Real Estate Investing in Lakewood, Colorado
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Lakewood, CO? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
CAUTION
Grade D (42/100)
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
For Investors
WEAK
2.3 / 5
(37/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
CLEAN
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Lakewood, CO?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$557,095
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,785
ZIP Codes
7
Market Trends — Lakewood, CO
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Lakewood, CO. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Lakewood, CO Updated 144 days ago
Lakewood is experiencing significant mixed-use and residential development, alongside state-level job losses and business departures.
Opportunities
- Lakewood Marketplace, a mixed-use community near the Oak Street Light Rail Station, is currently under construction. — This development will offer new residential, retail, commercial, and office spaces, enhancing local options. PCS Group
- The Downtown Lakewood Development project, a $119 million investment, broke ground in September 2025. — It will bring 303 housing units, 25,000 sq ft of retail, and public spaces, revitalizing the downtown area. City of Lakewood Release
- State legislators approved redevelopment of 11 acres of state-owned land in Lakewood for mixed-income housing in February 2026. — This project will create 120 rental units, 60-80 single-family homes, and a community building with childcare. BusinessDen
- The City of Lakewood is developing a Building Performance Program for large buildings, supported by a $1.5 million grant. — This program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs for businesses. City of Lakewood
- Many city-owned facilities in Lakewood are now powered by renewable energy, including parks and community centers. — This transition reduces emissions and saves on utility bills for municipal operations. City of Lakewood
Concerns
- Nearly 800 employees will lose jobs at the former FirstBank headquarters in Lakewood by June 30, 2026, due to a PNC Bank acquisition. — This represents a significant loss of employment opportunities in the local economy. CBS News
- Colorado has seen 98 companies leave the state, expand elsewhere, or scrap plans to move there since 2019. — This has resulted in over 13,000 lost jobs statewide, impacting economic vitality. CBS News
- Colorado's economy lost 11,700 non-farm jobs in 2025, the worst showing since 2020. — This indicates a contraction in job creation, potentially limiting employment options. CBS News
Bottom line: Lakewood is seeing substantial new construction and renewable energy initiatives, yet faces challenges from significant job losses and a statewide trend of businesses departing.
Local news & events in Lakewood, CO Updated 144 days ago
Lakewood saw a historic year with no homicides in 2025, but residents recently rejected significant zoning changes aimed at increasing housing density.
Opportunities
- Lakewood achieved a historic milestone in 2025, recording a full year without a single homicide, a first since the city's incorporation. — This significantly enhances public safety and peace of mind for all residents. KOMO News
- The city's Navigation Center, in partnership with Volunteers of America Colorado, now operates 24/7 to provide comprehensive housing-focused support for individuals experiencing homelessness. — This expands critical support and opportunities for vulnerable populations to transition out of homelessness. Lakewood Colorado (YouTube)
- Lakewood launched yard waste recycling events and a food scrap drop program in 2025, allowing residents to compost organic food waste for $5 a month. — These programs offer residents more options for sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship. Lakewood Colorado (YouTube)
- The city's vehicle fleet now includes over 40 electric vehicles, with plans to expand public charging stations to recreation centers. — This investment in electric vehicles and infrastructure provides more environmentally friendly transportation options. Lakewood Colorado (YouTube)
- Lakewood continues to host popular community events such as Cider Days, the Sounds Exciting! Concert Series, and various art shows in the 40 West Arts District. — These events offer diverse cultural and recreational activities for residents to engage with their community. City of Lakewood, CO
Concerns
- In April 2026, Lakewood voters rejected city council-approved zoning changes that would have allowed more diverse housing types like duplexes and townhomes in single-family neighborhoods. — This decision limits housing choices and potentially hinders efforts to address housing affordability in the city. Colorado Politics
- Thousands of Lakewood residents face a heightened cancer risk due to ethylene oxide emissions from the Terumo BCT facility, according to the EPA and State Health Department. — This imposes an unconsented health cost on residents living near the facility, with children potentially more susceptible. CBS Colorado (YouTube)
- A dilapidated property across from a preschool has remained unchecked for years despite repeated complaints about public safety and environmental concerns, including potential soil and groundwater contamination. — This situation creates an unconsented environmental and safety hazard for nearby residents and children. FOX31 (YouTube)
- Lakewood is experiencing significant impacts from climate change, including increasing drought, temperature extremes, flooding, and wildfires, with projections indicating these trends will intensify. — These environmental changes pose increasing risks to residents' safety, health, and property, potentially leading to unconsented costs. ClimateCheck
- A 2024 survey of Coloradans, including Lakewood residents, found that over two in three delayed or went without healthcare due to cost in the last 12 months. — High healthcare costs restrict residents' access to necessary medical care, imposing financial burdens and health risks. Colorado Consumer Health Initiative
Bottom line: Lakewood saw a significant reduction in homicides in 2025, but residents voted against zoning changes, and environmental and health concerns persist.
Schools in Lakewood, CO Updated 144 days ago
Jeffco Public Schools faces significant budget cuts and declining enrollment, leading to school closures and staff reductions, while also completing numerous facility upgrades funded by a 2018 bond measure.
Opportunities
- Jeffco Public Schools received an additional $118 million from the 2018 voter-approved bond, at no extra cost to taxpayers, to fund further capital improvements.
- The district has completed 371 construction projects and updates since the 2018 bond, including security enhancements, athletic facility upgrades, and new classrooms across 26 high schools and 15 middle schools.
- Jeffco Public Schools offers diverse programs like Career & Technical Education (CTE), STEM, Project-Based Learning, and an International Student Exchange to expand student experiences.
