Old Town offers a well-rounded urban experience with a reasonably well-developed bicycling network that supports convenient travel throughout the neighborhood. Numerous local businesses, restaurants, and cafes provide ample dining and shopping options close to residential areas. Access to primary and secondary schools is excellent across the neighborhood. Residents benefit from convenient parking and several bus lines with nearby stops, ensuring practical transportation choices. The housing mix includes spacious apartment buildings, small apartments, and single detached homes, with many options featuring one or two bedrooms. Quiet streets and easily reachable nightlife venues add to the neighborhood’s diverse character and appeal.
Old Town offers a variety of experiences for home buyers who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. Although the ambience is not the liveliest in this area with its a few bars, there are options for nighttime activities. Quiet spots can be found throughout a good portion of the neighborhood.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
The heart of the neighborhood, Old Town Square is a charming pedestrian plaza lined with boutique shops, restaurants, craft breweries, and live music venues, frequently hosting community events and farmers' markets, making it a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Located at 200 North College Avenue, The Exchange is a lively food and drink hub featuring local favorites like Churn ice cream, Chick’nCone, and Crooked Stave brewery, with outdoor communal seating and frequent pop-up events fostering a fun, social atmosphere.
Running along Mountain Avenue, the Fort Collins Municipal Railway offers seasonal rides on restored vintage streetcars from City Park into the heart of Old Town, showcasing the neighborhood’s unique transit history and providing a nostalgic experience for families and visitors.
Just north of Oak Street Plaza, the Old Town branch of Poudre River Public Library is a cornerstone for the neighborhood, offering extensive resources, unique reading spaces, community programs, and a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden adjacent to Library Park.
Walnut Street in Old Town is renowned for its diverse range of eateries—from the iconic Beau Jo’s Pizza to The Welsh Rabbit Cheese Shop—offering everything from casual bites to fine dining in historic brick buildings, capturing the eclectic food scene of the neighborhood.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This free, highly walkable Old Town tradition features live music, a countdown, and the illumination of more than 65,000 lights. Residents can easily pair the ceremony with dinner, drinks, shopping, or a stroll through the decorated downtown streets.
View event details →This nearby orchestral performance offers Old Town residents an easy cultural night out just west of downtown. The program celebrates rhythm, movement, and energy through works by Copland, de Falla, and Higdon, making it a strong option for an evening date or arts-focused outing.
View event details →Held on Willow Street near Old Town, this benefit concert combines live music by Tierro Trio with Bridget Law, small bites, wine, and seasonal nonalcoholic drinks. It is a relaxed Sunday activity for residents who want to support local music education while enjoying an intimate Fort Collins performance.
View event details →This educational presentation gives Old Town residents a convenient way to experience science, storytelling, and conservation without leaving Fort Collins. It is especially suitable for families, curious adults, and anyone looking for a thoughtful alternative to a typical concert or restaurant evening.
View event details →More than 100 local artisans and crafters make this a useful seasonal shopping destination for Fort Collins residents. Although a short drive from Old Town, the market offers handmade jewelry, art, pottery, sculptures, and holiday décor while supporting regional makers and avoiding crowded out-of-town shopping trips.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Old Town
Local characteristics and demographics for Old Town
