Lakewood is a small town in Colorado.
However, it’s one of the most admired areas in the state.
Whether you have a big family or you are solo, you may find this town suitable for your own unique situation.
So, if you’re considering calling Lakewood, CO your new home, don’t take the leap before you read all about the advantages and the disadvantages of living here.
Contents
Pros of Living in Lakewood, CO
Affordable
Affordability may be a big thing for most people when it comes to relocating to a new area.
While the homes in Lakewood are higher than the average in the country, compared to other areas in the state, they are much cheaper.
This is one of the main reasons why many people choose to move from Denver and other major cities in Colorado and relocate to Lakewood.
Great School Districts
In total, Lakewood has about 100 schools.
There are plenty of charter schools, private schools, and public schools in town.
If you have kids and are highly concerned about their education, you won’t have to worry about that if you move to Lakewood.
This is because Lakewood is known for its quality schools.
Schools in Jefferson County R1 district are known for their high performance levels.
Close Distance to Denver
Being close to a major city may or may not be important to you.
But, for those who do consider it necessary, it’s safe to say that Denver is in close proximity to Lakewood.
It’s about a 10 to 30-minute drive from one another.
Denver has more than 700,000 people living there.
It’s packed with various amenities and things you may not otherwise find in Lakewood.
Plenty of Food Cuisine Options
If you are a foodie, you are going to love the variety of cuisine options offered in Lakewood.
You can count on everything from seafood, and authentic Mexican food, to tasty BBQ dishes.
If you’re a vegan, there are plenty of options for that as well.
Do you prefer a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, or a fancy, white tablecloth restaurant?
Either way, Lakewood offers both, and everything in between.
Dog Park Galore
If you have a dog, you are going to simply enjoy the fact that Lakewood has over a dozen dog parks in the city.
Additionally, there are plenty of businesses that are dog-friendly.
The city also hosts a yearly dog walk known as the “Furry Scurry.”
This is an event that raises money for their city animal shelter.
Whether you own a dog or just love them, you will see plenty of them around the city.
Breathtaking Views
Lakewood has many breathtaking views, so get ready!
The city overlooks the Denver skyline downtown.
Lakewood also has a nice view of the Rocky Mountains just to the west.
Whether you are enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, or settling down in the evening, you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful view to go with it.
A Large Number of Hiking Trails
If you are an outdoorsy type of person, you will love to know that Lakewood has many miles of hiking and walking trails.
There are more than 80 parks within close distance of Lakewood.
Plus, the Rocky Mountains are a short distance away.
Lakewood is definitely a town full of nature.
You can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities and stay fit at the same time!
Enjoy Transition of All Four Seasons
You can enjoy all four seasons if you move to Lakewood.
Most people love the fact that they can get a taste of all seasons.
This means you won’t have to deal with too much heat or too much cold throughout the year.
In the winter, you can count on plenty of snowfall.
During the spring and summer, you will enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures.
Cons of Living in Lakewood, CO
Cost of Living Is High
Colorado in general has a high cost of living.
This also includes the town of Lakewood.
The cost of living here has been increasing over the past several years.
This means that not only are housing costs expensive, but you will find that groceries and other necessities will be expensive as well in comparison to other cities in the country.
Higher Elevation
If you are not used to living in areas of higher altitude, moving to Lakewood could be a huge adjustment for you.
Lakewood is located at a higher elevation which means you may experience dehydration, shortness of breath, and altitude sickness.
The good news is that once you have fully adjusted, these symptoms will go away.
However, it may be uncomfortable for those who are not used to it.
Natural Disasters Are Common
Depending on where you move to in the country, you will have to deal with some sort of natural disaster.
Whether it’s blizzards or hurricanes, you are almost unable to completely get away from dealing with something.
Lakewood, and the entire state overall, is susceptible to a variety of natural disasters.
While they don’t deal with nearly as much as other parts of the country, they do get a lot of blizzards, wildfires, and hail storms.
A lot of Traffic
Lakewood is conveniently located near highways and public transportation.
However, this also means that you will have to deal with a lot of traffic.
This is especially true during rush hour.
While this may not seem like a big issue for most, it can be extremely frustrating.
Driving to and from nearby cities can take much longer when there’s a lot of traffic.
Not a Huge Nightlight Scene
If you aren’t big on the nightlife scene, this won’t be a problem for you.
However, for those who thrive on nightlife, Lakewood may not be an ideal location to move to.
