Moving From Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood is one of Colorado's largest cities and a genuine gateway to the Rockies — but rising home prices, rapid development, and a metro housing market that now pushes median values above $574,000 are convincing thousands of residents to explore their options. Whether you are heading to a sun-belt city, the Pacific Northwest, or a smaller Colorado community, a well-planned move starts with the right movers and an honest look at what your next chapter will cost.

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Overview

Why People Are Moving Out of Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood sits at the western edge of the Denver metro, wedged between the capital city and the foothills of Jefferson County. With a metro population of approximately 156,583 and a median household income of $89,792, Lakewood occupies an interesting position in the Front Range economy — prosperous enough to sustain strong schools and robust public services, yet increasingly unaffordable for first-time buyers and renters who arrived expecting Colorado prices to stay manageable. The city's economy is tightly woven with the broader Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan statistical area, which has attracted technology firms, federal government contractors, and the sprawling Federal Center campus that employs thousands in agencies from the Department of Energy to the Bureau of Land Management. The presence of St. Anthony Hospital, Lutheran Medical Center, and a growing network of medical offices also anchors a significant healthcare employment base. Colorado's aerospace and defense corridors run directly through the region, drawing engineers and technical workers whose salaries sustain the high median income even as housing costs accelerate.

The cost pressure in Lakewood is impossible to ignore. A median home value of $574,415 means that even with a household income above the national average, first-time buyers are stretching to qualify for mortgages that leave little room for savings, emergencies, or retirement contributions. Colorado's state income tax of 4.4 percent, combined with Denver-area property tax rates that have climbed steadily as assessed values soared during the pandemic housing boom, means the overall tax burden lands squarely in the above-average range. Renters face equally difficult math: a typical two-bedroom apartment in a desirable Lakewood neighborhood commands $1,800 to $2,400 per month, reflecting citywide demand that has not softened meaningfully since 2020. Utilities during Colorado's cold winters add another $150 to $250 per month for gas heat, and the car-dependent nature of most Lakewood neighborhoods — where light rail exists along a few corridors but does not reach most residential streets — adds transportation costs that dwellers in more walkable cities do not face.

What makes Lakewood genuinely hard to leave is the lifestyle it delivers. The city is threaded with over 100 miles of trails, including the Bear Creek Trail that runs from the foothills through Soda Lakes and on toward the South Platte River. Green Mountain and South Table Mountain provide accessible hiking and mountain biking literally within the city limits, and Dinosaur Ridge — a world-famous fossil site — sits just a short drive up Morrison Road. The Belmar district has transformed an old mall site into a walkable urban village with restaurants, boutiques, and a performing arts center. Denver's entire cultural infrastructure — Coors Field, Ball Arena, the Denver Art Museum, Red Rocks Amphitheatre — is within 20 to 30 minutes. The 300-plus days of sunshine that Colorado consistently delivers make outdoor recreation a year-round pursuit rather than a seasonal privilege. At 5,440 feet of elevation, Lakewood escapes the worst of Denver's urban heat island while remaining close enough to the mountains to ski on a weekday afternoon.

The residents choosing to leave tend to share a few common narratives. Young professionals who moved to Lakewood in their late twenties discover that buying a home before age 35 requires help from family or a two-income household with no margin for a career pivot. Retirees who bought their Lakewood home decades ago are sitting on enormous equity and choosing to cash out and move to lower-cost states like Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas where that equity buys a larger home outright. Remote workers who took Colorado jobs during the pandemic boom and have since been untethered from a specific office location are re-evaluating whether Lakewood's premium is worth it when comparable outdoor access and quality of life can be found in Boise, Tucson, or smaller Colorado mountain towns. And families with children in the Jefferson County School District sometimes relocate when school assignment boundaries, budget constraints, or a desire for a fresh start push them toward a suburb in a different metro or a smaller city with a less competitive housing market.

Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods and Moving Logistics in Lakewood

What to know about moving from the most popular neighborhoods in Lakewood.

