Fossil Creek Ranch in Windsor, CO
Fossil Creek Ranch is part of the broader market for new construction homes in Windsor CO — see how it compares to other new construction homes in Northern Colorado before you decide.
Community Overview
Fossil Creek Ranch is a D.R. Horton community with a Windsor address, located just east of I-25 between County Road 5 and the interstate, north of Westgate Drive. It puts buyers minutes from both Fort Collins and Windsor, with Windsor Lake, the Poudre River Trail and Horsetooth Reservoir all within an easy drive. D.R. Horton builds its Tradition Series here, including the Chatham, Bellamy, Bridgeport and Hennessy plans, with one- and two-story homes from about 1,771 to 2,716 square feet, 4 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 4 bathrooms, starting around $495,000 (October 2026). Homes feature Craftsman-style architecture with fiber cement siding and landscaped front yards with irrigation, and select homesites have mountain views. Although the address is Windsor, the community is served by Poudre School District.
About the Community
Fossil Creek Ranch is actively selling, with a mix of quick move-in homes and homes under construction. D.R. Horton's model is to build homes with a set package of features rather than a long upgrade menu, which keeps the process simple and predictable but limits customization. Because the community sits in the growing I-25 corridor between Fort Collins and Windsor, expect continued nearby construction and new commercial development over the next several years.
Mark's Insight
"Fossil Creek Ranch is a smart option if you want a 4- or 5-bedroom home near I-25 under about $550K. Its biggest selling point is location: a Windsor address with Poudre School District schools and a quick drive to either Fort Collins or Windsor. Before you decide, get the East Fossil Creek Ranch Metropolitan District mill levy and the HOA dues for your exact lot, and compare D.R. Horton's preferred lender offer against an outside lender. Bring your own agent to your very first visit."
Mark Leavitt
Nixon Team at RE/MAX Alliance
Costs & Fees to Know
Many new construction communities in Northern Colorado use metro districts to finance infrastructure like roads, utilities, and amenities. This can add $150–$500+ per month to your housing costs depending on the mill levy. Understanding your true monthly payment—including metro district taxes, HOA dues, and property taxes—is essential before you buy.
HOA Information
Expect an HOA at Fossil Creek Ranch that maintains common areas and enforces exterior standards, along with the metro district. D.R. Horton's community page doesn't list current dues, so ask for the HOA budget and what it covers. Before you sign, review the covenants for fencing, landscaping deadlines after closing, exterior changes and rentals.
Metro/Tax District Info
Fossil Creek Ranch is in the East Fossil Creek Ranch Metropolitan District No. 2, which publishes its documents online at fossilcreekmd.org. The district adds a mill levy to your property tax bill to pay for the community's infrastructure. Ask D.R. Horton for the metro district disclosure for your specific lot, check the district's posted maximum mill levy, and have your lender use the exact tax figure when estimating your payment.
Is This Community Right for You?
Great Fit If You...
Buyers who want a 4- or 5-bedroom new home under about $550K Commuters who want quick I-25 access between Fort Collins and Windsor Families who want Poudre School District with a Windsor address Buyers who prefer a simple, set-features buying process
May Not Be Ideal If You...
Buyers who want extensive customization Buyers who want to avoid metro district taxes Buyers looking for large lots or acreage Buyers who want resort-style amenities like a pool or clubhouse
Common Buyer FAQs
Nearby Comparable Communities
Fossil Creek Ranch vs. Hansen Farm (Fort Collins) – Also D.R. Horton, in southeast Fort Collins, compared on price and location Fossil Creek Ranch vs. Timnath Ranch (Timnath) – A nearby master plan compared by buyers who want I-25 access and newer homes Fossil Creek Ranch vs. Serratoga Falls (Timnath) – A nearby option with more builders and higher price points
Location
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Near 5836 Horro St, Windsor, CO 80528 (between I-25 and CR 5, north of Westgate Dr)
Know the Real Monthly Cost at Fossil Creek Ranch
HOA dues and metro district mill levy can add hundreds to your payment. See the real numbers before you tour.
Neighborhood Context
Neighborhood imagery for Fossil Creek Ranch
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DR Horton — Buyer's Review
DR Horton is one of the largest national production home builders in the country, with an established footprint across Northern Colorado in communities throughout Greeley, Evans, Johnstown, Severance, and other fast-growing areas. The builder specializes in entry-level to mid-range single-family homes designed around efficiency, affordability, and repeatable construction models. In most Northern Colorado communities, DR Horton operates with a limited menu of floor plans and pre-selected interior packages rather than full design customization. Buyers typically encounter DR Horton through planned subdivisions where homes are delivered as specs or near-completion inventory. Within the Northern Colorado new-build landscape, DR Horton is positioned as a value-driven builder focused on speed, consistency, and predictable pricing rather than architectural uniqueness or high-end finishes."
Read the DR Horton review
See Move-In Ready Homes
Where to find affordable new builds in Northern Colorado today.
See affordable homes
Understanding Metro Districts
What metro district taxes mean for your monthly payment.
Read the metro guideBest For
- First-Time Buyers
Related Topics
More New Construction in Windsor
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