Located just seven miles west of Denver, in the late 19th Century Lakewood was a popular summer resort for wealthy Denver residents. An electric tram known as “the Loop” connected Lakewood with Golden and Denver. Today Lakewood is the third largest city in the Denver metro area. While you’re looking through the homes for sale in Lakewood, you’ll be treated to some of the best views of the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Much of Lakewood real estate is close to at least one of the city’s more than 80 parks, and the area is still one of Denver’s top places for outdoor activities. At the top of the parks list is Bear Creek Lake Park. Activities at this 2,600-acre, three-lake oasis include fishing, camping, dirt biking, hiking, boating, swimming, riding, water skiing and more. The city also operates two public golf courses. In the winter, this western suburb is precious steps closer to the foothills and Rockies for skiing and more.

Newer real estate in Lakewood can be found near the burgeoning area known as Belmar, which—besides residential homes—features 19 blocks of mixed-use development including shops, entertainment, and office space; drawing some of the nation’s leading retail and restaurant chains. Music and arts festivals, as well as a seasonal farmers market, contribute to the lively street scene. Lakewood also boasts the 38,000-square-foot Lakewood Cultural Center featuring a 300-seat theater and gallery space, and the Lakewood Heritage Center includes historic structures and artifacts as well as an outdoor amphitheater.

Due west of Denver, Lakewood has easy access to both Downtown Denver and the I-70 corridor leading to Colorado’s unsurpassed mountain resorts. Lakewood homes for sale have an average listing price around $425,000, making this city an affordable choice.