I know Craigslist is probably popular in many cities, but in Fort Collins it is pretty much the only classified arena. Read today to find out how to find anything in Fort Collins.

Jeep Wrangler: $4995
Wanted: Piano for child
Air Conditioner: $300
Wanted: Dog Walker

These are just a few of the ads I’ve posted in the past year. From babysitters to dog walkers to housing, I’ve found it on Craigslist (CL) for Fort Collins. I even landed a few good jobs via CL. But WHY is CL so essential in Fort Collins?

Simply (and bluntly) put, no one really reads the Coloradoan classifieds—thus not many ads are posted there. Craigslist is the place. And once you are a resident—or in my case, even in my relocation efforts—you realize how vital it is to be connected to CL.

I used the Childcare search to find daycare and babysitters at a time when I knew no one here. It was so fabulous to get multiple responses, interview competent people (no crazies!), and find the right care for my kids. Real people connect and network about childcare, kids’ issues, and needs. Every once in awhile issues get out of hand and people argue via posts, but that’s just funny to me.

I advertised my garage sale a few weeks back, and as the sole advertising spot, CL brought in close to a hundred shoppers. FREE advertising is pretty cool when you don’t have a clue how much you’ll bring in on a project.

My testimonials could continue, but at the risk of sounding like a crazed Craigslist junkie, I will simply say this: if you need it, want it, need to get rid of it, or just need to connect with the community—go to Craigslist first. It is the consumer pulse of Fort Collins.