About the Fort Collins, Colorado 

MONEY MAGAZINE'S America's Best Places to Live 2008

No. 2: Fort Collins, Colo.

Courtesy: City of Fort Collins
 
Population: 129,500

Miles from Denver: 59

Hiking and biking trails: 25 miles

Average July temperature:
69°F

Pros: Environmentally minded, lots of high-tech jobs, outdoor paradise

Con: More than an hour from a major city

One of the first things you notice about this Rocky Mountain city is that practically every new road has a bike lane. Even the wheelless can get in on the action now that Fort Collins (which ranked No. 1 on our list in 2006) has a bike library in the middle of its historic downtown: Residents and visitors can check out a bicycle for up to seven days, free. “I’m generally out on my bike two to three times a week,” says Greg Churchman, 46, who owns a human-resources consulting firm. He and his wife Beth, 50, a probation officer, sometimes ride to nearby Horsetooth Reservoir with their sons James, 16, and Lucas, 14. “The park and trails system in this town are incredible,” says Beth.

Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, Fort Collins has a ton to recommend it. Old Town, the city’s historic district, contains four microbreweries and more than two dozen restaurants, most of them with alfresco seating. A healthy concentration of bioscience and tech companies, including Agilent Technologies, Hewlett-Packard and Kodak, keeps employment opportunities high. Colorado State University occupies a scenic spot in the middle of town, providing a college-town feel and youthful energy. And the city is on the forefront of environmental planning; it just received a grant from the Department of Energy to start a solar-energy project downtown. As for health care, the award-winning Poudre Valley Health System will soon be home to a brand-new cancer center.

While the excellent schools have been overcrowded in recent years, officials have taken steps to correct the problem by moving some grades to different buildings. “I moved here for the quality of the schools and basically the quality of life,” says Tracy Riley, 39, a marketing communications specialist who arrived last year from Windsor, Calif. “Fort Collins has everything.”

Fort Collins, Colorado

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

City of Fort Collins, Colorado
Horsetooth Mountain is often used as a symbol of Fort Collins
Motto: The Choice City
Location of Fort Collins shown within the State of Colorado
Coordinates: 40°33′33″N 105°4′41″W / 40.55917, -105.07806
Country	United States
State	State of Colorado
County	Larimer County Seat
Commissioned	1864
Incorporated	February 12, 1883
Named for	U.S. Army Colonel William O. Collins
Government
- Type	Home Rule Municipality
- Mayor	Doug Hutchinson
- Mayor pro tem	Kelly Ohlson
- City Manager	Darin Atteberry
Area
- Total	47.1 sq mi (122.1 km²)
- Land	46.5 sq mi (120.5 km²)
- Water	0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²)  1.27%
Elevation	5,003 ft (1,525 m)
Population (2000)
- Total	118,652
- Density	2,549.3/sq mi (984.4/km²)
Time zone	MST (UTC-7)
- Summer (DST)	MDT (UTC-6)
ZIP Codes	80521-80528, 80553
Area code(s)	970
FIPS code	08-27425
GNIS feature ID	0204673
Highways
Fifth most populous Colorado city
Website: City of Fort Collins

The City of Fort Collins, a Home Rule Municipality situated on the Cache la Poudre River along the Colorado Front Range, is the county seat and most populous city of Larimer County, Colorado, United States. Fort Collins is located 57 miles (92 km) north of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. With roughly 125,000 residents, making it the fifth most populous city in Colorado, Fort Collins is a large college town, home to Colorado State University. It was named Money magazine's Best Place to Live 2006.

History

Fort Collins was founded as a military outpost of the United States Army in 1864. It succeeded a previous encampment, known as Camp Collins, on the Cache La Poudre River, near present-day Laporte. Camp Collins was erected during the Indian wars of the mid-1860s to protect the Overland mail route that been recently relocated through the region. Travelers crossing the county on the Overland Trail would camp there, but a flood destroyed the camp in June 1864. Afterward, the commander of the fort wrote to the commandant of Fort Laramie in southeast Wyoming, Colonel William O. Collins, suggesting that a site several miles further down the Poudre would make a good location for the fort. The post was manned originally by two companies of the 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and never had walls.

