Shop, explore, and live in Lakewood, CO

Lakewood sits directly west of Denver as Jefferson County's largest city, a broad mix of established neighborhoods, retail corridors, and open space stretching from the Denver Federal Center to the foothills. Belmar anchors the city's center with an open-air plaza of shops and restaurants, while Colorado Mills draws shoppers to its outlet stores near the city's western edge. Longtime local favorites like Casa Bonita, a cliff-diving, cave-exploring Mexican restaurant and entertainment complex, and 240 Union, a creative grille operating since 1989, give Lakewood a dining identity distinct from its neighbors.

The Lakewood Cultural Center anchors the city's arts scene with a year-round schedule of theater, dance, and music inside its Civic Center campus. The 40 West Arts District adds galleries, studios, and public art along West Colfax Avenue, complementing the dining and entertainment options found throughout Belmar and Colorado Mills. Jeffco Public Schools serves the city's education needs, alongside higher education options at Red Rocks Community College and Colorado Christian University. Outdoor recreation ranges from Bear Creek Lake Park to William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain, both within the city's own limits.

Transportation and accessibility

On the move

Public transportation

The RTD W Line light rail crosses Lakewood on its route between Denver's Union Station and Golden, with stops at Federal Center Station, Oak Station, Garrison Station, and Lakewood-Wadsworth Station serving different parts of the city. RTD bus routes run along Colfax Avenue, Alameda Avenue, and Wadsworth Boulevard, connecting Lakewood's neighborhoods to the wider Denver metro transit network.

Airports

Denver International Airport (DEN) sits roughly 25 miles northeast of Lakewood, typically a 35 to 45 minute drive depending on traffic and starting point within the city. DEN serves as a major hub for United Airlines and a large operating base for Southwest and Frontier Airlines. The RTD W Line connects riders to the airport by transferring to Denver's light rail system at Union Station.

Cars and driving

Downtown Denver sits roughly 8 miles east of Lakewood, typically a 15 to 20 minute drive via West Colfax Avenue, West Alameda Avenue, or the 6th Avenue Freeway depending on traffic. Wadsworth Boulevard and C-470 provide additional north-south and southern-loop routes across the metro. RTD operates a park-and-ride at Federal Center Station for those looking to avoid downtown parking and congestion.

Pedestrians and bicycles

Bike lanes and shared-use paths connect many of Lakewood's commercial corridors, including the streets surrounding Belmar. The paved Bear Creek Trail runs roughly seven miles through Bear Creek Greenbelt Park toward Bear Creek Lake Park, and multi-use trails at William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain add recreation close to home for cyclists and leashed pets alike.

Industry and job market

Your next job awaits

Lakewood's economy spans federal government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing, alongside a broad retail and hospitality base anchored by Belmar and Colorado Mills. The Denver Federal Center, one of the region's largest federal employment campuses, and St. Anthony Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center, both employ thousands of workers within the city. Terumo BCT, a global medical technology company, keeps its headquarters in Lakewood as well.

Government

The Denver Federal Center, a large federal campus in Lakewood, houses multiple federal agencies and thousands of workers, and the city itself employs a substantial municipal workforce as Jefferson County's largest city.

Healthcare

St. Anthony Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center operated by CommonSpirit Health, anchors healthcare employment in Lakewood, supporting roles across nursing, emergency care, and hospital administration.

Educational services

Jeffco Public Schools, Red Rocks Community College, and Colorado Christian University create teaching, administrative, and support positions throughout Lakewood.

Business services

Terumo BCT, a medical technology company headquartered in Lakewood, adds corporate, technical, and administrative business service positions to the local economy.

Retail

Colorado Mills and Belmar support retail positions across national and independent stores throughout the city.

Leisure and hospitality

Restaurants like Casa Bonita and 240 Union, along with venues throughout Belmar, generate ongoing demand for servers, culinary staff, and hospitality workers.

Education

Education for every age

Jeffco Public Schools, the second-largest school district in Colorado, serves Lakewood's students across the city. Jeffco Public Schools led the state in total honors for the 2024-25 school year with 46 performance awards from the Colorado Department of Education, including the Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award and the John Irwin School of Excellence Award at multiple schools. The district also earned the NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education recognition for multiple consecutive years and reported one of its highest four-year graduation rates in over a decade. Jeffco Public Schools publishes detailed boundary maps and school-level accolades on its official website. Lakewood is also home to Red Rocks Community College and Colorado Christian University, giving residents access to a range of higher education options without leaving the city.

Things to do

Out and about

Belmar and Colorado Mills anchor much of Lakewood's shopping and dining, while the Lakewood Cultural Center and 40 West Arts District add theater, music, and public art throughout the city. Casa Bonita draws visitors from across the metro area, and trails at Bear Creek Lake Park, William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain, and Crown Hill Park round out a full day of outdoor recreation across the city.

Our top picks

Casa Bonita

This pink-towered Mexican restaurant and entertainment complex features cliff divers, a cave, puppet shows, and an arcade alongside its dining room. A Lakewood landmark since 1974, it reopened in 2023 under new ownership with a fully renovated interior.

240 Union

Operating since 1989, this creative American grille pairs a seasonal menu with an award-winning wine list inside a warm, art-filled dining room. A patio and separate event space round out the restaurant close to the Denver Federal Center.

Colorado Mills

This enclosed outlet center houses more than 100 stores, restaurants, and a movie theater along Lakewood's western edge. Frequent seasonal sales and a dedicated play area round out the shopping experience for visitors of every age.

Lakewood Cultural Center

This city-owned performing arts venue hosts a season of theater, dance, and music inside its Civic Center campus. A resident theater company and touring performances fill the calendar most weeks of the year.

40 West Arts District

This state-certified creative arts district along West Colfax Avenue features art galleries, studios, and more than 100 public artworks along its free outdoor ArtLine path. Monthly First Friday events open galleries throughout the district.

Bear Creek Lake Park

This regional park spans more than 2,600 acres with a reservoir, two smaller lakes, and multi-use trails for cycling, equestrian use, and outdoor recreation. A designated swim beach, campground, and visitor center round out the park's amenities.

William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain

This more than 2,400 acre open space is Lakewood's second-largest park, with a challenging network of multi-use trails leading to a summit near 6,800 feet. Sweeping views of Denver and the Front Range reward visitors at the top.

Crown Hill Park

This Jefferson County Open Space park straddles the Lakewood and Wheat Ridge border around Crown Hill Lake, with flat trails, wildlife viewing, and a seasonal wildlife sanctuary near Kestrel Pond. No fees are charged for entry.