Fort Collins has been a popular Colorado community through numerous rankings comparing the best places to live in the country.  So what is it about Fort Collins that makes it so desirable?  Could it be the charming Old Town with local bars and restaurants?  Perhaps that it has it’s own university, yet is not “just a college town?”  Or is it because residents love the local microbreweries?  Each of these may hold some merit, but many people will tell you that they love Fort Collins because of its athletic, outdoors oriented lifestyle.

Fort Collins’ location is near the Northern foothills, and has easy access to communities such as Red Feather Lakes and Estes Park—both destinations for Northern Colorado outdoor activities such as area hiking, camping and fishing.

Not only is Fort Collins accessible to the foothills, there are plenty of parks and trails to entertain runners and cyclists throughout the season.  There are trail systems throughout the city, which make many Fort Collins neighborhoods condusive to an outdoors lifestyle.  Some of these Fort Collins trails include the Poudre River Trail, Spring Creek Trail and Fossil Creek Trail.

Additionally, a popular destination for Fort Collins residents as well as those from nearby communities such as Loveland, Windsor, Berthoud, enjoy spending afternoons, holidays and weekends at Horsetooth Reservoir just west of Fort Collins.  The reservoir is open year round and surrounded by open space- convenient for boating, water-skiing, fishing, and camping.

Many relocators are looking for a community lifestyle that matches well for them and their families. Fort Collins is just that for about 120,000 Coloradoans!

See a peak of Fort Collins Colorado for yourself in this CNN YouTube video when Fort Collins was ranked the number one city to live in, in the United States.

Fort Collins Colorado, Best Places to Live

Arvada Colorado is a Denver suburb to the northwest with a convenient location to Boulder and the foothills– but there is a lot more to Arvada than just being another Denver suburb.

As early as 1850, the earliest traces of the city of Arvada were on the map when Lewis Ralston discovered gold in what is now known as “Ralston Creek“  flowing through Arvada.  While Arvada didn’t prove the gold riches that many were seeking during the nineteenth century gold rush- it has remained on the map for many other reasons.

The communities in Arvada vary from Olde Town Arvada to the newer neighborhoods, some including horse property.

For the neighborhoods nearest to Olde Town Arvada, the ‘walkability’ of  a home or business is important.  Olde Town Arvada has had plenty of investment as new businesses have moves in including restaurants, specialty shops and community oriented bars such as the “D Note.”  The main streets that comprise Olde Town Arvada include Olde Wadsworth and Grandview.  The area has some turn of the century home as well as newer lofts and apartments.

Outside of Olde Town Arvada are several other neighborhoods that meet the needs of Arvada residents and families.  Arvada schools are within the Jefferson County School district which is well regarded in the state for testing scores and achievement.  Additionally there is access to trails and recreation with nearby Stanley Lake and the APEX center.

The span of Arvada has grown North and West with several neighborhoods benefiting from the accessibility to Highway 93 to Boulder.  This provides a nice Denver metro alternative for those who work in Boulder but do not want to pay the premium to live in Boulder.

While Arvada is still very accessible to Denver with Highway 58 and I-70, you need not wander far for cultural activity.  There are several cultural resources including annual festivals in Arvada and the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts with enrichment programs for youth and adults.

Arvada is a community of its own rather than just a suburb of Denver or commuter’s city from Boulder, and has a lot to be discovered by residents as well as nearby communities.

Most people dread moving, and can relate to the common frustrations- “which box was this packed in,” “where is that?”  Yet purchasing a new home is a big step for first time homebuyers and move-up home buyers alike.  However with a little bit of organization prior to packing, many of your moving frustrations can be solved, leaving you to enjoy your new home or condo.

In an article titled, “The Organized Move,” several great suggestions are listed to save you time and frustration, by someone who obviously has experience packing a home a time or two.

Often times the little things are the most difficult to plan for and organize.  One suggestion from the mentioned article includes backing up computer files.  This would be especially important if you are planning an out of state relocation or have a home that is still for sale while you are moving.

Speaking of out of state moves, you may also be weary of hiring a moving company.  Scams exist in the moving industry.  These include moving companies charging an additional charge before the final delivery after the items were already packed.  The American Moving and Storage Association has resources to assist you in finding the credible moving company near you.

Hopefully a little bit of pre-planning and research will save you time and allow you to enjoy your new home sooner!