Any doodles in the Fort Collins area?

[Marie and Hoka]

I am excited to say that my husband and I have decided to leave the flatlands of the Chicago burbs (both born and bred here) to restart in an area with easier access to the outdoor pursuits (both summer and winter) we love. 

One strong possibility at the moment is the Fort Collins area. 

If any doodlers are in the area, could you maybe tell me a bit about your experience, dog friendly areas, running trails, neighborhoods in the city, etc.   Our kids are grown (20 and 22), so school choice will not be a big factor, although I'd still like an area with good schools because I think it often means a nice community.

Thanks so much for taking the time!

[Shoney & Ruby]

Welcome to Colorado! We live in Boulder near miles of Open Space--Chautuauqua Park and run into a lot of doodles of every day. Love your photo--was it taken in Wisconsin?

[Marie and Hoka]

Your pup is so cute!!

[Marie and Hoka]

That is actually just in the Cook County Forest Preserve right here on the border of Chicago and the suburbs, it is where Hoka and I trail run. We are lucky to have this open space, but we are excited to try to move to Colorado.  

My husband lived in the Denver metro area in his Fellowship for 3 years and we dated long distance, but he moved back to marry me and get 2 instant children 15 years ago, LOL.  We were engaged on Torrey's Peak. We planned to move west once the children were out of the house, so it's time to take the plunge. Thanks for the park recommendation!

[Shoney & Ruby]

This is a great place to raise children!

[Marni and Hanna]

HI Marie!!! 

We live in Loveland now (5 miles south) but lived in Fort Collins for 7 years.  We still both work in Fort Collins and that's where we go for all our shopping and fun stuff !  We relocated from MN 20+ years ago and love the milder winters.  It feels like CO is just one big playground : )   One of the things I really like is how dog friendly everything is.  We take Hanna everywhere with us!  My girl has been in more stores and dressing rooms then I can even begin to count!  We love to run and hike with her and there are tons of great places to do that.  One of my favorite summer and fall getaways is Summit County (an hour west of Denver where all the ski resorts are) that has tons of hiking and mountain biking trails, and is also very dog-friendly.  If you like to do active things with your dog, I really think you would like it here!!

[Marie and Hoka]

Thanks Marni! It is scary but exciting to consider. I've lived all my life within a 10 mile drive, but we go out west any chance we get. We are in our late 40s and figure it's now or wait until retirement. My husband has an in person interview lined up for later this month in Fort Collins. I'm a long-time ICU nurse and nursing instructor, so I should be able to find something at least part-time fairly easily. 

How do you find the commute from Loveland to Fort Collins?  We figured that might be a place to consider as well. 

[Marni and Hanna]

I hear you about the scary thing, but we only go around once, right? so go around big I say !  : )

I am mid forties also, and love to run with my dog too! (check out my blog post on my page!)  I live on the north end of Lvld, and commute to north side of FtC.  10 miles by road, 11.5 by bike (8.5 of 11.5 is bike path) During rush hour, it takes me 20-24 minutes to drive, 45ish to bike.  Non-rush hour can be anywhere from 14-18 minutes by car.  There are also some "bedroom" communities/smaller towns such as Windsor & Wellington.  I would agree with you that you should be able to find something fairly easily as well.  1 Banner Health Hosp to open soon in FtC and a Poudre Valley Hosp just opened within the last few years in Lvld..  Shoney & Ruby are right, Boulder is a sweet area as well, we visit there often. 

I personally like FtC better than Lvld, but a little quieter in Lvld without the CSU traffic.  Good places all though!

[Marie and Hoka]

Thanks Shoney & Ruby and Marni & Hanna! If all goes well, I'll be looking for some more advice in a few months.