Buying a Home in Belmar, Lakewood, CO: A 2026 Neighborhood Guide
Belmar is the closest thing Lakewood has to a downtown. It's a planned, walkable district built around shopping, dining, and public space, surrounded by residential blocks that range from 1970s brick ranches to newer condos and townhomes. For buyers who want city-adjacent convenience without a Denver price tag or a Denver commute, it's one of the more compelling pockets of the market right now.
Here's what to know before you start touring homes in the area.
Where Belmar Sits in Lakewood
Belmar occupies the area roughly between Alameda Avenue and Colfax, centered on the Belmar Shopping District at Wadsworth Boulevard and Alameda. The shopping district itself, anchored by Whole Foods, Target, an Alamo Drafthouse, and a seasonal outdoor ice rink, was built in the 2000s on the site of the old Villa Italia mall, and the surrounding residential streets grew up around it over the following two decades.
That mix of eras shows up in the housing stock. You'll find original brick ranch homes from the 1960s and 70s a few blocks off the main corridor, newer townhomes built during the redevelopment push, and condo buildings that sit within walking distance of the retail core. Few other Lakewood neighborhoods offer that range of housing types in one area.
Average Pricing and What You Get
Active listings in Belmar currently average around $635,000, though the spread is wide. Condos and smaller townhomes often list in the $350,000 to $500,000 range, while single-family homes on the neighborhood's residential streets typically run from $550,000 into the $800,000s depending on size, lot, and how much updating has been done.
Sale prices have climbed in Belmar over the past year, tracking with broader Jefferson County appreciation. Buyers should expect more competition on move-in-ready homes near the shopping district and more room to negotiate on properties that need cosmetic work.
Market pace varies by property type. Condos and townhomes in Belmar tend to move faster, often inside 45 days, while single-family homes can sit longer, sometimes past 90 days, especially if pricing doesn't account for needed updates.
Condos, Townhomes, and Single-Family Homes
This is the real decision point for most Belmar buyers.
Condos and townhomes put you closest to the shopping district and usually come with lower maintenance responsibility, but they carry HOA dues that can run anywhere from $200 to $500 or more a month depending on the building and amenities. Read the HOA financials and reserve study before you write an offer. A poorly funded reserve account can mean a special assessment down the road.
Single-family homes give you a yard, more square footage per dollar, and no HOA in most cases, but many were built decades before Belmar's redevelopment. Galvanized plumbing, original electrical panels, and aging HVAC systems show up often enough that a full inspection matters more here than in newer parts of Lakewood.
Neither option is objectively better. It depends on whether you're optimizing for walkability and low upkeep or for space and long-term equity in land.
Schools Near Belmar
Belmar School of Integrated Arts serves the immediate area as the neighborhood elementary school, with an arts-focused curriculum that draws families specifically for that program. Alameda International Junior/Senior High School, which offers the International Baccalaureate program starting in seventh grade, serves middle and early high school students in the area.
Families further along in the K-12 range often look toward Lakewood High School, which carries strong marks from GreatSchools. As with any Jefferson County purchase, confirm your specific address's school assignment before you buy. Boundaries shift, and open enrollment options add another layer to consider if a particular school is the priority.
Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Access
Belmar Park anchors the neighborhood's outdoor space, with a lake, walking and biking trails, and open lawn area that functions as Belmar's version of a town square. It connects into Lakewood's broader trail network, which spans more than 7,000 acres of parks and open space citywide.
Bear Creek Lake Park, one of the larger regional parks in the metro area, sits a short drive southwest and adds kayaking, fishing, and camping options for residents who want more than a neighborhood walk.
Getting Around: Walkability and the W Line
Lakewood as a whole carries a Walk Score around 43, generally car-dependent. Belmar is the exception. Streets immediately around the shopping district score meaningfully higher, since groceries, restaurants, and everyday errands are within walking distance for many homes in the area.
For commuters, the RTD W Line runs light rail service into downtown Denver, with the Wadsworth and Garrison stations both accessible from Belmar. Several bus routes also serve the neighborhood directly. If ditching a second car or cutting commute stress is part of your buying decision, Belmar is one of the stronger options in Lakewood for that.
What to Watch For as a Buyer
A few things to flag before you get too far into a Belmar search.
Parking and traffic near the shopping district get busy on weekends and during events at the ice rink or outdoor concerts. If you're looking at a home within a block or two of the retail core, ask about street parking realities before you assume it'll be simple.
Older single-family homes need a real inspection, not a walkthrough. Sewer scopes and electrical panel checks are worth the cost given the age of much of the housing stock.
HOA documents on condos and townhomes deserve a full read, not a skim. Ask specifically about any planned special assessments and how the reserve fund is funded.
Property tax bills vary meaningfully depending on whether a home sits in a special district tied to the Belmar redevelopment area. Your title company or lender can confirm the specifics for a given address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in Belmar, Lakewood, CO?
Active listings in Belmar currently average around $635,000, with condos and townhomes typically priced lower and single-family homes on residential streets priced higher, often into the $700,000s and $800,000s for larger or updated properties.
Is Belmar a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, relative to the rest of Lakewood. The area immediately around the Belmar Shopping District offers walkable access to groceries, dining, and retail, which sets it apart from Lakewood's citywide Walk Score of around 43.
What schools serve homes in Belmar?
Belmar School of Integrated Arts serves as the neighborhood elementary school, Alameda International Junior/Senior High School offers an IB program for middle and early high school grades, and Lakewood High School serves the area for later grades. Confirm the exact school assignment for any specific address before buying, since boundaries and open enrollment can affect the outcome.
Should I buy a condo or a single-family home in Belmar?
It depends on your priorities. Condos and townhomes offer lower maintenance and closer proximity to the shopping district but come with HOA dues. Single-family homes offer more space and no HOA but often require updates given their age. Review HOA financials carefully for condos, and budget for inspection findings on older single-family homes.
How do I get from Belmar to downtown Denver without a car?
The RTD W Line light rail serves the area, with the Wadsworth and Garrison stations accessible from Belmar, plus several connecting bus routes. It's one of the more transit-accessible neighborhoods in Lakewood.
Are HOA fees high in Belmar?
They vary by building, typically ranging from around $200 to $500 or more per month depending on amenities and building age. Always request the HOA's financial statements and reserve study before making an offer so you understand what the dues actually cover and whether an assessment might be coming.
If you're thinking about buying in Lakewood, call or text me at 720-625-0224 and we'll map your timing. Justin Buller | Realtor, Real Broker | 720-625-0224