- The district provides a 1:1 Chromebook program for students in grades 1-12, aiming to ensure equitable access to technology and support digital literacy.
- Jeffco Public Schools has implemented an online enrollment system, EnrollJeffco, and a School Finder tool to help families navigate school choices and access school-specific data.
Concerns
- Jeffco Public Schools faces a $60 million structural deficit for the 2026-2027 school year, leading to budget reductions.
- The district plans to cut 136 teachers, over 10 counselors, approximately 8 social-emotional learning specialists, and more than 5 social workers/psychologists across 145 schools.
- Jeffco Public Schools has experienced a more than 5% decline in enrollment over the last four years, resulting in 4,259 fewer students and reduced state funding.
- Between 2021 and 2024, the district closed 21 schools, including 16 small elementary schools, and consolidated others due to unsustainable enrollment declines.
- The district's Capital Improvement Program is running $165 million over original cost estimates from the 2018 bond, with questions raised about how contingency funds and additional revenue were utilized.
Bottom line: Jeffco Public Schools is actively managing significant financial challenges and declining enrollment through budget cuts and school consolidations, while simultaneously investing in facility upgrades and diverse educational programs.
Civic & policy in Lakewood, CO Updated 144 days ago
Lakewood voters recently repealed city council-approved zoning changes aimed at increasing housing density, while state-level tax and wildfire regulations are also impacting residents.
Opportunities
- Lakewood City Council approved a property deal in November 2025 to sell part of the Emory Elementary School property to The Action Center for $1 million, allowing the center to relocate and continue its services. — This facilitates the continued operation of a community support organization. Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition
Concerns
- In an April 2026 special election, Lakewood voters overwhelmingly repealed new zoning laws that would have allowed more multi-unit housing (duplexes, triplexes) in single-family neighborhoods. — This restricts housing supply and diversity, potentially limiting affordable housing options and increasing costs. The Colorado Sun, 9News, CBS News
- The repeal of the new zoning laws also reversed changes that would have eliminated minimum parking requirements for affordable housing and developments near transit stops. — This may increase development costs and hinder the creation of affordable housing, particularly near public transit. Denverite, 9News
- The voter decision to repeal the zoning changes may put Lakewood out of compliance with state pro-growth housing laws, potentially jeopardizing future state funding. — Non-compliance could lead to a loss of state resources that Lakewood needs. The Colorado Sun, Denverite
- Colorado property owners, including those in Jefferson County, are seeing property tax increases of up to 20% in 2026 due to the expiration of temporary tax relief measures and changes in assessment rates. — This imposes higher costs on homeowners without their direct consent. Neighborhood Gazette
- The Colorado Supreme Court ruled against Lakewood in September 2025, requiring the city to pay approximately $42 million in tax refunds to Metro PCS and other cell phone carriers. — This creates a significant unbudgeted financial obligation for the city. Lakewood Informer
Bottom line: Lakewood residents recently voted to maintain current zoning, potentially impacting future housing affordability and state funding, while facing increased property taxes.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Property managers serving Jefferson County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Aim High Property Management
Arvada, CO
Aim High Property Management handles the full rental cycle for residential properties, including finding qualified tenants, protecting home condition, collecting rent, and reporting to owners. summary from their website
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Association & Community Management
Lakewood, CO
Association & Community Management provides professional management solutions for Homeowners Associations for over 60 years, focusing on personal service and integrity. summary from their website
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Colorado Luxe Living offers real estate and property management services for the Front Range. summary from their website
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Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
Avg Home Value
$557,095
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,785
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (CO)
★★★★★
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Lakewood
6 Colleges
17,923 Students
3,218 Off-Campus Renters
C+
4-Year Public · 7,382 students
📍 ~3,218 students rent off-campus
C+
2-Year For-Profit · 108 students
C
4-Year Private · 8,254 students
C
Vocational For-Profit · 231 students
C
Vocational For-Profit · 60 students
D
4-Year For-Profit · 1,888 students
Investor Insight: With 3,218 students living off-campus, Lakewood has substantial rental demand from the college population — typically stable, lease-renewing tenants.
Neighborhoods in Lakewood
Applewood Knolls
7 ZIP codes
Applewood Valley
7 ZIP codes
Bear Creek
7 ZIP codes
Belmar
7 ZIP codes
Belmar Gardens
7 ZIP codes
Bonvue
7 ZIP codes
Daniels-Welchester
7 ZIP codes
Eiber
7 ZIP codes
Green Acres
7 ZIP codes
Green Mountain Village
7 ZIP codes
Green Mountainside
7 ZIP codes
Greenbrier Cloverdale
7 ZIP codes
Holbrok Park
7 ZIP codes
Jefferson Gardens
7 ZIP codes
Mid Lakewood
7 ZIP codes
Morse Park
7 ZIP codes
Northeast Lakewood
7 ZIP codes
Okane Park
7 ZIP codes
Solterra
7 ZIP codes
Southern Gables
7 ZIP codes
ZIP Codes in Lakewood, CO
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Lakewood, CO
Are there empty rentals in Lakewood, CO?
Lakewood, CO carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect even-keeled absorption at market rents of $1,785/mo.
How much is rent in Lakewood, CO?
Rental rates in Lakewood, CO average $1,785/mo. Tenant demand and $557K home values make the yield look reasonable by investor standards.
What is the tenant pool like in Lakewood, CO?
Working renters make up the core of the Lakewood, CO tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Lakewood, CO?
The landlord environment in Lakewood, CO is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
What kind of market is Lakewood, CO for investors?
Lakewood, CO scores 2.3/5 for investability. Home values sit at $557K and rents near $1,785/mo, which keeps the rent-to-price ratio in reasonable territory for buy-and-hold investors.
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