A suburb with international influences and a strong business climate
Lakewood is a large, leafy suburb that stays lively thanks to a melting pot of cultural influences. Whether it’s the Latin Fest bringing a variety of musical styles, or expansion of the Beth Medrash Govoha campus – which is the largest yeshiva outside of Israel – there always seems to be movement in the city. Nearly coastal, Lakewood's location in New Jersey is east of beach communities like Brick Township and Manasquan, separated only by the Garden State Parkway. But moving inland, it borders the slightly rural exurb of Howell Township, which it remains connected to via bustling U.S. Route 9. “Around Howell could be considered a tri-state area. There’s a ton of retail along Route 9,” says Allie Farinhas, a Realtor with Re/Max. “And if you go towards the Jersey Shore, you can surf at Manasquan.” The city could be considered a commuter haven, too, since Manhattan is 70 miles north. Yet in a deeper sense, this is a rapidly growing municipality with plenty of appeal on its own.
Approximately 135,000 people live here, and surprisingly over 40,000 of those arrived between 2010 and 2020. Part of the appeal is the business-friendly climate. The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce grows local businesses, as well as establishments in Ocean County and Monmouth County. Economic strength is in the city’s DNA. The Bergen Iron Works provided a substantial employment base in the early 1800s. Today, the combined acreage of the city’s industrial parks – which support over 350 businesses – makes for one of the biggest municipal industrial complexes in the state.
Downtown Lakewood is a hive of activity.
There are a variety of local shops to visit in downtown Lakewood.
There are a number of community pools available for residents to relax in Leisure Village.
The Strand Theater is Ocean County's premiere entertainment venue.
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Housing is tailored to diverse lifestyles
Even though Lakewood is noted for having million-dollar properties, it offers a range of prices for homebuyers. “The town has everything you can think of, that’s what makes it stand out from other nearby places. It has more of a mixed demographic than your traditional suburb,” says Paula Santos, a Realtor with Solid Gold Realty. “If you want a house with a large property, we can find that. If you want a townhouse, we can find that. Are you over 55 and want a community? We can do that.” Other Realtors affirm that it’s possible to pursue different lifestyles in the city. “There are many adult communities in the Lakewood area such as Leisure Village,” says Mario Bottieri, a Realtor with RE/MAX Select, adding that the laidback atmosphere in general is an incentive. “A lot of people move to Lakewood for its peace and quiet.” Prices for one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties in these planned developments can range from $140,000 to $400,000. Outside of these retirement communities, homebuyers can find modern traditional-style houses, colonials and various ranch-style homes in the $500,000 to $900,000 range. Most of the million-dollar properties stand out for their stark Craftsman style, where mixed materials like stone and vinyl are featured on the facade.
Modern traditional-style homes are being built in certain areas of Lakewood.
Ranch style homes are a popular housing type in Lakewood.
Homes at Fairways at Lakeridge are a great place to spend your golden years in Lakewood.
Some larger colonial-style homes dot the streets in Lakewood.
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Georgian Court University brings higher education to the city
Students can begin at Spruce Street Elementary, which covers kindergarten through first grade and earns a B from Niche. Elementary education continues at Clifton Avenue Grade School, which gets a C-plus. Lakewood Middle receives a C rating. Lakewood High can claim many professional athletes as former students, as well as Mark Ecko, founder of the fashion brand Ecko Unlimited. The school gets a C-minus. For higher education, Georgian Court University is a private Roman Catholic institution. Monmouth Medical Center, 20 miles north, is one of the state’s largest academic medical centers. “It’s an amazing hospital,” says Santos.
Lakewood High School serves students in grades 9-12 in their community.
Lakewood Middle School in Lakewood.
Clifton Ave Grade School in Lakewood.
Spruce St Elementary School in Lakewood.
