Moving to or from Lakewood?
Denver's largest western suburb, sitting at the base of the Front Range where the plains meet the foothills — 155,000 residents with direct access to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, federal research campuses, and Bear Creek Lake Park's 2,600 acres of trails.
- 155,000 City population
- 3,000,000 Metro area
- 1969 Founded
- Jefferson County / Denver Metro Region
Why people move to Lakewood.
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park — one of the most famous concert venues in the world, with natural sandstone acoustics
- The Denver Federal Center — a massive federal research campus with Geological Survey, NOAA, and more
- Bear Creek Lake Park — 2,600 acres of trails, swimming beach, and camping within the city
- Belmar — a mixed-use town center that created a walkable downtown in west Lakewood
- Being the jumping-off point for I-70 mountain-bound skiers and hikers
- Colorado Mills shopping mall and Lakewood's extensive retail corridor
Lakewood is one of the youngest incorporated cities in Colorado — it only became a city in 1969, consolidating several unincorporated Jefferson County areas after decades of suburban growth. The city never had a traditional downtown and instead grew around shopping centers and neighborhood nodes; the newer Belmar mixed-use development has tried to create a 'downtown' feel.
Where people live in Lakewood.
A quick guide to Lakewood's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Belmar
Mixed-use walkable town center with condos, apartments, restaurants, and retail
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Applewood
Upscale established neighborhood near I-70 with larger lots and foothill views
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Green Mountain
Hillside neighborhoods with mountain and Denver skyline views; hiking access
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Bear Valley
Mid-century ranch homes on tree-lined streets near Bear Creek Lake
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Morrison-adjacent
Close to Red Rocks and Morrison's historic main street
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Union Square
Newer developments near the RTD light rail and Federal Center
Where people spend their time in Lakewood.
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison
- Bear Creek Lake Park South Lakewood
- Belmar Town Center Central Lakewood
- Lakewood Heritage Center Central Lakewood
- Green Mountain Trail System West Lakewood
- Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison) Morrison
Planning a Lakewood move.
- Lakewood sits at 5,500-6,500 feet elevation; altitude adjustment is real for flatland transplants — pace physical work and hydrate during moves
- Winter can bring sudden snow storms and Chinook warm-ups; moves December-March require weather flexibility
- Front Range housing has been among the fastest-appreciating in the country; inventory is tight and prices remain elevated
- I-70 mountain-bound traffic Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings is legendary; schedule moving trucks around ski-weekend peaks
Moving in Lakewood: FAQ.
Is Lakewood in Denver?
No — Lakewood is its own incorporated city in Jefferson County, bordering Denver to the west. Most residents consider themselves part of the Denver metro and work in Denver, but they have their own city government, police, and fire. School districts in Lakewood are Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco), not Denver Public Schools.
Is Lakewood expensive compared to Denver?
Median home prices run similar to or slightly below Denver proper, with more single-family housing stock and larger lots. Lakewood is generally more affordable than Denver's popular urban neighborhoods (LoHi, Wash Park) but competes with east-metro suburbs like Aurora and Centennial. Property taxes in Jeffco are moderate.
How does Lakewood compare to Arvada or Golden?
Golden (home of Colorado School of Mines and Coors) is more small-town and outdoor-oriented but has very limited housing supply. Arvada is comparable in size and family-oriented with a charming Olde Town. Lakewood is larger, more commercial, and has the best direct access to Red Rocks and the mountain corridor.
Do I need to worry about altitude when moving to Lakewood?
Some. Lakewood sits 5,500-6,500 feet above sea level; newcomers often feel mild effects (headaches, shortness of breath on stairs) for 3-7 days. Drink more water than usual, ease into physical activity, and avoid heavy alcohol initially. Most moving crews are local and acclimated; they'll set the pace accordingly.
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