Hybrid Work & Commute: Lakewood Neighborhoods Trending Up

Lakewood, Colorado, has long been one of the Denver metro area’s most versatile and livable cities—but in the post-pandemic era, it’s entering a new spotlight. The rise of hybrid work—where professionals split time between the office and home—has transformed how people think about location, commute, and lifestyle. For many buyers, Lakewood offers the perfect middle ground: close enough to Denver for a quick drive when needed, yet far enough to enjoy space, scenery, and suburban comfort.

As more professionals across the Front Range negotiate their workweek around flexible schedules, Lakewood neighborhoods are experiencing renewed demand—especially those that combine easy commuting routes with high walkability, open spaces, and community character. Here’s a closer look at why hybrid work is reshaping buyer preferences and which Lakewood areas are trending upward.

The Hybrid Work Effect on Home Searches

Before 2020, proximity to the office was a top priority for many Denver workers. But hybrid work models have flipped that equation. Today’s professionals are optimizing for quality of life, not just commute time. With remote days built into the week, buyers now ask:

• Can I work productively from home?

• Is there outdoor space or a quiet office nook?

• What’s my commute like on the days I do go in?

• Are there local cafés, gyms, or parks for mid-day breaks?

Lakewood checks all those boxes. Its mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and newer condos—many with dedicated workspaces—makes it a standout choice for hybrid professionals. Add in light rail access, major highway routes (6th Avenue, C-470, and I-70), and an abundance of outdoor recreation, and Lakewood becomes a top contender for those balancing productivity and lifestyle.

Neighborhoods on the Rise

Green Mountain

Perched along the western edge of Lakewood, Green Mountain is seeing a surge in buyer interest from hybrid professionals. The area offers spacious homes, many with mountain views and finished basements ideal for home offices. With nearby Green Mountain Open Space, residents enjoy instant access to hiking and biking trails between work sessions. Commute-wise, Green Mountain is a short drive to downtown Denver via 6th Avenue and minutes from tech corridors in Golden and Lakewood’s Union Boulevard business park.

Belmar

For those wanting a more urban feel with suburban convenience, Belmar is the epicenter of Lakewood’s live-work-play lifestyle. Its modern townhomes and loft-style condos cater to remote workers seeking walkable amenities—think coffee shops, co-working spaces, and boutiques all within blocks. The neighborhood’s design mirrors the hybrid work rhythm perfectly: home when you need focus, community when you need connection.

Applewood

Bordering Wheat Ridge and Golden, Applewood offers a tranquil, tree-lined escape without sacrificing access to the city. Larger lots, mid-century architecture, and mature landscaping create a private feel ideal for those spending more time at home. Buyers are drawn by Applewood’s quick access to I-70 for both Denver commutes and weekend mountain getaways—a hybrid worker’s dream.

Morse Park & Eiber

Closer to central Lakewood, Morse Park and Eiber neighborhoods appeal to professionals who want character homes and shorter commutes. These areas feature charming 1950s ranches with flexible layouts that easily accommodate home offices or studios. They’re also near W light rail stations, giving residents a convenient alternative to driving on in-office days.

Commute Redefined: Why Lakewood Wins

One of Lakewood’s biggest advantages is its connectivity. While hybrid workers may only commute two or three days a week, those drives still matter—and Lakewood’s location offers quick access in every direction:

• Downtown Denver: ~15 minutes via 6th Avenue

• Tech hubs in Golden or Arvada: ~10–15 minutes

• The Denver Tech Center: ~25–30 minutes via C-470

For many professionals, these shorter, less-frequent commutes make Lakewood the perfect balance point—reducing the “rush hour stress” that used to dominate daily life while gaining a more spacious, nature-forward environment.

Lifestyle Amenities Driving Demand

Beyond location, Lakewood’s lifestyle infrastructure makes it especially attractive to hybrid workers. Residents enjoy:

• Outdoor recreation: Bear Creek Lake Park, William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park, and dozens of neighborhood trails.

• Cultural amenities: The Lakewood Cultural Center and 40 West Arts District bring creativity and community to the forefront.

• Convenience: Retail hubs like Belmar and Colorado Mills combine shopping, dining, and entertainment—all within minutes.

• Education and safety: Strong schools and stable neighborhoods appeal to both young professionals and families transitioning into larger homes.

These amenities aren’t just perks—they’re daily lifestyle enhancements that fit the rhythm of hybrid work.

Real Estate Market Insights

As of late 2025, Lakewood’s housing market remains competitive but balanced. While price growth has moderated from the rapid spikes of 2021–2022, hybrid work demand continues to sustain values in desirable pockets like Green Mountain and Belmar.

According to MLS data, the median home price in Lakewood hovers around the mid-$600,000s, with pockets such as Applewood exceeding $800,000. Meanwhile, condos and townhomes in Belmar offer entry points for professionals seeking urban conveniences without Denver’s downtown price tags.

Buyers are also prioritizing home features aligned with hybrid living: finished basements, extra bedrooms for offices, fiber-optic internet, and outdoor spaces for relaxation between meetings. Sellers emphasizing these qualities are seeing faster sales and stronger offers.

The Bottom Line

Hybrid work has permanently reshaped where and how Colorado professionals choose to live—and Lakewood has emerged as one of the top beneficiaries of that shift. The city’s combination of accessibility, scenery, and strong community fabric aligns perfectly with the modern work-life balance buyers are seeking.

For those looking to make a move in 2025, Lakewood offers more than just a convenient commute—it offers a connected lifestyle that supports both productivity and peace of mind. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading for space, or relocating closer to Denver’s core, Lakewood’s trending neighborhoods deserve a closer look.