Belmar

Urban village, walkable retail and dining district

Moving Notes

Belmar's grid streets and dedicated loading zones along Wadsworth Boulevard make truck access manageable, but weekend foot traffic around the shopping district can slow progress. Many newer apartment buildings require elevator reservations and a certificate of insurance from your mover. Confirm building rules at least two weeks out and plan moves for early weekday mornings when retail pedestrian traffic is minimal.

Belmar is Lakewood's most recognizable modern neighborhood, built on the bones of the old Villa Italia Mall and redesigned as a walkable mixed-use district with apartments above shops, a Whole Foods, independent restaurants, and a performing arts center. Residents here tend to be younger professionals and downsizers who value the walking-distance amenities. Moving out of Belmar is logistically smoother than Denver's older neighborhoods — most buildings are newer with functional freight elevators and structured parking — but costs are high, and many residents leave when they realize they are paying urban prices for a suburban location.

Green Mountain

Suburban family neighborhood with trail access

Moving Notes

Green Mountain's residential streets are wide and grid-based, making large moving trucks straightforward to navigate. No street parking permits are typically required in most residential sections, but check with Jefferson County for any permit zones near the trailhead parking areas on W. Jewell Avenue. Moves in summer months should account for trail users and cyclists crossing residential streets early in the morning. HOA rules in several subdivisions restrict large vehicle overnight parking.

Green Mountain is a sprawling hillside neighborhood named for the prominent mesa that defines its western edge. The area draws families who want large single-family homes, access to Jefferson County Open Space trails from their back door, and school zones that feed into well-regarded Jefferson County schools. Home values here run above the city median, and the neighborhood has a strong community identity built around outdoor recreation. Residents leaving Green Mountain often cite equity cashing-out or relocation for a job as the primary drivers, rather than neighborhood dissatisfaction — it is one of the more genuinely livable areas in the metro.

Applewood

Established mid-century neighborhood, mature trees and ranch homes

Moving Notes

Applewood's streets are older and narrower than Green Mountain's, with mature tree canopies that can limit clearance for tall moving trucks. Confirm your truck's height with the mover before routing through residential streets rather than Kipling Street or 26th Avenue. Most homes are single-family ranches with no HOA, meaning fewer permit headaches — but narrow driveways may require hand-carry distances from the street. Early morning loading is advisable to avoid school traffic near Maple Grove Elementary.

Applewood is one of Lakewood's most established and sought-after neighborhoods, with mid-century ranch and split-level homes on generous lots with mature shade trees that feel genuinely rare in the broader Denver metro. The area borders Wheat Ridge to the north and has a quieter, more settled character than newer Lakewood developments. Many longtime Applewood homeowners are sitting on 20 to 30 years of appreciation and leaving because their equity unlocks a retirement lifestyle that Lakewood itself cannot provide — a smaller home in a warmer state or a rural property in the mountains purchased outright.

Estes

Affordable entry-level neighborhood, convenient highway access

Moving Notes

Located near the West Colfax corridor and US 6, Estes gives movers excellent highway access for loading out and departing east toward Denver or west toward the mountains. Street parking is unrestricted on most residential blocks, making truck placement simple. The neighborhood's proximity to Lakewood's older commercial strips means weekend traffic on Colfax can slow truck egress — schedule morning departures. Many homes here are older with smaller rooms and tight doorways; communicate furniture dimensions with your mover in advance.

Estes and the West Colfax corridor represent Lakewood's most accessible entry point for buyers and renters who cannot qualify or afford Belmar or Green Mountain pricing. The neighborhood is unpretentious and working-class, with older single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings that have seen rising rents as the overall Lakewood market has tightened. Residents leaving Estes are often responding to rent increases or a decision to buy in a more affordable state rather than compete in Colorado's exhausting purchase market. The neighborhood's location near US 6 and Interstate 70 makes it easy to stage a long-distance departure.

Lakewood Estates

Quiet residential area near Soda Lakes recreation

Moving Notes

Lakewood Estates sits south of Morrison Road near the Bear Creek Lake State Park corridor. Street access is good, and the quiet residential streets allow truck staging without major traffic complications. Some HOA-governed sections require advance notice for moving trucks and prohibit overnight vehicle parking on streets. The neighborhood's location south of Sixth Avenue means departures toward Interstate 70 require routing north on Kipling — factor this into your departure timing.

