Considering a move from KS to Fort Collins

[Ron Mexico]

The wife would like to move to Fort Collins. Currently in Wichita, KS. We spent a couple of days there this fall while visiting some friends along the front range and liked what we saw. It can't happen until 2008 but I thought I would ask for some feedback. What's the good (obviously being close to the stadium), the bad (huge cost of living?) and the ugly (upcoming taxes?)?

I just can't see raising our kids amongst little Chief fans.

Thanks to all in advance!

[defenseman]

The wife would like to move to Fort Collins. Currently in Wichita, KS. We spent a couple of days there this fall while visiting some friends along the front range and liked what we saw. It can't happen until 2008 but I thought I would ask for some feedback. What's the good (obviously being close to the stadium), the bad (huge cost of living?) and the ugly (upcoming taxes?)?

I just can't see raising our kids amongst little Chief fans.

Thanks to all in advance!

Housing more expensive, property taxes probably less in Colorado than Kansas actually. Fort Collins #1 ranking in the country for "best places to live". I'm thinking foreclosures are up in Denver, not sure about Fort collins. CSU is right there for future college. You got UNC in Greeley. I'm guessing the real estate bite will be the toughest adaptation. I will say, if you are seriously considering a move, now is a good time. Interest rates are low, property values are dropping in that part of the country from everything I've read....dman

*Utilities can be pretty damn high in colorado. Xcel raked me over the coals for 4 yrs or so...

[cpad007]

I went to CSU for 4 years there...loved it! It is a great college town if you like college towns. Awesome microbrews there as well. I've got several college buddies who never left after school. Outdoor life is awesome with rafting (Cache la Poudre), biking in the foothills, mountains...hiking/backpacking. Downhill skiing is a tad further to go to but cross-country is there.

If I moved back to CO, Ft. Fun (and its surroundings) would be one choice, Boulder/Golden front range would be another choice.

[AFCWestFan]

You better have a buttload of cash. Your home value in KS compared to FTC is gonna knock you loopy. Ive been there, done it....and Construction quality....its all California based there...pretty low compared to back this way. Baby...taxes? Get a grip on the Taxes...Oh and comute times anywhere in the front range...well its not bad if you leave real early.

Bottom line is Colorado is over built now, going to get worse, the quality of life is falling, and the cost for all that is high.

[Crushaholic]

I just can't see raising our kids amongst little Chief fans.

Is the Chiefs fanbase THAT bad in Wichita, these days? I admit that it's been almost 20 years since I've lived in Wichita, but they seemed pretty neutral when it came to pro football...

[defenseman]

You better have a buttload of cash. Your home value in KS compared to FTC is gonna knock you loopy. Ive been there, done it....and Construction quality....its all California based there...pretty low compared to back this way. Baby...taxes? Get a grip on the Taxes...Oh and comute times anywhere in the front range...well its not bad if you leave real early.

Bottom line is Colorado is over built now, going to get worse, the quality of life is falling, and the cost for all that is high.

And the good side?....C'mon, it can't all be bad. I like Grand lake, steam boat, durango. Parts of colorado are still as it was. But, you gotta be set financially for sure...dman

*the commute time just tears me up. Absolutely hate it...have to live where you are 10 minutes from work. Traffic in denver has gotten ridiculous now hasn't it...

[Fedaykin]

I-25 through Denver is a nightmare a lot of the time.

Fort Collins has plentiful microbrews (ever had Fat Tire? -- made in FC), outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, etc.), bars, restaurants, etc. It's close to Denver without being the thick of the mess. There are a lot of young people 18-30 (College town). We has a psychotic bitch for a U.S. representative.

Colorado has about a 4.5% income tax. Housing prices in FC are pretty high, a 4 person family home can run $180,000-$300,000, depending on what and where (parts of town, like near campus, are very expensive). Right now it's a buyers market in FC and most of Colorado, with expectations that home values will increase above average. Cost of living (food, utilities, etc.) in general is probably more than you are used to in KS. However, CO is also ranked ~7th in median income in the nation.

Along with the College comes the benefits and problems of a College town (more drinking, more scenery, education opportunities, more jobs, more petty crime, more renter neighborhoods, etc.).

Anything else you want to kow about, or more detail?

[Ron Mexico]

Is the Chiefs fanbase THAT bad in Wichita, these days? I admit that it's been almost 20 years since I've lived in Wichita, but they seemed pretty neutral when it came to pro football...

I wouldn't say BAD (and didn't), but I would say numerous. My kids won't be wearing KC colors and that would definitely put them in the minority.

[Ron Mexico]

Anything else you want to kow about, or more detail?

Any info on raising kids in the area? School system quality? Things for younger kids to do? We've got a 1 yr old and one on the way! !Booya!

Thanks for all the responses so far!

[cpad007]

Colorado has about a 4.5% income tax. Housing prices in FC are pretty high, a 4 person family home can run $180,000-$300,000, depending on what and where (parts of town, like near campus, are very expensive). Right now it's a buyers market in FC and most of Colorado, with expectations that home values will increase above average. Cost of living (food, utilities, etc.) in general is probably more than you are used to in KS. However, CO is also ranked ~7th in median income in the nation.

I'll take one of those $300k houses! That'll buy you a shack in the San Francisco Bay Area! It is all relative, naturally.

[Crushaholic]

I wouldn't say BAD (and didn't), but I would say numerous. My kids won't be wearing KC colors and that would definitely put them in the minority.

I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. I wouldn't want my kids to be instilled with ketchup and mustard influences, either...
:thumbs:

[Mountain Bronco]

I would take the problems of Ft Collins over KS any day of the week, unless it is Lawrence, KS, but Lawrence is pricy also.