Top 8 Surprises Moving to Northern Colorado

by Carrie Beyerly

Guess what?! I was a transplant to Colorado!

I moved here in 2013 from the PNW. It was the best decision I could've made for myself and my future family. I grew up a military kid, moving all around the United States from coast to coast. That lifestyle allowed me to observe different places and the people within them, make decisions about what I liked and didn't like, and plan for my future. In 2013, I finally had the chance to blindly pick where I wanted to live, instead of the military ordering us around.

Colorado seemed to have it all -- sunshine, mountains, outdoor activities, nice people, great schools, ease to travel. So, I moved! Everything I imagined about Colorado I found to be true once I settled here. However, there were a few surprises that I didn't anticipate...

1. The sun is intense! Being closer to the sun means dryer air, more sunburns, dry skin, and feeling warmer than the actual temperature.
2. Cost of living here is a little higher -- likely because it's such a desirable place to live. Between geographical location in the US, job opportunities, tech and health, great school systems, recreation, etc Colorado inherently has the happiness people are looking for.
3. We actually have four distinct seasons! People expect mild Colorado weather — it’s beautiful!
4. Northern Colorado has small town feels with big city amentities. I hardly ever have to leave a 20-mile radius for anything!
5. Here, nature is a lifestyle -- not just a hobby. Businesses taking their services out to patios, social groups meeting outdoors versus in libraries or coffee shops, invites to hike versus pizza at home.
6. I quickly discovered that each Northern Colorado town has their own distinct personalities and vibes, even though they are close in proximity. Loveland is the artsy, quiet town compared to Fort Collins with a little more hustle and bustle. Wellington is quiet farm suburbian vibes, whereas Windsor is a higher demographic with socialites and families.
7. Maybe the biggest shock was winters -- they are not as harsh as I was anticipating! Sure, we have some pretty frigid days, or afternoons with blowing snow. But the 300 days of sunshine still apply! It's just not as cold and miserable as people imagine.
8. All these years later, I admittedly still struggle with the altitude... Some days, stairs still leave me huffing and puffing at the top.

Carrie Beyerly
Fort Collins real estate agent, relocation expert
lpt Realty | associate broker
buildyournestnoco@gmail.com