Loveland –also dotingly known as Sweetheart City or Gateway to the Rockies– is a Northern Colorado city located near Fort Collins and Greeley. It lives up to its name for more reasons than one! Known for its Valentine’s Day bonanza, beautiful weather, and ideal location, Loveland is an idyllic place to settle down. There are countless reasons to choose this city as your new home. But before you make the jump to relocate, be sure to get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to live in Loveland.
As soon as you enter city limits, it’s apparent that Loveland has fully embraced its namesake. From the heart sculptures to the general air of quaintness, it’s infused with a very lovely ambiance. The city actually got its name from the president of the Colorado Central Railroad, William A.H. Loveland. The ties to Valentine’s Day came later. A marketer named Ted Thompson and postmaster Elmer Ivers created a lot of buzz for the Sweetheart City with the launch of the Valentine Re-mailing Program in the mid-1940s. Ever since the city has truly leaned into that theme.
One major draw of Loveland is its affordability. It’s no secret that Colorado housing is expensive and that it’s steadily on the rise – this trend isn’t just limited to big cities either. Luckily, Loveland is one of the most affordable cities to plant roots on the Front Range whether you're remodeling or building a custom home. In fact, it was ranked the second most affordable city in all of Colorado. Loveland residents enjoy both lower housing prices and cost of living than nearby cities such as Denver or Fort Collins. With tons of free events and activities to enjoy nearby, it’s also a lot more affordable to have fun with the whole family!
Families will feel right at home in Loveland. There are plenty of top-tier neighborhoods from new communities like The Lakes at Centerra to more established areas like the Downtown District. Loveland schools are all under the Thompson R2-J School District. The district serves roughly 16,000 students across pre-K and 12th grade. It’s ranked in the top 30% of all districts in the state. There are also plenty of outdoor activities the whole family will love. Residents of the Sweetheart City get to enjoy free summer festivals, beach access at Lake Loveland, and numerous trails along the Front Range. Plus, you have the best custom home builder in Loveland right here at FORGE + BOW Dwellings.
The unemployment rate in Loveland is substantially lower than in the rest of the state. The recent Fort Collins-Loveland area unemployment rate is about 2.6% whereas the state unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is in part due to the appeal Loveland has to businesses. Not only is it a beautiful city, but it’s also growing at a healthy rate and is the ideal location to access all the important hubs of Northern Colorado.
Loveland is in the middle of an area known as the Colorado Higher Education Triangle. This area includes Colorado State University in Fort Collins, the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, and the University of Colorado in Boulder. Not only do the schools themself employ many ambitious candidates, but they also encourage others in different industries to come for education and stay for the innovative environment.
Just like everywhere else along the Colorado Front Range, Loveland is ripe with opportunities to enjoy the stunning natural area. Locals have access to roughly 30 public parks as well as nearby trails, lakes, and, of course, a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. There are also plenty of recreational sports leagues for youth and adults alike. You’ll find that there's something to do outdoors every season in Loveland thanks to Colorado’s famous 300 days of sunshine a year.
Art is another significant part of Loveland culture. You’ll notice heart-shaped sculptures scattered throughout the city. They are a part of an installation called the HeARTs Project. These fiberglass hearts are inspired by other sculpture projects such as the Cancun dolphins and Washington D.C. pandas. There are plenty of other sculptures you’ll see around the city too. There are actually three sculpture parks open to visitors: Benson Sculpture Park, Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra, and McWhinney-Hahn Sculpture Park. Every year, Loveland hosts a sculpture festival that draws in artists from all over the world. There are also many art galleries and free summer concerts to enjoy too.
Foodies will love Sweetheart City too! There are countless amazing restaurants, bars, and breweries. Stop by Door 222 for a delicious entree and glass of wine or start the day with a delicious brew from Dark Heart. Looking for an amazing local craft beer? Head on down to Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project. There’s a little something for everyone!
If you’re looking for a cost-efficient place to settle down that’s close to it all, Loveland might be right up your alley. Not only will you save on the cost of living, but you will also achieve a higher quality of life by joining a vibrant community close to Colorado’s natural beauty. The whole family will find something for themselves in the Sweetheart City. We encourage you to check out the housing market for the perfect home remodel or custom-built home in Loveland.