Nineteenth-century bird's-eye view of Fort Collins.

Settlers began arriving in the vicinity of the fort nearly immediately. The fort was decommissioned in 1867. The original fort site is now adjacent to the present historic "Old Town" portion of the city. The first school and church opened in 1866, and the town was platted in 1867. The civilian population of Fort Collins, led by local businessman Joseph Mason, led an effort to relocate the county seat to Fort Collins from LaPorte, and they were successful in 1868.

The city's first population boom came in 1872, with the establishment of an agricultural colony. Hundreds of settlers arrived, developing lots just south of the original Old Town. Tension between new settlers and earlier inhabitants led to political divisions in the new town, which was incorporated in 1873. The first classes were held at the new state agricultural college, which began operations in 1870.

The 1880s saw the construction of a number of elegant homes and commercial buildings and the growth of a distinctive identity for Fort Collins. Stone quarrying, sugar beet farming, and the slaughter of sheep were among the area's earliest industries. Beet tops, an industry supported by the College and its associated agricultural experiment station, proved to be an excellent and abundant food for local sheep, and by the early 1900s the area was being referred to as the "Lamb feeding capital of the world." In 1901 the Great Western sugar processing plant was built in the city.

Poudre Valley Bank, now the Linden Hotel at College and Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado (1908)

Although the city was affected by the Great Depression and simultaneous drought, it nevertheless experienced slow and steady growth throughout the early part of the twentieth century. During the decade following World War II, the population doubled and an era of economic prosperity occurred. Old buildings were razed to make way for new, modern structures. Along with revitalization came many changes, including the closing of the Great Western sugar factory in 1955, and a new city charter, adopting a council-manager form of government in 1954. Similarly, Colorado State University's enrollment doubled during the 1960s, making it the city's primary economic force by the end of the century. Fort Collins gained a reputation as a very conservative city in the twentieth century, with a prohibition of alcoholic beverages, a contentious political issue in the town's early decades, being retained from the late 1890s until student activism helped bring it to an end in 1969. During that same period, civil rights activism and anti-war disturbances heightened tensions in the city, including the burning of several buildings on the CSU campus.

During the late 20th century, Fort Collins expanded rapidly to the south, adding new development, including several regional malls. Management of city growth patterns became a political priority during the 1980s, as well as the revitalization of Fort Collins' Old Town with the creation of a Downtown Development Authority.

Fort Collins, facing west (1875)

In 2006, Money ranked Fort Collins as the best place to live in America, proclaiming that "great schools, low crime, good jobs in a high-tech economy and a fantastic outdoor life make Fort Collins No. 1." Fort Collins continues to grow in population at a measured pace, with competition from other development in northern Colorado, debate over future growth patterns and tensions between students and homeowners emerging as dominant local issues in the early 21st century.

For more information on local history see the Fort Collins Museum's local historical archives .

Geography and climate

Fort Collins is located at 40°33′33″N, 105°4′41″W (40.559238, -105.078302). The city is situated just east of the Rocky Mountain foothills of the Northern Front Range approximately 65 miles north of Denver, Colorado and 45 miles south of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Elevation is 5,003 ft (or 1,524 m) above sea level. Prominent geographic landmarks include Horsetooth Reservoir and Horsetooth Mountain—so named because of a tooth shaped granite rock that dominates the city's western skyline.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 47.1 square miles (122.1 km²), of which, 46.5 square miles (120.5 km²) of it is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 km²) of it (1.27%) is water.

The city experiences about 296 days of sunshine per year and 22 days with 90º + weather. The average temperature in July is 71.2º. Annual snowfall averages 57.4 inches, and the snow generally melts within a few days. Average precipitation overall is about 15 inches. The Cache La Poudre River and Spring Creek (Colorado) run through Fort Collins.

