$913,133Average Value$655Average Price per Sq Ft38Homes For Sale
A central LA city known for being one of the first postwar planned communities
Famous for being one of the first midcentury suburbs, Lakewood was dubbed “Tomorrow’s City Today.” Affordable ranch-style homes spread at an exponential rate. Over three years, the land went from lima bean fields to a residential community catering to the middle class and World War II veterans. In 1954, it also became the country’s first “contract city,” contracting Los Angeles County to do its municipal services. Now Lakewood is home to approximately 78,000 people, many of whom commute to downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach and Anaheim. The city retains much of its suburban appeal, with the same ranch-style homes and contracted services. “A lot of people move back to where they grew up because of the family atmosphere and multigenerations. It's just a good city for young families. It’s a great place to live,” says Realtor Debra Van Leeuwen, who works with Home Base Realty and has over two decades of experience in the area.
Lakewood has many ranch style homes as well as larger custom homes in its neighborhoods.
Lakewood is famous for being one of the first midcentury suburbs in the area.
Lakewood has a popular pedestrian walkway with a sign that reads "Times Change Values Don't.
Lakewood has affordable ranch style homes that were built in the midcentury.
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Midcentury ranch-style homes in Lakewood
Lakewood was designed to be primarily residential, and over 85% of the city’s housing is single-family homes. With retail on its main thoroughfares, the city is otherwise composed of neighborhoods in a loose grid, meant to decrease through traffic without eliminating the convenience. Some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods are Lakewood Mutual and Mayfair, both offering ranch-style homes from the postwar years. The city center also appeals to many. “Lakewood Park is one of the most desirable areas of Lakewood and located in the heart of Lakewood,” Van Leeuwen says. The houses often come with driveways, detached garages and lawns with enough space for garden beds. The city’s median sales price is $850,000, with homes on the market for an average of 23 days, lower than the national average of 44 days. Although Lakewood’s inventory is on the low side, the market is becoming more balanced. “It's becoming more of a normal market, not a buyer's market and not a seller's market,” Van Leeuwen says.
One of Lakewoods most popular neighborhoods is Lakewood Mutual with unique large homes.
Lakewood has a variety of home styles with great shopping amenities like Lakewood Center.
Lakewood Park is one of the most desirable areas of Lakewood with stunning homes.
Lakewood was designed to be primarily residential with the majority single family homes.
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The Lakewood Center, Lakewood Marketplace and LBX Long Beach Exchange
One of America’s first indoor malls, the Lakewood Center has been the city’s main retail hub since 1952. Today it houses over 200 shops and services in the heart of town, including familiar names like Macy’s and H&M. The mall also offers a food court and entertainment at Round1 Bowling & Arcade. There are strip malls throughout the city; centrally located Lakewood Marketplace is one of the largest, with a supermarket and local restaurants. On the southern edge of Lakewood, LBX Long Beach Exchange Retail is an open-air hangar with a diverse food court, where visitors can find indoor and outdoor seating.
Paramount locals can head over to Round 1 for bowling and family fun games.
Head into Dale's Dinner for that nostalgic 1950's dinner feel.
Lakewood Center Mall has great options for dining at its food court.
Caesar's Mongolian BBQ is a popular restaurant among the locals.
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Community events, including the Civic Center Block Party
Right next to the Lakewood Center, the annual Civic Center Block Party kicks off the summertime each June. “I’d say it’s the biggest event in the city,” Van Leeuwen says. It features a Family Fun Zone, with activities for kids, plus live music and a food court. The night ends with a bang — a professional fireworks show. At the Tree Lighting in December, locals can see the city’s decorated 24-foot-tree in the Civic Center Plaza. The celebration includes carolers, pictures with Santa and artificial snow. The Lakewood Farmers Market starts every Saturday morning, with vendors for fresh produce and crafts.
Stroll and take in the sights and aromas of the Lakewood Farmers Market.
Each year, the Pan Am Fiesta returns Thursday - Sunday over Mothers Day weekend to Mayfair Park.
The Fiesta is Lakewood’s longest-running community event, dating back to the mid-1940s.
Specialist growers bring the freshest fare to the Lakewood Farmers Market.
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Well-rated Long Beach Unified public schools
The city is served by the Long Beach Unified School District, which has an A rating on Niche. It earns an A-plus in college prep, plus A ratings in diversity and teachers. Nine of its schools have won the Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon award. With approximately 66,000 students, the district’s student-teacher ratio is 24-to-1. Nearby higher education options include Fremont University in Cerritos and California State University, Long Beach.
Lakewood High School entrance welcomes all it's students.
Cleveland Elementary serves students in grades K-5.
Fremont University is a great option for after highschool in Lakewood.
Riley Elementary School in the
Lakewood neighborhood serves grades K-5.
