Living in Lakewood Colorado gives families, young professionals, and retirees an appealing balance of outdoor adventure, comfortable neighborhoods, and easy access to Denver.
One of Lakewood’s biggest advantages is its access to nature. Residents can enjoy more than 100 parks and extensive trails, with the foothills and Rocky Mountains close by for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. At the same time, downtown Denver is only minutes away, giving residents the convenience of a major city without sacrificing Lakewood’s suburban atmosphere.
If you're considering moving to Lakewood Colorado, give our Lakewood movers a call at 720‑794‑8482 for a free estimate!
Where Is Lakewood Colorado?
Lakewood is a home-rule municipality in Jefferson County, Colorado, and one of the principal cities of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area. It’s also part of the Front Range Urban Corridor, an 18-county region along the eastern face of the Southern Rocky Mountains that spreads across Colorado and Wyoming.
Lakewood is bordered by Denver to the east, Wheat Ridge to the north, Edgewater to the northeast, Morrison to the southwest, Dakota Ridge to the south, and Applewood, Golden, East Pleasant View, and West Pleasant View to the northwest.
How Close Is Lakewood to Major Colorado Cities?
Lakewood Population & Demographics
Lakewood, Colorado, had an estimated population of 156,868 as of July 1, 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city’s official 2020 Census population was 155,984, up from 142,980 in 2010. It is a gain of 13,004 residents, or 9.1%, over the decade.
Lakewood, Colorado, is the 3rd largest city in the Denver metro area after Denver and Aurora. The Denver metropolitan area is home to 2.96 million people. Lakewood is also the 5th largest city of the Front Range Urban Corridor, which is home to 5 million people.
The racial and ethnic composition of Lakewood is 78.6% white (68.2% non-Hispanic), 22.4% Hispanic, 4.1% Asian, 1.6% Black or African American, 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 10.7% two or more races.
Additional Lakewood Colorado demographics:
- Median household income: $85,988 (Denver metro: $98,975)
- Homeownership rate: 60%
- Median age: 37.9 years (metro: 37.3 years)
- Sex ratio: 51% male to 49% female
- Educational attainment: 45% bachelor’s degree or higher (metro: 49%)
- Foreign-born population: 6.8% (metro: 12%)
- Veteran population: 5.2% (metro: 6.3%)
Getting Around Lakewood Colorado
Lakewood is right at the intersection of US 6 (running east-northeast from Provincetown, MA to Bishop, CA) & Colorado State Highway 121, which connects the city to Broomfield and Littleton. While living in Lakewood CO, you’ll also use these major highways:
- Interstate 70 Business, a nearly 24-mile route through Denver, Aurora, West Pleasant View, and Lakewood
- Colorado State Highway 8 connecting Lakewood to Morrison, CO
- Colorado State Highway 95 running north-south from Denver to Westminster
- Colorado State Highway 391 running north-south from Lakewood to Wheat Ridge
- Colorado State Highway 470 serving Jefferson, Douglas, and Arapahoe counties
Public transportation within the metro area is overseen by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The RTD provides bus and rail service across 8 counties in the Denver metro area. Six new light rail and commuter rail lines plus commuter bus service are planned under the FasTracks expansion plan. The RTD’s W Line, or West Rail Line, was the first light rail line opened under the expansion program and serves Lakewood. The main Lakewood-Wadsworth Station offers parking. Other stations serving the city include the Oak Station, Federal Center Station, and Red Rocks College Station.
Intercity bus service is provided by Bustang: Lakewood is on the company’s West Line, which runs from Denver to Grand Junction.
Easy commuting and transit options can make living in Lakewood CO, even more appealing. Call 720‑794‑8482 or request a free estimate to plan your move around your daily routes.
What is the Cost of Living in Lakewood Colorado?
The Lakewood CO cost-of-living index is 130, meaning overall living costs are estimated to be about 30% higher than the U.S. average. Colorado’s statewide index is 111, so Lakewood is also about 17% more expensive than the state average. Housing is the primary driver, with a local housing index of 196 (about 96% above the national benchmark).
Groceries and utilities are very close to the national average, while health care is affordable at 16% below the national average.
