Lakewood

Sports abound in eastern Colorado On quiet days in the Lakewood, Colorado community of Academy Park, residents might hear the crack of a baseball bat, the whack of a tennis racket or cheers from the area’s numerous sporting facilities. With the Rockies towering to the west, closeness to nearby parks and outlets for both indoor and outdoor recreation, those in the neighborhood are never far from getting outside. “I love the area because the homes and parks are larger,” says Lori Abbey, CEO of the Abbey Collection and senior broker associate under Compass Realty. “It’s near the mountains, so you can get up into those more quickly. If someone’s looking for a larger lot but still wants to be in Lakewood, this is the place.” Popular ranch and contemporary designs Along the residential streets of Academy Park, residents will primarily find ranch homes, some with eclectic architecture like stone facades. Contemporary designs are also found in the neighborhood, and the Marston Slopes subdivision is popular due to its custom-built homes with mountain views on the horizon. Prices can range anywhere from $250,000 to $750,000 for townhouses and condos, while single-family homes generally sell for north of $800,000. Larger residences go for over $1 million, and larger lots can be found near Hampton Avenue. The roadways in the neighborhood have space for parking and enough room for early-morning runs or afternoon strolls. Schooling within Academy Park Westgate Elementary School plays host to students during their first years in the educational district, serving as the site of pre-kindergarten learning all the way up through fifth grade. Westgate rates at a B-minus with Niche, while its successor in Carmody Middle School also scores a B-minus and ranks highly in terms of diversity within the state. Bear Creek High School completes grade-school educations within the district, receiving a B-plus from Niche and offering athletics at both varsity and junior varsity levels. Clubs at Bear Creek High include tabletop gaming, poetry and band. An expansive park system for recreation The Bear Creek Greenbelt system spans from Bear Creek Lake Park, to the west, all the way to Bear Creek Park in the east. Running north of the Academy Park neighborhood, it’s a huge draw for outdoor activities and nature lovers. Bear Creek Lake Park spans more than 2,500 acres, and the overall park system includes paved and unpaved trails, playgrounds, opportunities for fishing, tennis courts and more. “There’s a lot of little parks, and Bear Creek Lake Park is really close,” Abbey says. “There’s beautiful hiking here, and we’re only about 10-15 minutes from Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, where there’s more hiking trails. There’s more land on the west side, and it’s close to everything the city has to offer while sitting on the edge of some of the area parks.” Smaller spaces, like Kendall Park and Pinehurst Park, are also close by, with recreational spaces like Harriman Lake Park and Marston Lake to the south, and just west sits the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. There, trails abound to challenge hikers. Recreation on ballfields and courts For those seeking sports facilities, Daniel L. Schaefer Athletic Complex occupies the northeastern corner of the Academy Park neighborhood. There, a quadrant of baseball diamonds host local rec leagues for baseball and softball as well as being publicly accessible, while Jason Jennings Adaptive Field emphasizes supporting athletes with disabilities. Within the complex, the Foothills Fieldhouse has enclosed arenas for roller hockey, and the Foothills Sports Arena has leagues for lacrosse and soccer while also offering rentable fields. If hitting the links or extreme sports are on the planner, Foothills Golf Course has an 18-hole championship layout, Putter’s Pride Minigolf is a challenging 54-hole gauntlet and Mile High BMX hosts races on its outdoor course. Restaurants in and beyond Academy Park There aren’t a ton of restaurants within Academy Park’s rectangular purview, but El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant has operated in the Lakewood vicinity for more than 25 years and is located off South Wadsworth Boulevard. Also off the boulevard are Eeny Meeny Sushi Roll, featuring Japanese fare, and Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom just north of it across West Jefferson Avenue. Other stops just north of Academy Park on Wadsworth include Yummy’s Donut Shop, the Crawling Crab and chains like Red Robin, Jimmy John’s and Chipotle. A quick eastbound jump on Highway 285 gets residents to the area King Soopers, where groceries can be found. A highway running along the northern boundary Accessibility can primarily be found via Highway 285, which runs along the northern boundary of the neighborhood. Running from Colorado to Texas, Academy Park marks one of the highway’s northernmost regions; after running horizontally past the neighborhood, it continues west before taking a largely southbound turn. South Wadsworth Boulevard is also known as Highway 121 and bisects Academy Park, the neighborhood’s portion of the route located near the middle of its run from Littleton to Broomfield. Denver is just under half an hour from Academy Park to the northeast.

