5 Things Every Home Buyer Wants to Know Before Moving to Lakewood

Lakewood, Colorado is one of the most versatile and well-rounded cities in the Denver metro area. With a population of over 155,000, it’s large enough to offer extensive amenities, parks, neighborhoods, and shopping — yet its proximity to the foothills gives it a laid-back, outdoorsy feel that many home buyers love.

Located just minutes from downtown Denver and bordering the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, Lakewood blends convenience and natural beauty. From the 2,400-acre Bear Creek Lake Park to the walkable Belmar district, Lakewood appeals to buyers looking for space, accessibility, and a wide range of housing options. Whether relocating from out of state or moving from a nearby city, Lakewood offers a balanced lifestyle that fits many different needs.

Here are five key things every home buyer wants to know before moving to Lakewood, designed to provide clear, unbiased, and helpful local insight.

Lakewood at a Glance 

Location: Immediately west of Denver, extending toward the foothills
Population: ~155,000
Lifestyle: Suburban convenience + outdoor recreation + city access
Housing: Ranch homes, townhomes, new builds, foothill neighborhoods
Commute: 10–20 min to Downtown Denver; 20–30 min to DTC
Outdoor Access: Bear Creek Lake Park, Green Mountain, Fox Hollow Golf Course
Major Hub: Belmar — Lakewood’s downtown-style district

1. Lifestyle & Local Vibe

Lakewood offers a comfortable, suburban feel with excellent access to parks, retail, dining, and outdoor experiences. It’s large enough to provide every major convenience, yet still maintains quiet neighborhoods, mature trees, and a strong community atmosphere.

A City With Something for Everyone

Lakewood attracts a wide variety of residents, including those who want:

• Quick access to downtown Denver
  
  
  
  

• A shorter drive to the mountains
  
  
  
  

• Spacious suburban neighborhoods
  
  
  
  

• Walkable commercial districts
  
  
  
  

• Strong recreation centers and parks
  
  
  
  

• A mix of older homes and newer developments
  
  
  
  

The city’s diversity — in people, neighborhoods, home styles, and amenities — is one of its biggest strengths.

Belmar: Lakewood’s Central Gathering Place

Belmar is the heart of modern Lakewood. This walkable district features:

• Restaurants and cafés
  
  
  
  

• Retail stores and boutiques
  
  
  
  

• Entertainment venues
  
  
  
  

• Seasonal events
  
  
  
  

• Wide sidewalks and open plazas
  
  
  
  

Popular spots include:

• Tstreet Roadhouse
  
  
  
  

• Chuy’s Tex-Mex
  
  
  
  

• Wasabi Sushi
  
  
  
  

• Little India
  
  
  
  

• Wahoo’s Fish Taco
  
  
  
  

• Whole Foods
  
  
  
  

• Century Theatres
  
  
  
  

Belmar hosts concerts, art walks, winter ice skating, holiday markets, and community festivals throughout the year.

Outdoor Living at Its Best

Lakewood is known for its abundance of open space and recreational areas. Outdoor enthusiasts love the easy access to foothill trails, golf courses, and large parks.

Community favorites include:

• Bear Creek Lake Park — 2,400 acres of trails, a lake, beaches, paddleboarding
  
  
  
  

• William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park — iconic hikes & biking trail systems
  
  
  
  

• Addenbrooke Park — sports fields, trails, playgrounds
  
  
  
  

• Carmody Park — open fields & recreational amenities
  
  
  
  

• Fox Hollow & Homestead Golf Courses
  
  
  
  

Whether hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, or simply relaxing outdoors, Lakewood offers an impressive range of options.

2. Schools & Education 

Lakewood is served by Jeffco Public Schools, one of Colorado’s largest school districts. The district provides a variety of educational programs across neighborhood schools, option schools, charter schools, and nearby private programs.

