Fort Collins doubles as the northern anchor of the Front Range urban corridor and the home of Colorado State University. As the fourth-largest city in Colorado, Fort Collins is home to 169,810 residents, 10.6% of whom are seniors ages 65 and up. The city’s senior population is substantially smaller than the national average of 16.5%. Fort Collins’ mountain-studded horizons, enjoyable summer weather and wealth of natural beauty make it an ideal retirement destination for seniors.
Assisted living facilities are ideal for seniors who struggle to age in place, needing day-to-day assistance with daily living activities such as grooming, housekeeping and transportation. They’re good for seniors who need extra assistance but don’t need the around-the-clock, advanced level of care provided by nursing homes. Seniors living in Fort Collins pay an average of $4,000 per month for assisted living care, $750 less than the statewide average ($4,750) and $500 less than the U.S. average ($4,500).
This guide covers the basics of assisted living in Fort Collins. Keep reading to learn more about average assisted living rates in nearby cities, benefits and drawbacks of retiring in Fort Collins and resources for seniors living in assisted living communities.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Fort Collins, CO
5055 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80525
Collinwood Assisted Living and Memory care is nestled in Fort Collins, Colorado next to the beautiful Fossil Creek Park and Harmony Medical Campus. Residents are delighted by the facility’s spacious r
… (read more)
Collinwood Assisted Living and Memory care is nestled in Fort Collins, Colorado next to the beautiful Fossil Creek Park and Harmony Medical Campus. Residents are delighted by the facility’s spacious rooms and distinct partitions that allow for more privacy. Collinwood Assisted Living and Memory Care receive much acclaim for large and small dining rooms, manicured lawns and a network of walkways. Visitors are impressed by activities that include a book club and movie nights on the weekends. Visitors are also pleased to see the constant, friendly interaction between staff and residents.
(read less)
Collinwood Assisted Living and Memory care is nestled in Fort Collins, Colorado next to the beautiful Fossil Creek Park and Harmony Medical Campus. Residents are delighted by the facility’s spacious r
… (read more)
Collinwood Assisted Living and Memory care is nestled in Fort Collins, Colorado next to the beautiful Fossil Creek Park and Harmony Medical Campus. Residents are delighted by the facility’s spacious rooms and distinct partitions that allow for more privacy. Collinwood Assisted Living and Memory Care receive much acclaim for large and small dining rooms, manicured lawns and a network of walkways. Visitors are impressed by activities that include a book club and movie nights on the weekends. Visitors are also pleased to see the constant, friendly interaction between staff and residents.
(read less)
1002 Rule Drive, Fort Collins, CO, 80525
Brookdale Fort Collins is an assisted living facility located near route 287 in Fort Collins, Colorado. This facility prides itself in offering personalized care to residents to ensure that they recei
… (read more)
Brookdale Fort Collins is an assisted living facility located near route 287 in Fort Collins, Colorado. This facility prides itself in offering personalized care to residents to ensure that they receive tailored services and support according to their individual needs. They have a spa on-site and a beautifully maintained garden and patio area for residents and visitors to relax in. Family and residents give the staff high marks for their attentive and proactive care and the staff members contact loved ones regularly with updates for the residents. They also arrange activities like movies and card games to encourage socializing.
(read less)
Brookdale Fort Collins is an assisted living facility located near route 287 in Fort Collins, Colorado. This facility prides itself in offering personalized care to residents to ensure that they recei
… (read more)
Brookdale Fort Collins is an assisted living facility located near route 287 in Fort Collins, Colorado. This facility prides itself in offering personalized care to residents to ensure that they receive tailored services and support according to their individual needs. They have a spa on-site and a beautifully maintained garden and patio area for residents and visitors to relax in. Family and residents give the staff high marks for their attentive and proactive care and the staff members contact loved ones regularly with updates for the residents. They also arrange activities like movies and card games to encourage socializing.
