Colorado

Situated along the Rocky Mountains' front range in northern Colorado, about 50 miles north of Denver, Loveland (population 65,000) is known as the "Sweetheart City" and often lands on "great places to live" lists. It is sometimes considered a bedroom community of larger Fort Collins (population 135,000 and home to Colorado State University), but it is its own city, a pretty metropolis laid out around quiet, man-made Lake Loveland with the Rockies as the western backdrop. 

Life in Loveland is generally tranquil. Thanks in part to its 5,000 acres of protected open space, it still retains much of its rural, small town quality. Residents benefit from an active parks and recreation department that manages a large farmer's market, 32 public parks and 16 miles of dog-friendly bicycle and pedestrian paths (keep an eye out for elk, mountain lions and especially black bears in the late summer and early fall). There are three city golf courses, and Boyd Lake State Park, on the eastern edge of town, has boating, picnic areas, hiking trails and offers a summer concert series. Ten minutes to the west of town, hilly hiking and biking trails beckon. An hour to the north, extraordinary Rocky Mountain National Park has camping, elk viewing, cross country skiing and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery that Colorado has to offer.

An up and coming artist community, primarily comprised of sculptors, showcases its work at the annual summer Art in the Park event. The Rialto Theater is the venue for local theater, ballet and musical presentations. The Loveland Public Library is undergoing an expansion and will soon house a technology center with free wifi access and a variety of classes. 

COLT provides local bus transportation 12 hours a day, Monday through Saturday. The regular fare is $1.25 per ride, but people age 60 and above ride for 60 cents. Monthly passes are available. RTD, the Regional Transportation District, provides bus transportation north to Fort Collins and south to Denver. There are no commuter trains. Denver International Airport is an hour away.

The state of the art senior center shares the 67,000 square foot recreation facility located in the city's Civic Center. It is managed by the city's park and recreation department and has a swimming pool, a steam room, two gyms and racquetball courts. In a seniors-only area, the more mature demographic enjoys billiards and other activities, and a full program of senior events is offered, including potlucks, afternoon teas and exercise classes. Further services include senior nutrition classes, blood pressure checks, foot care clinics, adult wellness clinics (provided by Larimer County Health Department.), therapeutic massage and spa treatments, pedicures and manicures, Medicare assistance and day trips.

Loveland has two hospitals, and medical care is quite good. McKee Hospital has 115 beds, is privately owned and is a designated Level III Trauma Center. It is award-winning and accepts both Medicare and Medicaid patients. The Medical Center of the Rockies has 135 beds, is also privately owned and is a Level II Trauma Center. It, too, is award-winning and accepts Medicare and Medicaid patients.

While this pleasing city is not actually in the mountains, its elevation is 4,982 feet above sea level. Winters are chilly and can get cold, with temperatures ranging from the teens to the 40s and snow reaching 2 to 4 inches a month with occasional large dumpings (snow nearly always melts within a day or two). Summer temperatures are usually in the 80s and 90s. Humidity is practically non-existent, and the sun shines 235 days of the year. The air quality meets the national average, and the water quality exceeds the national average.

Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes

A low crime rate, seasonal weather, low humidity, abundant outdoor recreation, strong senior services, very good medical facilities and a generally high quality of life make Loveland a great place to retire.

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