Let the numbers do the talking.
Lakewood, NJ vs Paterson, NJ
Lakewood, NJ vs Paterson, NJ: What the data shows
Lakewood, NJ is in Lakewood, NJ while Paterson, NJ is in Paterson, NJ — both in the same state. On home prices, Paterson, NJ is the more affordable option at $283,300 median — $129,300 less than Lakewood, NJ's $412,600. WYLT rates Lakewood, NJ as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Paterson, NJ as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Lakewood, NJ has the stronger safety profile of the two. Lakewood, NJ has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Paterson, NJ has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Lakewood, NJ has Low flood risk and Paterson, NJ has Low flood risk.
Paterson, NJ is the more walkable neighborhood. Lakewood, NJ scores 7/100 (car-dependent) versus Paterson, NJ's 33/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Lakewood, NJ has the higher school rating — Lakewood, NJ rates 7.1/10 and Paterson, NJ rates 6.8/10.
| Category | Lakewood, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $413K | $283K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $59K ✓ Higher income | $39K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 7/100 | 33/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 10/100 | 10/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 97 min | 45 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.8/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesSuburban lifestyleCommunities with a strong sense of faith | Budget-conscious buyersMilitary families with stable incomePeople seeking a diverse community |
Bottom line
If you're looking for a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community and affordable housing, Lakewood might be worth considering, but be prepared for limited transit options and a lengthy commute to Manhattan. If you're seeking the lowest possible home prices, Paterson might seem like a good option, but it's essential to prioritize your safety and consider whether its high crime rates and other drawbacks outweigh the cost savings. Overall, Lakewood is a safer and more convenient choice for most families and professionals.
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