What are some of the negatives about living in FC? (Denver: renting, job market)

[shukertj]

Our family visited FC a few days ago to check it out for a potential move and loved the city. I am ready to start packing! We thought the neighborhoods were attractive, the downtown charming, and the natural surroundings gorgeous. We are tired of the Denver area rat race and are looking for our dream town. FC seems to fit the bill.

I'm probably being waaaaaay overly idealistic, so please, knock me back into reality. What is wrong with Fort Collins? Someone just posted about the MMJ culture--are there too many potheads in the city, or what? And not that it matters, as I'm sure they are far too contented to give anyone any trouble. I'm just joking here, but seriously, what are some of the drawbacks of living in FC?

Any insight into your charming town and all its idiosyncracies would be greatly appreciated. If it helps, we are a forty something family with a teenager and two elementary-aged kids. TIA!

[davemess10]

I'd say job market is one of the worst things about the city. Limited jobs and very competitive applicant pools. If you have jobs lined up though, it really is a GREAT place to live.

It's a bit far from Denver, and a bit far from Skiing.

I think the "3-unrelated" renting rule is completely ridiculous (and discriminatory).

[Juliemac]

Scarce good jobs would be the only negative for us since moving here 9 months ago. My job is here in FC and very convenient but my husband is still looking for something local. Do NOT want to commute to Denver, so he will likely do something part time, outside his field to stay here in FC area. Its worth it to us to save the gas/time/stress of the long commute. quality of life here is worth the financial sacrifice for us.

[Tallguy66]

Here's my 2 cents from 13 yrs of Fort Collins.

The good: Pretty average people. Mostly good neighborhoods. Good mountain views. Maximum 30 minute travel times. Great weather from mid May to mid September.

The bad: Not too many surrounding areas that are worth going to. Can get REAL cold in the winter ( I don't care if is a dry cold, 10 below is cold!). Takes a while to get people to "get real" (friendly but distanced.)
Wind! Can be a bit isolated ( nothing to the east, north).

Your post mentions kids. You will find it a great place! As for adult activities, you really need to be into the mountains, bicycling or similar.

[AllisonKlein]

I have not seen one pot head so not sure where that is coming from. I think everyone comes on these boards trying to knock it down, but really it is a nice city and a great place to raise kids, of course there will be things you do not like but that is true of everywhere.

[Tallguy66]

I'll add that, while we do have a very open pot policy here, you are not very aware of it's presence. Rarely will you see anyone who appears to be drugged in Fort Collins.

[shukertj]

Thank you so much everyone! So far, I have not heard anything to burst my bubble or dissuade me from moving to FC. It seems like the kind of town I have been looking for. Will keep you all posted on our plans! : )

[StealthRabbit]

What are some of the negatives about living in FC?

Traffic lights and the risk of being rear-ended by a cell phone talking (distracted) soccer mom driving an SUV

BTW, I don't do traffic lights. FC has always been bad for getting across town in a few minutes (since the 1960's at least). Fortunately, FC has the 'blinking' traffic lights during the hours I drive through. (middle of night). I could never make it across town during rush hour without going postal.

I was in FC last weekend, and the police presence was adequate. (of course you have the largest police department / facility I've ever seen in similar sized cities. (that can be good if you are not a taxpayer)

[Vic 2.0]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

Traffic lights and the risk of being rear-ended by a cell phone talking (distracted) soccer mom driving an SUV

BTW, I don't do traffic lights. FC has always been bad for getting across town in a few minutes (since the 1960's at least). Fortunately, FC has the 'blinking' traffic lights during the hours I drive through. (middle of night). I could never make it across town during rush hour without going postal.

I was in FC last weekend, and the police presence was adequate. (of course you have the largest police department / facility I've ever seen in similar sized cities. (that can be good if you are not a taxpayer)

You'd think with all those police they could put a stop to the driving on the phone. Or is it not yet illegal there?

[davemess10]

Not illegal. They tried a year or two ago, but had to water down the bill to outlawing texting only. Pretty weak in my opinion. ALthough it's not like outlawing it has really done much for Oregon.