Where to live in Lakewood? Moving for work from Florida and have never been. (Denver: apartment, rent)

[GMM99]

Hello I am being transferred to Lakewood in June and would like some assistance in finding a place to live or area to live.

I'm in my mid twenties and am hoping to find a place that is near a cool/hip area, but also close to good outdoors activities...

I'm trying to keep my rent <$1500.

Thanks!

[billiken]

I'd start with the Belmar area.

[BBurn]

I second the Belmar area, especially if you're renting. Walking distance to lots of shops, restaurants, and an easy drive to downtown.

[whoisjongalt]

If you want live in Lakewood, I third Belmar. But if cool/hip is important, I suggest Cap Hill, South Broadway or Lodo. All are within a 15-20 minute drive of Lakewood. Belmar is still the 'burbs.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by whoisjongalt

If you want live in Lakewood, I third Belmar. But if cool/hip is important, I suggest Cap Hill, South Broadway or Lodo. All are within a 15-20 minute drive of Lakewood. Belmar is still the 'burbs.

This. Lakewood is not cool/hip.

Also check out Baker neighborhood.

[himain]

I moved from Miami and went into Belmar. I loved the convenience of walking to Target/WF, bars, shops, etc. No gas and no DUI's. I moved out recently but will be going back. Miss it

[ALStafford]

Hi, I work in Lakewood, and live in Belmar. I LOVE it. Granted, I am neither terribly young nor hip, just your average, everyday single mom w/ teen. But, also, I ain't dead yet (as they say!). I love being able to walk for groceries, to go get a drink with friends after work (and to have several choices in doing so!), have a wide variety of restaurants practically at my doorstep. My teen loves it, her friends want to hang at our apartment, because they can walk to movies, bowling, get gelato, go shopping, all that teen girl stuff. And when they're done, they can go swimming or hang out in the hot tub at our complex. Since moving to Belmar, once I get home from work, I don't drive anywhere most days. I simply walk to pretty much anything I need. I only gas up my car about every 2 weeks. Added bonus, if you like hiking, you can get to several spots starting in Morrison, up through Evergreen and into Golden with about 20-30 minutes drive time tops. Belmar is 30 minutes or more closer to skiing than any of the "cool" spots in Denver such as Lodo, Cap Hill or South Broadway. It's a short bike ride to the light rail, too. If you're working at the Federal Center, you could live carless if you'd like; public transportation between Belmar and the Fed Center is quick and easy. Of course, if you do have a car, my complex has restricted covered parking, too.

There are MANY folks in my complex close to your age, and it is a very friendly community. I chat with my neighbors picking up mail, walking dogs, getting coffee, whatever. If you're interested at all, feel free to PM me, and I'll let you know more about it.

Good luck with your move!

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by ALStafford

Belmar is 30 minutes or more closer to skiing than any of the "cool" spots in Denver such as Lodo, Cap Hill or South Broadway.

Baker is 12 minutes to Belmar and closer to the highway. I would say that if at all closer to the mountains time wise than Baker it would be 5 minutes. South Broadway is another 5 minutes away. West Wash Park is about the same.

Edit: google maps says Belmar is 4 minutes closer to Loveland Ski area than Baker. 5 minutes closer than West Wash Park. 6 closer than South Broadway.

[nele]

Belmar also has great walking places. When I worked at the Fed Center, I used to drive over to Mountze (? I think that is the name) Lake to walk at noontime. Nice place to see lots of wildlife (coyotes, waterfowl, muskrats) with a great view of the mountains. A modest, attractive neighborhood of townhouses and SFHs along Carr Street leads to that park, which has one very large lake and a smaller pond.

[delta07]

I think Belmar is a great suggestion if you want to be close to work and/or don't want to drive. I was there last summer and was actually surprised at how nice the area had become. I remember it being a bit more run down.

I do think you should consider downtown though too. Especially since you are wanting more a hip vibe. Belmar is hip, but probably more so for young parents or couples. Downtown will have a nightlife scene and you'll be close enough for a commute to work, as well as outdoor trails.