Lakewood sits right where Denver meets the foothills. As Colorado’s fifth-largest city, it offers diverse neighborhoods, light rail, a vibrant town center and quick access to the mountains. Here’s what to know about living in Lakewood, Colorado.
Location and commute
Lakewood is the largest city in Jefferson County, with about 156,000 residents (2020 census), directly west of Denver. RTD’s W Line light rail, which opened in 2013, has seven stations in Lakewood connecting to downtown Denver and Golden. US-6, I-70 and C-470 make it easy to head into the city or up to the mountains.
Belmar and things to do
Belmar, Lakewood’s walkable town center, replaced the old Villa Italia Mall and now features shops, restaurants, apartments and events. Lakewood is also minutes from Red Rocks Amphitheatre in nearby Morrison.
Parks and outdoors
Lakewood has an impressive amount of open space. Green Mountain and William F. Hayden Park offer hiking and biking with city and mountain views, and Bear Creek Lake Park provides trails, fishing and boating. Many neighborhoods are just minutes from foothill trailheads.
Jobs
The Denver Federal Center in Lakewood is the city’s largest employer and one of the largest concentrations of federal agencies outside Washington, D.C.
Schools
Lakewood is served by Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco), along with charter and private options. Confirm schools for a specific address.
Homes in Lakewood
Lakewood offers a wide range of homes: post-war ranches and split-levels, foothill homes with views, newer townhomes near light rail, and condos near Belmar. This variety makes it attractive to first-time buyers, move-up buyers and downsizers.
Thinking about Lakewood?
Browse our current listings or call us at (720) 403-2940. Own a home in Lakewood? Find out what it’s worth. Love the foothills? Read our guides to Evergreen and Conifer.