Things You Should Know Before Moving to Lakewood, CO - Movers.com
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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Lakewood, CO

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With awe-inspiring views of the Rocky Mountain foothills and close to 100 parks to enjoy, Lakewood Colorado may just be the scenic city you've been searching for when it comes to your next move.

Can't decide whether or not to call Lakewood home? The following guide is filled with information to help make your decision as easy as possible. If you do decide to make the move, you can start by comparing free quotes right here at Movers.com

 

Lakewood Climate

It'll be an altitude adjustment if you're relocating to Lakewood. The city's elevation is well over 5,000 feet above sea level, and is characterized by a semi-arid climate. The average highs in the summer are in the 80s, but can often reach 90 degrees or more. The temperatures from day to night fluctuate significantly, no matter the season.

Winters are typically anywhere from 12 degrees to 50 degrees, with an average snowfall of over 60-inches annually. The city has four distinct seasons with very significant temperature changes between them all.

Lakewood Neighborhoods

Lakewood might not have had much of a downtown area as much larger cities, or its neighboring Denver, but nowadays, the Belmar area has plenty of retail shops and musical events to keep its residents amused day in and day out. The area has been revamped from a previous regional mall into an urban experience that blends retail, culture, residential neighborhoods and employment. You can enjoy the Urban Anatomy public art project that contains small works art and poetry spread throughout the area.

Other smaller neighborhoods in the city include Morse Park, Edgewood, Addenbrooke, and Lasley.

Registering Your Car

Once you are either gainfully employed in the state of Colorado, reside in Colorado for over 90 days or own a business in Colorado, you must register your out of state vehicle within 90 days. Once becoming a resident, you have 30 days to qualify for a Colorado driver's license.

If your vehicle was titled out of state, a Colorado law enforcement officer, motor vehicle dealer or emissions testing station must fill out the Verification of Vehicle Identification Number form. You will need this form, your current registration, proof of Colorado vehicle emissions test, proof of insurance, payment of taxes and fees, and secure proof of identification. For more information, visit the Colorado DMV webpage.

Lakewood Schools

For school-age children, Jefferson County Public Schools serves Lakewood and surrounding areas for public education. It is Colorado's largest school district. The total student enrollment for the 2011-2012 academic year was just under 86,000, with a 79 percent graduation rate and a two percent dropout rate. Over 79 percent of the teaching staff holds a master's degree.

Some notable institutions in the area for higher education are: Colorado Christian University, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design and Colorado School of Healing Arts.

Lakewood Employment

As of March 2013, the unemployment rate in the city was at 7.3 percent, just slightly lower than the national average. There are a number of different companies based in Lakewood, and the surrounding metro area is known for its aerospace and bioscience industries. Some of the top employers in the city include Denver Federal Center, Jefferson County Public Schools, Tuermo, St. Anthony Hospital and the City of Lakewood.

Living Costs in the City

When relocating to Lakewood, expect to pay slightly more here for living, as the overall cost is approximately 7 percent above the national average. Housing is the area where you will pay the most, while groceries, utilities and services are much lower in comparison. The average listing price for homes in the area is just over $300,000, but prices can range from $150,000 to $500,000 or more. Single bedroom apartments begin at approximately $800 per month.

Lakewood Moving Resources

Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Lakewood, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Colorado. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:

Lakewood Transportation

The Regional Transportation District's (RTD) light rail transit system serves Lakewood and the greater metropolitan area of Denver and Aurora. The service boasts over 140 bus routes (local, express and regional) with 10,000 bus stops. There's also a Lakewood Rides service that offers door-to-door transportation for senior citizens living in Lakewood, as well as for those with disabilities.

The major highways in Lakewood include Interstate 70, Interstate 25 and the E-470 beltway.

Culture & Contemporary Life

Spend some time outside once you move to Lakewood, and enjoy almost 100 parks complete with baseball fields, playgrounds, barbecue grills, equestrian trails and tennis courts. Belmar Park offers walking and biking paths with parking available at Lakewood's Heritage Center.

For more of an authentic downtown vibe, you can experience Belmar, where your shopping options are seemingly endless with almost 100 different retail stores to choose from. The dining scene shouldn't disappoint you, either, as the area has many different styles of cuisine ranging from Japanese to Italian and Thai. During summer and fall months, events like Music on the Plaza and Festival Italiano take place.

Lakewood Relocation Tips

  • If you enjoy outdoor activities, invest in a pair of skis, a snowboard or a kayak - you'll get a lot of use out of them!

     

  • Give your body time to adjust to the altitude in Colorado. Stay hydrated and keep your skin protected from UV rays that are more intense at higher elevations.

     

  • Acquire a wardrobe appropriate for all seasons. You'll be faced with some bitter cold in the winter and hot, dry weather in the summer, so make sure you have clothing to accommodate it all.

Jenna Farmer  Posted by Jenna Farmer on June 10, 2013

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