Public School Overview

Jeffco Public Schools offers:

• Traditional K–12 neighborhood schools
  
  
  
  

• STEM, arts, and project-based learning options
  
  
  
  

• Career & technical education pathways
  
  
  
  

• Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-credit opportunities
  
  
  
  

• Early childhood education programs
  
  
  
  

Families can review performance, enrollment details, and program information through:

• The Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
  
  
  
  

• Jeffco Public Schools SchoolFinder tools
  
  
  
  

• Independent educational data websites
  
  
  
  

This ensures buyers receive accurate, publicly available information.

Charter & Specialty Schools

Several charter and option schools are available within Lakewood and nearby communities. Admissions, curriculum, and program details can be found directly through each school.

Private School Options

Lakewood and surrounding areas offer private and faith-based schools with a variety of academic philosophies. Families can review admissions and program offerings directly with each institution.

School Boundaries

Attendance boundaries can change, so buyers should verify schools through Jeffco’s boundary locator tools. Real estate professionals can provide resource links but cannot steer buyers toward specific schools.

3. Real Estate Market & Home Styles

Lakewood’s housing market offers something for almost everyone: historic homes, spacious ranches, modern townhomes, new construction, and foothill properties with views. Its location and amenities keep demand strong year-round.

Common Home Styles in Lakewood

• Mid-century ranch homes (very common in central Lakewood)
  
  
  
  

• Two-story suburban homes in planned neighborhoods
  
  
  
  

• Townhomes & condos near Belmar and transit
  
  
  
  

• Newer construction in Solterra and other developing pockets
  
  
  
  

• Foothill properties near Green Mountain with scenic views
  
  
  
  

• Updated homes with modernized interiors and open layouts
  
  
  
  

Typical Price Ranges (citywide averages)

• Condos/Townhomes: $350,000–$550,000
  
  
  
  

• Single-Family Homes: $600,000–$900,000
  
  
  
  

• Newer Construction: $800,000–$1.2M
  
  
  
  

• Luxury or foothill homes: $1.2M–$2M+
  
  
  
  

Price varies based on condition, neighborhood, size, views, and proximity to amenities.

Popular Neighborhood Areas

• Belmar Area — townhomes, walkability, retail
  
  
  
  

• Green Mountain — foothill access, trails, views
  
  
  
  

• Solterra — luxury-inspired planned community
  
  
  
  

• Southern Gables — mature neighborhoods with ranch homes
  
  
  
  

• Lakewood Estates — established, quiet residential pockets
  
  
  
  

• Applewood (shared with Wheat Ridge/Golden) — large lots, mature trees, mid-century charm
  
  
  
  

Market Conditions

Lakewood tends to see steady buyer demand due to:

• Proximity to downtown Denver
  
  
  
  

• Quick access to mountains and outdoor recreation
  
  
  
  

• Diverse neighborhoods and home styles
  
  
  
  

• Major shopping districts and services
  
  
  
  

• Strong community infrastructure
  
  
  
  

Move-in-ready homes, especially those near Belmar or Green Mountain, often sell quickly.

4. Commute & Connectivity

Lakewood is ideally located for commuters, remote workers, and those who want fast access to both the city and the mountains.

Typical Commute Times

• Downtown Denver: 10–20 minutes
  
  
  
  

• Denver Tech Center (DTC): 20–30 minutes
  
  
  
  

• Golden: 10 minutes
  
  
  
  

• Wheat Ridge/Arvada: 10–15 minutes
  
  
  
  

• Denver International Airport: 35–45 minutes
  
  
  
  

Major Roads & Highways

Lakewood is served by several major thoroughfares:

• 6th Avenue (US-6) — fast corridor into downtown
  
  
  
  

• Wadsworth Blvd — north-south connection
  
  
  
  

• Colfax Avenue — east-west urban connector
  
  
  
  

• C-470 — southern metro loop
  
  
  
  

• I-70 — quick access to the mountains
  
  
  
  

This makes commuting simple for a wide range of locations.

