Denver's western gateway — Bear Creek Lake, Casa Bonita, and light rail to downtown
Lakewood's median home price of $557K–$566K as of 2026 makes it the most affordable large community on the west side — sitting below Golden ($850K) and Evergreen ($830K–$878K) while offering direct W Line light rail access to Union Station in roughly 30 minutes. Jefferson County R-1 (A−, #22 in CO) covers the entire city; D'Evelyn Jr/Sr HS, ranked #1 among public high schools in Colorado, is open to all Jeffco residents by application. With 157,000 residents, Colorado's 5th largest city brings Bear Creek Lake Park's 2,624 acres, a walkable Belmar urban village, the Denver Federal Center employment hub, and St. Anthony Hospital all within city limits.
Communities in the same region, same county, or a similar price tier as Lakewood.
Lakewood is served by Jefferson County School District R-1, rated A− by Niche and ranked #22 in Colorado. D’Evelyn Jr/Sr High School ranks #3 among public middle schools statewide and is open to all Jeffco residents by application. Devinny Elementary ranks #59 among public elementary schools in Colorado. Green Mountain High School and Lakewood High School are the main comprehensive campuses. District boundaries are complex — verify enrollment eligibility by address.
Lakewood is approximately 10 miles west of downtown Denver via US-6 or Colfax Avenue. Off-peak drive time is 15–20 minutes; during rush hour, expect 30–45 minutes. The RTD W Line light rail runs 12.1 miles with 13 stations from Lakewood/Wadsworth to Union Station in approximately 30 minutes. Lakewood is also 15 minutes from I-70, making it a gateway to ski country.
As of February 2026, the median home price in Lakewood is approximately $557K–$566K at roughly $270 per square foot. Redfin reports $557K (down 2.6% year-over-year) while Zillow shows $566K (down 2.8%). Prices range from $300K condos to $1M+ homes in Solterra and Green Mountain neighborhoods. Homes average about 42 days on market, up from 27 days the prior year.
Bear Creek Lake Park is Lakewood’s centerpiece — 2,624 acres with a lake, swim beach, camping, and 10+ miles of trails including mountain biking. Green Mountain rises to a 2,400-foot summit with 6+ miles of trails and panoramic Front Range views. Belmar Park adds 132 acres with a fishing lake and walking trails. The Bear Creek Greenbelt provides a connecting trail system through south Lakewood.
Lakewood’s crime rates are moderate — higher than the Jefferson County average but below Denver. The property crime rate is 58 per 1,000 (NeighborhoodScout), though it varies significantly by neighborhood. Niche assigns a Crime & Safety grade of C.
Lakewood’s cost of living is below Denver but above the national average, making housing competitive for the west-side metro. The combined sales tax rate is 7.5%. Residential properties are assessed at 6.25–7.05% under Jefferson County rates. Median household income is $89,792.
Lakewood offers a diverse dining scene anchored by several notable spots: • Casa Bonita — iconic cliff-diver restaurant reopened by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone • 240 Union — upscale New American dining in a historic building • WaterCourse Foods — longstanding vegetarian and vegan institution • Belmar district — concentration of restaurants and cafes in a walkable urban village The city has 5+ breweries including Joyrides Brewing and Cider Boy. The Belmar Farmers Market runs on summer Sundays.
St. Anthony Hospital is located in Lakewood and operates as a Level I Trauma Center, high performing in 4 adult procedures according to U.S. News. Multiple UCHealth, CareNow, and St. Anthony-affiliated urgent care clinics serve the city. Denver Health is 15 minutes away and the Anschutz Medical Campus is 25 minutes east.