(read less)
4750 Pleasant Oak Drive, Fort Collins, CO, 80525
Across from KinderCare, surrounded by shopping and restaurants, and minutes from the nearest hospital, MacKenzie Place Fort Collins is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in Fo
… (read more)
Across from KinderCare, surrounded by shopping and restaurants, and minutes from the nearest hospital, MacKenzie Place Fort Collins is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in Fort Collins, Colorado. Visitors comment on the helpful, caring and informative staff, the vast number of available amenities, the clean and modern visual appeal and the quality of the food. Spacious studio, one, two or three-bedroom apartments and cottages are available. Residents and visitors also give high marks to the garden and patio area, coffee shop, barber shop, pool and spa.
(read less)
Across from KinderCare, surrounded by shopping and restaurants, and minutes from the nearest hospital, MacKenzie Place Fort Collins is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in Fo
… (read more)
Across from KinderCare, surrounded by shopping and restaurants, and minutes from the nearest hospital, MacKenzie Place Fort Collins is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility in Fort Collins, Colorado. Visitors comment on the helpful, caring and informative staff, the vast number of available amenities, the clean and modern visual appeal and the quality of the food. Spacious studio, one, two or three-bedroom apartments and cottages are available. Residents and visitors also give high marks to the garden and patio area, coffee shop, barber shop, pool and spa.
(read less)
1026 Salmon Run, Fort Collins, CO, 80524
Eagles Nest Assisted Living LLC is situated in Fort Collins, Colorado. Residents and their loved ones give this senior facility high marks for the warmth and professionalism of the staff, the family-l
… (read more)
Eagles Nest Assisted Living LLC is situated in Fort Collins, Colorado. Residents and their loved ones give this senior facility high marks for the warmth and professionalism of the staff, the family-like atmosphere, the cleanliness, the proactive thoughtfulness of the leadership team and the openness of staff to family members’ cares and concerns. Residents enjoy fine dining with three healthy meals and snacks provided each day. Laundry and transportation services are available along with an on-site hair salon. Residents have many activities to choose from such as Bingo, board games, exercise classes, trivia nights and ice cream socials.
(read less)
Eagles Nest Assisted Living LLC is situated in Fort Collins, Colorado. Residents and their loved ones give this senior facility high marks for the warmth and professionalism of the staff, the family-l
… (read more)
Eagles Nest Assisted Living LLC is situated in Fort Collins, Colorado. Residents and their loved ones give this senior facility high marks for the warmth and professionalism of the staff, the family-like atmosphere, the cleanliness, the proactive thoughtfulness of the leadership team and the openness of staff to family members’ cares and concerns. Residents enjoy fine dining with three healthy meals and snacks provided each day. Laundry and transportation services are available along with an on-site hair salon. Residents have many activities to choose from such as Bingo, board games, exercise classes, trivia nights and ice cream socials.
(read less)
4021 Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO, 80526
Fox Meadows Assisted Living in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a small facility loved for its cozy atmosphere, country charm and personalized service. Loved ones appreciate the high level of care given to
… (read more)
Fox Meadows Assisted Living in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a small facility loved for its cozy atmosphere, country charm and personalized service. Loved ones appreciate the high level of care given to those with memory loss, including assistance with bathing, medication management and meal preparation. Residents love the natural, residential setting of the facility, which is located in the foothills near the river. The facility brings in artists and singers to provide entertainment, and residents have access to exercise machines throughout to help them remain fit and active.
(read less)
Fox Meadows Assisted Living in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a small facility loved for its cozy atmosphere, country charm and personalized service. Loved ones appreciate the high level of care given to
… (read more)
Fox Meadows Assisted Living in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a small facility loved for its cozy atmosphere, country charm and personalized service. Loved ones appreciate the high level of care given to those with memory loss, including assistance with bathing, medication management and meal preparation. Residents love the natural, residential setting of the facility, which is located in the foothills near the river. The facility brings in artists and singers to provide entertainment, and residents have access to exercise machines throughout to help them remain fit and active.
