Known as the "City of Homes," Lakewood sits on the southern shore of Lake Erie just six miles west of downtown Cleveland. This historic streetcar suburb boasts beautiful architecture, with many homes dating back to the early 1900s. The city takes pride in its housing, even hosting contests where residents showcase homes restored to their original designs.

Renting in Lakewood offers access to diverse housing options across several distinct neighborhoods. The Gold Coast features lakefront high-rises with stunning water views, while Clifton Park offers magnificent Victorian mansions. Birdtown, a National Historic District, provides charming smaller homes originally built for factory workers. Downtown Lakewood centers around Detroit Avenue and Warren Road, offering a mix of apartments above street-level shops and restaurants. The city's excellent parks include Lakewood Park with its Solstice Steps providing panoramic views of the Cleveland skyline across Lake Erie.

Transportation options make commuting simple for Lakewood renters. Several RTA bus routes connect to downtown Cleveland, with the Red Line rapid transit stations at the city's eastern border providing access to downtown and the airport. Interstate 90 borders the southern edge of the city with multiple on/off ramps. For recreation, the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks forms the western border, offering trails and green space. The average one-bedroom apartment rents for about $935, significantly below the Ohio state average of $1,060, making Lakewood an attractive option for rentals with easy access to urban amenities.