Public Transit Options

RTD provides strong transit coverage in Lakewood, including:

• W Line Light Rail — connecting Lakewood to downtown and Golden
  
  
  
  

• Bus routes throughout the city
  
  
  
  

• Park-and-ride facilities
  
  
  
  

Walkability & Biking

Walkability varies by neighborhood, but Lakewood includes many pedestrian-friendly pockets, especially near:

• Belmar
  
  
  
  

• Green Mountain
  
  
  
  

• Central Lakewood parks and trails
  
  
  
  

The city also offers extensive biking trails and paths connected to regional systems.

Nearby Services & Daily Amenities

Residents have convenient access to:

• Grocery stores (Whole Foods, Safeway, King Soopers)
  
  
  
  

• Retail (Belmar, Colorado Mills nearby)
  
  
  
  

• Medical facilities (St. Anthony Hospital, Lutheran Medical Center)
  
  
  
  

• Recreation centers (Carmody, Green Mountain Rec Center, Charles Whitlock Rec Center)
  
  
  
  

• Parks, libraries, and community centers
  
  
  
  

Lakewood is designed for easy day-to-day living with strong local infrastructure.

5. Things To Do & Local Hot Spots

Lakewood offers a wide range of activities — from hiking Green Mountain to shopping in Belmar to enjoying lake days at Bear Creek Lake Park.

Restaurants & Breweries

Local favorites include:

• Tstreet Roadhouse
  
  
  
  

• Little India Belmar
  
  
  
  

• Café Jordano
  
  
  
  

• Tokyo Joe’s
  
  
  
  

• Old Chicago
  
  
  
  

• Great Frontier Brewery
  
  
  
  

• WestFax Brewing Company
  
  
  
  

• Lakewood Grill
  
  
  
  

Coffee Shops

• Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters
  
  
  
  

• Blue Nest Coffee
  
  
  
  

• Pinyon Coffee Co.
  
  
  
  

• Starbucks (multiple)
  
  
  
  

Parks & Outdoor Favorites

Lakewood is a top destination for outdoor recreation. Highlights include:

• Bear Creek Lake Park — trails, water sports, camping
  
  
  
  

• Green Mountain — popular hiking & biking with panoramic views
  
  
  
  

• Addenbrooke Park
  
  
  
  

• Crown Hill Park (nearby)
  
  
  
  

• Kendrick Lake Park — native plant garden & walking loop
  
  
  
  

• Fox Hollow Golf Course
  
  
  
  

This access to nature is a core part of Lakewood’s appeal.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

• Lakewood Cultural Center — theater, art shows, concerts
  
  
  
  

• Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park — museum & historic exhibits
  
  
  
  

• Belmar District — shopping, dining, seasonal events
  
  
  
  

• Crown Hill Open Space — nature preserve & trail system
  
  
  
  

• Colorado Mills (bordering Golden)
  
  
  
  

Events & Community Activities

Lakewood regularly hosts:

• Summer concerts
  
  
  
  

• Art walks
  
  
  
  

• Farmers markets
  
  
  
  

• Holiday festivals
  
  
  
  

• Outdoor movies
  
  
  
  

• Community classes & workshops
  
  
  
  

The city’s event calendar is active year-round.

Is Lakewood the Right Fit?

Lakewood offers the perfect blend of suburban comfort, city convenience, and outdoor accessibility. With numerous parks, recreation centers, walkable districts, and a wide array of housing options, it appeals to buyers seeking space, amenities, and an easy commute.

Whether you're looking for foothill access, a modern townhome, a mid-century ranch, or a quiet neighborhood with mature trees, Lakewood provides a lifestyle with both balance and variety.

Ready to Explore Lakewood Homes?

If you're considering a move to Lakewood, explore available listings, compare neighborhoods, or connect with a real estate professional who understands the area’s diverse market and community features.