Lakewood Estates is a quieter, more residential stretch of the city situated near Bear Creek Lake State Park and the open space corridors that buffer the community from the Jewell Avenue commercial strip. The neighborhood draws families and outdoor recreation enthusiasts who prioritize proximity to hiking, cycling, and the South Platte trail network. Residents here tend to stay longer than in higher-churn neighborhoods closer to Denver, but the combination of rising property taxes and a desire for more land or lower costs motivates those who do leave. Many Lakewood Estates movers are heading to rural Colorado counties or to states like Idaho and Montana where their equity supports a different outdoor lifestyle at a lower cost.

Wheat Ridge-Adjacent Lakewood

Mixed residential and light commercial, older housing stock

Moving Notes

This zone straddles the boundary with Wheat Ridge and uses Kipling Street, Wadsworth Boulevard, and 38th Avenue as primary access routes for moving trucks. Older alleys behind some properties can accommodate smaller trucks for rear-loading. No special parking permits are required on most residential streets, but commercial zones near 44th Avenue see heavy traffic on weekday mornings. Movers using Interstate 70 will find the Ward Road or Kipling Street on-ramps the most efficient departure options.

The Lakewood neighborhoods that border Wheat Ridge to the north reflect an older, more affordable cross-section of the city's housing stock — smaller lot sizes, more duplexes and triplexes, and a more ethnically diverse population than the city's southern sections. Rents and purchase prices here are lower than Belmar or Green Mountain, drawing young families and first-time buyers who want a Denver-metro foothold. Those who leave often do so for more space and lower costs in other states, or they move outward along the I-70 corridor to places like Golden or Arvada once their income grows enough to qualify for larger homes.

Morrison Road Corridor

Working-class and mixed-use, gateway to foothills

Moving Notes

Morrison Road runs southwest out of Lakewood and becomes increasingly winding as it climbs toward the foothills. For moving trucks, all loading should be completed on the flatland sections before the road curves toward Red Rocks and Morrison village proper. The corridor has limited side-street parking near residential clusters; plan to arrive early. Heads up that oversized trucks wider than 8.5 feet may face restrictions on the steeper sections of Morrison Road west of C-470.

The Morrison Road corridor offers Lakewood residents perhaps the most dramatic front-yard scenery in the metro — red sandstone formations, deer crossing warning signs, and the unmistakable bulk of the Hogback ridge visible from bedroom windows. Residents here are often drawn by proximity to Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the trail systems east of the hogback. The housing stock is mixed, with older ranch homes, some newer infill construction, and a smattering of light commercial uses. Those leaving the corridor are frequently outdoors-focused individuals moving to mountain towns where the foothills are in the backyard rather than a 10-minute drive away.

Logistics

Moving Logistics in Lakewood

Highways and Departure Routes

Lakewood's position in the Denver metro gives movers several strong departure options depending on destination. Interstate 70 bisects the city east to west and is the primary route for moves heading to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Denver International Airport, and all Mountain West destinations — Summit County ski towns, Grand Junction, and eventually Salt Lake City via I-70 and I-15. US Highway 6 (Sixth Avenue) runs parallel and is often less congested for reaching downtown Denver, though it transitions to surface streets and is slower for long-distance staging. C-470 runs along Lakewood's southern edge and is the fastest route to Denver Tech Center, Castle Rock, and southbound I-25 toward Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Albuquerque. Westbound moves toward the San Luis Valley and southern Colorado should take US 285 south from Morrison. Avoid I-70 eastbound through the Eisenhower Tunnel corridor if you are moving to a non-mountain destination — route through downtown Denver and pick up I-70 east of the metro instead to bypass ski traffic on weekends.

