Northern Colorado includes Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Windsor, Estes Park, and several other cities. The area carries the nickname of the “front range” because it is quite literally at the base of the front range of the Rocky Mountains as you cross the United States from east to west. Fort Collins and Greeley are perhaps the most recognizable cities in the area.
Northern Colorado is home to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, which is known for its research contributions and strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley is renowned for its education and performing arts programs.
Easy access to outdoor sports and activities is one of the best parts of living in Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park, with its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife, is a major attraction. There are virtually endless hiking trails, camping sites, and opportunities for activities such as fishing, skiing, and mountain biking.
Northern Colorado and the Front Range Urban Corridor have a healthy, diverse economy with sectors such as agriculture, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and education playing significant roles. Fort Collins, in particular, has a thriving tech industry, earning it the nickname "Northern Colorado's Silicon Valley."
The region has a vibrant cultural scene with lots of art galleries, theaters, music venues, and festivals throughout the year. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder and the Greeley Stampede are two events that you won’t want to miss.
Like much of the rest of the state, Northern Colorado has a semi-arid climate and four distinct seasons. This makes for low humidity year-round, snowy winters, and lots of sunshine.
Weather in Northern Colorado can change on a dime, with quick temperature shifts and occasional severe weather events, especially during the spring and summer months. If you’re new to the area, you’ll need to get accustomed to Chinook winds (also called “snow eaters”). These warm, dry winds happen occasionally in the region, particularly along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Chinook winds can lead to rapid temperature increases and snowmelt, especially in the winter months.
The Front Range has experienced a strong and competitive real estate market in recent years, driven by factors such as population growth, job opportunities, and low unemployment rates. This has led to increased demand for housing and, in turn, rising home prices.
That being said, there are lots of options for a variety of budgets. Northern Colorado has plenty of new residential communities, commercial developments, and mixed-use projects springing up to accommodate the region's growing population and economic expansion. Urban areas like Denver and Boulder often have a mix of historic homes and modern developments, while suburban areas like Fort Collins and Loveland offer newer housing developments and more spacious properties.
Occasional maintenance and repair is a reality of owning a home, so it’s a good idea to keep phone numbers handy for some good contractors. Fortunately, Northern Colorado is home to plenty of reliable, experienced home service providers.
For general maintenance and routine service of your home’s HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, rely on a mechanical contractor. These firms can usually handle just about any job pertaining to the house’s major systems. Remodeling, renovation, or anything that changes the structure of your house in any way needs to be in the hands of a design/build remodeling company or general contractor.
Keep your home’s outdoor space a comfortable, restful place to be with the help of a pest control company, a landscaper, and an outdoor living pro.
Regardless of the exact type of work you need, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from several contractors. This puts you in a better position to make an informed hiring decision. Remember to request proof of the company’s insurance coverage and licensure, too. Good contractors won’t mind at all.
Unlicensed and uninsured (or underinsured) contractors are a major liability. Any contractor or home service provider doing work at your house needs to have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects your interests as well as theirs. All Best Pick companies are fully vetted for insurance coverage and state-required licensure to ensure a positive outcome.
In Colorado, licensure for most house-related trades is left to individual counties and cities. The exceptions are electrical and plumbing jobs and work that involves the use of pesticides and other controlled chemicals. Some home improvement projects require building permits. These permits are typically issued by the county or city where the work is being done.
Experienced contractors will know which licenses and permits they need for your job, but it doesn’t hurt to do some due diligence on your end, too. Check out your city’s or county’s municipal website for more information about permitting for home projects. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies is another great resource for learning more about state-level contractor requirements.