Northern Colorado: Home of CSU and UNC

If you’re new to the area and in the early stages of searching for new homes near Ft. Collins CO or homes in Loveland, you’re probably eager to learn more about the northern Colorado region. Home to some of the state’s best universities, including Colorado State University (CSU) and University of Northern Colorado (UNC), many alumni eventually grow long-term roots in the area because of the high quality of life and countless things to do.

Fort Collins and Loveland are both municipalities within Larimer County, situated at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills of the northern Front Range approximately 60 miles north of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver, and 45 miles south of Cheyenne, WY. The region’s excellent schools, low crime rates, abundant outdoor activities and growing number of jobs in the high-tech economy have garnered national attention, even receiving designation as one of the “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” by Money magazine in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

The lively culture in Fort Collins and Loveland is demonstrated by a thriving arts and local music scene. The Fort Collins Downtown Business Association (DBA) hosts a number of small and large festivals each year in the historic Downtown district, including Bohemian Nights at New West Fest which features local cuisine, music and businesses. In Loveland, the Foote Lagoon concert series, Cherry Pie Festival and the annual Corn Roast Festival draws crowds every year with a parade, corn-shucking competition, corn eating contest and music.

To really sound like a northern Colorado (or “NoCo”) local, here are some additional fun facts to brush up on:

• Estimated Population of the Fort Collins-Loveland Metropolitan Area: 310,487
• Elevation: 4,982 ft. above sea level
• Horsetooth Reservoir & Horsetooth Mountain: Geographical landmarks named for a tooth-shaped granite rock that dominates the western skyline
• Longs Peak can be seen just southwest of the region on a clear day
• Climate: Semi-arid with four distinct seasons and low annual precipitation
• 300 days of sunshine per year, including an average of 19 days with 90°+ weather
• Annual snowfall averages 59 in., and can occur from early Sept. through the end of May
• Fort Collins is known as one of the towns that inspired the design of Main Street, U.S.A., inside the main entrance to many of the Disneyland-style parks run by the Walt Disney Company around the world
• Loveland’s Valentine Re-Mailing Program mails more than 160,000 Valentine’s Day cards each year, coming from more than 110 countries.
• In 2011, Allstate Insurance listed Fort Collins as “America’s Safest Driving City” in their annual “Best Drivers Report”
• Northern Colorado is home to some of the country’s most reputable microbreweries, including New Belgium Brewery, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse and Odell Brewing Company

These are just a few of the many reasons people stay in northern Colorado for years after their university days are over. If you’re interested in learning more about living in these thriving and cultured communities, we encourage you to contact the home and lifestyle specialists at The Lakes and learn more about this innovative community in the heart of the Front Range.