Quality of Life

Loveland, Colorado offers an appealing lifestyle from enjoying the great outdoors at our parks and lakes to taking in the culture of the arts. As the "Gateway to the Rockies," Loveland is nestled in a valley at the mouth of the beautiful Big Thompson Canyon. Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road are just a short drive away. Highway 34, the main east/west thoroughfare through the city, becomes Trail Ridge Road just 30 miles west of town. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road in the United States at above 12,000 feet elevation at its highest point.

For the outdoor enthusiasts, Loveland boasts of 27 public parks, three public golf courses (including the championship Marianna Butte), 14 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Loveland is at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which provide ample opportunity for hiking, fishing, & horseback riding. The many rivers and lakes in the area offer a variety of water sports such as boating, water skiing, rafting and kayaking. For a change of pace, there is greyhound racing, complete with pari-mutual betting.

Loveland offers a wide variety of shopping, from quaint antique shops in historic downtown to finding the bargains at the outlet stores. There are multiple shopping complexes and major discount stores located through out the town.

The Loveland Museum/Gallery, located in the heart of downtown, is a center for arts events, educational programs and exhibitions featuring regional, national and internationally recognized artists. The museum also includes permanent and changing history exhibits. Loveland has choral, theatrical, and music community groups.

The High Plains Environmental Center is an interactive environmental education center with approximately 275 acres of lakes, wetlands, and trails. It has an indoor facility with displays, activities, and a research library. www.suburbitat.org

The nationally accredited Loveland Police Department is committed to community-oriented policing and boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Colorado.

The American Association of Retired Persons' magazine (issue May/June 2003) described Loveland as number one of "The 15 Best Places to Reinvent Your Life."

U.S. Art Magazine placed Loveland among the top eight "Great Art Destinations" in the United States. They wrote, "Loveland is home to some of the best bronze foundries and bronze sculpture artisans in the country. They are regularly entrusted with monumental bronze sculptures for museums and exhibitions in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Seattle, yet a good portion of their work also decorates Loveland's public parks and thoroughfares." The article recommends are enthusiasts see some of Loveland's 200+ pieces of public sculpture, and make an appointment for a tour of a local foundry. www.artcastings.com

Loveland was ranked eighth in The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America. Author John Villani wrote, "What the arts have done in Loveland is nothing short of astounding and, in fact, provided the spark of inspiration that led me to write this book. From one end of Loveland to the other, the town is a celebration of bronze sculpture, with massive pieces permanently installed along the town's main thoroughfares, in public parks, outside schools and municipal offices, and inside (albeit in small formats) practically every commercial venture in town."

As Loveland continues to grow, the hometown feel and sense of community continues to be the focus of its residents, leaders and businesses. Warmth and friendliness is extended to visitors and newcomers.