The community of Bear Creek in Lakewood, Colorado, is situated by the Bear Creek Greenbelt at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, giving locals here access to an expansive network of preserved land and hiking trails. Featuring sprawling mid-to-late 20th-century dwellings, Bear Creek offers relaxing and private living among nature. “We keep it wild here. Bear Creek is just open, preserved space. You can see deer and elk in your backyard,” says DD Rockwell, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway, who lives in Jefferson County. “It’s perfect for adventurers and those seeking a quiet life.” Locals enjoy a remote lifestyle without being too disconnected, as shopping corridors along the borders of this community provide easy access to grocery stores and eateries. Another part of Bear Creek’s appeal is its proximity to the renowned Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, where visitors can enjoy concerts and trails with a view of the sandstone formations. Less than 15 miles away from downtown Denver, Bear Creek’s suburban community features a plethora of natural attractions without being too far away from Colorado’s capital city.<br><br>The Bear Creek community is tucked along the Bear Creek Greenbelt and up against the Dakota Hogback ridge in the Rocky Mountain Foothills, giving residents here instant access to the great outdoors. “We love the outdoors here. We have 300 days of sunshine, and we’re not messing around when there’s good weather,” Rockwell says. At the 379-acre Bear Creek Greenbelt, visitors walk or bike on trails that meander along scenic floodplains and wooded areas. Anglers try to catch bluegill and catfish at the preserve’s fishing ponds. Trail connections towards the foothills, Denver and Bear Creek Park allow hikers to explore other nearby outdoor spaces. The community also has smaller parks like Sister City Park, which features a playground and horse trails. Golfers head to the nearby Fox Hollow Golf Course, which features three nine-hole courses, and those wanting to get a workout in take advantage of their proximity to the Bear Creek Swim and Tennis Club. <br><br>Situated along tree-lined sidewalks and streets that often spread into cul-de-sacs are Bear Creek's mid-to-late 20th-century properties. Sprawling Craftsman-inspired ranch-style dwellings sit next to classic split-levels with brick accents. Tudor Revival homes, known for their wood framing and gabled roofs that create a storybook feel, are also common here. Some properties enjoy mountain-filled views and are tucked along the vast green expanse of protected land. Condos and townhouses are also readily available, giving prospective residents a wide array of home styles to choose from. Properties here are often built with energy-efficient amenities, consistent with Colorado’s requirements. Prices range from nearly $300,000 to $1.8 million, depending on the property's age, size and location. At the lower end of the scale are condos, but single-family properties go for a median of $680,000. Homes here sell fast, after an average of just 17 days on the market.<br><br>A popular spot among locals here is the 2,624-acre Bear Creek Lake Park, a green space around three lakes. Visitors of this mammoth park enjoy everything from an archery range to campgrounds. On hot days, people take a dip in Big Soda Lake, which is also popular among paddleboarders. Less than 6 miles away from Bear Creek is the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. Other than walking on trails that wind through rock formations and natural meadows, park visitors enjoy yoga on the rocks and concerts with a sandstone-filled view at the outdoor amphitheater. Bear Creek is also less than 6 miles from Bandimere Speedway, also known as Thunder Mountain by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The quarter-mile drag strip hosts the NHRA Mile-High Nationals each summer, bringing people from all over to watch the races.<br><br>Restaurants and stores line South Wadsworth Boulevard, which is at the eastern border of this community. Those craving Lebanese flavors head to Falafel House & Grill. The establishment’s casual, mom-and-pop feel and vegetarian and gluten-free options make it popular among locals. Anyone wanting to feast on fresh seafood, check out the Crawling Crab, and for nights out, Bear Creek residents can head to the Rusty Bucket Bar and Grill to enjoy a relaxed pub environment. Patrons here often watch the latest football game or come to live music. Nearby is the wind-powered Bardo Coffee House, a cozy establishment with comfy booths and geometric-patterned dividers. Since it’s open until 10 p.m., this coffee shop has become a favorite for late-night homework sessions. For groceries, locals can head to the boulevard’s Natural Grocers or drive to one of the nearby King Soopers locations.