Real Estate Investing in Lakewood, Colorado (80235)
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Should you buy in 80235 (Lakewood, CO)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
No major risk flags on the data we track.
What’s happening in Lakewood, CO (80235)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 80235 Lakewood
Investors eyeing 80235 need to respect the fundamentals at play. Home values of $436K come alongside slower price movement and elevated management overhead.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 80235 records the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Regionally, 80235 sits on the difficult end of the CO spectrum. The a solid fit for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
A significant renter share of 48% in 80235 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
Strategy in 80235 is an operator game, not a passive one. Looking more closely, entry prices of $436K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lakewood:
Property Strategy for 80235
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $181,228 | $1,660 | 6.6% | +3.9% | $181,228 |
| 2BR | $271,843 | $1,980 | 5.2% | +3.9% | $135,921 |
| 3BR | $553,692 | $2,590 | 3.4% | +4.6% | $184,564 |
| 4BR | $697,901 | $2,890 | 3.0% | +5.7% | $174,475 |
| 5BR | $988,588 | — | — | +6.8% | $197,718 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 80235 Compare?
| Metric | 80235 | Lakewood | Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $435,899 | $557,095 | N/A | $535,778 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.9% | 1.8% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $1,968 | $1,785 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% | 2.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 80235 (Lakewood, CO). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $435,899 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,968 |
| Price-to-Rent | 18.5:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.4% |
| Cap Rate | 3.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.3% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.9% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.5% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | -8.7% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.5%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 80235
Population: 8,374
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 80235
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Bear Valley International School
Centennial Academy of Fine Arts Education
DSST: College View High School
Kaiser Elementary School
John F Kennedy High School
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 8,026 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homes affordable in Lakewood, CO?
Expect median prices around $436K in Lakewood, CO. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been even-keeled.
Which investment style suits Lakewood, CO?
In Lakewood, CO the impressive play is typically careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The combination of $436K prices and $1,968/mo rents suits that approach.
Are renters plentiful in Lakewood, CO?
The tenant pool in Lakewood, CO is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $1,968/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
Is house hacking profitable in Lakewood, CO?
For house hackers, Lakewood, CO is a challenging. The $1,968/mo rent on a unit helps defray the mortgage on a $436K property.
Is Lakewood, CO a friendly market for rental owners?
Rental owners in Lakewood, CO deal with a landlord-friendly legal framework. Most standard eviction processes run on reasonable timelines.
You know 80235 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 80235 ranks in Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
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