Starting a new chapter in the beautiful community of Sonders in Fort Collins, CO, is exciting with a lot to learn and explore. Fort Collins is such an incredible city with so much rich culture to experience, and Sonders itself is the best basecamp for exploring our beautiful region. 

Once you’ve made the move and become a resident of this special place, here are some tips for making the most of your new locale.

Get to Know the Layout and Amenities

Sonders was designed for active, engaged living, so exploring the layout and amenities will help you get comfortable in no time. A self-guided tour around the neighborhood will give you a sense of where everything is, including the parks, trails, and common areas.

The Learning Center Campus will be central to community life, offering spaces like the BODY Studio for yoga and exercise, and the ART Studio for crafts and creative pursuits. Plus, the main Sonders Learning Center building is designed for gatherings replete with an outdoor pool, grilling area and plenty of lounge seating.

For those interested in gardening, Flourish Park will have community garden plots where residents can grow their own plants or vegetables. Richards Lake access is another fantastic amenity, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the lake’s scenic shoreline along Serene Park. Spending time here gives you a chance to unwind in nature and enjoy one of the community’s most peaceful and beautiful areas.

The community and surrounding trails are another gem of Sonders, connecting you to regional trails and scenic areas in Fort Collins that make for enjoyable walks and bike rides.

Familiarize Yourself with Nearby Shopping and Essentials

One of the best things about living at Sonders is everything you need is within easy reach. Here are some essentials to get you started in your first weeks as you fill the pantry and get settled in:

• King Soopers Marketplace, 1842 N College Ave, 10 minute drive. (There is also a King Soopers Fuel Center located next door.) 
• Walmart Supercenter, 1250 E Magnolia St, 10 minute drive.

• Shell, 1037 Conifer St, 7 minute drive.
• Valero, 1660 N College Ave, 12 minute drive.
• Loaf ‘N Jug, 1801 N College Ave, 9 minute drive.

Connect with Neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors is a wonderful way to begin feeling at home. Introducing yourself at community events that will be held at the Learning Center is a great way to meet others who share your interests. Resident-led clubs around gardening, fitness, and the arts will begin to form, so whether you’re looking to join a yoga class or contribute to the community garden, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow Sonders residents.

For pet owners, the Wag Around Dog Park is a fun way to meet other pet lovers and build connections while your dogs enjoy some social time, too. Reaching out to neighbors early helps foster a strong sense of belonging, making Sonders feel like home from day one.

Explore Metro District and HOA Benefits

The Metro District and HOA at Sonders provide valuable services to help keep the community running smoothly, and it’s worth spending some time to understand what your metro district and HOA fees are covering. 

Attending HOA meetings can keep you updated on upcoming projects, community improvements, and any new amenities that may be in development. For specific questions about your property or amenities, browse the latest Sonders FAQ or reach out to the Metro District management team. 

Expand Your Horizons with Larimer County Parks, Open Spaces, and Trails

As a Sonders resident, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the natural beauty that defines Larimer County. The county offers over 70,000 acres of preserved lands, parks, and open spaces for recreation. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Lory State Park, and Devil’s Backbone are a short drive from Sonders and provide endless options for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

The Larimer County Parks system is thoughtfully managed to provide residents with well-maintained trails, campsites, and scenic overlooks. Whether you’re interested in hiking, camping, fishing, or even just enjoying a peaceful day in nature, Larimer County’s outdoor spaces are a fantastic way to enhance your lifestyle. Getting to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, for example, takes only about 30 minutes by car, and provides panoramic views of Fort Collins and the surrounding mountains.

Join the Colorado State University Lifelong Learners Program

Colorado State University (CSU) offers an enriching Lifelong Learners Program that provides residents 55+ with tuition-free access to classes on history, science, art, literature, and current events taught by CSU faculty and guest lecturers. Many classes are held on the CSU campus, which is just a 15-minute drive from Sonders, and there are also convenient online options.

Taking part in the Lifelong Learners Program can also connect you with other curious and engaged individuals across Fort Collins, making it a rewarding way to deepen your connection with the local community.

Embrace Life at Sonders and Share the Beauty

If you have friends or family interested in moving to Fort Collins, Sonders offers a range of housing options that can suit various lifestyles. From ranch-style single-family homes to efficient luxury townhomes, both Thrive Home Builders and Bridgewater Homes have a variety of home products available right now at Sonders. Oftentimes, our home builders will offer a referral bonus when your friend or family member closes on their new home. Get in touch with the home builders to inquire about referrals.From nearby amenities and outdoor parks to local shopping and community events, everything you need is within reach at Sonders Fort Collins. Living here means you’re surrounded by a blend of natural beauty, urban convenience, and rich community culture, offering you a fulfilling way of life right from the start. Dive in, get involved, and discover all the things that make Sonders a special place to call home.