Parking Permits and Truck Access in Lakewood

Lakewood does not currently require a formal city-issued parking permit for moving trucks on most residential streets, which is a significant logistical advantage compared to Denver proper. However, several specific situations require advance planning. HOA-governed communities — of which Lakewood has many, particularly in newer subdivisions on the south side — frequently have their own rules about large vehicle staging, overnight parking, and loading dock hours. Contact your HOA management company at least three weeks before your move to confirm requirements. Apartment buildings and condo complexes with professional management, especially in the Belmar district, commonly require a certificate of insurance from your moving company, a freight elevator reservation, and may restrict moves to weekday daytime hours. In commercial-adjacent residential streets near the Wadsworth and Colfax corridors, city parking enforcement does ticket trucks blocking fire hydrants or exceeding posted time limits — ensure your mover knows the local rules. For Green Mountain and Applewood neighborhoods, the most practical approach is to stage the truck in your driveway rather than on the street.

Colorado Climate and Seasonal Timing

Lakewood's climate is categorically different from what most long-distance moving guides assume. The Front Range receives the majority of its heaviest snowfall in March and April — not January and February — because Pacific storm tracks and Colorado's famous spring upslope events dump significant moisture during spring months. A move planned for late March or April carries a meaningful risk of a snowstorm that can shut down I-70 entirely, particularly west of the Eisenhower Tunnel but sometimes as far east as the Floyd Hill grade west of Denver. October and November also see significant early-season snowstorms. The safest moving windows are June through early September, when stable weather makes long-distance moves predictable, and November through mid-December, which is typically Lakewood's driest season before the New Year storm pattern begins. Summer moves on I-70 should be staged early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorm buildups that can delay drivers on mountain grades. If your move involves going west over the Rockies, check CDOT's cotrip.org for real-time pass conditions regardless of the season.

HOA Rules and Building Requirements

Jefferson County and Lakewood have a high concentration of HOA-governed communities, ranging from older cluster developments built in the 1970s around Green Mountain to newer townhome communities near the Belmar district and the south Lakewood growth corridors near Alameda Avenue. HOA rules about moving trucks vary considerably. Some associations require that movers use a rear or side access road rather than the primary entrance drive, particularly in communities where the entry aesthetic is tightly controlled. Others limit large vehicle parking to 24 or 48 hours and require you to notify the property management company by email or phone at least five business days before moving day. Condo associations in Belmar and lakeside communities along Bear Creek typically require a certificate of insurance from your mover naming the HOA as an additional insured — this is a standard document that any reputable mover can provide within 24 to 48 hours of request, but it needs to be requested at least one week before the move. For detached single-family homes without HOA restrictions, Lakewood offers the simplest moving logistics of any major city in the Denver metro.

Planning Your Move

What to Know Before Leaving Lakewood

What Your Long-Distance Move From Lakewood Will Cost

A long-distance move from Lakewood to a city like Austin, Phoenix, or Seattle typically ranges from $3,800 to $7,500 for a two-bedroom household, depending on volume, distance, and season. Moves to the East Coast or Southeast can reach $6,000 to $11,000 for larger households. Summer moves from June through August carry a 20 to 30 percent premium. Get at least three in-home or virtual estimates from licensed, USDOT-registered movers before committing, and verify that each quote covers the same scope of service so comparisons are apples-to-apples.

Plan Around Colorado's Unpredictable Spring Weather

Colorado's Front Range is notorious for late-season snowstorms that arrive in March, April, and even early May. These storms can dump a foot or more of wet, heavy snow overnight and close Interstate 70 west of Denver for 12 to 24 hours. If your move involves a truck heading west over the Rockies, build at least one buffer day into your schedule and check CDOT's CoTrip app obsessively in the week before your departure. Even if you are moving east or south, a spring storm can turn Lakewood residential streets into ice rinks that complicate loading. May through June and September through October offer the most predictable weather without peak summer pricing.

Maximize Your Home Equity Before You Go

Lakewood homeowners leaving Colorado are often sitting on substantial equity after years of appreciation. Before you commit to a destination and a moving timeline, consult a local real estate agent about your home's current market value and get a clear picture of your net proceeds after commissions, closing costs, and any capital gains tax considerations. In many cases, Lakewood equity is substantial enough to purchase a home outright in lower-cost states like Indiana, Missouri, or New Mexico, eliminating a mortgage payment entirely and fundamentally changing your monthly budget in your new city. Time your listing and your move together carefully so you are not carrying two housing costs simultaneously.