Housing is very expensive and pushes the cost of living in Lakewood Colorado, much higher. Transportation and miscellaneous living expenses like taxes and childcare are also higher than average for the country.
How Much Do You Need to Earn to Live in Lakewood?
According to the MIT Living Wage calculator, a single adult needs to earn a living wage of $20.01 in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area. For a family of four with two children, a single adult needs to earn $43.33 per hour, or both adults need to earn $29.27 to afford the Lakewood cost of living.
Is Lakewood Colorado Safe?
Before moving to Lakewood Colorado, crime may be a concern. Lakewood has experienced an increase in violent crime over the past decade, with 459 gun-related violent crimes in 2022.
The Lakewood CO, crime rate is 6,137 total crimes per 100,000 people, with 814 violent crimes and 5,324 property crimes per 100,000 people. The homicide rate is 7.6 murders per 100,000 people. The city’s crime rate is 164% higher than the national average, with 120% more violent crime than the national average.
By comparison, the Colorado crime rate is 3,640 total crimes and 493 violent crimes per 100,000. Colorado overall has more crime than the national average.
Despite the high crime rate, many areas of Lakewood are very safe for families, singles, and retirees! Most crime is property crime and tends to be concentrated in a handful of neighborhoods.
Lakewood Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices in Lakewood
Housing is likely your biggest living expense and will depend if you plan to rent or buy a home.
The average rent in Lakewood CO is $1,904 for an 874-square-foot apartment. That’s a bit higher than the national average. Some of the most expensive neighborhoods for renters include Addenbrooke Park, Belmar Park, East Belmar, and Jefferson Gardens. The Green Mountain area, Rooney Valley, Edgewater, and Eiber are among the most affordable places to live in Lakewood for renters.
If you’re going to buy a home after moving to Lakewood, be prepared for a very competitive housing market and high home prices. The Lakewood median home price is $530,000 and $279/square foot. The average home for sale gets three offers and sells in 17 days!
If you’re interested in new construction, new homes in Lakewood have a median price of $600,000. Townhomes offer a more affordable alternative to single-family homes with a median list price of $460,000.
Once you’ve found the right home for living in Lakewood CO, call 720‑794‑8482 or request a free estimate so our Lakewood movers can handle the logistics from door to door.
Lakewood Neighborhoods | Best Places to Live in Lakewood CO
Lakewood has many beautiful neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own charm and amenities like picturesque parks, rec centers, and cultural attractions. Lakewood has it all, from bustling urban neighborhoods to quiet, family-friendly subdivisions. Here are just some of the best neighborhoods in Lakewood to call home.
Belmar
Better known as downtown Lakewood, the Belmar neighborhood is the shopping, dining, and arts district of Lakewood. 22 square blocks surround a central plaza with ice skating in the winter and summer concerts. You’ll love living in downtown Lakewood CO, with bowling, a movie theater, art galleries, dozens of restaurants, museums, parks, and shopping all within reach.
Kendrick Lake
One of the most desirable Lakewood neighborhoods, Kendrick Lake surrounds Kendrick Lake Park, home to an iconic xeric garden, large playground, lake fishing, and miles of trails. This tight-knit community is known for its regular community events as well as gorgeous waterfront homes.
The Eiber area is one of the best neighborhoods in Lakewood CO, for families. You’ll find a good mix of established neighborhoods and new subdivisions and enjoy a central location close to nature and mountains and the downtown area. Families also appreciate the many neighborhood parks and recreation centers like the James J Richey Park, Sunset Park, and the Charles Whitlock Recreation Center.
Lakewood Weather & Climate
The Lakewood climate is cold semi-arid (Bsk) according to the Köppen climate classification. While living in Lakewood Colorado, you’ll enjoy mild winters and warm summers.
The average summer temperature is 77°F, with an average July high temperature of 88°F. About 30 days per year high temperatures over 90°F.
During the winter, the average temperature is 43°F, with an average January low temperature of 18°F. About 154 days per year get nighttime low temperatures below freezing, and 5 days get nighttime temperatures under 0°F.
Lakewood gets 18” of annual rainfall compared to the national average of 38” but 65” of annual snowfall – more than double the national average!
The best time to visit Lakewood, CO is June or August to September for the mildest, most pleasant weather without extreme heat, cold, or snow.
