You want a neighborhood that lets your kids burn energy on trails and playgrounds while keeping your daily drive to Denver manageable. Lakewood gives you both, but the best fit depends on how you balance walkability, yard space, transit, and access to big parks. In this guide, you’ll compare five popular Lakewood areas through a family lens and get links to objective resources you can trust. By the end, you’ll have a short list and a clear way to evaluate your next home. Let’s dive in.
How to choose in Lakewood
Start with what matters most to your week. Use these pillars to compare neighborhoods:
- Commute and transit. Consider access to US‑6, Wadsworth, I‑70 or C‑470 and proximity to RTD bus and light rail options. Check routes and schedules on the Regional Transportation District site at RTD.
- Schools and programs. Lakewood is served by Jeffco Public Schools. Verify boundaries and explore program offerings through Jeffco Public Schools, then review accountability data on the Colorado Department of Education’s SchoolView portal.
- Parks and outdoor access. Identify nearby playgrounds, trailheads and lake access using the City of Lakewood’s parks and recreation pages and Jefferson County open space resources at Jefferson County.
- Everyday amenities. Map groceries, pediatric care, libraries and rec centers and decide how often you want to walk versus drive.
- Housing type and lot size. Decide if you prefer single‑family homes with larger yards or a low‑maintenance condo or townhome close to shops and events.
Neighborhood short list for active families
Belmar
If you want to walk to errands and activities, Belmar is an easy pick. You’ll find a mixed‑use town center with shops, restaurants, and seasonal events, alongside nearby condos, townhomes and pockets of single‑family homes. Many families like the convenience of groceries, classes and kids’ activities close by.
Outdoor options are mostly smaller parks and plazas inside the district, with quick drives to larger green spaces. You can plan weekend time at bigger parks using the City’s parks directory.
Commute access is a strength here. Proximity to Wadsworth and US‑6 helps shorten drives to central Denver compared with west‑side addresses. Transit riders can connect to RTD bus corridors or light rail options on the W Line. Check frequency and routes at RTD.
Housing leans denser near the town center, so yards are often smaller. The trade-off is higher walkability and a lively street scene.
For schools, start with boundary and enrollment details on Jeffco Public Schools and use SchoolView for objective performance data. Programs and boundaries can change, so verify during your home search.
Green Mountain
If you want daily access to foothills trails, Green Mountain stands out. Many streets sit on hillsides or hilltops with views, and single‑family homes are common. You’ll find quieter residential pockets and a strong outdoor rhythm.
You’re close to Green Mountain Park and trail networks toward Bear Creek and the foothills. Use Lakewood’s parks pages and county open space resources at Jefferson County to locate trailheads and facilities.
Commutes to downtown can be longer than central Lakewood, but access to C‑470 and west‑side arterials keeps many routes manageable depending on your schedule. If you plan to use light rail or park‑and‑ride options, explore W Line connections through RTD.
Homes vary by pocket, with many larger lots compared with central areas. If you value garage space for bikes and gear and quick trail access, this area fits the bill.
Check school boundaries and programs with Jeffco Public Schools and compare academic metrics on SchoolView before you tour.
Lakewood City Center / Downtown Lakewood
City Center gives you a middle ground. You’ll see older single‑family streets, newer infill and multifamily options near civic amenities like cultural venues, libraries and recreation centers. The location is central to much of Lakewood.
Outdoor access includes neighborhood parks and paths, with straightforward drives to major destinations like Bear Creek Lake Park. Use the City’s parks directory to map the closest playgrounds and fields.
Commutes are balanced, with several arterials including Wadsworth, Alameda and Colfax/US‑40, plus access to the RTD bus and light rail network. Review schedules and stops at RTD to plan your route.
Housing spans entry to move‑up price points, making it easier to match your budget and space needs.
Schools and boundaries vary by address. Confirm your pathway on Jeffco Public Schools and use SchoolView to review school‑level reports.
Applewood / West Lakewood
Applewood features established neighborhoods with tree‑lined streets and many mid‑century single‑family homes. Larger lot sizes are common in many pockets and the area has a neighborhood feel.
Parks are smaller and local, though you can reach larger open spaces with a short drive. The City’s parks pages are a good starting point for playgrounds and field listings.
Commute routes typically rely on Wadsworth, Colfax/US‑40 and I‑70, with traffic that varies by time of day. If you plan to mix transit into your commute, check nearby bus corridors and W Line connections through RTD.
The housing stock skews toward single‑family, and the lower density can appeal if you want room for a backyard swing set or garden.
As always, verify school boundaries at Jeffco Public Schools and consult SchoolView for accountability data.
Bear Creek / South Lakewood
If your family spends weekends on water, trails and outdoor programs, the Bear Creek area offers direct access to one of the region’s largest park resources. Neighborhoods here sit near Bear Creek Lake Park and a wide mix of recreation opportunities.
