280 miles (450 km) of designated bikeways in Fort Collins, including on street designated bike lanes, and the Spring Creek and Poudre River Trails, both paved. There’s also a dirt trail, the 5.8-mile (9.3 km) Foothills Trail, parallel to Horsetooth Reservoir from Dixon Reservoir north to Campeau Open Space and Michaud Lane. Fort Collins can be approached from Denver by car via Interstate 25 or by way of the RTD bus system and the FLEX regional bus line.
From hiking and boating in Lory State Park; kayaking and rafting in Cache Poudre River; cycling in paved trails of Spring Creek, Poudre, Power Trail and Fossil Creek Trail; fishing in the city’s in the city’s reservoirs and lakes, Lory State Park and Roosevelt National Park; road trip and camping in Fort Collins-Arapahoe Wildlife Refuge which is a three-hour scenic drive along Poudre Canyon Highway (Route 14); brewery tours in Odell Brewery Co. and Belgium Brewing Co. which are both located in the Buckingham District; shopping in Foothills Mall and Shops at Foothills Mall; among many other activities to do and attractions to go and see in Fort Collins.