Sitting just eight miles west of Denver, Lakewood is an outdoorsman’s paradise. It’s just east of the Rocky Mountains and plays host to activities like hiking, biking, and more! Within the city limits there are almost 100 parks and over 7,000 acres of green space and trails. 

One local notes a particular neighborhood being a good spot for the outdoor lovers:
*just realized Green Mountain is actually just a neighborhood in Lakewood! In any event, Green Mountain has fantastic views and hiking trails, and the houses near there are nice and have good views. If you decide to move to Lakewood, recommend taking a look at houses there.*

Outdoor paradise!

Best Part About Lakewood 

Lakewood is an expensive city. The cost of living in the city is about 6% higher than the Colorado average and 28% higher than the national average. Keep in mind it might seem cheaper if you’re used to neighboring Denver, but it’ll be sticker shock to anyone moving here from a smaller, less expensive place.

A note from a local about the lifestyle of living here:
*But it's boring! It's your all American typical suburbia. Lots of chain restaurants and stores to dump your money into. You'll always be within walking distance of a Walmart, Starbucks, and McDonalds. Belmar is full of Jr. High kids. The lakes and hills and things are pretty to walk around. If that's your thing, then yes, Lakewood is perfect.*



It’s expensive

Worst Part About Lakewood  

The city of Lakewood is an older, more affluent city in general. The median age is about 39 years old and the cost of living is quite a bit higher than the national average. While clubbing and nightlife may be lacking, it’s still an active city and locals enjoy hiking, biking, and spending a lot of time outside when the weather permits. And when it doesn’t? It’s time to hit the slopes!


Lifestyle of Lakewood

Lakewood’s unemployment rate is about 6% lower than the national average, making it a great place to work and live. Some who live in the city choose to commute to nearby Denver, but why commit to the headache of commuting if you don’t have to? The largest employers in the area are local government, Jefferson County Public Schools, and Terumo BCT. Companies with a large presence in Lakewood include Einstein Bros. Bagels, FirstBank, and The Integer Group.


Workstyle of Lakewood

Lakewood is the perfect place to move if you’re getting sick of overcrowded larger cities or recently went remote and want to add a little life to your work life balance! Families will love the amount of activities and green space for weekend adventures, as well as the amazing schools. 


Work/Life Balance

Why You Should Move Here Now?

Anyone looking to raise a family is going to flock to the beauty of Lakewood. There are great schools, plenty of amenities, and is big enough not to miss skyscrapers. Check out these neighborhoods if you’re a young family looking to settle down!
- Eiber 
- Green Mountainside
- West Gate


Young Families

Eiber

Families with older kids will love the amount of activities to keep everyone busy, while being close enough to Denver and Red Rocks for a killer date night, when time permits! Check out these neighborhoods that keep you close to the amazing schools, with just as amazing homes:
- Eiber
- Bear Creek
- Applewood


Established Families

Bear Creek

If you’re looking for an outdoorsy, friendly city full of activities and adventure, look no further than Lakewood. Stay close to restaurants, shopping and more with these neighborhoods. 
- Belmar
- Belmar Park


Empty Nesters

Belmar

Lakewood

**Thoughts on Lakewood? Possibly Moving to Denver**

I lived in Lakewood when I first moved to Denver. Just like everybody else is saying - it's nice, a good location, blah blah blah I picked it for the same reason you did.

But it's boring! It's your all American typical suburbia. Lots of chain restaurants and stores to dump your money into. You'll always be within walking distance of a Walmart, Starbucks, and McDonalds. Belmar is full of Jr. High kids. The lakes and hills and things are pretty to walk around. If that's your thing, then yes, Lakewood is perfect.

No good microbreweries (except maybe Ironworks?) The bus takes 45 minutes to get you downtown (at least from the Belmar area) - yeah, it's a 10 minute drive, but I always hated bringing my car downtown. Especially if you plan on grabbing some drinks - which you'll want to do, because the number of decent bars in Lakewood is few and far between, and caters more to the middle age crowd. My friends and I spent a lot of time arguing over who had to be the designated driver. We spent a lot of time at the Rackhouse and the Skylark where parking was decent.

When I lived in Lakewood I spent most of my days lazily walking my dog, downloading shit off the internet to watch, and grilling meat. During ski season, we were conveniently located 15 minutes from hours worth of I-70 traffic. It was "nice".

If I were fixin' to pop out some kiddos and buy a house, I'd probably move back to Lakewood.

**Thoughts on Lakewood? Possibly Moving to Denver**

After living in Lakewood for about 4½ years, I really like it. It is, however, the only place in Colorado I've lived. That said, it's close to downtown, while also still being close(r) to the mountains. I'd prefer Golden, personally, but that costs quite a bit more. I think I might also like Evergreen, actually, but that may be too far from the city.

Really, Lakewood nicely splits what's important to me: close to the mountains, close to the city, affordable. Trying to get any more of one of those things means less of the others.

**Thoughts on Lakewood? Possibly Moving to Denver**

I live in the hood right now (Green Mountain) and I don't mind it. I too am young, but opted to not live in town because I wanted to be closer to the mountains. There is some cool stuff happening though. 40 west arts district, Light rail, plenty of dive bars along west Colfax... The music scene is a bit lacking however and you will have to venture into town for that, but on the other hand, you would be in close proximity to Red Rocks.

Lakewood, Colorado