<br><br>Children can enroll in the Jeffco Public School District, which boasts a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 and is ranked as the 6th-best public school district in the Denver area. They will first attend Bear Creek K-8 School, which received a B-rating on Niche, and then continue to B-plus-rated Bear Creek High, which offers a gifted program and is ranked as the 10th best public high school in Jefferson County. The high school offers AP courses and career and technical education pathways in different areas, including engineering and hospitality. Students can also enroll in private schools like the A-plus-rated Colorado Academy, which is ranked as the best high school in Colorado.<br><br>Bear Creek is a car-dependent area, but locals here can also take advantage of RTD Denver’s bus routes and Lakewood Rides, the city's door-to-door transportation methods for people with disabilities and those 60 years and older. Bear Creek is near some of the city's major employers via Colorado 291, like FirstBank Holding Company, which is approximately 8 miles away, and St. Anthony Hospital, which is just around 6 miles away. Downtown Denver is also just around a 13-mile drive north via CO-391 and U.S. Route 6. Those wanting to explore other cities can take the 36-mile drive via Pena Boulevard to the Denver International Airport (DEN).

The Belmar Park neighborhood is a striking example of Lakewood’s commitment to quality outdoor recreation. With its sprawling namesake to the east and scenic Addenbrooke Park to the west, life in this community is intertwined with walkability, sustainability and conservation – but it’s also enhanced by access to local shopping centers and a short commute to Denver. <br><br>Addenbrooke Park forms part of the neighborhood’s western boundary and features a pond and indoor fitness center. The city's 132-acre namesake park sprawls to the east; the stately influence of the property's former Belmar Mansion remains visible in its sweeping grounds. Miles of trails, paved and unpaved, are ready to be walked, biked or ridden on horseback. In addition to majestic trees, grassland and the Kountze Lake, the area also includes a traditional turf space and play equipment. <br><br>The streets of Belmar Park are characterized by well-kept sidewalks and rocky landscaping. Some yards have just enough space for a bush or tree, while others extend towards wood fences visible from the street. Low-profile, postwar brick and wood ranches are joined by attached town houses in the Villa West community dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. Residents here enjoy a clubhouse, a community pool and regular maintenance of common areas. Prices for these home styles range for $320,000 to $640,000. <br><br>Larger area homes include split-levels with garages and a subdivision of upscale builds in the neighborhood’s east side. Constructed in the early 2000s, these houses take design queues from Craftsman bungalows, including partial-width columned porches and covered entryways. Prices start at $895,000 and reach $1.7 million. <br><br>Attending a tour at Heritage Lakewood is a regular occurrence for children enrolled in Belmar School of Integrated Arts, the local elementary school. This institution earns a C-plus from Niche and prioritizes engagement in the arts from a young age. Nearby Alameda International Junior/Senior High School earns a C and offers the International Baccalaureate Program to students in seventh through 12th grade. <br><br>Residents need only cross their community’s eastern border to reach the Belmar Shopping District, a well-rounded, open-air retail center and dining enclave. After sitting down for a bison filet and a drink at Ted’s Montana Grill or picking up a quick bite from chains like Panera Bread, locals can peruse the galleries along South Saulsbury Street, bringing their skates to RINK at Belmar or watching stand-up comedy at Locust Cider Belmar. Grocery options like Target and Whole Foods make afternoon shopping simple. <br><br>Heritage Lakewood’s commanding amphitheater sits on the eastern side of Belmar Park. This interactive campus includes a museum and Lakewood’s collection of historic farming structures. It’s also the site for the city’s annual Earth Day Festival, where locals and visitors gather to learn how to reduce their environmental impact and enjoy music, food trucks, and art exhibits. <br><br>Those commuting into Denver for work make their way to West 6th Avenue before briefly hopping on Interstate 25. RTD buses taking off from West Virginia Avenue offer an hour-long commute, and Belmar’s Call-n-Ride program provides sustainable transportation to the Wadsworth light rail station <br><br>Residents take West Almeda Avenue to get to CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in 2.5 miles. The airport is a 32-mile haul past downtown Denver on Interstate 70. <br><br>Since being inducted into the Sustainable Neighborhood Network in 2011, Belmar Park has continued to promote waste hauler and transportation programs that lower carbon emissions.

