We have 2 young children not in school yet and would love to hear any local advice or suggestions from travelers about the area. We are heading there the first week of April to visit and vacation to REALLY check it out....
I keep reading that the housing is so expensive, but we live in Chicago so it seems comparable or less expensive.

Any suggestions of where we should visit while we are there or your favorite neighborhoods with families...

where the best recreation is in April with toddlers (I know... bring boots/winter coats AND spring clothes , right?)

Also looking for a hotel suggestion in Fort Collins with kitchenettes and a pool - how is the Marriott Residence Inn? Where is there to stay in Old Town?

Ft. collins is a great college town, in a wonderful part of the state. I won't go into details about lodging, but I think you will be pleasantly surprised (and moving soon)!

My sis and ex-hubby lived in Ft. Collins from 2003 - 2005, so I visited there several times during that time period. They really loved the area, and I thought it was a great town to visit. Very fun, funky downtown area, lots of fun restaurants, (Spanish, Mexican, Cajun, japanese)bars, artsy stores.....Great weather, and only 45 min. to an hour to the mountains. Poudre Canyon also a great area for hiking, rafting, etc. Less of a jaunt than RMNP. The foothills line the whole western view from Ft Collins. My sister moved from there, and I think she regrets it. They didn't have kids, so I can't comment on how kid-friendly the town is. But it seems that everywhere you looked, people were out walking their dogs. From my perspective as a frequent visitor, a great town. Also centrally located between Denver, Estes Park, Boulder. If it was my decision to make, I'd go for it! Good luck!

I live in Fort Collins and love it. It is a wonderful town, very kid and family friendly. Horsetooth reservoir is just west of town, and is a beautiful place to bring a picnic lunch, and just enjoy the views. Visit the Discovery center, it is a small museum focused on science for kids. My son always loved to go there when he was young. You can take them out to the Budweiser plant too, and let them see the Clydesdale horses. Old Town is fun to walk around and do some shopping, and you can treat the kids to Ben and Jerry's ice cream! There are many wonderful neighborhoods, and the Poudre School District is very good. You should visit www.psdschools.org for more info. Check out all the kids plays at the Lincoln Center here in town. Good Luck! And bring layers of clothes - springtime is 'iffy' in April!