Be My Neighbor

Written By Lauren Wilson

Welcome to Lakewood — a vibrant blend of suburban ease, foothill access, and local gems. As you consider making this community your home, here’s a local-agent’s favorite breakdown of what life feels like here: great eats, outdoor adventures, and shopping that’s anything but generic.

Belmar in Lakewood, Colorado

Outdoor life in Lakewood is strong — whether you’re looking for a casual stroll, mountain-view hike, or bike ride through nature:

  • The city boasts about 240 miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use.

  • One standout is Bear Creek Lake Park, offering trails, fishing, paddling and open-space views.

  • For a more elevated experience, check out William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park — the views where the plains meet the Rockies are pretty spectacular.

  • For convenient neighborhood park time, Belmar Park is a lovely 132-acre green space within the district and has nearly two miles of paved trails around its lake.

Sweet Bloom Coffee Roaster in Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood’s shopping scene offers the best of both worlds — well-known retail centers and locally-owned boutiques:

The Belmar district is a curated open-air shopping area filled with restaurants, shops, entertainment and community events — perfect for browsing on an afternoon.

For a larger retail experience, the Colorado Mills Mall offers big-box stores along with smaller specialty outlets — convenient and accessible.

Meanwhile, scattered throughout Lakewood neighborhoods are charming independent shops: think local art, home décor, coffee-roasteries, and more — great for supporting small business and finding unique items.

Bear Creek Lake in lakewood, Colorado
 

Lakewood holds its own when it comes to dining and coffee culture. A few favorites:

  • 240 Union offers contemporary American cuisine in a stylish setting and has been a local classic since 1989.

  • Cozy cafés and brunch spots abound in the Belmar district — perfect for weekend meet-ups or catching up on work with a latte.

  • If you’re craving BBQ or comfort food, Piggin' Out Smokehouse is one of the go-to local spots for hearty, flavorful fare.

  • For coffee lovers: plenty of independent roasters and cafés scattered throughout Lakewood’s neighborhoods — ideal for grabbing your morning brew and chatting with neighbors.

Lauren Wilson