comparing lakewood and golden denver (Arvada, Wheat Ridge: crime rate, neighborhoods, quality of life)

[razaa]

could you please tell me which of these two cities is better as regards quality of life--and people--lesser crime?
plan to be working for a company on 1527 cole blvd

thank you very much

[chilicheesefries]

I don't think you can honestly say which one has a better quality of life, because it means different things to different people.

Lakewood is a fairly large city that has parts that are urban core, suburban, almost rural in nature.

Golden has it's own feel and vibe. It is different than anywhere else you will find in metro Denver - and it wants it that way. It's a small town that's near a bid city. It has one of the few volunteer fire departments left in the Denver area. Golden definitely has a lower crime rate than Lakewood with almost non-existent violent crime, but neighborhoods in Lakewood are just as safe, if not safer than some in Golden.

There's a good amount of unincorpated areas around the Golden/Lakewood boundary. Pleasant View has a more rural feel. Applewood gets good reviews on this board and see the index for more about it.

[livecontent]

The place you will be working is a very nice office park, Denver West, which is nicely landscaped with trees and really gives you te aura of the Rocky Mountains. It is surrounding by great neighborhoods of Golden, Lakewood and Wheat Ridge, nearby.

You are making it more complicated than you need. I would not concern myself with comparing crime because the best advice I would give you is to live nearby and minimize your commute. I would not even consider Denver, even though it is good place to live, because why bother driving more than you need.

All areas, near your work are good neighborhoods. I would suggest very strongly to consider the Applewood area where Golden, Wheat Ridge and Lakewood come together. It is just east of your job, along Youngfield. If you drive directly east on 20th from the Denver West Park, you will go through beautiful neighborhoods.

You can actually live within walking and biking distance, if you choose these areas to the area around Youngfield. It would not really matter if you lived in Wheat Ridge, Lakewood or Golden, all are good in this area. If you want to live in a small interesting town, then choose Golden to the west. You can even look at Arvada to the north. You will be near good shopping, great expansive parks and a easy quick trip to the amazing open space and parks of the foothills.

Good Luck, Relax, You have picked a wonderful location for working and living.

Livecontent

[razaa]

Livecontent I thank you for your very detailed reply

Regards