Apex, NC vs Lakewood, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Apex
70.6
#1082 nationally
Lakewood
63.1
#1796 nationally
Apex leads in crime level (4.7 vs 12.4). Lakewood leads in walk score (58 vs 26). Apex leads in cost of living index (122 vs 168).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Apex, NC | Lakewood, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.6 (#1082) | 63.1 (#1796) |
| Population | 72,225 | 78,135 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $601,962 | $882,830 |
| Median Household Income | $129,688 | $113,030 |
| Average Commute | 23.9 min | 29.8 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 58 |
| Crime Level | 4.7 | 12.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 168 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+32.9 |
C-
70.6 Score
Apex, NC
North Carolina community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$601,962
Population
72,225
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Apex, NC →
D
63.1 Score
Lakewood, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$882,830
Population
78,135
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
58
Pacific
View Lakewood, CA →