Densely-packed community with a small-town feel near Cleveland
Lakewood is a densely populated Cleveland suburb, with about 50,000 people living within 5 square miles, defined by its walkability. Located 6 miles west of Cleveland, on the southern shores of Lake Erie, this is one of the area's original streetcar suburbs, where history is preserved in the historic neighborhoods and homes. Lakewood fosters community pride through programs encouraging residents to maintain their homes and keep their neighborhoods looking beautiful. It promotes community, with a thriving shopping and dining scene emphasizing locally owned spots over chains. Small businesses are Lakewood's largest collective employer, providing jobs for 75% of the city's workforce, while the nearby Cleveland Clinic healthcare system makes it popular amongst medical professionals.
The population has gradually declined since 1930, but the city keeps evolving. In 2024, the town completed parks and infrastructure updates and offered financial assistance programs for historic home renovations. "We're actively trying to identify the people that do come here, whether they're long-term residents or renters, and helping them feel like they can establish their own piece of ownership, whether that's a business or a house," says Troy Bratz, a Lakewood resident and chair of the board of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
Lakewood, six miles from Cleveland, is a densely populated city on the coast of Lake Erie.
Downtown Lakewood hosts community events throughout the year.
The majority of Lakewood homes are two stories and have large front porches.
Humble Wine Bar, in Lakewood, is known for their pizza, wine selection, and happy hour.
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Low-interest loans for historic home renovations
Lakewood's median single-family home price is $315,000, compared with $151,000 for Cleveland. This number rose 6% between 2023 and 2024, with a high demand driving these higher prices. "I would estimate that Lakewood homes are sitting on 8 to 12 offers, whereas in Cleveland, you're looking at 2 to 5 offers," Bratz says. The city is known for its 100-plus-year-old homes but has a range of housing styles for different budgets, including apartments and townhouses. Streets are tightly packed, with most homes on roughly a tenth of an acre. The proximity creates stronger bonds for some, with some blocks forming tight-knit communities. "There are very strong block clubs," Bratz says. "They'll compete to see who can do the best Christmas lights and who can make it the most walkable."
Lakewood has several neighborhoods with a history, like Birdtown, a former factory neighborhood with duplexes and worker's cottages dating to the turn of the 19th century. It gets its name from the many streets named after birds. Clifton Park is a historic neighborhood with ornate Victorian, Tudor and Georgian estates with higher price tags. West End is a vibrant neighborhood with new townhouses and historic houses near the thriving Detroit Avenue commercial area. In 2024, the city revived the Heritage Home Program, which provides low-interest equity loans for owners renovating properties older than 50 years.
Impressive historical homes attribute to Lakewood's warmth and charm.
Lakewood homes often have front yard flower beds and charmingly adorned porches.
Duplexes are popular among Lakewood renters and make for great investments opportunities.
Lakewood's Gold Coast is home to several high-rise condominiums and apartments.
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Waterfront views at the updated Lakewood Park
Green spaces dot the city, with seven pocket parks, five neighborhood parks and three larger city parks. "You can end up walking to any of the major parks within half a mile of your residence," Bratz says. The largest is Lakewood Park, a 31-acre space with a skatepark, tennis and sand volleyball courts and views of Lake Erie. The Cleveland skyline is within view to the east. In 2024, the park unveiled a new and improved Foster Pool complex featuring a new competition and recreation pool, water play area and splash pad following a multi-million-dollar renovation project. The park doesn't currently have waterfront access, but a feasibility study is in the works, which could create a new pier and beachfront.
A master plan is also in the works to replace the aging athletic fields and courts, picnic pavilions, playground and pool at Madison Park, the city's second-largest park. Winterhurst Ice Arena, which opened in 1976, has served generations and is a popular recreation option throughout the year, with open skating and lessons for both figure skating and hockey.
Lakewood's Solstice Steps is the among the city's most popular gathering spots.
Locals admire the sunset at Lakewood's Solstice Steps.
An extensive walking path meanders throughout Lakewood Park.
Lakewood Park has several pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts.