Finding a suburban home in the Denver area doesn’t have to mean settling for a cramped lifestyle. Residents of Carmody, a community on the south end of Lakewood, cherish the area for offering a semi-rural feel that makes it a retreat from the Mile High City’s bustle. The area was originally named for the family that first set up a farm on the land. Development for homes in the Carmody area started in the 1970s, and in the time since the neighborhood has grown into a distinct area within Lakewood.<br><br>Buyers will find a mix of two-story split levels, tri-levels and low-profile rancher-style homes on cul-de-sacs in Carmody, separated by yards of varying sizes and a diverse tree population. <br>Home pricing in the Carmody area can vary significantly based on the size and acreage of a home, with smaller townhomes and condos available near $300,000 and lavish properties on large lots for more than $1.2 million. Most homes feature concrete driveways and two-car garages. Standard three- to four-bedroom homes in the area are valued at around $690,000. About 90% of the area’s residents live in owned homes, with a median household age of about 47 years old.<br><br>Many students in the Carmody area attend schools within the Jeffco Public Schools system. Green Gables Elementary serves most of the area’s youngest students. The school holds a B-minus with users on Niche with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to one. Carmody Middle School offers more than 25 clubs for students to join and partners with the city of Lakewood for sports programs throughout the year in the Jeffco League. It has a B grade with Niche users. Bear Creek High School holds an A-minus grade on Niche and offers more than 175 classes for students. The school holds a graduation rate of 94%.<br><br>Carmody offers one of the Denver area’s best selections of local parks and recreational facilities. The Carmody Recreation Center on Kipling Street provides aerobics and weight-lifting rooms, a pickleball court and an outdoor fitness area. Residents can also stop by the playground at Carmody Park or go for a swim year-round at the indoor and outdoor pools. <br>Cottonwood Park offers fishing on Cottonwood Lake and a paved walking trail. At Hodgson Park, locals can enjoy the playground, have a picnic with food from the grills or shoot some hoops on the basketball court. Residents can also easily access Bear Creek Greenbelt Park to the south of the neighborhood on Yale Avenue, or Kendrick Lake Park and Jewell Park to the immediate north.<br><br>Many of the Carmody area’s shopping options are concentrated near South Wadsworth Boulevard and West Jewell Avenue. Residents can find the nearest King Soopers grocery store there alongside food options like Star Thai and Magill’s World of Ice Cream, with other choices like Big Lots, DD’s Discounts, Starbucks and Sushi Katsu also close by in neighboring complexes. Walgreens, Burger King and Safeway locations line the northwest side of the neighborhood near Jewell and South Kipling Parkway, while more dining options like Moe’s Original BBQ and Green Mountain Beer Company are available on the southwest side near Kipling Parkway and Morrison Road.<br><br>Denver’s Central Business District is about 10 miles away from the Carmody area. Locals can access the greater Denver area with Wadsworth Boulevard to the east or Kipling Parkway to the west. The Regional Transportation District system also serves multiple bus stops in Carmody on Jewell Avenue and Kipling Street. For out-of-state travel, Denver International Airport is about 40 miles away from Willowbrook via CO-470. For medical needs and emergencies, West Littleton Neighborhood Health Center & ER is 5 miles east of the neighborhood.<br><br>The Front Range Bar and Grill on Morrison Road is a prime social hub in Carmody. In addition to offering a mix of American brunch options and dinner fare, residents can stop by for car shows and seasonal events. Less than a mile east of the neighborhood in Lasley, Hangar 101 lets friends gather for bowling, arcade games and beer.

