Healthiest Housing Markets: Mid-2011 Update
2: Fort Collins-Loveland, Colo.
Health Index: 89.4
2010 Population Forecast: 299,630
2011 Total Building Permit Forecast: 1,004
2012 Total Building Permit Forecast: 1,650
The word is out about Fort Collins, which is regularly ranked among the best places to live in the country. Moody’s projects that the number of households in Colorado’s fourth most populous metro region will grow a hefty 2.7% next year, the highest on our Top 20 list.
Many new residents will be drawn by the prospect of jobs. Employment is projected to grow 2.6% next year, lifting median incomes 3.3%. Colorado State University is the biggest employer here. Most of the new jobs in recent years have come from the education and health services sectors. But high-tech firms such as Hewlett Packard and Eastman Kodak also employ thousands of people.
Housing production will receive a boost from these strong demographic forces. Moody’s projects that permit levels will rise 50%.
