In terms of how quickly buildings get demolished and replaced, I've come to compare Fort Collins to Las Vegas, where they level casinos seemingly because it's Friday.  And this is definitely a place to take lots of pictures... of everything.  Because in as little as 10 years, those will be pretty valuable.

Between that aspect and the rate at which people are moving here, we seem to be but a cheap imitation of Denver.  Okay, maybe 'cheap' isn't exactly the best adjective to describe FoCo.  But still, unless you travel there daily (in which case, my condolences,) Denver looks like a slightly different city every time you go there.

So, let's put this into perspective.  It seems like this place must change faster than anywhere.  But does it?

Answer:  Yes, pretty much.

In a national study, Denver has changed the most in the past 10 years, with only five cities having changed more:  Austin, Dallas, Houston (obviously, now), Nashville, and Portland, Oregon.

What did they use to decide this?

  • How many buildings have gone up
  • How traffic patterns have changed
  • How demographics have shifted

There are towns around us who pride themselves on "sticking to their roots," or their "heritage."  Simply put, they hate change.  Cheyenne is perhaps the best example of this anywhere.  You can go there after 10 years and not feel like you've missed a thing.  I'm a super progressive guy, but I have to admit:  Sometimes a leisurely drive to somewhere with more simplicity and less "electricity" can be refreshing... As long as I get to come right back home.

 

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