True Cost of Renting in Lakewood
Lakewood is Denver's largest western suburb, offering mountain access that eastern suburbs can't match — Red Rocks Amphitheatre is 15 minutes away, and I-70 to the ski resorts passes through the city. The Belmar mixed-use district and the W Line light rail (to Downtown Denver) make Lakewood a compelling alternative for renters who want Denver metro access without Denver rent prices.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Belmar District
- Studio:
- $1,400/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,750/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,400/mo
Walkable mixed-use development built on the former Villa Italia mall site; restaurants, retail, and Class A apartments. Lakewood City Commons park creates a genuine public space. W Line light rail (Lamar Station) nearby. Newer construction with solid energy efficiency.
Edgewater
- Studio:
- $1,200/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,600/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,200/mo
Small independent city within Lakewood on Sloan Lake; walkable neighborhood with Edgewater Public Market. Direct access to Sloans Lake park. Older housing stock mixed with new development. Popular with renters who want close-in Denver access at lower cost.
Green Mountain
- 1 Bed:
- $1,650/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,300/mo
Hillside suburban neighborhood with mountain views and access to Bear Creek trails; newer apartment complexes near US-285. Car-dependent for most errands. Good access to C-470 for ski resort commutes on weekends.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Xcel Energy
- Water
- Lakewood Water District / Denver Water
- Internet
- Comcast Xfinity, CenturyLink/Lumen, Nextlink Internet
Commute & Transportation
The W Line RTD light rail runs from Lakewood Towne Center through Belmar and Edgewater to Denver Union Station (30–40 min). I-70 westbound from Lakewood to major ski resorts (Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge) is 45–90 minutes depending on season and ski traffic. Denver Federal Center in Lakewood is the largest concentration of federal government offices outside Washington DC, employing 8,000+. I-6 (Sixth Avenue Freeway) provides rapid east-west access to Downtown Denver (15 min off-peak). Lakewood's suburban employment centers along Wadsworth and Kipling provide local jobs that reduce I-70/I-25 commute pressure.
Rental Market Overview
Lakewood rents are 10–15% below Denver proper for comparable units with equivalent light rail access. The Belmar area commands a walkability premium, while Green Mountain and south Lakewood offer lower rents at the cost of car dependency. Xcel Energy serves the entire city. Federal Center employment creates a stable base of government workers who tend to stay in apartments longer, reducing turnover. I-70 ski corridor access is a genuine lifestyle amenity that influences renter decisions — expect higher demand from the outdoor recreation crowd. Renters insurance averages $14–18/month. Mountain proximity means slightly higher renter's insurance rates from hail damage risk.
Data last updated: 2026-04
Compare Apartments in Lakewood
Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.