Fresh air meets friendly community
Wide trails, craft breweries, mountain views, strong schools, and arts collide here – making it Northern Colorado living at its best.
Why it matters: Live where outdoor adventure, culture, and career growth all meet.
What’s ahead: We’ll cover the top five suburbs in the Fort Collins-Loveland area, spotlighting what makes each a standout – housing, schools, safety, perks, and what sets it apart.
1. Timnath
Small town, big dreams
Population: 10,848 | Median Home: $717K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 24 min
Housing: Newer single-family homes, planned neighborhoods
Education: Poudre School District; proximity to Colorado State University
Safety: Low crime (Property: 171 | Violent: 5)
Perks: Cache La Poudre access, Arapaho Bend, trails, local shops, small breweries
Why it’s #1: Just east of Fort Collins, all the amenities – newer homes, top schools, safe streets, and outdoor life
2. Johnstown
Friendly, beautiful, and outdoor-focused
Population: 20,639 | Median Home: $494K | School Rating: B- | Commute: 29 min
Housing: Mix of single-family, townhomes, newer builds
Education: Thompson School District; CSU and University of Northern Colorado access
Safety: 54th percentile for safety
Perks: Farmers market, festivals, reservoirs, hiking, biking, fishing, ski access
Why it’s special: Community events, affordable, mountain access, neighborly vibe
3. Laporte
Hidden gem in the rural foothills
Population: 2,201 | Median Home: $373K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 24 min
Housing: Riverfront acreage, cabins, ranch-style homes
Education: Poudre School District
Safety: Quiet rural living—crime extremely low
Perks: Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail, Lory State Park, Horsetooth Reservoir, North Shields Ponds Natural Area
Why it’s loved: Acreage, river life, all five minutes from Fort Collins, out in the foothills
4. Estes Park
An outdoor lover’s dream in the heart of the Rocky Mountains
Population: 5,795 | Median Home: $634K | School Rating: B- | Commute: 14 min
Housing: Mountain cabins, lodge-style homes, condos
Education: Estes Park School District
Safety: Very low property crime; some violent incidents in tourist areas
Perks: Rocky Mountain National Park gateway, wildlife, fishing, rock climbing, eclectic shops
Why it’s great: Iconic mountain living with wildlife, trails, and stunning landscapes
5. Wellington
Western roots, modern comfort
Population: 12,100 | Median Home: $443K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 30 min
Housing: Single-family homes, ranches, newer subdivisions
Education: Poudre School District
Safety: Low crime
Perks: Roosevelt National Forest, festivals, equestrian events, proximity to Wyoming
Why it shines: Big skies, equestrian life, excellent schools, and small‑town events – just north of Fort Collins
The Bottom Line
Northern Colorado’s suburbs combine safety, strong schools, and outdoor culture with easy access to Fort Collins’ breweries, Loveland’s arts scene, and Rocky Mountain adventures.
Whether you lean rural, mountain, or planned community, the right fit is waiting
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.