Lakewood is a beautiful and scenic Colorado city located near Denver and in the foothills of the stunning Rocky Mountains. Although it is close enough to Denver to offer residents the opportunity to enjoy all that the big city has to offer, it is also very much a unique city in its own right that offers a friendly and welcoming feel and much to see and do. Even better, it is a city with a smaller, but thriving LGBT community where all can feel welcome and at home. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Lakewood, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Lakewood's History
Lakewood was only incorporated as a city fairly recently - a little over 50 years ago, in fact, in 1969. Its early years were primarily agricultural, with many residents raising chickens, operating dairy farms, and ranching. Eventually, the various farms and agricultural operations gave way to neighborhoods and the area grew quickly. Lakewood remains one of the biggest cities in Colorado to this day – in fact, it is the third-largest city in the Denver metro area and the fifth-largest city in the state. Because of that, it is very diverse and full of opportunities and much to see and do. Truly, Lakewood would make a wonderful place to call home!
A Few Fun Facts About Lakewood
Read more fun facts about Lakewood here.
Lakewood’s LGBTQ Community
Lakewood is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Denver is Lakewood’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
The Center on Colfax originally opened in 1976 and has grown to be the largest LGBTQ community center in the Rocky Mountain region. The mission of the Center on Colfax is to give a voice to Colorado’s LGBTQ community, and play a critical role in statewide initiatives to reduce discrimination and harassment. The Center wants to ensure that every member of the LGBTQ community has access to the programs, resources, networking, and social opportunities needed to thrive, grow, and live fulfilling lives.
What's the Weather Like in Lakewood?
Lakewood gets 18 inches of rain on average per year, which is considerably less than the United States average of 38 inches per year. This means that Aurora also gets plenty of sunshine. In fact, more than two-thirds of the days of the year are sunny, on average. High temperatures in July can reach around 88°F, and the average low in January is 18°F. Summers are typically hot and clear, and winters are cold and dry and often partly cloudy with a good amount of snow – around 65 inches each year, in fact. Fall and spring are mild, pleasant, and beautiful.
Can’t-Miss Events in Lakewood
Taking place just a short drive away in Denver, Denver PrideFest is one celebration that Lakewood residents won’t want to miss. The celebration offers parties, parades, family-friendly activities, and more. It promises plenty of fun for all, and it’s a great way to celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the Lakewood area!
The Best Neighborhoods in Lakewood
If you’re thinking of making a move to Lakewood, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Lakewood is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. It is always advised to contact a Lakewood gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Lakewood is around $540,000.
Arts and Entertainment
For those who want to spend a day shopping, dining, and having fun, Belmar should definitely be on the list. This amazing 22-block center is built around a central plaza and offers more than 80 retailers and restaurants, as well as art galleries, a movie theater, and contemporary apartments. It also offers a variety of entertainment options and events throughout the year, including ice skating in the plaza during the winter, or live music on summer weekends!
For those who love the arts, the First Friday Art Walk at Belmar is an experience you won’t want to miss. You can see excellent art (and even purchase some if you’d like), shop, dine, and simply enjoy a beautiful evening out in Lakewood.
Parks and Recreation
Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge is a 16,000-acre national wildlife sanctuary. More than 330 species of animals inhabit the refuge, and a day spent here amidst the unique Rocky Mountain beauty that only Colorado can offer is sure to be rewarding and well worth it.
Play Mile High Sports is an LGBTQ sports league that serves Denver and surrounding cities, including Aurora. It was started in 2012 and currently has over 60,000 players. Many sports are offered, and all experience and ability levels are welcome. It’s a great way to make friends, get some healthy exercise, and most importantly, to have fun.
Lakewood Nightlife
Pride and Swagger is an upbeat, hip LGBTQ nightspot known for signature cocktails, excellent beer and pub grub, and its welcoming loft-like space with a patio. It’s a great place to spend hanging out with old friends – or making new ones.
Great Frontier Brewing Company
Great Frontier Brewing Company is one of many excellent local breweries in the Lakewood area, and one of the most popular. Offering an extensive selection of artfully crafted local brews and a great space to relax and talk with friends, it’s one place you’ll definitely want to put on your list.
Contact a Lakewood Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Lakewood, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Lakewood, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Lakewood gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