Best Restaurants in Lakewood Colorado
Ready to explore Lakewood CO food and the city’s best restaurants? You’ll find a diverse selection of Lakewood restaurants for everything from African stews and Rocky Mountain oysters to American comfort food. Here are just some of the best places to eat in Lakewood.
The Ranch is a locally owned restaurant with classic American fare, a full bar, and sports on the TV. They’re known for their comfort food and Friday fish fries.
The Ranch @ West 40, 12101 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215 (303) 233-0957
Sunrise Sunset has served Lakewood since 1984. This long-standing cafe is a local favorite for hearty breakfast and lunch options.
Sunrise Sunset, 1424 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80232 (303) 986-6065
One of the top restaurants in Lakewood for special occasions, Simms Steakhouse is an upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant with fantastic views, Sunday brunch, and a bar and lounge.
Simms Steakhouse, 11911 W 6th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80401 (303) 237-0465
Things to Do in Lakewood CO
Ready to see what living in Lakewood really has to offer? There are tons of things to do in Lakewood Colorado, for families and singles alike, with world-class outdoor recreation like golfing, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping.
Visit your local Lakewood recreation center for swimming, fitness, and community programs, or enjoy indoor Lakewood activities like visiting local art galleries, museums, and entertainment destinations.
Here's a look at some of the best things to do in Lakewood!
Top Lakewood Attractions
- Bowlero Lakewood is more than a bowling alley: this entertainment destination boasts 32 bowling lanes and arcade games plus a sports bar and lounge.
- Bear Creek Lake Park is a 2,600-acre park with campgrounds, a lake with swimming, hiking, and equestrian trails. More than 500,000 people visit every year!
- 40 West Arts is a nonprofit creative district along Lakewood’s West Colfax Avenue with over 40 cultural and art organizations like the 40 West Gallery, a community art gallery space.
- Fox Hollow Golf Course and Homestead Golf Course are gorgeous public city golf courses. One of the top destinations for golf in metro Denver, the facility has three 9-hole courses with a driving range and club and cart rentals.
Lakewood Museums, Entertainment & Arts
- Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park is a unique museum, history park, and festival experience with indoor and outdoor exhibits. Explore 15 historic buildings, rotating exhibits, and more than 40,000 artifacts.
- Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys exhibits a large collection of antique and rare toys, dolls, and dollhouses with regularly changing exhibits.
- Lakewood Cultural Center is a 320-seat performance center with gallery spaces, art exhibits, and community classes.
- HANGAR 101 Bar & Grill is a top entertainment destination with foosball, bowling, and pool tables, with a brick-lined bar and pub fare.
Lakewood Parks & Outdoors
- Kendrick Lake Park is known for its picturesque lake (with fishing!) and the large xeric garden. There’s a large trail around the lake with a large playground and picnic areas.
- Addenbrooke Park is one of the best parks in Lakewood CO, for families, with bike paths, a playground, picnic shelters, and a large lake with mountain views. There’s even a horse arena and equestrian trails, plus basketball and tennis courts and fields for baseball and soccer.
- Belmar Park: This picturesque, sprawling park is the crown jewel of Lakewood with 132 acres of grasslands and woods, 17 acres of water, a playground, and the Heritage Lake Belmar Park attraction.
Shopping in Lakewood
- Belmar Shopping Center is one of the largest shopping centers in Lakewood with a cinema, art studios, restaurants, and major retailers in an open-air development.
- Colorado Mills is a high-end indoor mall on West Colfax Avenue with an IMAX theater and dozens of shops.
Map of Lakewood Things to Do
Lakewood CO Jobs
Lakewood has a strong and diverse economy. There are more than 70,000 jobs in Lakewood CO. That’s plenty of job opportunities for a city with 102,000 residents between 18 and 64, especially considering Lakewood is just a short commute from downtown Denver and the West Metro Denver area, with many jobs in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Major industries and employment sectors in the city include:
- IT and software
- Financial services
- Marketing and advertising
- Federal, state, and local government
- Education
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Medical device manufacturing
- Retail
According to Payscale, the average salary in Lakewood is $71,000 per year or $21.07 an hour.
