2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Lakewood, WA

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Highlights
Are people in Lakewood older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Lakewood is 6.7 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lakewood or Santa Cruz?
- Lakewood housing costs are 63.8% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lakewood or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Lakewood is 4.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Cruz.

Things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

Things to do in Lakewood?
Lakewood, Washington is a vibrant city located in Pierce County. From stunning scenery to plenty of outdoor activities and cultural events, there's something for everyone. Visitors can explore the parks, beaches and trails within the city limits or experience natural areas like American Lake Park and Fort Steilacoom Park. Craft breweries, unique restaurants and entertainment venues offer something for every taste. With its affordable housing options, excellent schools and friendly residents, Lakewood is an ideal place to live or visit!

 Santa Cruz, CALakewood, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,972329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.45  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

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Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

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I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

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Reviews for Lakewood    7 Reviews

Historically, Lakewood has had a bad reputation for being a crime ridden city, but since its incorporation in 1996 it has seen a transformation. Many of its roads have  More

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Over 7 years ago

Lakewood is the worst city in the state. With a murder rate that has grown upwards of 20 people a year, to the home invasions that happen every day in the city, don’t  More

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Over 16 years ago

lakewood(chocolate city, lakeview, eastside,tillicum/woodbrook,lakecity) all crime drug and gang filled areas. very high murder rate for a suburb..and there are way too  More

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