The Colorado Job Market
It only makes sense to consider your opportunities for employment before making a life-changing move to Lakewood. Fortunately, the area won’t disappoint you when it comes to job opportunities. Major employers in Lakewood include:- Federal, State, and Local Government
- Education
- Healthcare
- Social Assistance
- Medical Device Manufacturing
- Retail
- IT and Software
- Financial Services
- Advertising and marketing
Quality of Life in Lakewood, Colorado
Apart from plenty of jobs, Lakewood also offers several other benefits for those who move there. It has a suburban vibe with plenty of art and culture to enjoy and offers proximity to interesting activities and sites.The Cost of Living in Lakewood, CO
The cost of living in Lakewood is almost 1% cheaper than in Denver in every area, especially when it comes to housing. The average cost of a house in Lakewood is $409,300, and rent averages out to $1,446. While this is slightly higher than the national average, the average worker earns $69,805 in Lakewood, compared to the U.S. average of $53,490.Schools in Lakewood, CO
There are almost 100 schools to choose from in the Lakewood area, including preschools, high schools, charter schools, public schools, and private schools. Lakewood High School ranks second in the Jefferson County School system. Residents can also send their children to Jefferson County R1 schools, known for performing above the national average in all academic areas. The best schools in the area include:- Dennison Elementary School
- Green Gables Elementary School
- Addenbrooke Classical Academy
- Bear Creek K-8 School
- Green Mountain High School
- Lakewood High School
Top Neighborhoods in Lakewood
Schools aren’t the only consideration for families with children who move to Lakewood. You also want to ensure your children grow up in a safe, welcoming environment. If you’re moving to Lakewood, these are your best options for family living. Solterra Located between W Wesley Avenue and S Indiana Street, Solterra offers easy access to several excellent schools in the area. It’s also awash with parks and open spaces for children to enjoy, while adults love to enjoy golfing at one of two nearby courses or getting together for community events. This is an upmarket area with homes priced around the $1 million mark. Tamarisk Tamarisk is a community estate located close to Solterra. As such, it offers easy access to Denver, as well as good public schools and golf courses. Large homes in this development sell for around $1,2 million. Applewood Knolls Applewood Knolls has a strong sense of community with a sports complex for adults and children to play together. Most homes in this area have a ranch-style design and sell for around $1 million. Bear Creek Village This 470-home development focuses on conserving nature, safety, and community involvement. Once again, you’ll find many golf courses, schools, and community events to enjoy in this neighborhood. If you’re house shopping in this area, you can expect to pay over $1,5 million. Thraemoor Thraemoor’s pride and joy is the Harvey Park Recreation Center, where the community comes together to enjoy basketball and a gym. A two-story, multi-level home in Thraemor sells for around $1,2 million in Thraemor. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you should consider Union Square, Carmody, Kendrick Lake, or Belmar Park.Things to Do Near Lakewood
A great neighborhood is one thing, but nobody wants to spend all their time at home. When you live in Lakewood, you’ll find plenty of Colorado attractions to explore nearby. These are some of the best ones:Outdoor Activities
Bear Creek Lake Park, has three different lakes to choose from and offers plenty of opportunities to relax in nature. Top activities here include horseback riding, fishing, boating, archery, camping, and hiking over 15 miles of trails. The 2,400-acre William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park is another top hiking destination, offering an extensive network of routes up Green Mountain. While you’re there, you might also come across some wildlife, like rabbits, bluebirds, mule deer, and hawks. Crown Hill Park is a natural haven and the site of a National Urban Wildlife Refuge. It’s a great destination for wildlife viewing, hiking, jogging, biking, picnicking, rollerblading, horseback riding, and walking. Lakewood is a top golfing destination with several prestigious courses nearby. These include:- Lakewood Country Club
- Fox Hollow Golf Course
- Bear Creek Golf Club
- Fossil Trace Golf Club
Indoor Fun
The Carmody Recreation Center is a top hit with fitness enthusiasts, offering a weight room, gymnasium, and aerobics classes, as well as basketball and pickleball. Outdoor and indoor swimming pools add to the enjoyment on offer. Children and adults alike can lose themselves for hours at the Rods and Bods Movie Car Museum on Colfax Avenue. Admire the likes of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, the A-Team van, and the Ghost Buster car. The Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys is a must-see showcase of all kinds of amusements from classic Nintendo games to vintage doll houses. The collection of handmade toys is fascinating, too. Other cultural attractions include art galleries and studios, as well as the West Arts Creative District. Colorado Mills is the place to shop until you drop in Lakewood, boasting over 135 stores and an entertainment complex. The shopping mall has over a million square feet of retail space and boasts a huge range of boutiques, sports stores, convenience stores, a movie theater, and an IMAX. To fuel your adventures, you can munch on a variety of food options courtesy of the Yard House, Qdoba Mexican Eats, Cinnabon, and Sarku Japan.Places to Eat in Lakewood, CO
If you’re looking beyond the mall, you’ll find plenty of dining options in Lakewood to choose from, too. These are some top picks: Simms Steak House Once named the restaurant with the best view in Denver, Simms Steak House serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, and also offers a daily cocktail happy hour. Try the buffalo quail and roast beef prime rib, or join them for an all-you-can-eat buffet on Sundays. Union Union has been dishing up the good stuff since 1989 and is most famous for its creative use of fresh, local produce. The seasonal menu offers an ever-changing array of meat, vegetarian, and fish options. Don’t miss the Colorado Lamb Sirloin, Chicken Fried Lobster, or the sticky Toffee Chocolate Pudding. Café Jordano Another well-established institution, Café Jordano serves traditional Italian food like gnocchi, fettuccine, and lasagna. Arrive early or reserve your table in advance, you’ll usually find a queue for the delicacies on offer here. Little India This family-run restaurant serves some of the finest Asian eats in the city, featuring mostly northern Indian cuisine. The chefs prepare their signature dishes in a traditional tandoor clay oven, ensuring patrons enjoy an authentic dining experience. Chicken Ginger Kabob is one of the top sellers at Little India. There’s no shortage of outstanding, award-winning craft breweries in town, either. Try the Green Mountain Beer Company or Frontier Brewing Company for a taste of local brewing excellence.Lakewood Community Events
Regular community activities contribute to the great vibe in Lakewood, Colorado. Some of the best ones include:- Free concerts
- Red carpet launch parties
- Pride events
- Sports camps
- Poetry slams
- Picnics in the Park