Let the numbers do the talking.
Cincinnati, OH vs Lakewood, OH
Cincinnati, OH vs Lakewood, OH: What the data shows
Cincinnati, OH is in Cincinnati, OH while Lakewood, OH is in Lakewood, OH — both in the same state. On home prices, Lakewood, OH is the more affordable option at $221,000 median — $262,100 less than Cincinnati, OH's $483,100. WYLT rates Cincinnati, OH as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Lakewood, OH as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Cincinnati, OH has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Lakewood, OH has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Cincinnati, OH has Low flood risk and Lakewood, OH has Low flood risk.
Lakewood, OH is the more walkable neighborhood. Cincinnati, OH scores 31/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Lakewood, OH's 59/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, Lakewood, OH has the higher school rating — Cincinnati, OH rates 6.1/10 and Lakewood, OH rates 6.7/10.
| Category | Cincinnati, OH | Lakewood, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $483K | $221K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $940 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $131K ✓ Higher income | $63K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 31/100 | 59/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 45/100 ✓ Better transit | 4/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | 65/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 13 min ✓ Shorter commute | 16 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.1/10 | 6.7/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | families with school‑age kidsfirst‑time homebuyersremote workers seeking quiet | Young professionalsStudentsCleveland commuters |
Bottom line
For families with school-age kids, first-time homebuyers, or those prioritizing budget-conscious living near the city, Lakewood may be a more suitable choice due to lower home prices, slightly better schools, and a more walkable environment. However, for remote workers or individuals seeking a quiet, car-dependent community near Cincinnati, the Cincinnati suburb might be a better fit due to its quieter nature and slightly shorter commute. Ultimately, Lakewood offers more bang for the buck near a major city.
Share this comparison