Understand the Tax Differences at Your Destination

Colorado's 4.4 percent flat income tax is a known quantity in Lakewood, but your destination's tax structure can vary widely. Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and Nevada have no state income tax, which can mean $3,000 to $7,000 per year in savings for a household at Lakewood's median income of $89,792. However, Texas and Tennessee both have higher-than-average property taxes and sales taxes that partially offset the income tax advantage. Arizona and Utah have their own income tax structures with rates in the 2.5 to 4.65 percent range, making them modestly more favorable than Colorado. Oregon and Minnesota have higher income taxes than Colorado, so those moves require a full tax-picture analysis, not just a headline rate comparison.

Declutter Before You Get Moving Quotes

Long-distance movers price by weight and cubic footage, and Lakewood households often accumulate gear-heavy inventories — ski equipment, cycling gear, camping supplies, kayaks, and the accumulated tools of an outdoor recreation lifestyle. Before your binding estimate, go through the garage, attic, and storage areas with an honest eye. Gear you can replace regionally in your new city, or items that no longer match your lifestyle, should be sold, donated, or left behind. The REI Used Gear sale, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist Denver move outdoor equipment quickly. Every 500 pounds removed from your shipment saves approximately $100 to $250 on a long-distance move.

Notify Jefferson County and Colorado DMV in Advance

When leaving Colorado, you will need to cancel or transfer your Colorado driver's license and vehicle registrations once you establish residency in your new state — most states give you 30 to 90 days after moving. Notify Jefferson County of your move to avoid continued property tax billing if you own a home. If you have a Colorado Front Range Pollution Control permit or an RTD EcoPass through your employer, cancel or transfer those services. File a USPS change of address at least one week before your move, and update your address with the Colorado Department of Revenue if you expect a state tax refund for a partial year of Colorado residency.

Timeline

Your Lakewood Moving Timeline

8 Weeks Before

Research and compare long-distance movers

Get at least three quotes from USDOT-licensed and insured long-distance moving companies. Verify each company's license on the FMCSA website and read recent reviews specific to long-distance moves, not just local jobs. Ask each mover about their experience with Colorado's mountain weather and whether they will travel west on I-70 or route south through New Mexico for westbound destinations.

6 Weeks Before

Book your mover and lock in your date

Confirm your move date and get all terms in writing, including the binding or not-to-exceed estimate, the pickup window, and the delivery window. If your move is during peak summer season from June through August, booking this far in advance is critical because Lakewood-area movers fill quickly. Request the certificate of insurance document immediately if your building or HOA requires it.

5 Weeks Before

Notify your HOA or building management

Contact your HOA management company or apartment property manager to confirm all moving requirements. Ask about move-out inspection procedures, truck staging rules, elevator reservations if applicable, and any move-out fees or deposit refund timelines. Schedule a pre-move walkthrough to document the condition of your home or apartment with photos and written notes.

4 Weeks Before

Begin packing non-essential rooms

Start with guest rooms, storage areas, and seasonal gear. In Lakewood, this often means deciding what outdoor equipment makes the trip. Ski gear, high-end bikes, and camping equipment have strong resale value — list items you are not taking on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist Denver before your move. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room to make unpacking faster.

3 Weeks Before

Schedule utility disconnections and new connections

Contact Xcel Energy for your electricity and natural gas disconnection date, and your internet provider for service termination. Set up utilities at your new address with at least two weeks of lead time for any provider that requires installation. File a USPS change of address. Notify your bank, insurance providers, employer, and subscription services of your new address.

2 Weeks Before

Handle Colorado-specific administrative tasks

Return any Jefferson County Library materials and clear any outstanding fines. Cancel your Colorado vehicle registration renewal reminders by updating your address with the DMV. If you own a home, notify Jefferson County Assessor of your closing date to ensure property tax is prorated correctly. Cancel or transfer any Jefferson County Recreation District membership or RTD transit passes.

