>Sounds like even renting is gonna be an uphill battle in Lakewood. Too many jobs don't even start at 20.

You're not wrong. I believe we're in a bubble, but I've been wrong before. If you have reservations about affordability, there are a lot more options available in Cleveland just east of 117th or south of Lakewood in West Park (Cleveland).

Plenty of good housing and safe neighborhoods to choose from nearby, but you'd need a lot of luck/connections to get something decent in Lakewood right now.