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Lakewood schools earn top marks
Education is a draw for Lakewood, from pre-kindergarten to postsecondary studies. Lakewood City Schools is regarded as one of Ohio's top districts, earning an overall A from Niche. It oversees one early childhood program, seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and an alternative school, each earning either an A or an A-minus grade. The district has earned eight Best Communities for Music Education Awards, presented by the National Association of Music Merchants. The A-minus-rated Lakewood High School has various vocal and instrumental ensembles.
Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth draw in new residents with internal medicine residency programs. The University Hospitals system offers various fellowship training programs in cardiovascular medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology and other fields.
Students can participate in a variety of athletic programs at Lakewood High School.
Garfield Middle School challenges Lakewood students with an all encompassing curriculum.
Lakewood City Schools have earned and overall grade of A+ from Niche.
Lakewood is home to several private schools, such as Lakewood Catholic Academy.
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Small businesses are king in Lakewood
Small businesses draw shoppers and diners from Cleveland proper. Over 1000 businesses, such as coffee shops, bars, restaurants, gastropubs, anime stores and boutiques, line Detroit and Madison Avenues, the two main commercial thoroughfares. The list is growing, with 100 small businesses opening or renovating here in the last four years. "There is only one McDonald's, one Starbucks, even though we're surrounded by them," Bratz says. "It is intended to be more community-focused, community-driven." Goodkind Coffee makes coffee drinks with house-roasted beans, while Barrio is a popular option for Mexican eats, such as build-your-own tacos. Superscript is a recent addition to the area, specializing in comics and games. Due to the city's density, many options are easily walkable.
Small businesses, like Mishi Lifestyle, support the majority of Lakewood's workforce.
Lakewood's many restaurants cater to a variety of lifestyles and tastes.
Lakewood locals frequent Goodkind Coffee for its relaxing atmosphere and artisan beverages.
Angelo's Pizza, in Lakewood, boasts several "Best of Cleveland" awards and accolades.
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Lakewood Arts Festival is a celebrated city tradition
Lakewood has a long history of special events, with annual traditions dating back several decades. One is the Lakewood Arts Festival in August, a juried exhibition where over 160 artists sell paintings, ceramics and other fine art. The summer event season winds down with the Lakewood Community Festival in early September. Going on for over 36 years, it celebrates community and cultural heritage with international foods such as pierogis, kielbasa and sauerkraut. Light Up Lakewood is a newer tradition, going for nearly 20 years. This December event features a holiday parade, lighting ceremony, fireworks and more on Detroit Avenue.
Attracting thousands of visitors, Lakewood Arts Festival is a neighborhood favorite event.
Lakewood's Spooky Pooch Parade celebrates the Halloween season in a magical way,.
The Light Up Lakewood Parade makes its way down Detroit Avenue.
Lakewood Community Festival hosts family activities and supports local organizations.
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Ohio's most walkable city
Walk Score deems Lakewood the most walkable city in the state, and it is continually improving, with an ongoing 10-year project to improve its 180 miles of sidewalks. According to city data, over 10% of residents walk or use public transportation to get to work. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operates several bus lines from Lakewood into the city, including routes 25 and 26. The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is just six miles south, and accessible by the RTA Red Line train. Cleveland Clinic's Family Health Center is centrally located in Lakewood, offering around-the-clock emergency care.
Lower crime rates than the state and national average
According to FBI data, property and violent crime in Lakewood have typically trended below state and national averages since 2015. The city saw decreases in violent and property crimes between 2017 and 2021, according to the Lakewood Police Department. In 2024, the LPD increased its capacity for the first time in over a decade, raising the maximum authorized number of police officers by five. In 2023, the city also launched the Safe Place Initiative, wherein businesses and organizations provide shelter for victims of hate crimes.
My name is Jason Hoag and I want to be your Realtor! I have been in the Real Estate business 10 years and love it! I am a Native Northeast Ohioan and love where I live! When I am not selling real estate I enjoy spending time with my wife and three boys. My hobbies are rehabbing houses, rental properties, snowboarding, and action sports.
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