Moving To Ft. Collins (Fort Collins, Loveland: relocating, condo, rental)

[The VanWormers]

My husband and I are relocating to Ft. Collins in January and we are so excited about moving to your area! We are a professional couple in our mid 40's and need some local advise. Does anyone know who we can contact in Ft. Collins for rental propertys as we do not want to purchase right away but a long Term lease would be great! We are looking to spend about $1100 a mth on a rental.
Also, What is the job market like in Ft. Collins? I am a regional manager for a resort here in Branson, Mo. and I am entertaining the idea of a career change...getting tired of the rat race! My husband is a 1st Surgical Assistant and is looking for work in the medical industry. What do you think our chances are of finding work there? Can you PLEASE share with us all of the wonderful things about Ft. Collins and the not so wonderful things about the area... if there are any.
What area's are best to live in within Ft. Collins? Most affordable? Least amount of crime? Central locations? How long does it take to drive from one end of town to the other? Thanks everyone!

[Tom Emmerling]

Fort Collins has a very low crime rate. There are many more nice neighborhoods than run down ones. I would stay away from the college area since there are many rentals and college kids around. From the North to South end of town you are looking at a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. Probably a little less time from the West to the East side. Traffic can get a little hectic at times but for the most part it is not bad. The most central location is going to be in the Horsetooth/College area. There are several nice neighborhoods in this area. There is a new hospital in Loveland (Medical Center of the Rockies), then there is McKee, and in Fort Collins there is Poudre Valley hospital. And there are several out patient surgery centers. Not sure what the demand for that position would be. As far as rentals you may want to look on craigs list or at coloradoan.com (the local paper). I also know of some property management condo's that rent month to month. You will not have any problems finding a rental in your price range. Hope I answered all of your questions.