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Communities

Northern Colorado

Northern Colorado is located directly north of Metro Denver with the Rocky Mountains to the west and Wyoming to the north. From this location, residents have access to a variety of cultural opportunities, numerous recreational activities, and an abundance of open space.

With affordable housing costs, low taxes, and a favorable business climate, the area is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Greeley/Weld MSA was the second-fastest growing in the country from 2000-2006.

The area places an emphasis on maintaining its diverse and highly educated populace through an excellent educational system, which includes Colorado State University in Fort Collins and the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Of Northern Colorado’s adult population, 33.6 percent are college graduates and 88.5 percent have graduated from high school.

The well-educated workforce and diverse employment base make Northern Colorado a prime area for business and industry growth. Fort Collins ranks 28th in Forbes magazine's ranking of the best small places for business and careers. Northern Colorado's top industry clusters include agriculture, bio/life sciences, business services, energy, and manufacturing.

Northern Colorado's housing market is stable and affordable. Housing options range from student and entry-level homes and apartments to high-end housing options. The median sales price of an existing single-family home was $242,298 in 2007, while the average rent for all apartments was $768 per month.

Northern Colorado is rich with cultural opportunities, from the nationally recognized College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Northern Colorado to Lincoln Center in Fort Collins.

A sunny, temperate climate makes year-round outdoor recreation possible. With several state and local parks in Northern Colorado, plentiful recreational opportunities exist.

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Contact

Larry Burkhardt
President & CEO
Upstate Colorado
Economic Development
970.356.4565
lburkhardt@upstatecolorado.org
www.upstatecolorado.org

Mike Masciola
COO & Senior Vice President
Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation
970.667.0905
mmasciola@ncedc.com
www.ncedc.com

Gen Ponce-Pore
Project Manager, Business & Enterprise
Larimer County
970.498.6694
gponcepore@larimer.org
www.larimer.org