Everything You Need To Know About Loveland, Colorado: The Definitive Guide [2023 Edition]

moving to loveland colorado guide welcome to loveland kittle real estateLoveland, Colorado, named in honor of the Colorado Central Railroad president, William Loveland, is located in southern Larimer County, just south of Fort Collins. Nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains this scenic city is only 46 miles north of Denver just off of the I-25. With a population of 77,000 Loveland offers its residents all the amenities of a big city while retaining the charm of a small town. Families will enjoy making Loveland their new home with many outdoor recreation opportunities, parks, pools, and much more. And young professionals can appreciate the concerts, breweries, and many recreational activities as well.

Most notably Loveland is known as The Sweetheart City. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Valentine letters are mailed or processed through Loveland, bearing a special verse and hand-stamped postmark. And the city has a LOVE lock sculpture that couples can attach a lock to.

If you are looking to move to Loveland, CO. there are homes of every type and style, suitable for any living arrangement. Whether you are looking for a condo, a traditional bungalow, an upscale two-story or something else the team of real estate experts here at Kittle Real Estate can help you find the perfect place. 

See our up-to-date Loveland, CO. listings. 

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History of Loveland

Officially established as a settlement in 1881 Loveland began as a stagecoach station and eventually the location of a federal post office around 1858. It was originally the site of Fort Namaqua which lasted until almost 1878, around that time a settlement known as St. Louis started to flourish in the area, but it was when William A. H. Loveland, the president of the Colorado Central Railroad, brought the railway to the area that the town had its official conception. As a railroad stop, Loveland became a major supplier for farmers, ranchers, and lumber suppliers. This caused the town to continually expand and grow well into the 20th century. For the first half of the century, the town was more or less an agricultural town, but around the halfway point an economic boom hit the town bringing in a new wave of jobs to the area. The town and the region, Northern Colorado, have continued to see steady growth over the decades and is now one of the fastest-growing regions in America. 

Transportation in Loveland

Transportation in and around Loveland is easy and convenient. Whether you need a shuttle or taxi to and from Denver International Airport, public transportation within Loveland, or a tour within or around the city, Loveland offers an abundance of options.

This has a limited service bus route through Loveland along US 287 to Fort Collins, Bethoud, Longmount, and Boulder.

Offering bus service between Denver and Fort Collins

Groome Transportation provides hassle-free shuttle service between Loveland and surrounding areas and Denver International Airport (DIA). With 18 round trips daily and home and hotel pick-up/drop-off, getting to and from Denver Airport has never been easier. With the following transportation options:

  • Yellow Cab
  • Limousines
  • Uber

/userfiles/2610/image/loveland_colorado_schools_kittle_real_estateSchools in Loveland

For families looking to move to Loveland CO. it's important to note that Loveland is home to the Thompson School District R-2J which serves PK - Grade 12 and has 35 schools. In total Loveland has 60 schools:

  • 29 Preschools
  • 27 Elementary Schools
  • 14 Middle Schools
  • 9 High Schools
  • 27 Public District Schools
  • 2 Public Charger Schools 
  • 31 Private Schools

Employment in Loveland

Loveland is a fantastic place for people to move to that are looking for employment opportunities. Whether you are a young professional starting out or a seasoned pro looking to make a career move there are many options available. Some of the biggest employers in Loveland include the following companies:

  • Crop Production Services
  • Pinnacle Agriculture
  • Thompson School District
  • Argus of Colorado
  • Hach

ultimate guide to loveland colorado

Things to Do in Loveland

When it comes to recreational offerings Loveland has almost an endless supply. The town is situated only 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park, with 355 miles of trails and 140 lakes to explore. There are also beautiful scenic drives through Big Thompson Canyon or on Trail Ridge Road. Not only is Loveland surrounded by fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities the town itself has many things to offer in the way of parks, sports, golf courses, pools and other water activities, and so much more. 

Attractions Near Loveland

Real estate photo

Also known as the "Arts and Hearts Capitol of Colorado", Loveland dazzles with its 300 sculptures throughout the city, as well as an internationally recognized sculpture weekend each summer. Several sculpture guilds, museums, galleries, and arts councils encourage a burgeoning art culture. Adding to Loveland's allure is the generous amount of open space, trails, parks, lakes, and entertainment facilities such as the Budweiser Event Center and the Rialto Theater. A newly refurbished downtown, low crime rate, above-average education scores, and short commute times have nudged Loveland to a shortlist of the "Best Places to Live".

As with many Colorado towns, some of the best things to do and places to see are in the parks. Some of the best attractions in Loveland include:

  • Benson Park Sculpture Garden
  • Devil's Backbone Nature Trail
  • Chapungu Sculpture Park
  • Sweet Heart Winery
  • Boyd Lake State Park

A step inside the Loveland Museum/Gallery will bring you close to this town's history; period rooms and changing exhibits, plus educational classes and an art gallery round out its offerings. And a stroll through the stunning works of Zimbabwean artists at the Chapungu Sculpture Park will leave you in awe. While in town, make sure you visit the Love Lock sculpture, where you can buy a lock, and have it engraved.

Real estate photoThere's plenty to do outside here. Loveland is near the foothills and rivers, so natural pleasures from biking, hiking, horseback riding and fishing are close at hand. The Lake Loveland Swim Beach is popular with families during the summer months and Devil's Backbone Open Space opens the door to wildlife watching, 12 miles of trails and the keyhole — a unique arch within the backbone that you can hike right through. Or, head to Boyd Lake State Park for camping, boating, wakeboarding, biking, hiking and pretty much any outdoor fun you can think of, all with stunning Rocky Mountain views. 

Outlet shoppingColorado Eagles hockey games, the Foote Lagoon Concert Series, craft breweries and distilleries, and an eminently walkable downtown will keep your Loveland itinerary full throughout the year.

Moving to Loveland, CO

If you are looking to move to Loveland, CO we can help. Our premier team of real estate agents knows the ins and outs of Loveland and they can find you the perfect place to fit your lifestyle. We can assist you in searching out the best neighborhood to suit your needs and budget with the most up-to-date listings available. Contact our Fort Collins real estate agency today.  970-460-4444

 See our up-to-date Loveland, CO. listings. 

Also see our: Definitive Guide for Living in and Moving to Fort Collins, CO and our Moving To and Living In Greeley, Colorado: The Definitive Guide

About The Author

Rob Kittle has been in the Northern Colorado real estate industry since 1999. Since that time he has built a nationally-recognized real estate team. His commitment to his clients and knowledge of the Colorado area including Loveland, CO. make him a highly sought-after agent for people looking to sell their homes or buy in Northern Colorado. 

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