Demographics

Fort Collins is the fifth most populous city in the State of Colorado and the 185th most populous city in the United States. The United States Census Bureau estimates that in 2005 the population of the City of Fort Collins was 128,026 (185th most populous U.S. city,  the population of the Fort Collins-Loveland Metropolitan Statistical Area was 271,927 (163rd most populous MSA), and the population of the Front Range Urban Corridor was 4,013,055.

As of the census of 2000, there were 118,652 people, 45,882 households, and 25,785 families residing in the city. This was an increase from 108,905 in 1998, 87,491 in 1990, 64,092 in 1980, 43,337 in 1970, 14,937 in 1950, and 8,755 in 1920. The metropolitan statistical area (MSA) includes Loveland. When this city is included, the population increases to 251,494 for 2000. The population density was 2,549.3 people per square mile (984.4/km²). There were 47,755 housing units at an average density of 1,026.0/sq mi (396.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 82.4% White, 3.01% Black or African American, 0.60% Native American, 2.48% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 3.61% from other races, and 2.53% from two or more races. 10.79% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2000, there were 45,882 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city the population was spread out with 21.5% under the age of 18, 22.1% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 17.0% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,459, and the median income for a family was $59,332. Males had a median income of $40,856 versus $28,385 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,133. About 5.5% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government

Fort Collins has a council-manager form of government. The mayor, who serves a two-year term and stands for election in municipal elections held in April of odd-numbered years, presides over a seven member City Council. The current mayor of Fort Collins is Doug Hutchinson, first elected in April 2005. The six remaining council members are elected from districts for staggered four-year terms; even-numbered districts are up for election in April 2007 and odd-numbered districts in April 2009.

Fort Collins is the largest city in Colorado's predominantly rural 4th Congressional district, and is represented in Congress by Representative Marilyn Musgrave (Republican). On the state level, the city lies in the 14th district of the Colorado Senate, represented by Bob Bacon and is split between the 52nd and 53rd districts of the Colorado House of Representatives, represented by John Kefalas and Randy Fischer, respectively. All three of Fort Collins' state legislators are Democrats. Fort Collins is additionally the county seat of Larimer County, and houses county offices and courts.

Culture

The 2004 Colorado Brewers Festival in Fort Collins

Much of Fort Collins' culture is centered on the students of Colorado State University. Driven by a large college-age demographic, the city has a thriving local music circuit, and is home to a number of well-recognized microbreweries. Old Town, a historic downtown shopping district, hosts a number of large festivals each year. For example, the New West Fest occurs in late summer, featuring local cuisine, music, and businesses. The Fort Collins Lincoln Center is home to the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra and regularly attracts national touring companies of Broadway plays. Beyond the city limits, the Fort Collins Balloon Festival attracts hot air balloon enthusiasts from around the world.

There is a thriving beer culture in the city.There are three microbreweries, the New Belgium Brewing Company, the Odell Brewing Company, and the Fort Collins Brewery. New Belgium is the largest of the local craft-breweries, with regional distribution west of the Mississippi. There are several brewpubs, including the original C.B. & Potts Restaurant and its Big Horn Brewery and CooperSmith's Pub & Brewing, a local mainstay since 1989. The Colorado Brewer's Festival is held in late June annually in Fort Collins. The outdoor event is held in Fort Collins' old town area and features beers from as many as 45 brewers from the state of Colorado and averages around 30,000 attendees.

The principal venue for the performing arts in Fort Collins is Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., at Meldrum Street. Built in 1978, the center includes the 1,180-seat Performance Hall and the 220-seat Mini-Theatre, as well as four exhibit galleries and an outdoor sculpture and performance garden. It is home to many local arts groups, including the Fort Collins Symphony, Opera Fort Collins, Canyon Concert Ballet, Larimer Chorale, OpenStage Theatre, Foothills Pops Band and the Fort Collins Children’s Theatre. Concert, dance, children’s, and travel film series are presented annually. The center is wheelchair accessible and has an infrared sound system for the hearing impaired. Ticket prices vary considerably, but children’s programs are often free or less than $10, and big name acts and Broadway shows are $18 to $36. The center hosts nearly 1,750 events each year.

