Firstly why Lakewood, Colorado?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Lakewood
• State: Colorado
• Population: 156,798 people
• Lakewood’s quick summary would be Known for its extensive park system and vibrant arts community.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 10,000 annually
• Net Migration: 10000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 5,000
• Number of Homeless people: 800

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers accessibility to Denver and family-friendly amenities attracting families

Perk #1: Lakewood Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 69%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $59,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lakewood is $65,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Lakewood’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,322
• Property Tax %: 0.72%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,250
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lakewood
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Lakewood, Wheat-Ridge, Morrison, Golden, and probably could include Littleton
• Avg. Age of Homes in Lakewood: 58 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Lakewood’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Lakewood are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Education
• Lakewood Job Scene: healthy job market in manufacturing and services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech presence mainly in local services and small business solutions , ,
• Lakewood Resident’s pay $1,300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Lakewood: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 120 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 9

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lakewood

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-70 runs through Lakewood providing access to the broader Denver area
• Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening bottlenecks on Wadsworth Boulevard
• Transportation Score: 64 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Lakewood: 120,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Lakewood: dmv.colorado.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Denver International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Lakewood’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Severe storms
• General Weather in Lakewood is best described as experiences cold winters with snow and mild summers with moderate temperatures
• Winter Weather in Lakewood i’d describe as chilly with snow
• Spring Weather in Lakewood can be described as cool and mild
• Summer’s in Lakewood are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Lakewood is usually mild and pleasant
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 11 days in summer
• Days in a row in Lakewood below Freezing: 41
• Average Annual Rainfall: 16 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality primarily from urban areas
• Lakewood Winter Air average air quality influenced by urbanization

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Lakewood Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Lakewood 6
• While the number of trade schools inside Lakewoods’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lakewood Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Lakewood Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Lakewood only Doctors is about 150
• Local Hospitals here is  12
• Full-time Lakewood only Police Officers is about 260
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Lakewood’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Lakewood’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• Lakewood’s Water Quality Score: 77

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lakewood

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: diverse suburb with parks and access to urban amenities
• You might enjoy concerts at the Lakewood Heritage Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lakewood  features a mix of local bars and restaurants with a welcoming atmosphere for socializing after work

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lakewood

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a mix of family-friendly dining and chain options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 100 scattered around Lakewood
• The Popular Sports Team is Lakewood High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Lakewood can be described as politically mixed suburb focused on family and community development
• Lakewood’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lakewood Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Lakewood Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Lakewood has 75 Parks?
• Addenbrooke Park is Lakewood’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Lakewood Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Lakewood Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Lakewood can be described as moderate suburban atmosphere with access to urban amenities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lakewood hiking trails community events picnic activities
• The Cities people commute to from Lakewood are Denver 10 miles away Littleton 9 miles away Golden 12 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Lakewood or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening bottlenecks on Wadsworth Boulevard. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Lakewood’s Severe storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Lakewood is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lakewood are Denver 10 miles away Littleton 9 miles away Golden 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Lakewood has 41 days in a row below freezing and 11 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Lakewood people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   800 homeless people living in Lakewood. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed suburb focused on family and community development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lakewood.

Retiree & Senior Life in Lakewood

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access local exemptions enhancing the affordability of housing
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Lakewood
• Lakewood Senior Center offers wellness programs arts classes and community engagement opportunities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Lakewood, Colorado?

If Lakewood, Colorado ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lakewood, Colorado, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!