Use the City of Lakewood’s parks directory to review amenities like swimming areas, boat rentals, trails and picnic sites. Cross‑check regional trail connections at Jefferson County if you plan longer rides.
South Lakewood commutes to downtown can run longer, though west and south suburban commutes may be efficient. Review RTD options for bus and light rail at RTD if you want a car‑optional day.
Homes include a range of single‑family and townhouse options. If you prioritize proximity to large park assets and weekend recreation, Bear Creek is worth a hard look.
Confirm school pathways at Jeffco Public Schools and review school reports on SchoolView.
Commute planning made practical
Your future schedule is the best guide. Try these steps:
- Test two or three drive windows that match your routine. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey offers context for resident commute patterns at data.census.gov, but your exact time of day matters most.
- Explore transit alternatives for each neighborhood using RTD. Compare bus headways and W Line light rail timing.
- Review regional traffic and transportation studies at DRCOG if you want a broader view of long‑term projects and travel trends.
Parks, trails and recreation at your doorstep
Lakewood invests heavily in parks and programming. Before you tour homes, map your must‑have amenities:
- Use the City’s parks and recreation pages to find playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks and community centers.
- Check Jefferson County open space listings at Jefferson County to plan bigger trail systems and foothills access.
- Note which trailheads are paved or natural surface if you plan to jog with a stroller or teach a child to ride.
Schools and programs, simplified
Lakewood is served by Jeffco Public Schools, which offers a broad set of programs, from AP to arts and technical pathways that vary by school. To compare options fairly:
- Confirm attendance boundaries and enrollment options on Jeffco Public Schools. Many families use choice and open enrollment.
- Review academic performance, growth and accountability frameworks on the Colorado Department of Education’s SchoolView site.
- Visit schools and talk to administrators about programs that match your child’s interests. Boundaries and offerings can change, so verify as part of your home search.
A quick touring checklist
Bring this checklist when you visit homes:
- Commute test. Drive your actual route at your actual time on a weekday.
- Transit check. Identify the nearest RTD stops and W Line stations on RTD and note peak headways.
- Parks scan. Visit the closest park or trailhead to see parking, restrooms, and playground condition. Use Lakewood parks for locations.
- Errands run. Time how long it takes to reach groceries, daycare, a pediatrician and a library.
- School plan. Confirm school pathways via Jeffco Public Schools and review data on SchoolView.
- Safety research. Review police resources and reports at the City of Lakewood’s police page and consider multi‑year trends.
Which one fits your week?
- Choose Belmar if you want maximum walkability and short drives to Denver. Expect smaller yards and a lively town center vibe.
- Choose Green Mountain if trail time is a daily priority and you want single‑family homes with access to the foothills.
- Choose City Center if you prefer a central location with balanced commutes and a mix of housing types near civic amenities.
- Choose Applewood if you want established, lower‑density streets and many single‑family homes on larger lots.
- Choose Bear Creek if you want direct access to a major park for boating, fishing and trail systems, and you can accept longer downtown drives.
Get local, technically informed guidance
Every family’s “best” neighborhood looks different. If you want hands‑on help testing commute scenarios, verifying school boundaries, and mapping parks and amenities house by house, partner with a local team that does this daily. With practical construction and planning experience plus Front Range market reach, we help you weigh trade‑offs clearly so you can buy with confidence.
Ready to narrow your list and tour? Connect with Envision Realty Group to get a tailored neighborhood plan and on‑the‑ground guidance. Talk to Danna and start your Lakewood search.
FAQs
What are the shortest commutes to downtown from Lakewood neighborhoods?
- Central areas like Belmar and City Center generally offer shorter drives due to proximity to US‑6 and major arterials, while west and south neighborhoods may add time; compare with transit options at RTD.
How can I research public schools serving my Lakewood address?
- Start with boundary and enrollment tools at Jeffco Public Schools, then review objective performance and growth data on SchoolView.
Which neighborhoods offer the best access to trails and open space?
- Green Mountain and Bear Creek areas provide close access to large trail systems and park amenities; plan visits using Lakewood parks and Jefferson County resources.
Are there walkable Lakewood neighborhoods for families?
- Yes, Belmar and parts of City Center feature mixed‑use, walkable streets with shops and services close by, with school and program research available through Jeffco Public Schools.
Where can I find official crime and safety information in Lakewood?
- Review resources and reports on the City of Lakewood’s police page and consider multi‑year trends rather than month‑to‑month changes.
How do I compare commute options across neighborhoods?
- Use real‑time drive tests, check bus and light rail schedules at RTD, review regional travel insights from DRCOG, and use ACS context at data.census.gov.