(read less)
4750 Wheaton Dr, Fort Collins, CO, 80525
After my father had a near fatal accident living in his home at the age of 92 we had to find a safe and caring place for him to reside.
After checking out all the current facilities available we de
… (read more)
After my father had a near fatal accident living in his home at the age of 92 we had to find a safe and caring place for him to reside.
After checking out all the current facilities available we decided on The Residents at Oakridge and it was the best decision we ever made as a family.
Our father (very resistant) received the best care, love and support we could have ever dreamed of. He made new friends and felt like he was home and safe.
Big thanks to Kali, Bridget, Gina and all those big hearts. Our family highly recomends Residents at Oakridge, Ft Collins.
(read less)
After my father had a near fatal accident living in his home at the age of 92 we had to find a safe and caring place for him to reside.
After checking out all the current facilities available we de
… (read more)
After my father had a near fatal accident living in his home at the age of 92 we had to find a safe and caring place for him to reside.
After checking out all the current facilities available we decided on The Residents at Oakridge and it was the best decision we ever made as a family.
Our father (very resistant) received the best care, love and support we could have ever dreamed of. He made new friends and felt like he was home and safe.
Big thanks to Kali, Bridget, Gina and all those big hearts. Our family highly recomends Residents at Oakridge, Ft Collins.
(read less)
508 W Trilby Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80525
Good Samaritan Society – Fort Collins is an assisted living facility nestled between route 287 and the Colina Mariposa Natural Area. This facility has a nursing home on campus, so if independent resid
… (read more)
Good Samaritan Society – Fort Collins is an assisted living facility nestled between route 287 and the Colina Mariposa Natural Area. This facility has a nursing home on campus, so if independent residents ever require advanced care, they can be moved to accommodate their changing needs. Family and residents give this facility high marks for their beautiful landscaping, kind staff and home-like atmosphere. The staff are known to be very caring and supportive, and tailor their care to each residents unique needs. Residents enjoy socializing and playing games with friends in the communal areas.
(read less)
Good Samaritan Society – Fort Collins is an assisted living facility nestled between route 287 and the Colina Mariposa Natural Area. This facility has a nursing home on campus, so if independent resid
… (read more)
Good Samaritan Society – Fort Collins is an assisted living facility nestled between route 287 and the Colina Mariposa Natural Area. This facility has a nursing home on campus, so if independent residents ever require advanced care, they can be moved to accommodate their changing needs. Family and residents give this facility high marks for their beautiful landscaping, kind staff and home-like atmosphere. The staff are known to be very caring and supportive, and tailor their care to each residents unique needs. Residents enjoy socializing and playing games with friends in the communal areas.
(read less)
900 CENTRE AVENUE, Fort Collins, CO, 80526
New Mercer Commons is an assisted living facility located near Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Family and residents give the facility high marks for the skilled and attentive staf
… (read more)
New Mercer Commons is an assisted living facility located near Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Family and residents give the facility high marks for the skilled and attentive staff whom they feel are very kind and invested in their residents. They provide individual care according to each residents unique needs. There is an area for residents who are more independent and one for residents who need more constant care. New Mercer Commons has a bright and cheery atmosphere and offers games such as Uno and Monopoly, to foster socializing and friendships.
(read less)
New Mercer Commons is an assisted living facility located near Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Family and residents give the facility high marks for the skilled and attentive staf
… (read more)
New Mercer Commons is an assisted living facility located near Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Family and residents give the facility high marks for the skilled and attentive staff whom they feel are very kind and invested in their residents. They provide individual care according to each residents unique needs. There is an area for residents who are more independent and one for residents who need more constant care. New Mercer Commons has a bright and cheery atmosphere and offers games such as Uno and Monopoly, to foster socializing and friendships.
