Loveland

http://www.lovelandoh.com/

First settlers came in 1795 and named the place after James Loveland, first postmaster here.  The wooded hillsides and the scenic Little Miami River draw people to this area, which features good schools, affordable housing, plenty of sports facilities and an active youth sports program.  Its community theater offers two productions a year and holds open auditions.  Its Bike Trail, popular with walkers, bikers and in-line skaters, is approximately 50 miles long and has 22 miles of paved trail from Milford to Morrow.  A big attraction is the medieval-style Loveland Castle, believed to have been built by its owner, Harry Andrews, most of his adult life.  There are golf courses, a historical museum, a senior community center, and 77-acre Lake Isabella Park.  Loveland is known as "Valentine City" and its seal says "Sweetheart of Ohio."  It recently received a national award from America in Bloom, a non-profit promoting beautiful programs nationwide.  Planned is a $30-million redevelopment of six acres of its downtown with 65 new row houses, townhouses, office space and retail.