Fox Hollow Meadows in Lakewood, CO.

Courtesy of the City of Lakewood

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Lakewood, CO is the #70 Best City to Live in the USA

Bear Creek Regional Park in Lakewood, Colorado
Courtesy of the City of Lakewood
Lakewood, CO
Quality of Life
Liv Score

609
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 47
Demographics 51
Economy 88
Education 55
Health 60
Housing 49
Infrastructure 46
Amenities 53

Why Lakewood is one of the best cities to live in

Many people don’t know this, but there’s a major federal center located in Lakewood, CO, that provides jobs for more than 8,000 people. One of the most interesting facilities at the Denver Federal Center is the National Ice Core Lab, which stores massive slabs of ice from Antarctica, Greenland and North America. But the lab isn’t the only cool thing about this Denver suburb. Lakewood is one of the best places to live in the U.S. partly because of its strong economy and ample job opportunities. Outdoors enthusiasts with ski passes, art lovers and music fans will all feel right at home in Lakewood, which is Colorado’s fifth biggest city and home to nearly 160,000 residents. All these things combined have awarded Lakewood the certification of an All-America City twice.

What are Lakewoods major industries and employers?

Major employment sectors include federal agencies, education, health care, retail trade, IT and software. 

What are the major colleges and universities in Lakewood?

Red Rocks Community College & Colorado Christian University

What is the weather like in Lakewood? 

Lakewood residents enjoy all four seasons. With close proximity to I-70, the main highway that delivers locals to some of the state’s best ski resorts, it’s easy to hit the slopes during the winter.  

What is there to do outside in Lakewood?

Enjoy an outdoor concert at nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which attracts top-tier talent. Locals also love to climb the stairs and do yoga in this stunning amphitheater surrounded by crimson walls.

Lakewood, CO is Remote-Ready

What makes Lakewood a great place for remote workers?

Lakewood is an economically sound city less than a twenty-minute drive outside of Denver with access to the Rockies. Lakewood’s home and rental prices are slightly higher than the national average. Still, its job market has been steadily increasing, with predictions for it to grow exponentially more in the coming years. In addition, the cost of utilities is below the national average. Visit Lakewood’s Office Evolution coworking location for air conditioning and fast internet.

What Locals Love in Lakewood, CO

What is the best local bookstore in Lakewood?

Grab a thriller or mystery at Rosemary’s Baby Bookstore and then cozy up in one of the many chairs placed in nooks throughout the store.

How do you spend a weekend in Lakewood?

Immerse yourself in the arts on the West Colfax Corridor, which has 20 public art installations, dozens of galleries and multiple performing arts venues.

What can you do for free in Lakewood?

Spend the day at Hayden Park on Green Mountain, which has 2,400 acres of open space and some of the most challenging hiking trails in the area. 

Whats the best way to spend happy hour in Lakewood?

Head to Belmar, a dining and entertainment district, for a happy hour or live music. Pro tip: Sync up your calendar with the Summer Cruiser Rides, a fun, monthly group bike ride on Fridays that starts at Belmar. 

Whats something only locals know about Lakewood?

Casa Bonita is a Mexican restaurant housed in a pink palace where generations of Coloradans have celebrated childhood birthdays eating sopapillas while cliff divers perform in an indoor lagoon. Wild, right? If this sounds familiar, Casa Bonita was made famous to the rest of the world on an episode of “South Park.” The restaurant is set to reopen with one of Colorado’s most beloved chefs, Dana Rodriguez, taking the helm. 

Is Lakewood, CO a good place to live?

A strong job market, easy access to outdoor recreation and a vibrant arts scene make Lakewood a best place to live in Colorado.

Thinking of Moving to Lakewood?

What is the Lakewood, CO Real Estate Market Like?

Just minutes from Denver and the Rocky Mountains and blessed with abundant nearby attractions and over 99 parks, Lakewood, CO real estate is desirable for growing families and young professionals looking to settle in Western U.S. The median list price for homes for sale in Lakewood, CO, is $650K, higher than the national average, but with the current low-interest rates, you can get a lot of house for your money in this west Denver suburb, particularly in areas like Green Mountain Village and Green Gables Reserve. For additional questions, the eXp local real estate agents have life-long knowledge of Loveland, CO.

Quick Facts About Lakewood, CO

Average Commute
22.08
Median Home Value
$521,910
Med. Household Income
$77,719
Total Population
155,595
Walk Score
39
Median Property Tax
$1,514

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