1 Week Before

Final packing and mover confirmation

Pack an essentials box with documents, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, and enough supplies for two nights in case of delivery delays. Confirm your pickup time and address with the moving company. Check CDOT's CoTrip app to review I-70 and C-470 conditions for moving day. Take final photos of all rooms for your deposit or insurance documentation.

Moving Day

Execute the move and do a final walkthrough

Meet your movers at the agreed time and walk them through the inventory. Direct the truck to the most accessible approach for your driveway or building access point. Once loading is complete, do a thorough final walkthrough of every room, closet, cabinet under the sinks, the garage, and any exterior storage areas. Turn in your keys, collect your move-out documentation, and note the departure time for any HOA or building records.

Popular Routes

Where People From Lakewood Move

The most common destinations for residents leaving Lakewood, and how they compare.

Lakewood to Phoenix

Phoenix is one of the most popular destinations for Front Range Colorado residents, and Lakewood is no exception. The logic is straightforward: Arizona has no inventory tax on vehicles, a flat state income tax rate of 2.5 percent that is significantly lower than Colorado's 4.4 percent, and a housing market where $574,000 — roughly Lakewood's median — buys a substantially larger home in most Phoenix suburbs. The 600-mile drive via I-25 south and I-10 west takes about nine hours and is a straightforward move without mountain grades or winter weather complications. Lakewood residents trade snow shoveling for genuine summer heat, with July and August highs regularly exceeding 110 degrees, but many find the dry warmth and year-round outdoor recreation calendar a fair trade for Colorado winters. Moving costs for a two-bedroom household from Lakewood to Phoenix typically run $2,800 to $5,500.

Read the Phoenix, AZ moving guide →

Lakewood to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the most logical move for Lakewood residents who want to preserve their mountain lifestyle without Colorado's price tag. Utah's state income tax sits at 4.65 percent, essentially matching Colorado, but Salt Lake City's median home price has historically been 15 to 20 percent below Lakewood's even as the Utah market has heated up. The drive from Lakewood to Salt Lake takes about seven hours via I-70 west and I-15 north — entirely feasible as a one-day moving truck run, though the I-70 mountain corridor between Denver and Grand Junction demands checking CDOT pass conditions before departure. The Wasatch Range offers skiing, hiking, and mountain biking on par with Colorado, and Salt Lake's growing tech sector — nicknamed Silicon Slopes — provides employment opportunities for the engineers and technical workers who dominate Lakewood's workforce. Moving costs typically range from $2,500 to $5,000.

Read the Salt Lake City, UT moving guide →

Lakewood to Boise

Boise has absorbed a large wave of Colorado Front Range transplants over the past decade, and Lakewood residents are well-represented in that cohort. Idaho has no state income tax on wages earned after working your way through a 5.8 percent rate — actually slightly higher than Colorado — but Boise's housing market, while no longer the bargain it was in 2015, still offers median home prices substantially below Lakewood's $574,415. The 780-mile drive via I-80 and I-84 takes about 11 hours, making it a solid two-day move. Boise's outdoor recreation culture — whitewater rafting on the Payette River, ski resorts within 90 minutes, high desert trails in every direction — resonates strongly with Lakewood residents accustomed to building their lifestyle around Colorado's mountains. The Treasure Valley's rapid growth has brought traffic and development concerns, but the overall quality of life remains a step ahead of what comparable housing costs would deliver in the Denver metro.

Read the Boise, ID moving guide →

Lakewood to Austin

Austin draws Lakewood residents who are primarily motivated by career opportunity, no state income tax, and a vibrant social and cultural scene that can feel like a substitute for Denver's restaurant and music energy. Texas has no state income tax, saving a median Lakewood household roughly $3,900 per year compared to Colorado. The 1,000-mile drive via I-25 south and I-40 east or I-35 south takes about 14 hours, making it a comfortable two-day truck move. Austin's housing market has become expensive by national standards, but larger lots, newer construction, and no altitude adjustment make it a compelling landing spot for Lakewood professionals whose employers are relocating or who have secured remote positions. The summer heat — consistently above 100 degrees from June through September — is the biggest lifestyle adjustment for Coloradans accustomed to 300 days of sunshine without punishing humidity or heat.

