Considered one of the country's finest and most livable cities, Fort Collins, Colorado is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, in northern Colorado. A city offering the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a larger city, Fort Collins is proud of its award winning schools, a globally focused university, thriving arts scene and hundreds of miles of walking and biking paths. The city is proud to be home to Colorado State University and an outstanding public school system. If you are seeking the Colorado lifestyle and a community in which to reinvigorate yourself, then moving to Fort Collins is for you.
History:
Travelers crossing the country on the Overland Trail often stopped at Camp Collins, which was established on the Cache La Poudre River. The camp was named for Colonel W. O. Collins, a commander of the eleventh Ohio Cavalry. In 1864, a community grew around the fort and became a hub of trading, shipping and manufacturing. In 1869, Fort Collins was incorporated. During the first half of the 1870s, the town's population began to decline due to the failure of the town's first bank, and other business problems. However, the economy was given a boost by the arrival of the Colorado Central Railroad later that decade. Although the city was affected by the Great Depression, it nevertheless experienced slow and steady growth throughout the early part of the 20th century. During the middle of the century, the population of Fort Collins doubled, and the city witnessed a period of economic success. Today's Fort Collins offers a rich mix of history, a college town vibe and attractiveness to higher-tech companies.
Economy:
The City of Fort Collins boasts a well-balanced economy, with a health mix of manufacturing and service-related businesses. Local business leaders suggest that the city's economy is protected from some of the difficulties in the regional and the national economies by its highly sophisticated and rapidly advancing technological progress. The city also has a strong manufacturing base, and is home to such firms as Hewlett Packard, WaterPik and Anheuser-Busch. The city has been experiencing low unemployment rates and a steady increase in household incomes, which has lead to increased purchasing power that will further stimulate the local economy. Many high-tech companies have moved to Fort Collins due to the resources available through Colorado State University. In addition, recent housing construction has added to the city's economic growth. With all of these opportunities, it's no wonder why so many Fort Collins movers are so busy.
Tourism:
Situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the City of Fort Collins is home to amazing recreational opportunities, diverse attractions and a vibrant nightlife scene. Explore the fanciful creatures at the Swetsville Zoo with your family, where you will find animal exhibits, interactive attractions and daily shows. Fort Collins richly deserves its reputation as the cultural capital of Northern Colorado. With a half-dozen live theatre stages in production throughout the year, a symphony orchestra, ballet troupe and opera company as well as several chorale ensembles. For a history lesson, visit one of the city's many galleries and museums, mounting exhibits of everything from animation art to historical masterpieces. Thirsty? Take a break and enjoy a pint of award-winning local beers from the King of Beers to Fat Tire. Fort Collins is home to five award-winning craft breweries and one of the best-known breweries in the world, Anheuser Busch.