(read less)
1000 East Stuart Street, Fort Collins, CO, 80525
1214 Catalpa Place, Fort Collins, CO, 80521
Meadowlark Assisted Living is located in a quiet, beautiful neighborhood near the Maxwell Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado. Family and residents give this facility high marks for the home-like a
… (read more)
Meadowlark Assisted Living is located in a quiet, beautiful neighborhood near the Maxwell Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado. Family and residents give this facility high marks for the home-like atmosphere and great food. The walls are full of pictures and the decor is described as tasteful and full of life. Residents and their loved ones feel that the staff are very friendly, cheerful and supportive, and there is always an activity going on, such as Bridge, cards and board games. This facility is like a home away from home.
(read less)
Meadowlark Assisted Living is located in a quiet, beautiful neighborhood near the Maxwell Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado. Family and residents give this facility high marks for the home-like a
… (read more)
Meadowlark Assisted Living is located in a quiet, beautiful neighborhood near the Maxwell Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado. Family and residents give this facility high marks for the home-like atmosphere and great food. The walls are full of pictures and the decor is described as tasteful and full of life. Residents and their loved ones feel that the staff are very friendly, cheerful and supportive, and there is always an activity going on, such as Bridge, cards and board games. This facility is like a home away from home.
(read less)
3509 Lochwood Dr., Fort Collins, CO, 80525
Morning Star is located just south of downtown Fort Collins, directly across the street from Warren Park. Its location offers easy access to Warren Lake, and the facility is served by a bus stop, conn
… (read more)
Morning Star is located just south of downtown Fort Collins, directly across the street from Warren Park. Its location offers easy access to Warren Lake, and the facility is served by a bus stop, connecting residents with destinations throughout the city of Fort Collins. Residents and visitors appreciate the cozy common areas and personable staff members, praising the latter’s willingness to assist with any issue. Residents also highly regard the quality meals from the dining area and enjoy the wide range of activities available, including bingo, sing-alongs, concerts and movies.
(read less)
Morning Star is located just south of downtown Fort Collins, directly across the street from Warren Park. Its location offers easy access to Warren Lake, and the facility is served by a bus stop, conn
… (read more)
Morning Star is located just south of downtown Fort Collins, directly across the street from Warren Park. Its location offers easy access to Warren Lake, and the facility is served by a bus stop, connecting residents with destinations throughout the city of Fort Collins. Residents and visitors appreciate the cozy common areas and personable staff members, praising the latter’s willingness to assist with any issue. Residents also highly regard the quality meals from the dining area and enjoy the wide range of activities available, including bingo, sing-alongs, concerts and movies.
(read less)
2320 W Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO, 80526
2914 W Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO, 80526
3629 WOODRIDGE ROAD, Fort Collins, CO, 80524
2401 Turnberry Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80524
875 Crabapple Drive, Loveland, CO, 80538
8126 5th Street Po Box 173, Wellington, CO, 80549
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Fort Collins
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Colorado. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Fort Collins
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division oversees and licenses assisted living facilities in the Centennial State. The state agency hosts numerous resources for consumers, including an assisted living facility search tool complete with facilities’ inspection reports and citations; other information provided includes each facility’s bed count, administrator, facility type and more.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Fort Collins
- While Fort Collins, like the rest of Colorado, is home to beautiful natural sights, it’s also home to considerably cold winters. With nine months of the year receiving significant snowfall, Fort Collins (48 inches) receives nearly twice as much snow as the U.S. average (28 inches) and hits an average January low of 15.3 degrees Fahrenheit, 2.1 degrees warmer than Colorado’s state average. On the bright side, Fort Collins experiences mild summers and receives 237 days of sunlight per year, considerably more than the national average of 205 days.
- Fort Collins has a low median age of 29.3, significantly younger than the U.S. median (37.4), thanks in large part to Colorado State University, the second-largest college in Colorado by enrollment. The city is nationally renowned for its pleasant college town atmosphere, having been ranked the No. 9 Best College Town in America in 2017. Seniors may enjoy the town’s diversity, making Fort Collins an interesting place to live.
