Applewood offers a peaceful neighborhood with easy access to several green spaces, providing a tranquil environment for outdoor activities. The area features mostly single detached homes alongside large apartment buildings and townhouses, constructed primarily between 1960 and 1980, offering diverse housing size options from lofts to spacious four-bedroom residences. Commuting by car is convenient with ample parking and proximity to highways, while multiple bus lines serve the community. Residents have access to public and private elementary schools nearby, and grocery stores and dining options are within a short distance. Bike-friendly routes enhance mobility within this calm, well-rounded neighborhood setting.
Applewood has a character that appeals to a fairly diverse group of people. Applewood is reasonably quiet, as there isn't a lot of street noise or city clamor. However, it is easy to reach public green spaces in the neighborhood since there are about 30 of them nearby for residents to explore. Finally, although the ambience is not the most lively in this part of the city with its about 10 bars, there are options for nighttime activities.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
At West 26th Avenue and Youngfield Street, Maple Grove Reservoir is one of the defining landscape features associated with Applewood Hills. The reservoir occupies land once owned and farmed by the Bunger family, whose orchards helped shape Applewood’s identity. Although it is primarily a water-storage facility rather than a recreational lake, its open setting and historic connection give the neighborhood a distinctive sense of place.
Located at 14001 West 32nd Avenue, Applewood Golf Course is a long-standing recreational landmark on the neighborhood’s western edge. The public par-71 course offers broad fairways, mountain and Table Mesa views, a driving range, and the Bunker’s Taproom. Its preservation as golf, open space, or recreation after a community-led acquisition helped protect the spacious character that residents value.
Prospect Valley Elementary, near West 35th Avenue and Kipling Street, reflects Applewood’s unusually deep local history. The school grew from efforts by early Applewood-area families who wanted an elementary school closer to their homes, including the Bunger family. Today, its campus remains an important neighborhood institution, linking the area’s mid-century residential development with the community’s agricultural roots.
The commercial cluster around Youngfield Street and West 32nd Avenue gives Applewood Hills a convenient everyday hub without changing its predominantly residential feel. Applewood Village includes grocery shopping, coffee, casual dining, and services used by nearby households. Abrusci’s Fire & Vine is a notable local draw, while the center’s accessible location makes it a practical meeting point for errands and neighborhood dining.
Applewood Hills benefits from nearby routes along Lena Gulch and the broader Clear Creek corridor, creating useful links for walking, cycling, and wildlife viewing. Lena Gulch begins downstream from Maple Grove Reservoir and follows a riparian landscape through the west metro area. These waterway connections complement the neighborhood’s large lots, mature trees, and quick access to regional trails without requiring a drive into the foothills.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This longtime Lakewood harvest festival is especially convenient for Applewood Hills residents, with family activities, live performances, wagon rides, tractor-themed entertainment, apple pressing, and seasonal treats. It is a relaxed way to enjoy fall outdoors close to home without traveling into central Denver.
View event details →Lakewood Brewing’s offbeat Oktoberfest combines live punk music, beer releases, brats, fall vendors, desserts, and a stein-holding contest. Applewood Hills adults and older families can enjoy a casual neighborhood outing with plenty of food and entertainment, while the costume-friendly atmosphere makes it more distinctive than a standard brewery visit.
View event details →Residents can bring apples and use Heritage Lakewood’s traditional wooden presses to make fresh cider, making this a hands-on fall activity close to Applewood Hills. Reservations accommodate groups of up to six, so it works well for families, neighbors, or visiting relatives looking for a memorable seasonal experience.
View event details →Belmar’s BOOMar offers a nearby family-friendly community event in the heart of Lakewood, with an easy combination of plaza activities, shopping, dining, and seasonal entertainment. It is a convenient choice for Applewood Hills residents who want a low-commitment daytime outing without driving far from the neighborhood.
View event details →This family-oriented Halloween event turns Bear Creek Lake Park into an evening of ghostly trails, nighttime wildlife, carnival games, treats, marshmallow roasting, and hot chocolate. It is a strong nearby option for Applewood Hills families who want seasonal fun that feels adventurous without being an intense haunted-house experience.
View event details →Quarteto Nuevo brings Western classical, Eastern European folk, Latin, and jazz influences together in an accessible world-music performance at Lakewood Cultural Center. For Applewood Hills residents, it offers a polished evening concert just a short drive away, with a lively sound that can appeal to both jazz fans and general audiences.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Applewood Hills
Local characteristics and demographics for Applewood Hills