Despite its proximity to other areas of Lakewood and a university within its borders, the Creighton community in Colorado is cherished by residents for its semirural feel. The community is divided into three quadrants by West 1st Avenue and Garrison Street, while West 6th Avenue serves as the community’s northern boundary and path to convenient shopping and dining. <br><br>McIntyre Gulch runs through Creighton’s northern half, carving an atypical city grid. The houses here rest on wider, curvier streets with no sidewalks, and ample lots are large enough for some residents to keep horses. Rows of square suburban lots encompass the rest of the neighborhood. Barring differences in lot sizes, ranch-style homes first constructed in 1940 comprise most of this sector. Some have been gutted and brought to midcentury modern sleekness, while others maintain their brick and vinyl exteriors. Most homes list between $500,000 and $850,000, with the occasional custom home reaching beyond $1 million. Meanwhile, two-story condos adjacent to Colorado Christian University run the gamut from $400,000 to $470,000. <br><br>Kids living in Creighton start their education at Dennison Elementary School, which sits in the northwest corner of the neighborhood. Niche rates this school an A and ranks it the No. 1 public elementary school in Jefferson County. They move up to Creighton Middle School, which earns a B-minus from Niche and recently celebrated a new building expansion of eight classrooms, plus flex and conference rooms to accommodate a new sixth-grade class. Nearby Lakewood High School also earns an A. Creighton is also home to Colorado Christian University, a private institution offering traditional and online academic programs. <br><br>In addition to providing large lot sizes for homeowners, the hills and slopes along McIntyre Gulch are popular for winter sledding, especially in Meadowlark Park, one of Lakewood’s oldest parks. Locals take their kids to the swing set and playground here in the warmer months or head to Bonvue Park for sunlit views with fresh wildflowers. <br><br>Much of Creighton’s western portion is taken up by sports facilities, which are used year-round by community members. Lakewood Park Tennis Center works to cultivate the local tennis scene by shedding the membership fees and residency requirements of similar organizations. The center hosts a pro shop, junior and adult lessons, and late-night play, as well as tournaments for area leagues and special events like mixers. Lakewood residents fill the stands at JeffCo Stadium and Trailblazer Stadium, the sites for local high school track meets and football and soccer games.<br><br>Fairfield Commons shopping center is Creighton’s main slice of commercial convenience. Locals grab their essentials at Sprouts Farmers Market, T.J. Maxx, PetSmart and Walmart, among others. Metro Denver, the city’s oldest-running farmers market, operates its Lakewood location in Creighton every Saturday during the summer months. The market has partnered with independently owned farms for 40 years and hosts vendors specializing in fashion, baked goods, furniture and more. <br><br>Creighton also has a sprinkling of neighborhood fixtures, like Village Roaster, a family-owned coffee shop that has operated across the street from Colorado Christian University since 1979. “We love being a neighborhood gathering spot with the role of being a hospitable place for people to warm up and grab a latte or a cup of coffee,” says third-generation owner Eric Bakken. “We’re not a chain, though there are lots of chains in Lakewood. You can find a Dunkin' or a Starbucks on every street corner.” <br><br>“You’re not going to see too many people out and about walking here, they’re mostly driving,” Bakken shares. The 6th Avenue Freeway is the main thoroughfare leading Creighton locals to downtown Denver in 7.5 miles. The nearby Garrison Street Light Rail station provides an alternative route for commuters to the Mile-High City. Locals also live just under 3 miles east of CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital. Those catching a flight make their way down Interstate 76 to Denver International Airport in 35.5 miles. <br><br>Creighton — and much of Lakewood’s farmland — was developed to accommodate workers for the Denver Ordnance Plant during World War II. The factory's munitions production ceased after the war, and the plant was converted to the Denver Federal Center, a complex of federal agencies. It is Lakewood’s largest employer and Creighton's next-door neighbor.