Read the Austin, TX moving guide →

Lakewood to Denver

Not every Lakewood departure is a long-haul move. A meaningful segment of residents leaving Lakewood are simply relocating within the metro — moving into Denver proper for access to better walkability, the RiNo or LoHi dining scenes, or proximity to a specific employer. Lakewood to Denver moves are logistically simple: the two cities share a border, the drive is 20 to 30 minutes, and moving costs for a local or intra-metro move run $800 to $2,500 depending on household size and whether you hire a full crew or a truck rental. The financial calculus is roughly a wash — Denver's median home prices are similar to Lakewood's, and the state tax structure is identical since you are staying in Colorado. The move is about lifestyle access rather than cost savings, and it is a common step for Lakewood renters who want the walkable urban experience that Belmar approximates but downtown Denver delivers more fully.

Read the Denver, CO moving guide →

FAQ

Common Questions About Moving From Lakewood

How much does it cost to move out of Lakewood, Colorado?

A long-distance move from Lakewood typically costs $3,800 to $7,500 for a two-bedroom household moving 600 to 1,200 miles. Moves to the Southeast, Northeast, or Pacific Coast can reach $6,000 to $11,000. The biggest cost variables are distance, total household weight and volume, the time of year, and whether you choose full-service packing or self-pack. Get at least three estimates from USDOT-licensed movers before deciding.

Do I need a parking permit for my moving truck in Lakewood?

Lakewood does not require a city-issued parking permit for moving trucks on most residential streets, which is simpler than Denver proper. However, HOA-governed communities and managed apartment or condo buildings frequently have their own rules about large vehicle staging, overnight parking, and loading dock hours. Always contact your HOA or property management company at least three weeks before your move to confirm specific requirements.

What is the best time of year to move out of Lakewood?

June through early September offers the most weather-stable moving windows, though summer commands peak prices from movers. Late September through October is excellent: post-peak pricing and typically dry, mild weather. Avoid late March through April if your move involves driving west on I-70, as spring upslope snowstorms can close mountain passes without warning. November through mid-December is Lakewood's driest season and offers good off-peak rates.

What routes should my moving truck take out of Lakewood?

For eastbound moves to Kansas City, Chicago, or the Southeast, take I-70 east to I-25 south or continue east through the plains. For southbound moves to Phoenix, Dallas, or San Antonio, take C-470 south to I-25 south. For northbound moves toward Boise, Portland, or Seattle, take I-25 north to I-80 west or I-90 west. For westbound destinations, I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel is the only practical mountain route — always check cotrip.org for conditions.

Where do most people from Lakewood move when they leave Colorado?

The most common out-of-state destinations for Lakewood residents are Phoenix, Austin, Boise, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. Retirees with significant home equity frequently target Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas for warmer weather and lower costs. Remote workers and younger professionals favor Boise and Salt Lake City for lifestyle continuity at a lower price point. Career-driven moves most often point to Austin and Denver-adjacent cities in the Mountain West.

How much will I save on taxes by leaving Colorado?

Colorado's 4.4 percent flat state income tax means a household at Lakewood's median income of $89,792 pays roughly $3,950 per year in state income tax. Moving to a no-income-tax state like Texas, Tennessee, or Florida eliminates this entirely. However, Texas property taxes and Tennessee sales taxes partially offset the advantage, so calculate the full tax picture — income, property, sales, and any local taxes — before assuming you will save money in every no-income-tax state.

What happens to my Jefferson County vehicle registration when I move?

Once you establish residency in your new state, you generally have 30 to 90 days to register your vehicles there and surrender your Colorado plates. Update your address with the Colorado DMV before you leave to avoid incorrect renewal notices. If you have a Colorado emissions test due, check whether it is required before or after your registration expires. Contact the Jefferson County Motor Vehicle office to confirm your specific situation before the move.

