Lakeside living and outdoor recreation are around every corner in Loveland, within northern Colorado. It’s the second-largest city in Larimer County, behind Fort Collins, and around 52 miles north of Denver. Loveland's nickname, “Sweetheart City,” stems from its valentine re-mailing program in the 1940s, when people could mail their valentines first to the charming northern Colorado town to have their envelopes ‘endorsed’ by the land of love.
Established in 1881, the community expanded with the construction of the Colorado Central Railroad. In Loveland’s early days, the economy was reliant on the area’s sugar beet and cherry farms. While agriculture still plays an important role in the community, the city is now home to big-name companies like Kroll Factual Data, Hach, Agilent Technologies and UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies.
Loveland is known as "Sweetheart City" due to its association to valentines day.
Surrounded by miles of mountains, open land and lakes, Loveland is a premier destination for outdoor recreation.
Loveland was established in 1881, and agriculture still plays an important role in the community today.
Loveland is home to big-name companies like Hach, which is a big employer in the city.
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Expanding housing market
Homes in the area’s historic district surrounding downtown date back over a century, while mid-to-late 20th-century homes make up the majority of the surrounding suburbs. The median sales price in Loveland is around $591,000, much higher than the national median. The city has a smattering of townhouses, 55-plus communities, and mobile and manufactured homes. Additionally, new housing developments are underway in the city’s outskirts, especially on the east end, with neighborhoods like The Lakes at Centerra, Kinston and Thompson River Ranch.
Vicotian homes can be found in Loveland's historic district near downtown.
Mid-to-late 20th-century bungalows are the most common housing type in Loveland.
Some ranch homes can be found in the suburbs of Loveland.
New Traditional homes can be found at The Lakes at Centerra on Loveland's outskirts.
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Loveland’s natural landscape and public parks
Surrounded by miles of mountains, open land and lakes, Loveland is a premier destination for outdoor recreation. “Loveland is considered the gateway to the Rockies,” says April Neuhaus, a local Realtor with Neuhaus Real Estate who was born and raised in the city. “Eisenhower Boulevard can take drivers straight through town to Rocky Mountain National Park, and you can see the white peaks from town. The natural areas here are a huge draw, plus prices are lower compared to Denver and Boulder.” The city itself conserves over 5,000 acres of land, including the Loveland Recreation Trail system that connects parks and natural areas to downtown and other parts of the city. The 1,700-acre Boyd Lake is one of the largest and most popular recreation areas in the city. Boyd Lake State Park also has campsites, a playground and paved walking paths.
Eisenhower Boulevard can take drivers straight through Loveland to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Explore some of Loveland's many open spaces, natural areas and trails such as Lake Loveland.
Loveland conserves over 5,000 acres of land, including the Loveland Recreation Trail system.
Take the family camping at Boyd Lake State Park in Loveland.
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Events for every season
The city has a variety of events that bring community members together throughout the year. Every February, the Loveland Sweetheart Festival features musicians, live ice sculpting, art exhibits and more. In August, the Corn Roast Festival marks the end of summer with a parade, live music, dozens of vendors and a corn-shucking contest.
Shopping and dining in and around downtown Loveland
Downtown Loveland’s streets are lined with local clothing boutiques, antique shops, specialty stores, wellness shops, outdoor-equipment outlets and more. Fourth Street has brick storefronts and well-maintained sidewalks. There are also numerous locally owned and well-known restaurants in the area, from upscale dining to alehouses. East of the city’s center, the Promenade Shops at Centerra has more than 75 stores and restaurants. The main plaza at Centerra hosts outdoor movies and events during the summer and has an ice rink in the colder months.
Downtown Loveland’s streets are lined with local clothing boutiques, antique shops, specialty stores, wellness shops, outdoor equipment outlets and more.
Loclas love that the beers at Loveland Aleworks brewery are brewed on-site.
Enjoy some shopping at the Promenade Shops at Centerra in Loveland, which has over 75 stores and restaurants.
Bring the kids to The Promenade Shops at Centerra in Loveland for the colder months when they install an ice rink.
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A booming arts scene
Through the city’s Art in Public Places program, artists can decorate public spaces with murals on buildings and designs on park benches. There are over 100 pieces of artwork all over the city, and Loveland’s Art in Public Places Ordinance guarantees funding for more projects. “We have a huge art community here,” Neuhaus says. “Sculptures are around every corner and add to the city’s picturesque vibe.” Current projects include murals on downtown sidewalks and the suspended-artwork project at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport. One of the biggest cultural attractions in the city is the Benson Sculpture Garden, which displays over 175 sculptures along its grounds. “It’s one of the most popular spots in town for wedding pictures,” says Neuhaus. Every August, the Loveland High Plains Arts Council hosts a Sculpture in the Park event at Benson, where over 160 national and international sculptors showcase and sell their latest pieces.
Loveland’s Art in Public Places Ordinance guarantees funding for public art works around town.
Loveland has a huge art community, with galleries downtown and murals and sculptures all around.
Take a scenic stroll through Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland.
The Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland displays over 175 sculptures along its grounds..
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Thompson School District and Aims Community College
Most Loveland students are served by the Thompson School District, which earns a B-plus overall grade from Niche. Aims Community College, around 18 miles east in Greeley, partners with the Thompson School District for its dual-enrollment courses.
Aims Community College near Loveland partners with the Thompson School District for its dual enrollment courses.
Truscott Elementary School in Loveland has 193 students in grades K-5.
Lincoln Elementary School in Loveland has 236 students in grades PK & K-5.
Loveland High School in Loveland maintains a B+ on Niche.
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Low crime rates and accessible public transit
Property and violent crime in Loveland are lower than the state and national averages. According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, there were 298 incidents of violent crime in Loveland in 2024. Also in 2024, the city had 1,857 incidents of property crime, 27% fewer than in the previous year.
East of the city limits, Interstate 25 runs north to the Canadian border and south to El Paso. U.S. Highway 34 cuts through the area, going east-west, while U.S. Highway 287 goes north-south. City of Loveland Transit operates six bus routes across town. However, according to the city's Department of Economic Development, 80% of Loveland residents drive or carpool to work, and their average commute time is 22 minutes.
The Big Thompson River flows through Loveland, and there are a few nearby dams. Flooding is a possibility — the city experienced a deadly flood in 1976. After another flood in 2013, Loveland and the Big Thompson community sustained more than $30 million in damages, and two people died. Since then, the city has established a community resource center to help people after natural disasters, rebuilt a highway and water distribution pipes, and created the Big Thompson River master plan to improve resiliency.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Photography Contributed By
Laurel Turton
Video By
Scott Wiggins
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