- Although Fort Collins’ overall cost of living is 2.8% below Colorado’s state average, it’s 18.3% above the national average, making it an expensive place to live. The median home price here is $487,800, more than two-thirds the national median of $291,700 despite being $800 cheaper than the statewide average. Although housing is expensive, health care (–3.6%), utility (–8.7%) and transportation (–12.6%) costs are all considerably below U.S. averages.
- Fort Collins plays host to numerous parks, open spaces and government-protected natural areas. The city’s western horizon features views of snow-capped mountains, making for a beautiful backdrop that’s no further than a glance away.
- Seniors interested in bringing their families to Fort Collins may appreciate the city’s future job growth prospects, with its job market expected to grow 51.8% over the next decade. This rate is significantly greater than the U.S. average of 33.5%.
Paying for Assisted Living in Fort Collins
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors living in Fort Collins pay an average of $4,000 per month for assisted living care. This rate is $750 below Colorado’s statewide average ($4,750) and $500 below the U.S. average ($4,500).
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Other major cities in Colorado charge anywhere from $3,800 (Pueblo) to $6,275 per month (Boulder) for assisted living care, making Fort Collins one of the most affordable cities for senior care in Colorado. Seniors living in Denver, which doubles as the most populated city in Colorado and the state’s capital, pay an average of $5,500 per month for assisted living care. On average, assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs, the second most populated city in the state, charge $4,663 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Assisted living is one of the most affordable senior care options in Fort Collins. Adult daycare, which only provides weekday care, costs just $2,773 per month. Assisted living is next up, averaging $4,000 per month. Home care and home health care, which provide in-home living assistance to seniors who struggle to live independently, both cost $6,101 per month. Nursing home care averages between $9,079 for semiprivate rooms and $9,785 per month for private rooms.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Fort Collins
There are several options available to help you pay for assisted living in Fort Collins, including Supplemental Security Income Category G. State programs include Health First Colorado and the Colorado Old Age Pension.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Colorado page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Colorado page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Fort Collins
Fort Collins is home to many free resources for seniors who live in assisted living communities. Nonprofit organizations and local government agencies provide a range of supports and services to assisted living residents, including long-term care ombudsman, civil legal assistance, mental health counseling and voucher programs.
Colorado is home to 16 area agencies on aging that serve the state's senior population. The Fort Collins area is represented by the Larimer County Office on Aging, which provides senior supports including dental and vision services, transportation and family caregiver support. The Larimer County Office on Aging also offers several voucher programs and options counseling for seniors currently living at home.
Colorado Legal Services is a nonprofit organization that offers free legal advice, provides in-court representation and holds legal clinics on a wide range of civil legal matters. CLS assists seniors with estate planning, assisted living facility complaints, public benefit applications, family law and more. The organization's website is filled with informative resources such as explanations of court processes and self-help guides for responding to denied disability benefit applications.
The Colorado State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program strongly advocates for residents of assisted living facilities throughout the Centennial State. Dozens of staff and volunteer long-term care ombudsman promote and protect residents' state and federal rights. They primarily operate by visiting assisted living facilities and building relationships with residents, ensuring their rights are being upheld. Relatives, friends, employees, administrators and community members can all contact the long-term care ombudsman.
The Fort Collins Vet Center, run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, offers confidential help to active-duty military members, veterans and their family members in a non-medical setting. Licensed, experienced counselors frequently help clients with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health diagnoses. Other types of counseling offered include family and grief and bereavement counseling. The Fort Collins Vet Center also holds biweekly creative arts therapy and game groups.
The Colorado Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which has five locations in Fort Collins, helps seniors file their annual income tax returns. Colorado VITA locations also frequently offer Tax Counseling for the Elderly. TCE provides participating seniors with helpful information regarding the basics of tax returns, tax filing requirements and resources.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Fort Collins
Fort Collins Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Colorado are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Colorado page for more information about these laws.
