Loveland Voted as 5 Best Places to Retire
The Today Show put Loveland on the map again yesterday when it voted the city as one of the top 5 places to retire in the US.
Loveland, Colorado
Profile and Basic Stats:
Location: 45 minute drive away from Denver, Colorado at 5,000 feet right by the Rockies 2h flight from Los Angeles; 4h from New York
Population: 61,122 as of 2007 (Sperling’s Best Places)
Median Home Price: $259,566 (MONEY Magazine)
Property taxes: below average Retirement tax break from state: yes
Average Age: 36 years
Average Temperature: 4 distinct seasons
High temp in July 87F/ Low temp in January 15-23F
Size:The city has a total area of 25.5 square miles.
History:
It’s a rail-road town. The city was founded in 1877 along the newly-constructed line of the Colorado Central Railroad. It was named in honor of William A.H. Loveland, the president of the Colorado Central Railroad. The town was dependent on agriculture for the first half of the 20th century (sugar beets and sour cherries!). In the late 20th century, technology fueled job growth as manufacturing facilities – Hewlett-Packard, Teledyne, and Hach, a water quality analysis equipment manufacturer – settled in the town. A new medical center that’s under construction will also add to the employment opportunities.
Who you might find there: A mix of professors and students (there are three universities and two community colleges in the area), artists and computer jockeys. And lots of retirees! More than 21% of Loveland’s population is made up of residents over the age of 55.
The Ambiance:
The city faces the majestic Front Range of the Rockies. The neighborhoods are surrounded with spectacular mountain views; the older residential areas of single-family homes shaded by huge trees. The lush, green grounds feature a waterway, benches, shade trees, a park for children, and bronze sculptures scattered throughout. The downtown is dotted with lively restaurants and new art galleries, all in stately turn-of-the-century buildings.
• It’s very safe: Loveland enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the state of Colorado.
• It was voted the number one place in the nation to “Revitalize your Life,” by AARP Magazine!
• It ranked 15th on the list of fastest-growing metropolitan areas nationwide
Why is Loveland so appealing?
1. It’s full of recreational activities
Whether you are into outdoors or indoors, there’s always something fun to do.
-Go boating on Lake Loveland…or sunbathe on its pretty, sandy shores.
-Go golfing…for cheap! The golf courses in Loveland are owned by the city, well maintained, but the prices are low and very reasonable for retirees.
-Cheer on the local ice-hockey team. Loveland has its own hockey team and the games are very popular and always sell out.
-Listen to world-class music. Both Rod Stewart and Sarah MacLauchlan have recently performed at the local Budweiser Event Center.
2. There’s Art Everywhere
Thanks to a thriving community of working sculptors, the city is regarded as one of the best art towns in the United States. The town is scattered with sculptures, and there are several special exhibits throughout the year.
-Loveland Museum/Gallery is a very progressive center for historical exhibits and the performing arts. Right now they are showing one of a kind stone sculptures from South Africa.
-Benson Park is a beautiful, tranquil sculpture garden that’s a great place to walk around and wonder. Every August there is a “Sculpture in the Park” exhibit and an international, invitation-only exhibit, “the Sculpture Invitational.”
4. Senior Recreational Activities
Loveland has a state-of-the-art full service Recreation Center (the Hatfield Chilson Senior Center) that offers a friendly atmosphere for recreation, learning, culture, and health support as well as hot lunches every weekday through the Volunteers of America Retired Senior Volunteer Nutrition Program.
• Get Social: senior area includes pool tables, shuffleboard and a lounge area…or go on an organized day trip such as brunch and shopping or the Denver Center for a musical with other seniors (for a nominal fee). The center even organizes extended trips for seniors from 2 days to 2 weeks all over the world
• Get Healthy: the services include Blood Pressure Checks, Foot Care, Adult Wellness Clinic, Therapeutic Massage, and Medicare Assistance.
• Get Pretty: the services also include Pedicures and Manicures!
• Get Fit: The silver sneakers fitness classes have outstanding participation. The most popular classes are yoga stretch, ballroom dancing, aqua fitness and silver sneakers cardio circuit and muscular strength! (Many classes are free; others suggest a small donation.)
5. It’s fun for the family to visit
-It’s easy to get to: the nearest airport is right there Fort Collins - Loveland Airport (though only direct to Las Vegas – retirees favorite weekend gambling getaway) and Denver International Airport is only 45-minute drive away.
-There are great places to stay. Try the nearby Sylvan Dale Guest ranch (Named “Best Family Vacation” by Frommer’s Colorado guidebook!). This historic working horse and cattle ranch is nestled along the banks of Colorado’s beautiful Big Thompson River. It offers opportunities for riding, fly fishing, tennis, swimming and even cattle roundups. 2-bedroom suites go for under a $200, and rooms for under a $100.
There are tons of family activities. The most special is the Loveland Corn Roast Festival every fall. The town hosts free corn eating and corn shucking contest (senior groups are great at that!) There’s even a corn roast festival parade. See below!