Planning Loveland 2018 Trip (Denver, Colorado Springs, Greeley: apartment, renting, crime)

[BabyBoomers2]

Have already done a thread asking about living in Loveland, but here is a little bit of info concerning us:

We are both in our late 60's and making plans on moving out of northeastern Florida in May 2019. By the time of the move, both of us will be retired, but will look for part-time work wherever we end up moving to. We will be renting an apartment, not buying. If, by then, we are still physically able to boat, will have our boat here shipped to our new area.

Now, for the trip:

We are both very interested in Loveland. The population is much, much less than here and so is any crime. Most likely we will be checking out Loveland in July of next year, during the Larimer County Fair & Rodeo. Being that we have a major interest in rodeo and boating/fishing. Will check out the local lakes, boat storages and whatever else interests us. Frontier Airlines is suppose to start flying non-stop from Jacksonville, FL to Denver next Spring. This is the biggest way we will really find out if Loveland is our "Utopia" to live in.

BTW, we lived on the Front Range/Eastern Slope in both Englewood (south) and Parker for a total of 5 1/2 years, leaving in Oct. 2007. Except for the winters, we have really missed living in Colorado. Actually, we still have our winter parka's that we bought/wore there.

If I've left anything out, please let us know. We are REALLY, REALLY looking forward to this trip.

[BabyBoomers2]

Comments???

[BabyBoomers2]

So, good idea to "check it out" before moving there?

Read this AM that there is a big, two block, multi-use complex going in downtown called The Foundry. Some folks are excited about it, while others are not. Obviously, there are those in Loveland that thing "growth" is good, but living in an area where "growth" has taken place, doesn't always mean "good". Loveland is still much smaller than Jacksonville, FL, with a lot less people and traffic. The "smaller town" atmosphere and nice lakes are a nice draw for us. And, Loveland literally has no crime, compared to here.

But, Loveland may not be for us and the only way to see, without actually spending the money to move and then be dissatisfied, is to visit.

In our other thread, we were told a number of times just how much Loveland could be "our area" due to the way Loveland is and what we want/are looking for.

[TCHP]

Well, you have been asking these questions for many months and you are aware a visit before hand is a very, very good idea, so not sure there is much more we can add until you start getting into specifics.

[BabyBoomers2]

Originally Posted by TCHP

Well, you have been asking these questions for many months and you are aware a visit before hand is a very, very good idea, so not sure there is much more we can add until you start getting into specifics.

I see your Location is Colorado Springs. So, you know about Loveland?

From what I've seen, nobody who boats on the lakes in the Loveland area is part of this forum. I also wonder what the people of Loveland think of the parade that happens before the fair and rodeo. And, wonder what people think of the rodeo itself. I know there are those that live in Denver metro that wouldn't mind if the Stock Show & Rodeo, that happens there in January, was moved out of Denver completely.

Sort of funny, but on the 4th of July here, nothing was going on that interested us at all. There were fireworks downtown on the St. John's River, but there is just too much crime downtown at night for us to go there. We did see the fireworks, in the same area, after the Christmas Boat Parade a few years ago. I read online about the 4th of July Celebration that Loveland had and fireworks over the lake. That really reminded me of how much we really don't like it here. Anyway, we went to the fireworks display in Parker, when we lived there. It was wonderful.

[Miss Hepburn]

If i was going to Loveland...I would plan it to include the First or 2nd weekend in August for the International Sculpture Show...acres of art as big as a house or as small as a rabbit's ear...
wood, glass, metals, plastics, clay, bronzed...amazing!Many convention tents (10?).
You'll thank me.

[BabyBoomers2]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

If i was going to Loveland...I would plan it to include the First or 2nd weekend in August for the International Sculpture Show...acres of art as big as a house or as small as a rabbit's ear...
wood, glass, metals, plastics, clay, bronzed...amazing!Many convention tents (10?).
You'll thank me.

Sorry, not really interested in that stuff. Now, the parade, fair and rodeo.........definitely.

[TCHP]

I wouldn't say I know Loveland well at all. I have passed through and stopped a few times and it was nice enough that I'd stop again. I am up in the Windsor area a couple times a year in support of my kids athletic programs, but that's about it. I have looked into camping/boating possibilities on Boyd and Horseshoe and chosen to avoid them since I am limited to weekend efforts and the crowds and camping facilities there are booking 6 months in advance for summer weekends. As a retiree, you will have access to the multitude of waters of NorCo that I can only dream of.

If you haven't already hit the propaganda sites for the city and area, certainly do so.
City of Loveland | Home
Loveland, Colorado - Everything You Love near Denver and Estes Park
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loveland,_Colorado

Also expand that out to include the adjacent counties.
The Virtual Courthouse - Official Website of Larimer County, Colorado
https://www.weldgov.com/

Given your western slant, you might also explore the Greeley area as well since it is a short drive from Loveland and has events you may be interested in.
City of Greeley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeley,_Colorado
Greeley Stampede

Aug 6-8 is the Larimer County Fair and the month of August has numerous rodeos throughout the region.
Larimer County Fair & Rodeo
Loveland Rodeos | List of rodeos 2017 in Loveland, CO

[SkyDog77]

You have been asking the exact same question on here for months now. Not sure what information you feel like you're missing.

[EastwardBound]

Originally Posted by LoveBoating

So, good idea to "check it out" before moving there?

Read this AM that there is a big, two block, multi-use complex going in downtown called The Foundry. Some folks are excited about it, while others are not. Obviously, there are those in Loveland that thing "growth" is good, but living in an area where "growth" has taken place, doesn't always mean "good". Loveland is still much smaller than Jacksonville, FL, with a lot less people and traffic. The "smaller town" atmosphere and nice lakes are a nice draw for us. And, Loveland literally has no crime, compared to here.

But, Loveland may not be for us and the only way to see, without actually spending the money to move and then be dissatisfied, is to visit.

In our other thread, we were told a number of times just how much Loveland could be "our area" due to the way Loveland is and what we want/are looking for.

Tons of growth here in Loveland, for sure. On the plus side, growth means increasing property values and a booming economy with low unemployment and low poverty, but also means increasing traffic and crowding. I'd like to see moderate, steady growth, but not at this rate. Once a small town, Loveland is now pushing towards 80,000 and Larimer County has around 300,000 total.