Thinking about moving to Lakewood? Denver’s foothills-adjacent western neighbor, Lakewood offers strong value, big parks, quick mountain access, and the walkable Belmar district. This local guide covers the honest basics — cost of living, the best areas, getting around, and what locals wish they’d known — so you can plan your move with confidence.
Cost of living in Lakewood
Lakewood generally offers more space for your money than central Denver while keeping easy city and mountain access; central and Green Mountain areas vary in price.
Best areas in Lakewood
Belmar and central Lakewood for walkable, transit-close living; Green Mountain for homes with trail access; Applewood and the north near Golden; and Bear Valley and the south for family value. See our full guide to the best areas to live in Lakewood for more detail.
Getting around Lakewood
The W-Line light rail reaches Denver, and I-70 heads to the mountains; most residents keep a car for the spread-out layout and the foothills.
What to know before moving to Lakewood
It’s a value-and-outdoors focused suburb; weigh the commute and sprawl against foothills access, big parks, Red Rocks nearby, and the Belmar district.
Things to do once you arrive
Get a head start with our guide to the best things to do in Lakewood.
What Lakewood locals wish they’d known
The honest, current advice — which areas are worth it, the real commute, where to find community — comes from people who already made the move. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Lakewood community, real Lakewood neighbors answer newcomers’ questions candidly. Join your Lakewood neighbors free before you move →
The Lakewood angle
Newcomers get up to speed fastest by learning the neighborhoods and where locals actually go. Half the fun of settling in in Lakewood is stringing it together with the places nearby. Bear Creek Lake Park is the landmark most people orient around, but neighbors will tell you the Belmar plaza and Crown Hill Park are where the town really shows its character, with Green Mountain (William F. Hayden Park) worth a look if you have the time. Use those as your reference points and this guide slots neatly into a day that feels like Lakewood, not a checklist.
Keep exploring Lakewood
If this was useful, these companion guides cover Lakewood from angles that pair naturally with it: Best neighborhoods in Lakewood, Cost of living in Lakewood, Things to do in Lakewood. Together they add up to a full weekend without leaving town.
Ask a Lakewood neighbor
The best tips never make the guidebooks — they come from neighbors who know which spot is worth it this week. That is what the Lakewood community on Neighborhood Nurturers is for. Ask Lakewood locals what they would do, or join free and get honest answers from people who actually know Lakewood.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lakewood cheaper than Denver?
Often, yes — Lakewood generally offers more space for your money than central Denver while keeping easy access to the city and the mountains.
What are the best areas to live in Lakewood?
Belmar and central Lakewood for walkable living; Green Mountain for trail access; Applewood and the north near Golden; and Bear Valley and the south for family value. See our best-areas guide.
Do you need a car in Lakewood?
Most residents keep one for the spread-out layout and the foothills, though the W-Line light rail reaches Denver.
Is Lakewood a good place to move near Denver?
Yes — for value, big parks, quick foothills and Red Rocks access, the walkable Belmar district, and light rail to Denver.