Peace and order situation in Loveland? (Greeley, Center: apartments, crime rates, home)

[enikkor]

We have been considering Loveland as retirement destination.
Can somebody offer firsthand opinion of Loveland as a town for a retired
couple?
We are in the early 60's active, and into walking and exercises.

How's crime in Loveland?

Any changes in demographics in the last few years which affects crime rates?

Any history of vehicle and home theft increases?

Gun ownership in Colorado?

Thanks.

[StealthRabbit]

It's very peaceful and orderly... (I moved away 28 yrs ago, but visit many times / yr. Still have friends in Loveland Police and Fire Depts.

Most of my 'older' friends are in their 70's - 90's and not in fear. Some of them still leave their doors unlocked (which is handy when I come driving in late at night 3x this yr). One friend has a business next to his home, and the door is always open there. I stop in and use the shower / bathroom.

There may be a bit more petty theft with economy down, but demographics are pretty stable in Loveland. Some areas vary, we were just talking about this today, that the region to the east side of downtown (Civic Center) has a history of being one of the poorer neighborhoods (for the last 80 yrs at least). It is too bad, as downtown and near senior center would make a perfect 'walkable neighborhood'. You can draw a line from Chilson Center (library / senior / rec center) to Safeway and live along that route pretty safely (and still be walkable). New Apartments across from Museum might work too , otherwise my preference is west of Bill Reed on Fourth St to old hospital (Now retirement apartments) and north to the lake. Plenty of places to chose in that region.

I have lived on both sides of the tracks (East and West), generally much calmer and restful with longterm neighbors on the west side. I avoid 'suburbia' (subdivisions), but there are plenty of nice ones in the area. You just have to drive for everything. I really liked biking while in Loveland. It is very ez to get around, and I rode to work everyday but 3 the last yr I lived there. My home was on Kirkview Park, so I could easily bike to Ft Collins or south Loveland as I was working in both locations (as well as occasionally Greeley).
http://www.ci.loveland.co.us/index.aspx?page=633 pretty peaceful, except for road noise from 287.

[MtnLion512]

Originally Posted by enikkor

Gun ownership in Colorado?

Thanks.

No permit is required for purchase of guns in CO (I'm talking handgun/shotgun/rifle) however I believe the dealer is required to keep a record of the sale. You don't have to register existing guns with the state. Permit is required if you want to carry a concealed weapon.

I know shotguns can't hold more than 3 shells...if it does, you need a plug to bring it down to 3.

When I bought my .357 magnum, my current address had to be on my DL (couldn't be an older address) and there was a background check and 45 minute waiting period.

I'm not a hardcore enthusiast by any means, but the processing for buying my 12-gauge and revolver was very easy and straightforward. Someone else might be able to give you a more comprehensive answer.

[enikkor]

I have a few pistols of diff. calibers(.22cal. 9mm 40, and 45cal). and about half are more of "target type pistols", and half are service type mainly for defensive purposes. Although I have a concealed pistol permit in SD, and I don't know it's reciprocity in Colorado, I may apply for one, but don't intent to carry. It's only for extreme cases.

My shooting is more of plinking, for enjoyment and some practices in defensive sit.such as home invasion. It is for those hopefully does'nt times when there is no way out. I don't intent to run around wearing a pistol.