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Mayfair Park and more outdoor recreation
As one of the country’s premier planned communities, Lakewood offers strategically placed parks — one per neighborhood, with 10 major parks in total. The most popular is Mayfair Park, about 18 acres of outdoor activities in the middle of the city. It has a public pool as well as sports facilities like ballfields and a basketball court. On the west side of Lakewood, Bolivar Park also has a swimming pool, plus gazebo picnic areas. Its playground features a zip line and double swings that allow parents to swing with their children. The Lakewood Golf Course, in the southwest part of the city, is a public 18-hole course beside a Mediterranean clubhouse. Good weather means residents can be outdoors most of the year. The area has warm summers and mild winters.
Lakewoods Bolivar Park has a popular zip line that attracts many residents.
Lakewood Golf Course brings golfers from around the area with its great course.
Mayfair Park is about 18 acres of outdoor activities
Palms Park and Community Center is a great park to get in on a game of hoops.
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A 20-mile drive to downtown LA
In car-dependent Lakewood, most residents commute to work with nearby highways: interstates 605 and 405, plus state routes 91 and 19. Via Interstate 710, downtown Los Angeles is about 20 miles away, while downtown Long Beach is about 10 miles away. Some residents work at major employers nearby, including the UCI Health – Lakewood, the Lakewood city government and Long Beach Unified public schools. For public transportation, there are Long Beach Transit and Metro bus stops throughout the community. Long Beach Airport is only 3 miles from Lakewood, while the Los Angeles International Airport is about 20 miles away.
Lakewood crime rates
According to data from the FBI, the violent crime rate in Lakewood is lower than to the state and national rates. Rhe property crime rate is lower than the state rate, too, but higher than the national rate. The Lakewood Sheriff’s Station has programs like vacation checks and civilian volunteering to help decrease crime.
Written By
Anna Anderson
Photography Contributed By
Samuel Evans
Video By
Mallory Nolte
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lakewood, CA sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lakewood, CA over the last 12 months is $870,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 6320 Hungerford Street, ideally located in the highly desirable Lakewood Estates neighborhood. This fully remodeled 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, offering a true turnkey opportunity with elevated design and quality craftsmanship throughout.The bright, open layout showcases beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, complemented
Keep your friends close and your family closer at your new pool home. With rooms so big you must see in person, welcome to 2803 Frankel Street, Lakewood, a two-level pool home with endless potential. This residence features a spacious layout perfect to make your own. The backyard pool is ideal for entertaining, family and friends. Over 2,100 square feet, this spacious home offers a flexible floor
Judy EstradaBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES Crest Real Estate
NEWLY REMODELED/TURN KEY. NOT A FLIP, REMODELED BY LONG TIME OWNER. NOTHING WAS LEFT UNTOUCHED. This house was thoughtfully designed inside & out with intention, good quality finishes & fixtures & attention to detail. Kitchen & hall bath fully gutted & NEW EVERYTHING in entire house(except primary), NEW flooring, appliances, cabinets, counters, lighting, finishes & fixtures. NEW flooring
Welcome to 2026 in a home that truly has it all. This beautifully maintained single-family residence effortlessly blends modern style with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels both inviting and impressive. Thoughtfully designed for today’s lifestyle, the home offers four spacious bedrooms, three tastefully updated bathrooms, and an open-concept floor plan accented by soaring vaulted
Rare to find large size Townhome style duplex , it is good opportunity for either investment or owner occupy for one unit and lease out another unit for extra income, each unit with three bedroom and two bath, directly access to two car garage, front house is single level which renovation on 2017 . and 2nd unit was built on 2017 which is above the 4 car garage , both units had individual washer
GREAT LOCATION! 4 bedroom 3 bath in wonderful Lakewood. This turn-key ready, professionally designed home, exudes modern elegance. Generous living space and stylish finishes including custom plantation shutters on every window in home. Plenty of natural light flows throughout the home's open, airy layout. Open kitchen features recessed lighting, pergo flooring, tile counter tops with a large bar
Get into a renovated Lakewood, CA, one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment home at Vicino, an apartment community boasting premium amenities, upgraded interiors, and quick access to the areas major freeways, including I-605 and I-5. Providing all the perks you need for a lovely and fulfilling residential experience, such as a picnic area, jacuzzi, and fitness center, this pet-friendly home is
The ground-floor unit offers single-level living with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms across 1,047 square feet, plus a covered front porch (102 sq ft) for outdoor enjoyment. Featuring 9-foot ceilings and a thoughtfully designed layout, includes a full kitchen with new stainless steel appliances dishwasher, stove with oven and over the stove microwave, quartz countertops, and a stackable laundry
Lakewood Gardens is a beautiful gated in community and is bordered by Long Beach on the west and south, Bellflower on the north, Cerritos on the northeast, Cypress on the east, and Hawaiian Gardens on the southeast. Major freeways include Lakewood (SR 19), Bellflower, and Del Amo Boulevards and Carson and South Streets. The San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) runs through the city's eastern
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
