Garner, 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.
Garner
68.5
#1312 nationally
Lakewood
63.1
#1796 nationally
Lakewood leads in walk score (58 vs 23). Garner leads in cost of living index (106 vs 168). Lakewood leads in median household income ($113,030 vs $77,171).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Garner, NC | Lakewood, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.5 (#1312) | 63.1 (#1796) |
| Population | 35,265 | 78,135 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $385,396 | $882,830 |
| Median Household Income | $77,171 | $113,030 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 29.8 min |
| Walk Score | 23 | 58 |
| Crime Level | 9.8 | 12.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 168 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+32.9 |
D+
68.5 Score
Garner, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$385,396
Population
35,265
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
23
Southeast
View Garner, 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 →