What It’s Like to Live in Belmar Lakewood Colorado | Hidden History

**What It’s Like to Live in Belmar Lakewood Colorado | Hidden History**What’s it really like to live in Belmar in Lakewood, Colorado? In this video, we explore one of the most unique districts in the Denver metro. Belmar is known for walkability, shopping, restaurants, apartments, nightlife, and a modern downtown feel, but the land beneath it has a fascinating past tied to the Bonfils family, Villa Italia, and the transformation of suburban Colorado.Today, Belmar offers a rare live-work-play lifestyle on Denver’s west side. Wide sidewalks, patios, coffee shops, fitness studios, retail, events, and housing options make it a top choice for people who want city energy without living in Downtown Denver. With quick access to Denver, Golden, and the mountains, it’s easy to see why so many people choose Lakewood.BELMAR SHOPPING & DINING[https://www.belmarcolorado.com/](https://www.belmarcolorado.com/)CIDER DAYS AT BELMAR PARK[https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Heritage-Culture/Cider-Days](https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Heritage-Culture/Cider-Days)FEATURED HOME NEAR BELMAR[https://www.symbiohomes.com/property-search/detail/24/1955280/175-zephyr-st-lakewood-co-80226/](https://www.symbiohomes.com/property-search/detail/24/1955280/175-zephyr-st-lakewood-co-80226/)IN THIS VIDEO:• What it’s like to live in Belmar today• Walkability, dining, nightlife, and shopping• Why people choose Lakewood over Denver• Belmar Park and outdoor lifestyle• The Bonfils family connection• The original Belmar estate• Villa Italia mall history• Why the mall era ended• How Belmar was rebuilt• A featured home near BelmarTHE HISTORY OF BELMAR1. THE BONFILS ERA Belmar’s roots are closely tied to the Bonfils family, one of the most powerful names in Denver history through media, philanthropy, and The Denver Post. Their estate helped shape the identity of this area.2. THE ESTATE YEARS Long before apartments and shopping streets, this land was associated with prestige, open grounds, and a completely different Lakewood landscape.3. VILLA ITALIA The property later became Villa Italia, one of Colorado’s most iconic malls. For many locals, it was the center of shopping, movies, and suburban life.4. REDEVELOPMENT As malls declined across America, the site was transformed into Belmar, a modern mixed-use district with housing, offices, retail, restaurants, and public gathering spaces.5. BELMAR TODAY Belmar is now the symbolic downtown of Lakewood and one of the most walkable suburban districts in Colorado.THINKING ABOUT MOVING TO LAKEWOOD?Download our Insider’s Guide to Denver[https://symbiohomes.com/insiders-guide](https://symbiohomes.com/insiders-guide)Contact us[https://symbiohomes.com](https://symbiohomes.com)Phone7209557770Email[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])#Belmar #LakewoodCO #LakewoodColorado #BelmarLakewood #Bonfils #VillaItalia #DenverHistory #ColoradoHistory #MovingToColorado #ColoradoRealEstate #DenverMetro #LakewoodHomes #DenverLiving #CiderDays #BelmarPark #BelmarDistrict #BelmarPark #MayBonfils #LakewoodHistory #ColoradoLiving #LivingInColorado #RelocateToColorado #LakewoodLiving #BestDenverSuburbs #WestDenver #JeffersonCounty #WalkableLiving #CityLifestyle #SuburbanLiving #MixedUseDevelopment #DowntownLakewood #BelmarShopping #LakewoodApartments #ColoradoApartments #ColoradoCondos #HeritageLakewood #LakewoodParks #NearDenver #GoldenColorado #LakewoodRealtor #DenverRealtor #ExploreColorado #ColoradoTravel #ColoradoLife #FrontRange