Lakewood has a few bars and great restaurants in town.
However, it isn’t the perfect choice for you if you’re looking for a bustling nightlife scene.
Fortunately, Denver is close by, so there are way more options there if you’re looking for a nice night out on the town.
Weather
Besides dealing with natural disasters, Lakewood has some pretty harsh weather conditions.
The weather in Lakewood can be unpredictable.
If you aren’t used to snow, you will be taken by surprise at the amount of snow you can get during the winter.
Additionally, the thunderstorms that Lakewood sees may be those you’ve never experienced.
Hail is also unpredictable as they can get pretty big.
High Rental Cost
The average cost for renting just a one-bedroom in Lakewood is $2,375, which is quite high compared to other areas in the country.
However, depending on the neighborhood you move to, you may find a 1 bedroom as low as $1,736.
Studios on average here cost $1,699 to rent.
These numbers are 41% higher than the national average.
If you have a tight budget with no wiggle room, this may not be the best town to move to.
High Infant/Childcare Costs
The average cost for infant care or daycare in Lakewood is $918 per month.
However, these numbers could be as high as $1,575.
For preschool-aged children, the typical cost can be as much as $12,390 per year.
In the entire state, childcare is only affordable for 6% of families.
These numbers could become a problem for you if you have infant or preschool-aged children that require care.
Pros and Cons of Living in Lakewood, CO – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Lakewood, CO | Cons of Living in Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|
| 1. Affordable | 1. Cost of Living Is High |
| 2. Great School Districts | 2. Higher Elevation |
| 3. Close Distance to Denver | 3. Natural Disasters Are Common |
| 4. Plenty of Food Cuisine Options | 4. A lot of Traffic |
| 5. Dog Park Galore | 5. Not a Huge Nightlight Scene |
| 6. Breathtaking Views | 6. Weather |
| 7. A Large Number of Hiking Trails | 7. High Rental Cost |
| 8. Enjoy Transition of All Four Seasons | 80 High Infant/Childcare Costs |
Lakewood Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Lakewood Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakewood, CO a great place to live?
Overall, Lakewood is a great city to live in.
Those who live there get a taste of urban and suburban living.
The majority of people here own their homes.
There are plenty of parks, coffee shops, and restaurants in Lakewood.
The majority of younger people living in Lakewood are conservative.
Additionally, the public school system in Lakewood is high quality.
What is Lakewood, CO known for?
Lakewood is a top choice for many people just moving into the state for the first time.
This is mainly due to the fact that it is close to Denver.
Additionally, Lakewood is known to have excellent transportation, breathtaking views, and plenty of shopping options.
If you love the outdoors, you will be happy to know that Lakewood is close to the Rocky Mountains.
This leaves plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite outdoor hobbies.
What's the school system in Lakewood, CO like?
Lakewood has nearly 100 schools in town.
These schools include high schools, preschools, public and private schools, and charter schools.
Lakewood High School alone ranks second in the school system within Jefferson County.
Some of the top schools in Lakewood, CO are:
- Green Gables Elementary School
- Bear Creek K-8 School
- Dennison Elementary School
- Addenbrooke Classic Academy
- Green Mountain High School
- Lakewood High School
What is the crime rate in Lakewood, CO?
The crime rate in Lakewood is 6.95.
The rate of violent crime occurs at 35 per 1000 people.
This is 50% higher than the national average.
The national average is 22.7 per 1000 people.
The property crime rate in Lakewood is 68.4 per 1,000 people, which is also higher than the national average.
When out and about in public, it’s important that you pay careful attention to your surroundings.
Is the cost of living higher in Lakewood than in Denver?
The cost of living in Lakewood is just a tad bit higher than the national average.
However, it’s more affordable to live in Lakewood compared to Denver.
Fortunately, you can still benefit from all that Denver has to offer as it is of close distance to Lakewood.
Lakewood, CO is a small town in Colorado that offers affordable housing, great school districts, and a variety of food options, but it also has a high cost of living and is susceptible to natural disasters.
Lakewood, CO is a small town in Colorado that is admired for its affordability, great school districts, close proximity to Denver, diverse food options, numerous dog parks, breathtaking views, and plenty of outdoor activities. However, the cost of living is high, it is located at a higher elevation, natural disasters are common, there is a lot of traffic, the nightlife scene is not very lively, and there can be harsh weather conditions. Overall, it offers a unique and diverse living experience with both pros and cons to consider.