Moving to Fort Collins in 2026: A Step-by-Step Relocation Guide

Watch: Jason Levi's Moving to Fort Collins 2026 guide · Watch on YouTube →

Step 1: Decide if Fort Collins Fits Your Life

Jason is upfront that the Fort Collins of 2026 is not the same town we moved to a decade ago. It is busier and more expensive, but the reasons people come are still here: trails, sunshine and a strong community.

He is just as clear about the challenges: spring wind that will take your patio umbrella for a ride, a town that can feel small, about an hour's drive to Denver for pro sports or a major airport, and a gap between local wages and home prices. If you want both sides first, read our reasons not to move to Fort Collins.

Step 2: Set a Budget With Current Numbers

Redfin reported a September 2026 median sale price of $549,738 in Fort Collins, up 0.9% from a year earlier. For single-family homes, the Colorado Association of REALTORS reported a median of $590,000, down 1.7%, with about 3.1 months of supply. Freddie Mac's 30-year fixed rate averaged 7.24% on October 29, 2026.

Townhomes and condos are the lower-priced way in, but Jason reminds buyers they usually come with much higher HOA dues. Budget for the full monthly payment, not just the price. Our what your budget buys in Fort Collins guide shows real homes at different prices.

Step 3: Plan for Time-of-Day Electric Rates

This one catches nearly every newcomer off guard. Fort Collins Utilities charges for electricity based on when you use it, not only how much. In the video, Jason explains the peak windows:

• Summer (May through September): peak hours are 2 to 7 p.m.
• The rest of the year: peak hours shift to 5 to 9 p.m.
• Power costs much more during peak hours than off-peak
• Weekends and major holidays are off-peak all day

In practice, that means running the dryer and dishwasher outside peak hours. Rate details can change, so confirm current hours and pricing with Fort Collins Utilities.

Step 4: Line Up Work and Internet

Jason says jobs, not just the beer, are what bring people here. He points to clean energy, bioscience and hardware, with large employers such as HP, Intel and Woodward, plus Colorado State University.

If you work from home, Fort Collins has a big advantage: city-owned gigabit fiber internet that Jason describes as fast, symmetrical and affordable. He calls Fort Collins a remote-work mecca for that reason. Check service availability for the specific address you are considering.

Step 5: Choose Your Part of Town

For new construction, Jason points to Montava, an agri-urban community in Northeast Fort Collins, and Saunders near Richards Lake for wellness-focused active adult living. For more neighborhoods, see our Fort Collins neighborhoods guide for newcomers.

Step 6: Shop the Market Smart

Jason's advice: buyers are no longer fighting a pile of offers with no inspections. Sellers are offering rate buydowns and closing cost credits again, and the listing date matters.

According to Redfin, the median Fort Collins home went under contract in 50 days in September 2026, 42.7% had a price drop and homes sold for about 98.8% of list. A home that has sat for a while is often an opportunity to negotiate. We check every listing's history before you make an offer.

Step 7: Plug In Once You Arrive

In a short December 2025 video, Jason explains why we built our Fort Collins Experience resource site: to help people researching a move make an informed decision, and to help new arrivals find local resources such as hospitals, restaurants, hikes and biking trails, which can be hard to find at first.

Then get outside. Horsetooth Reservoir is close, Jason calls Fort Collins a platinum-rated bicycle-friendly community, and Old Town's concerts and breweries are where you will meet people. As Jason says, we are only a phone call away.

Sources and Further Reading

• Redfin: Fort Collins housing market
• Colorado Association of REALTORS: September 2026 market report
• Freddie Mac: Primary Mortgage Market Survey
• City of Fort Collins

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a home cost in Fort Collins in 2026?

Redfin reported a September 2026 median sale price of $549,738. For single-family homes, the Colorado Association of REALTORS reported a median of $590,000.

What are time-of-day electric rates in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins Utilities charges more for power used during peak hours. In Jason Levi's 2026 guide, peak hours were 2 to 7 p.m. from May through September and 5 to 9 p.m. the rest of the year, with weekends and major holidays off-peak. Confirm current rates with the city.

Is Fort Collins good for remote work?

Jason Levi calls it a remote-work mecca because of the city-owned gigabit fiber internet. Check availability for a specific address.

Which Fort Collins neighborhood is best for newcomers?

It depends on your life. Old Town offers historic charm, Midtown is central with larger lots, South Fort Collins has newer homes near I-25, and the north corridor is growing fast.

Can buyers negotiate in Fort Collins right now?

Often, yes. Redfin shows 42.7% of Fort Collins homes had a price drop in September 2026, and Jason notes sellers are offering rate buydowns and closing cost credits again.

We made this move ourselves. If Fort Collins is in your future, we would love to help you plan it step by step.