Living in Loveland, CO
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Loveland, CO? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Loveland, CO

Loveland is so quintessentially Colorado cozy that it feels like the city was plucked straight out of a Hallmark movie. As one of the country’s best places to live, this Northern Colorado city leans into its reputation as “The Sweetheart City,” and its 76,739 residents find that the community is, in fact, very easy to love. Every February, the community-wide Valentine’s celebrations will 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, the city has excellent schools and top-notch hospitals. It’s also a regional retail hub anchored by The Promenade Shops at Centerra. Those who are thinking of moving to Loveland have their pick of new master-planned neighborhoods, historic homes and stylish apartments close to the downtown area.

And the cherry on top? Loveland has an outstanding public art program that sweetens the deal for creatives. Of course, one of the attractions of living in Loveland, CO, is getting outdoors, and there are plenty of unique places to do just that, 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. The city is also close to Estes Park, a favorite mountain town that borders Rocky Mountain National Park and lights up with autumn colors.

Top Reasons to Move to Loveland

• Loveland is the gateway to the Rockies, providing residents with easy access to hiking, biking and skiing.
• There are plenty of economic opportunities in Loveland, and the city is a hub for manufacturing and technology.
• With several public gathering places and an outstanding public art program, Loveland offers a community-minded lifestyle.
• Loveland is environmentally conscious, and recreation is central to daily life. 

This is a sweet city blending small-town charm with outdoor thrills. It’s tucked in northern Colorado along U.S. Route 34, just south of Fort Collins in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The closest airport, Denver International Airport, is about 55 miles away (the views make for a pleasant drive). When you’re set to explore, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Fort Collins is just 15 miles north, where you can tour Colorado State University, visit the Discovery Museum or stroll Old Town Square.
• Denver sits 50 miles south, offering the Denver Art Museum, Botanic Gardens and the Denver Zoo.
• Boulder is about 30 miles southwest, full of energy with Pearl Street Mall, CU Boulder and the stunning Flatirons.

The area has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons: hot, dry summers and cold winters with plenty of snow. Loveland has more than 300 sunny days a year.

Loveland, located in Northern Colorado, has a diverse economy, with a mix of industries that contribute to its growth and stability. Advanced manufacturing, aviation, bioscience, energy and natural resources, information technology, health and wellness and food manufacturing are among the top industries. Major employers include Banner Health, the City of Loveland and Hach Company. 

The cost of living in Loveland is above the national average. The median home value in Loveland is $485,976, and the average household income is $86,908.

Colorado has a state income tax. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Loveland is 6.95%.

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Every year, thousands of valentines are re-routed through Loveland, a northern Colorado city that enthusiastically embraces its charming name. For two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, 50 volunteers – mostly retired folks – hand-stamp cards that arrive from all over the world.

In a makeshift mailroom, the festive volunteers dress in shades of pink and red, giving special treatment to the valentines. Each envelope gets two stamps: a romantic verse selected in an annual contest and a second stamp showing the card traveled through “The Sweetheart City.” After all, playing the role of Cupid is a coveted duty here. The waiting list to volunteer is 98 names deep, and it’s rare for an opening in the Valentine’s mail room to open up.

And because the city is so lovey-dovey, it launched its own love lock sculpture in 2019 and now has two spots where residents can lock up their love.

Love Advice From the Valentine Stampers of Loveland, CO

Loveland is for lovers and artists. The well-known art scene features several sculpture parks, including Chapungu Sculpture Park, and hosts the world-renowned Sculpture in the Park event. There are nearly 50 custom-painted heart sculptures and other public artworks throughout the city, mirroring its status as a hub for sculptors and art enthusiasts. Beyond the arts, the city provides endless entertainment options, from concerts to family-friendly activities like laser tag, bowling and even indoor skiing. The community comes together at numerous free events, such as the Sweetheart Festival, fostering camaraderie.

The downtown area offers boutique shops, and more retail options are available at The Promenade Shops at Centerra. Enjoy live music at venues like the Foundry Plaza and To the Fives Taproom, and explore literary treasures at Whampus Used Books. Family-friendly activities include train rides at North Lake Park, kids’ shows at Blue Arena and swimming at the Chilson Recreation Center.

Colorado is known for its stunning outdoor adventures; Loveland is no exception. Whether seeking a leisurely hike or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, its natural surroundings offer many options to connect with the outdoors. The city’s proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park allows easy access to world-class hiking and mountain vistas. Residents and visitors can explore Devil’s Backbone Open Space, which offers 17 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. Water activities abound at Boyd Lake and Carter Lake, where stand-up paddleboarding, boating and fishing are popular pastimes. For a more traditional Western experience, horseback riding and overnight stays are available at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. Fishing spots are plentiful along the Big Thompson River, and the more adventurous can enjoy whitewater rafting or kayaking.

Beyond these activities, Loveland offers plenty of hiking trails and opportunities to enjoy the surrounding area’s natural beauty. The city’s location near trails and fishing spots makes it an ideal base for outdoor exploration.

The local dining scene is full of flavors and different dining destinations, ranging from cozy cafes and brunch spots to upscale dining and craft breweries. Downtown Loveland features restaurants with farm-to-table cuisine, international dishes and classic American meals. The city’s thriving craft beer culture and distilleries, along with a meadery and a winery, contribute to a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Neighborhood eateries and establishments at The Promenade Shops at Centerra provide even more dining options, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Families have choices when it comes to finding a school for their children. Thompson School District R-2J serves more than 15,000 students. Although performance varies from school to school, the district maintains a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. There are also several private schools, including faith-based and independent education. Families also have access to Loveland Classical Schools, a tuition-free public charter school.