Old Town

A redbrick pedestrian walkway, flanked by street lamps and surrounding a bubbling fountain, is the focus of this restored historic district, which offers a look at the earliest roots of the city, and has plenty of good shopping opportunities. The main plaza, which covers several square blocks, extends diagonally to the northeast from the intersection of College and Mountain avenues; on either side are shops and galleries, restaurants, and nightspots. Seemingly familiar to anyone who has visited Disneyland, it was the inspiration for several of buildings in Disney's Main Street including the City Hall, Bank, and others. Outdoor concerts and a string of special events keep the plaza lively, especially from mid-spring to mid-fall. Self-guided walking-tour maps are available from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, individual merchants, and city offices; and the Fort Collins Museum conducts guided tours of Old Town during the summer on Saturdays at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. You’ll find public restrooms just east of the intersection of South College Avenue and Oak Street, open daily from 8am to 9pm.

Communications

Two daily newspapers, the Fort Collins Now and the Fort Collins Coloradoan, are published in the city. One weekly, the alternative newsweekly Rocky Mountain Chronicle, and several niche publications including the Fort Collins Courier and Fossil Creek Current are distributed for free at local businesses and by mail. The Rocky Mountain Collegian is Colorado State University's student newspaper, and is published each weekday during the fall and spring semesters. The Collegian is the only daily student-run newspaper in the state, and includes a weekly entertainment tabloid called The Verve.

Scene Magazine is a long-time entertainment monthly serving several regional cities. Swift Newspapers introduced NEXTnc, a Northern Colorado weekly entertainment and lifestyles newspaper in March 2006. Rocky Mountain Parent Magazine and "Parent Pages" are niche publications serving Fort Collins among other northern Colorado community families.

Colorado State University funds a student-run radio station that focuses on underground and local music, KCSU 90.5 FM Public Radio Front Range operates a Volunteer-based Radio station KRFC 88.9 FM

No major television stations broadcast from Fort Collins. CNN Headline News used to provide local news to Fort Collins, but no longer does. City Cable 14 is the local government access channel, and broadcasts city and county meetings, as well as studio-produced local programming. Poudre School District and Colorado State University each have public access stations as well.

Education

Old Fort Collins High School, now part of Colorado State University

K-12 public education is provided through Poudre School District, the second-largest employer in Fort Collins after Colorado State University. Fort Collins is home to four major high schools and several charter schools with Jr. High and High School grades. They include Fort Collins High School, Rocky Mountain High School, Poudre High School, Fossil Ridge High School (which is currently in its fourth year), Centennial High School, PIONEER School for Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound and the Peak School, a small alternative high school that serves at-risk youths [www.psdschools.org/schools/peak/], Ridgeview Classical Schools, and Liberty Common School. The educational system is run by Poudre School District. Colorado State University heads up the choices in higher education. Front Range Community College also maintains a campus in the city, and grants associate's degrees in arts, science, general studies, and applied science. The college offers 17 high school vocational programs and more than 90 continuing education classes. Additionally, the University of Phoenix and Regis also maintain satellite campuses here.

The Fort Collins Public Library was established in 1900, the sixth public library in the state. The library maintains the Barton Early Childhood Center and, in partnership with Front Range Community College, the Harmony Library. The library also participates in innovative cooperative projects with the local school district and Colorado State University. The library holds about 270,000 items and has a special local history archive.

Fort Collins has a range of research institutes . Facilities are maintained by the Centers for Disease Control Division of Vector-Born Infectious Diseases, the Center for Advanced Technology and the Colorado Water Resource Research Institute. Other facilities include the Cooper Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, the Institute for Scientific Computing, the U.S. Forest Service Experimental Station, the National Seed Storage Laboratory, and the U.S.D.A. Crops Research Laboratory.

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