At once a large city, quaint college town, and an outdoor enthusiast's oasis, those looking for Fort Collins apartments will enjoy a small town feel with the amenities and resources of a large city. Situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and just east of the Roosevelt National Forest, Fort Collins is also the home of Colorado State University and has become a mecca of culture, shopping and nature exploration. The nearly 150,000 residents of Fort Collins enjoy an "adventure casual" lifestyle, easily transitioning from a hike through the buttes of the Rockies to a beer tasting at a local brewery.

Some good news for renters is: because Colorado State provides student housing throughout the year, those looking for Fort Collins apartments will not have too much student competition. A majority of the apartment complexes are newly constructed and provide clean, sleek spaces with updated amenities. To give you an idea of price, one bedroom apartments in Fort Collins range between $800 and $1100 a month.

In 2006, Fort Collins was ranked Best Place to Live in America by Money Magazine, thanks to its great schools, low crime rate and the plethora of fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities. The city has also been named one of the best places to retire in, bike through and drink beer in, further proving its appeal to people of all backgrounds and interests.

The presence of Colorado State University gives Fort Collins a young, energetic vibe that has cultivated a thriving local music circuit and an ideal atmosphere for microbreweries. The annual Colorado Brewer's Festival showcases the best of the best of these beers each June, but most breweries are open for tours year-round.

The university also provides the city with a world-class performing arts center that hosts traveling Broadway shows, professional acting troupes, and local community theater performances. The city deserves its title as the cultural capital of Northern Colorado - between its theater, symphony orchestra, choirs, galleries and museums, those who love the arts will have a hard time feeling deprived of culture in Fort Collins.