UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
| liv score 654 How We Calculate Our Data |
|
|---|---|
| Civics | 62 |
| Demographics | 16 |
| Economy | 75 |
| Education | 36 |
| Health | 67 |
| Housing | 54 |
| Infrastructure | 51 |
#39. Loveland, CO
Loveland is known as the “Sweetheart City” — and for good reason. People here are supportive of businesses, nonprofits and each other, creating a community where everyone can grow and thrive. The city has a vibrant arts scene, easy access to the mountains for outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown and mild weather with tons of sunshine. The unemployment rate is low, and technology is king here, with a whopping 87 percent of households using broadband internet. Even as the population continues to grow, Loveland has maintained its small-town feel and family-friendly values.
Top Industries and Employers: Healthcare, instrument manufacturing and education
Best Coffee Shop: Grab and seat and settle in at Coffee Tree, a cozy yet spacious coffee shop right downtown.
Best Local Beer/Brewery: Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project, a great place to meet friends, have a late-afternoon work meeting or play games. In addition to tasty craft beers, they’ve also got their own hard seltzer on tap.
Must-Have Meal: You might not necessarily think of Northern Colorado for delicious cajun and creole cuisine, but it’s here and it’s amazing. Get yourself a hot bowl of chicken and andouille sausage gumbo at Betta Gumbo as you people-watch out the window.
Best Co-Working Space: Desk Chair Workspace, a massive co-working space located inside a historic bank building in downtown Loveland. In addition to offering workspace, Desk Chair has an epic rooftop hangout space for drinks and food.
Best Meetup Spot (When Meeting Up Is a Thing Again): In the warmer months, it’s not uncommon for Loveland residents to catch the last few hours of daylight on a hiking trail. Devil’s Backbone is a short drive away and offers beautiful views.
Creative Hub: Loveland has long been known as a haven for artists of all kinds, but its sculpture scene is particularly impressive. Head to Benson Sculpture Garden or Chapungu Sculpture Park for some inspiration.
Favorite Weekend Activity: Standup paddleboarding at Boyd Lake or Carter Lake
Free Way to Have Fun: Loveland hosts so many free events your only struggle will be deciding which one to attend. There’s the Sweetheart Festival around Valentine’s Day, Winter Wonderlights around the holidays and more free live concerts than you can count.
Local Dream Job: Horse wrangler at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, a gorgeous dude ranch immersed in nature
Read More:
The 5 Most Affordable Cities in Colorado
Love Advice from the Valentine Stampers of Loveland, CO
Best Places to Live in Colorado
– Sarah Kuta