Loveland, CO
Why You’ll Love Living in Loveland, Colorado
With the Rocky Mountains as a gorgeous backdrop, Loveland, Colorado, is a sweet spot to put down roots. Big Thompson River flows through the community and provides excellent fly fishing opportunities, and Benson Sculpture Garden is a unique attraction that showcases 130 sculptures in one location. A good school system is in place along with top-notch health care, 17 miles of hiking/biking paths, a performing arts scene and microbreweries.
Thinking of moving to Loveland, CO? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Loveland, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Loveland, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Loveland, CO, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Loveland is so quintessentially Colorado cozy that it feels like the city was plucked straight out of a Hallmark movie. As one of the best places to live in the U.S., this Northern Colorado city leans into its reputation as “The Sweetheart City,” and residents find that Loveland is, in fact, very easy to love. Every February, the community-wide Valentine’s celebrations are sure to warm your heart and turn even the most skeptical into a romantic. For example, the Sweetheart Festival features ice sculpting, fire dances, chocolate, a fun run and an Instagram-ready “tunnel of love.” Even more? Civic-minded residents volunteer in a mailroom each February, putting Loveland stamps on Valentine’s Day cards from around the world through a re-routing program. So cute, right?
Aside from charming celebrations, Loveland has excellent schools and top-notch hospitals. It’s also a regional retail hub anchored by The Promenade Shops at Centerra. Those who live here have their pick of new master-planned neighborhoods, historic homes and stylish apartments close to the downtown Loveland area. And the cherry on top? Loveland has an outstanding public arts program that sweetens the deal for creatives. Of course, part of what makes the Colorado lifestyle so coveted is getting outdoors, and there are plenty of unique places to do just that in Loveland, from sculpture parks to the marina at Boyd Lake State Park and nearby hiking trails winding up near rock outcrops at Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Loveland is also close to Estes Park, a favorite mountain town that borders Rocky Mountain National Park and lights up with autumn colors.
Loveland, CO Quality of Life LivScore
Loveland, CO Top Categories
Education
Environment
Economy
Loveland ranks highest for education, environment and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Loveland, CO
Loveland gets four seasons, with some winter snow and temperatures in the 40s. Summer highs in Loveland reach the 80s. The average highs and lows are 86°F and 53°F (summer) and 45°F and 15°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Loveland is around 41 inches per year.
The average annual rainfall in Loveland is right at 16 inches.
Loveland averages 249 sunny days a year.
Stretch your legs by going for a hike in Devil’s Backbone Open Space. You’ll see rocks jut out of the earth that look like the fossilized backbones of a stegosaurus.
Things To Do in Loveland, CO
Spend an afternoon exploring the 80-plus stone sculptures spread over 26 acres at Chapungu Sculpture Park. Or take a picnic at the 10-acre Benson Sculpture Park, which has more than 170 sculptures by world-renowned artists on display. The collection is valued at more than $5 million.
Cheer on the Colorado Eagles (a minor league hockey team) at the Blue Arena at The Ranch Events Complex.
Upwards of 120,000 pieces of mail are rerouted through Loveland each year to get a special Valentine’s stamp. There’s a long waitlist to volunteer as a stamper!
Bookworms unite at Whampus Used Books, a cute little shop full of little reading nooks and a great selection of titles without breaking the bank.
Can’t pick what’s for dinner? Look no further than Pourhouse! The bar and restaurant’s extensive menu has a little bit of everything, plus a full bar and live music three nights a week.
The most scenic spot to see a concert in Loveland is the Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, which has an island-like stage surrounded by water and stair-step seating.
Wicked Tequila Room is for agave lovers. It offers a creative menu of margs and other treats (think boozy snow cones and push-pops). Follow the bar on Facebook for drink specials, which include all-day happy hours on Sunday. Cheers to that!
The Local and State Economy in Loveland, CO
Advanced manufacturing, aviation, bioscience, energy and natural resources, information technology, health and wellness, and food manufacturing are among the top industries. The three largest employers in Larimer County are the University of Colorado Health, Hewlett Packard and Banner Health: McKee Medical Center.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Loveland is 6.7%.
Yes, Colorado has a state income tax.
Loveland residents have access to a variety of healthcare providers, including UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, which is ranked as one of the overall best health care providers in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report, and McKee Medical Center.
Aims Loveland Campus and the University of Northern Colorado Loveland Center at Centerra are both located in Loveland.
Weather in Loveland, CO
Average Temperatures
64 high / 33 low
Average Annual Rainfall
16 in
Average Annual Snowfall
41 in
Quick Facts about Loveland, Colorado
- Median Home Value
- $451,257
- Median Property Tax
- $3,081
- Total Population
- 77,949
- Average Commute
- 22 min
- Median Household Income
- $85,188
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,338
Map of Loveland, CO
Loveland, CO: Love Where You Live
Love Advice From the Valentine Stampers of Loveland, CO
Every year, 50 volunteers stamp thousands of valentines routed through the Loveland post office. We went to the mail room to meet them.
