General advice for renting in Fort Collins

[barefootmeg]

We live in the heart of west Old Town. When we moved here our kids were 4, 2 and 2. We've been here for 11 years and it has been a wonderful place to raise children. There are many other kids on our street and in the neighborhood. In fact, walking the kids to elementary school was like a community event with over 100 families converging on the school at once (in addition to the kids that got to school on their own or took the bus). The parents often hung out after the bell had rung just to hang out.

We have had two rental houses on our street and though one house had occasional parties, they have never been a problem. In fact, my sister, living west of Taft, had more problems with college students partying than we have ever had. I agree that if you live in east Old Town, there may be more drunk students late at night along Remington or thereabouts. But Remington Street is hardly the sum total of Old Town.

I would encourage you to look in Old Town neighborhoods that are often overlooked. Look in the area around Putnam Elementary. There are several very cool (probably historic, as well) 1940's and 1950's houses in that neighborhood. It's very close to City Park and it's not too far from Old Town. I suspect you could probably find something very nice in Old Town as well. In fact, I recently saw a listing for a half of a house on either Whitcomb or Sherwood for less than you've mentioned with several bedrooms. Great neighborhood. Walking distance from pretty much everything.

[Dgloftis]

Originally Posted by barefootmeg

We live in the heart of west Old Town. When we moved here our kids were 4, 2 and 2. We've been here for 11 years and it has been a wonderful place to raise children. There are many other kids on our street and in the neighborhood. In fact, walking the kids to elementary school was like a community event with over 100 families converging on the school at once (in addition to the kids that got to school on their own or took the bus). The parents often hung out after the bell had rung just to hang out.

We have had two rental houses on our street and though one house had occasional parties, they have never been a problem. In fact, my sister, living west of Taft, had more problems with college students partying than we have ever had. I agree that if you live in east Old Town, there may be more drunk students late at night along Remington or thereabouts. But Remington Street is hardly the sum total of Old Town.

I would encourage you to look in Old Town neighborhoods that are often overlooked. Look in the area around Putnam Elementary. There are several very cool (probably historic, as well) 1940's and 1950's houses in that neighborhood. It's very close to City Park and it's not too far from Old Town. I suspect you could probably find something very nice in Old Town as well. In fact, I recently saw a listing for a half of a house on either Whitcomb or Sherwood for less than you've mentioned with several bedrooms. Great neighborhood. Walking distance from pretty much everything.

barefootmeg,

Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply. My wife and I are planning one more trip to Fort Collins to look for housing. Probably in the spring or early summer. Do you think driving around looking for rentals would allow us to find properties that would otherwise be missed on padmapper, Craigslist, Northern Colorado Rentals, etc... Again, thanks so much for all the info.

[A2Mich]

I know this is 2 months late but I would also suggest Touchstone Property Management. They manage a large number of rental properties in the Fort Collins/Loveland area. Many are student rentals but not all.

[Dgloftis]

A2Mich,

Thanks so much. Actually, your post is very timely because my family and I are now moving to Fort Collins the first of June. So, every little bit of advice is still greatly appreciated. Thanks again.