Living in Daniels offers a well-balanced life for those who seek the conveniences of urban living but yearn for the suburb’s quiet streets and green spaces. Halfway between Denver and the Rocky Mountain foothills, the neighborhood offers a residential retreat with easy access to shopping centers, restaurants and parks. “Along Sixth Avenue, there is a lot of industrial space," says real estate broker Eli Schmidt, a host of the popular Mile High Property Brothers YouTube channel. "But there are also big residential lots, parks, and trails that act as a pleasant buffer," The community is just minutes from Lakewood’s city center, art museums and cultural center. <br><br>Houses in Daniels sit on comfortable lots that vary in size, giving its winding streets an easy, unplanned look. Larger Craftsman-style homes tend to offer less yard space, while brick ranch-style houses afford plenty of room for a garden. The Foothills Green Townhomes community provides fully updated multifamily options. Across West Eighth Avenue, a small strip of stately homes stands out along Union Street. These properties display Spanish and Mediterranean influences with arched entries and feature wide driveways and multicar garages. While these 4,000-square-foot homes easily top $1 million, most single-family homes sell between $400,000 and $600,000, while a 1-bedroom, 700-square-foot condo unit may sell for around $250,000. <br><br>Children living in the Daniels neighborhood are zoned to attend Welchester Elementary. The school has a Niche rating of B-minus and a 13-1 student-teacher ratio. From there, students move on to Bell Middle, rated B-plus by Niche. The school serves grades six through eight and has an 18-1 student-teacher ratio. Golden High School has an A-minus rating. For the past seven years, the civic-minded students at GHS have supported Make-A-Wish Colorado. From chicken-wing eating contests to bake sales, their fund-raising efforts have raised $219,000.<br><br>After school or work, locals head to McDonnell Park. Kids enjoy the park’s slanted climbing wall. Looking for a longer walk? Pick up the Lakewood Gulch Trail at the corner of Simms Street and 12th Avenue. Skirt the edge of Bellows Park, a 10-acre area initially owned by the medical manufacturing company COBE. Bellows Park honors that scientific legacy with a vibrant, science-themed red and blue picnic shelter flanked by sculptures of a double helix and a molecule. Nearby Maple Grove Park sits on the banks of the Maple Grove Reservoir. This 11-acre park offers a brightly decorated playground with wacky climbing structures, slides and swings that resemble illustrations from a Dr. Seuss book. The park also provides horseshoes, volleyball and sports fields, grilling stands and picnic tables. Looking for a challenging mountain hike? It’s a 5-mile drive west to Apex Park, which provides a true foothills experience. A chuckling stream babbles alongside much of the 10-mile trail, and dense woodlands provide welcome shade along the west end. <br><br>Whether shopping for office attire, the weekend or a new school year, shoppers will find almost everything they need at Colorado Mills. Located on Colfax Avenue, the outlet center is home to Target, Burlington and dozens of other stores, as well as popular restaurants and a movie theater. Across Colfax, one finds more options at Denver West Village, where busy residents can pick up groceries at Whole Foods Market. <br>Drive or stroll (it’s less than a mile) over to Simms Steakhouse. If the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the raised patio and take in the exquisite views of the Rockies. For something different, try the colorful, spice-rich dishes at Durbar Nepalese and Indian Bistro. Tuck into a chicken kebab while taking in the gold accents and bright artwork adorning the walls. <br><br>Nearby Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park kicks off the summer season in June with a Rockin’ Block Party. The evening event features rock bands and a nighttime viewing of the movie Jaws. Stay nourished with food trucks and vendor stalls from local restaurants and breweries. Lakewood celebrates its agricultural heritage every October with the annual Cider Fest Days. In addition to tractor pulls, live music and vendors, the family-friendly event highlights the humble apple in all its glory — from ciders to pies to donuts. <br><br>Daniels is 9 miles west of Denver, a straightforward commute on U.S. Highway 6. Bus routes are available and take just under an hour to reach the Mile High City center. Denver International Airport is 36 miles east via Interstate 70. Daniels is a walkable neighborhood, with access to stores, light rail and RTD bus service.