Orchard, Fort Collins,CO

If you’re considering a move to the Orchard neighborhood in southeast Fort Collins, you’re in for a treat! This charming area offers a wonderful blend of suburban comfort and easy access to city amenities. One of the standout features of Orchard is its proximity to several beautiful parks and recreational spaces, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The neighborhood boasts well-maintained walking trails and green spaces, making it easy to enjoy Colorado’s stunning natural beauty without having to travel far. Plus, with a variety of local shops, cozy cafes, and community events, Orchard provides a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to feel at home.

Living in Orchard means you’re never far from exciting things to do. Within the neighborhood, you’ll find popular spots like the Orchard Plaza Shopping Center, which offers everything from grocery stores to unique boutiques. For those who love staying active, the nearby Lee Martinez Community Park is a fantastic place to spend weekends, featuring sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Additionally, the neighborhood’s proximity to the Poudre River Trail offers endless opportunities for biking, jogging, or peaceful riverside strolls. With so many attractions close by, Orchard truly combines convenience and lifestyle in a way that appeals to both young professionals and growing families.

One of the biggest perks of living in Orchard is its convenient distance from Downtown Fort Collins, which is just a short drive away. Residents can easily enjoy the vibrant downtown scene filled with eclectic restaurants, lively breweries, art galleries, and historic sites. Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town or simply running errands, the quick commute means city life is always within reach while still enjoying the quieter, more relaxed vibe of the neighborhood. For those relocating to Fort Collins, Orchard provides a perfect balance — peaceful suburban living with all the perks of nearby urban excitement.

About 27% of the Orchard population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 8% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Orchard demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 460 residents, Orchard is notably smaller than many other Fort Collins neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

Boasting a population density of 7,378, Orchard is more densely populated than many other Fort Collins neighborhoods, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The higher concentration of residents contributes to a lively street scene, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and urban amenities just steps from home.

With a lower-than-average age of 26, you're likely to find a noticeably youthful energy and vibrant atmosphere. This younger population brings a dynamic mix of activity, innovation, and community involvement, shaping a neighborhood that feels lively, forward-thinking, and full of opportunity — making it an especially appealing choice for younger adults looking for an active and engaging community.

The Orchard crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Orchard, the median home price is about $276,650, which is on par with many comparable areas. This average pricing reflects a stable, affordable housing market and makes the neighborhood an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers seeking both value and long-term potential. Examining how home prices and appreciation rates in Orchard have shifted over time can reveal important clues about the neighborhood’s future value. These trends help potential buyers and investors understand market momentum and determine whether the area is likely to deliver strong returns over the long term.

The median rent is around $1,400, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School ratings in Orchard combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Orchard can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.