Major employers in Lakewood Colorado include:
- Denver Federal Center (600-acre federal campus employing 6,000 federal employees across 26 agencies)
- State of Colorado
- City of Lakewood (jobs)
- Jefferson County School District or Jeffco Public Schools (jobs)
- Terumo BCT (medical device manufacturer)
- St. Anthony Campus (healthcare)
- FirstBank (financial services)
- Home Advisor
- Colorado Christian University
- Red Rocks Community College
What Is Minimum Wage in Lakewood Colorado?
Lakewood residents follow Colorado’s state minimum wage, which is 15.16 per hour in 2026 for most non‑tipped workers. Some employers pay higher local rates across eastern Jefferson County.
Ready to explore new career opportunities before moving to Lakewood CO? You can start your search for jobs in Lakewood CO, on Indeed and check for openings with the top employers above.
Schools in Lakewood Colorado
While living in Lakewood, you will be served by Jefferson County School District R-1, also known as Jefferson County Public Schools or Jeffco Public Schools. The district serves about 81,000 students throughout Jefferson County across 166 schools.
There are several public high schools in Lakewood CO, including Lakewood High School, Addenbrooke Classical Academy (6-12 charter school), and Green Mountain High School. Highly rated elementary schools in Lakewood Colorado include Dennison Elementary School and Addenbrooke Classical Grammar School (PK-5 charter school).
Families can also choose from many top private schools in Lakewood, like Augustine Classical Academy and Denver Christian Academy.
Interested in higher education? Lakewood is home to multiple private and public universities and colleges:
Lakewood, Colorado Information
- County: Jefferson
- Area: 43.5 square miles
- Lakewood ZIP codes: 80214-80215, 80227, 80226-80228, 80232, 80235-80236, 80401 and 80123
- Lakewood area codes: 303 and 720
- Elevation: 5,518 feet
- Time zone: UTC-0:700 (MST)
- Closest airports: Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) in Broomfield, 15 miles away, and Denver International Airport (DEN), 30 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Lakewood CO
Where Is Aviation Park in Lakewood Colorado?
Aviation Park is located in Lakewood, Colorado, within Jefferson County, and is easily accessible from nearby neighborhoods via local streets and trails.
What Is the Sales Tax in Lakewood Colorado?
Most of Lakewood has a combined sales tax rate around 7.5%–7.93%, made up of Colorado state tax, Jefferson County tax, and a 3% city tax, with slight variations by exact location.
What Is the Air Quality in Lakewood Colorado?
Lakewood’s air quality is generally considered “Good” to “Moderate,” with AQI readings often in the 30–50 range. Check current data before outdoor activities, especially on days with higher ozone or particulates.
Which City Is Close to Lakewood, Colorado?
Denver is directly east of Lakewood. Nearby cities like Wheat Ridge and Littleton sit to the north and south, making Lakewood a convenient base for the wider metro.
Is Lakewood Colorado in the Denver Metro Area?
Yes. Lakewood is part of the Denver metro area, located just west of downtown Denver and closely integrated with regional transit, jobs, and amenities.
Who Is the Mayor of Lakewood Colorado?
Lakewood has a mayor‑council government; for the current mayor’s name and term details, check the city hall website, as elected leadership can change over time.
Where to Eat in Lakewood CO?
Popular places to eat cluster along major corridors and in mixed‑use districts where you can discover local restaurants, breweries, and cafes that serve Lakewood residents commuting between Denver and the foothills.
Lakewood Colorado Map
Ready for Life in Lakewood Colorado? Start With a Free Moving Quote
Current data on schools, jobs, housing, and lifestyle suggest that for many households, Lakewood Colorado, is a great place to live. Living in Lakewood CO offers a blend of urban‑suburban convenience, above‑average public schools, and strong outdoor amenities, with local reviews highlighting friendly residents, diverse dining, and an active arts and recreation scene.
Homegrown Moving & Storage has established itself as a trusted Lakewood mover, with transparent pricing, licensed and insured crews, and strong customer feedback that demonstrate both reliability and care.
When you’re ready to find out first‑hand whether Lakewood CO is the right place for you, call 720‑794‑8482 or request a free moving quote so our Lakewood movers can design a move that aligns with your timeline, home type, and neighborhood choice.
