What Out-Of-Staters Should Know About Moving to Lakewood, Colorado
It’s no secret that people love to visit Colorado. From skiing the slopes in the winter to hiking the trails in the summer, there is always something exciting to do here. But what if you could make your next visit a little more permanent? Here’s what out-of-staters should know about making the move to Lakewood, Colorado.
Moving to Lakewood, Colorado
The housing market is active
Colorado’s housing market is known to be one of the fastest growing in the country, and Lakewood is no exception. According to Redfin, most homes get multiple offers and the average time on market is just a week! The average home price in Colorado is $428,000. That’s a big difference from the average price of $459,000 in Denver and a whopping $687,000 in Golden, just a few miles west.
Of course, Lakewood offers a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to beautiful and modern new townhomes starting in the high $300s. Depending on the area, you may even find a home that is near the Light Rail, a major transportation hub in the area. Lakewood’s W Line can connect you to Denver, Golden, and many of the places that make Colorado such a desirable place to live.
There are plenty of opportunities for employment
If your move to Lakewood will kick off a search for a new job, you’ll be happy to know that many employers are local to the Lakewood area. That means less commute time and more time enjoying the other amenities Lakewood (and your new home) have to offer.
Currently, the average median income for Lakewood is $58,227 and the unemployment rate is only 3.7%! Some of the area’s biggest employers include the Denver Federal Center, Jefferson County R-1 School District, St. Anthony’s hospital, FirstBank, City of Lakewood, and Kaiser Permanente.
Lakewood schools are highly rated
There are over 100 schools in the Lakewood area, from preschool to high school, public schools to charters and private academies. Lakewood also gets access to Jefferson County R1 schools, where nearly 75% of schools rank at or above the national average. The best part? Many of them are located close to some of the most popular neighborhoods! Lakewood High School is also ranked #2 in the entire Jefferson County district, making it a sought-after school for anyone moving to the state with older children.
The area offers open space and city life
Lakewood sits directly west and southwest of Denver, and encompasses Green Lake and Bear Creek Lake Park. Situated right off Highway 6 and with major intersections running through it, you can get just about anywhere in Lakewood in 15 to 20 minutes. With favorite hangout spots like Belmar and Colorado Mills, you’ll have quick and easy access to shopping, restaurants, and some local loved breweries.
Want to drive into Denver for work or play? Most Lakewood residents can avoid the area’s major interstates as well as bumper-to-bumper traffic. Lakewood residents can also jump on the W Line, or even a local bike and skip the drive altogether.
Of course, weekend life in Lakewood is best of all: you can enjoy local nightlife, restaurants, and shopping, and nature all in one day! If you want to explore, you’re right off Highway 6, which can take you through Golden or straight to I-70 where you can access those Rocky Mountain views! No matter what sort of lifestyle you hope to lead when you move to Lakewood, this area has it all.
There is plenty to explore in Lakewood
If you’re someone who loves finding something new, Lakewood is the place to be. With so much to do and see, you’ll never run out of new sites and attractions to discover — no matter your age or interests. Here are just some of the highlights:
- Hundreds of hiking and bike trails
- Nearby lakes, creeks, and reservoirs
- Colorado Mills Mall
- Local breweries
- Belmar district
- The renowned Casa Bonita
Lakewood is also close to so many great Colorado attractions, like
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
- Colorado Music Hall of Fame
- Colorado Railroad Museum
- The Denver Botanic Gardens
- Famous Fourteeners (don’t worry, you can drive up some of them!)
- And much more!
If you love the downtown Denver area, but don’t want to break the bank to live there, Lakewood also offers fast and easy access to all your favorite spots. In some parts of Lakewood, like the West Line Village Community, you’re just five stops from downtown Denver and seven stops from Golden. All you have to do is hop the W Line and you can quickly explore all Denver has to offer, like 16th Street Mall, Union Station, Coors Field, and endless restaurants, breweries, shops, and nightlife.
Moving to Lakewood, Colorado? Make West Line Village your new home
Lakewood combines the best of all worlds: affordable housing, great schools, and peaceful and friendly neighborhoods with virtually instant access to plenty of trails and open space. Plus you get equal access to fun Colorado experiences and the great outdoors!
Lakewood isn’t just a great place to visit; it’s a great place to call home. You can do just that at West Line Village. Our low-maintenance, energy-efficient townhomes are perfectly designed for living your best Lakewood life. Ready to see for yourself? Book an appointment to tour your new home today!