Lakewood 73 Excellent
Lakewood Livability #194 ranked city in Washington#5,080 ranked city in the USARanks better than 82% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Lakewood

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Crime

    High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.

  • Ratings

    Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.

New Real Estate Listings in Lakewood Area
Search Homes for Sale in Lakewood, WA

What's it like Living in Lakewood?

Located in the state of Washington, Lakewood is a mid-sized city with a population of 60,564 people. Lakewood has a population density of 3,550 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Lakewood is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 50% married, this city falls well below the national average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Lakewood, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 29 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Lakewood could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Washington if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Lakewood, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, education, housing and more.

With a livability score of 74 out of 100, Lakewood is ranked #3,860 in the United States and #171 in Washington. Based on the scores for each individual category, Lakewood has received high marks for amenities (B+) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Lakewood. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (F).

Lakewood has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Lakewood has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Lakewood are: Lakewold Gardens, Olympus Spa, and AMC Loews Lakewood Towne Center 12.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Lakewood market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Lakewood real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Lakewood. Median real estate prices in Lakewood come in at $309,600, which is 15% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lakewood, the home price to income ratio is 5.6, which is 30.2% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Lakewood

See all the best places to live around Lakewood

How Do You Rate The Livability In Lakewood?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Lakewood, WA Livability

      vs

      Lakewood transportation information

      Statistic Lakewood Washington National
      Average one way commute29min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.1%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool15.6%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.3%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home4.5%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Lakewood, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).