What HOA requirements should I expect when moving out of a Lakewood community?

HOA requirements in Lakewood vary considerably by community. Many require advance written notice of your move-out date, a move-out inspection appointment, and a specified procedure for getting your security deposit or HOA transfer fee back. Some restrict moving truck parking to certain hours or require use of specific driveways. Apartment buildings in the Belmar district commonly require a certificate of insurance from your mover naming the HOA as an additional insured party — request this from your mover at least one week in advance.

How do I handle Colorado utilities when leaving Lakewood?

Contact Xcel Energy at least two weeks before your move date to schedule your final gas and electric readings and service termination. Your internet provider — typically Comcast, CenturyLink, or a local fiber provider — also requires advance cancellation. If you own your home, notify Jefferson County about your closing or move-out date to ensure property tax is correctly prorated. Cancel your water and sewer service through the city or through your HOA depending on your housing type.

Is it worth hiring full-service packing from Lakewood movers?

For long-distance moves from Lakewood, full-service packing typically adds $600 to $1,500 to the total cost but significantly reduces the stress of a cross-country move. It also transfers liability for fragile items to the mover — items that the mover packs are covered under their valuation protection in ways that self-packed boxes may not be. If you have high-value items like artwork, electronics, or fragile furniture, professional packing is worth the cost. Budget-conscious movers who are willing to pack themselves can save meaningfully.

What should I know about moving large outdoor gear from Lakewood?

Lakewood households typically own more large outdoor gear than average — ski and snowboard equipment, full-size bikes, kayaks, camping equipment, and rooftop cargo carriers. Long-distance movers charge by weight and cubic footage, so bikes, kayaks, and bulky gear add meaningfully to your total cost. Evaluate whether high-end bikes and large items can be sold locally and repurchased at your destination. Ski gear is particularly worth keeping if you plan to ski again, but a single ski setup adds 40 to 60 pounds to your shipment.

How far in advance should I book movers for a Lakewood move?

For summer moves from June through August, book at least six to eight weeks in advance. Lakewood movers fill quickly during peak season, and the best companies are the first to close their calendars. Off-peak moves from November through March can often be booked two to four weeks out with good availability and lower rates. Regardless of season, always get at least three quotes and verify each company's USDOT registration on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website before paying any deposit.

Making the Decision to Leave Lakewood

Deciding to leave Lakewood is rarely a decision made lightly. The city delivers a quality of life that is genuinely hard to replicate — mountains visible from the grocery store parking lot, 300 days of sunshine, a trail system that makes it possible to run, bike, or hike on a Tuesday morning before work, and a metro area with enough cultural and economic density to feel like a real city rather than a resort town. The residents who leave are not typically disappointed with Lakewood itself. They are responding to a math problem that Colorado's housing market has made increasingly difficult to solve: the intersection of a median home value above $574,000 and a median income of $89,792 leaves little room for error, and many households reach a moment where the numbers simply no longer work in their favor.

The good news is that a Lakewood departure comes with real advantages. Home equity accumulated over years of Colorado appreciation is a portable asset that can fund a larger home, a paid-off mortgage, or an entirely different lifestyle in a lower-cost state. The skills, professional networks, and outdoor recreation habits built in Lakewood translate well to other Mountain West cities, Sun Belt metros, and Pacific Northwest communities that are actively recruiting the kind of educated, active, career-oriented residents that the Denver metro has been producing. The infrastructure for comparing movers, researching destination cities, and calculating cost-of-living differences has never been more accessible.

Whether you are heading to Phoenix for the warmth, Austin for the career opportunity, Boise to preserve your outdoor lifestyle at a lower cost, or staying in Colorado but shifting to a different city or county, the practical steps are the same: compare licensed movers early, understand your HOA or building requirements, plan around Colorado's unpredictable spring weather, and give yourself a realistic timeline to handle the administrative details of leaving a state where you have built a life. MoveFinch connects you with screened, insured moving companies that handle Front Range departures regularly. Get your free quotes above and take the first concrete step toward your next chapter.

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