What to know when moving to Lakewood, OH
Lakewood at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 55.6% of residents rent and 54% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $65,778 makes Lakewood relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 10.8%, some residents may face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 2.3% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,011.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lakewood is a diverse community with a population of 50,384, balancing between renters and homeowners. The median gross rent is $1,011, which is reasonable for the area, given the higher education attainment rate of 54%. The low public transit usage suggests that most residents rely on cars for commuting, which may impact your transportation plans.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for robust public transit options, as only 2.3% of residents utilize it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,011, which may fit budget-conscious renters.
- Median home value stands at $241,400, a reasonable price for homeownership.
- 54% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 10.8%, reflecting some economic diversity.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Ohio's crime rates show a downward trend in both property and violent crimes over recent years, which is a positive sign for residents.
- Violent crime rate: 283.3 per 100,000, which is 12.9% lower than the national average.
- Property crime rate: 1,461.8 per 100,000, slightly below the national average of 1,546.9.
- Burglary rate: 193 per 100,000, with a significant 28.3% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 31.8% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Ohio).
Schools & Higher Ed
Lakewood residents have access to 16 nearby postsecondary institutions, enhancing educational opportunities.
- Notable nearby schools include Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University.
- The total number of higher education institutions in the area is 16.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Lakewood offers access to several outdoor spots for recreation, perfect for enjoying the local climate.
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - 4.6 stars (21,858 reviews)
- Edgewater Park - 4.7 stars (11,862 reviews)
- Lakewood Park - 4.8 stars (6,420 reviews)
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History - 4.5 stars (5,701 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).