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Rugged scenery at Ocean County Park
Pine Park on the northwest side is more than just playgrounds and a few ballfields. There are campgrounds and picnic areas on this 150-acre site. Ocean County Park on the east side is equally popular as a gathering spot, due to its rugged scenery full of white pines and hemlock trees. “It’s a beautiful park,” says Santos. Kayaking is available on Lake Shenandoah in the park, and hikers have numerous trails to explore. Golfers can practice at the driving range, plus there are facilities for tennis and volleyball. Lakewood Country Club brings a touch of history to the area. Founded in 1896, the club offers an 18-hole course and a sports bar. Baseball fans can watch the Jersey Shore Blue Claws at Shore Town Ballpark, which accommodates over 6,500 fans. Plus, beyond Brick Township on the eastern border, there are more destinations up the coast. “You can go to Pier Village in Long Branch or Sandy Hook Bay,” says Farinhas, referring to a pair of locales roughly 30 miles north.
Ocean County Park in Lakewood is home to an 18 hole disc golf course.
Pine Park in Lakewood offers residents an array of activities such as baseball.
Lakewood residents flock to Lake Shenandoah for fishing and boating activities.
Pine Park in Lakewood has sports courts, playgrounds, and a golf course.
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Drivers can reach Manhattan in about an hour
U.S. Route 9 is one of the main thoroughfares of Lakewood, slicing down the middle and connecting it to surrounding townships. It’s also where a lot of growth is focused, and homebuyers should be conscious of that when accounting for traffic, say local Realtors. “They’re putting up a lot of townhouses where Route 9 meets Highway 70,” says Santos. “Adjacent to that is New Hampshire Avenue, and roads forking off there become residential. It backs up to the original Leisure Village subdivision, which separates Lakewood from Brick Township.” Commuters prefer to take the Garden Center Parkway to Manhattan. The 70-mile journey can be completed in about 90 minutes. The Lakewood Bus Terminal provides two NJ Transit bus lines to the Port Authority in New York City, but also links commuters to Newark, Philadelphia and Atlantic City.
The dining scene highlights Jersey specialties like pizza and bagels
Lakewood Plaza on the north side is a reliable hub for taking care of everyday errands. Shoppers can find kosher supermarkets and assorted small eateries. Further down U.S. Route 9, surrounding Strand Theater, is Pizza Plus and Bagel Nosh – offering some of New Jersey’s most popular dishes. In the far southeast corner, where the Garden State Parkway meets state Route 70, is a cluster of big-box stores. Home Depot and Costco are some of the household names available, leading shoppers further into Brick Township where other brands pop up, like Trader Joe’s.
Bagel Nosh in downtown Lakewood is famous for its kosher bagels.
Upper Crust in Lakewood is a Kosher brick oven pizza and pasta restaurant.
Small, locally owned cafe's are a popular dining option in Lakewood.
Evergreen Kosher Market in Lakewood has a butcher, bakery, fish, produce and more.
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Increased crime has prompted civic engagement
Lakewood police reported a 280% increase in crime from 2021 to 2022. Property crimes were the biggest driver of the increase. Ocean County residents rallied for more police support in 2024, after a rash of home break-ins. Police responded by adding more patrols during night hours.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Video By
Chris Norton
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lakewood, NJ sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Lakewood, NJ over the last 12 months is $380,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A wonderful, well maintained Regency model home with so much going for it! Starting with great curb appeal, this spacious property setting is superior with sprawling front and rear lawns and is tastefully landscaped. The driveway is long and the paver patio is situated perfectly for dining alfresco. Once inside, you will appreciate the nicely sized floor plan. The kitchen has stainless steel
Move-in ready. This well maintained end-unit is sure to please and welcomes you to enjoy all the amenities this wonderful gated, adult community offers. Lots of closet space, spacious living room/dining room, eat-in kitchen, a bright sun porch for your morning coffee or end your day and relax on the paver patio. Enjoy the good life choosing from so many activities, outdoor pool, bocce court and
Beautifully updated 2-bed, 2-bath condo in Ocean County's sought-after 55+ Covington Village. Enjoy an open layout with 9-ft ceilings, hardwood and tile floors, granite counters, black stainless appliances, and a private covered balcony with outdoor storage. The spacious primary suite features a walk-in closet and full bath with tiled shower. A second bedroom and full bath offer flexibility for
Welcome to this end unit Greenbriar model home located in the highly desirable Leisure Village East community. This home offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bath with an enclosed porch. The home has been updated and well kept offering a newer kitchen with corian counter-tops, an updated bath and newer carpets. Some of the amenities this gated community offers include a clubhouse, pool, bocci court,
Brian Kachoogian
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
Spacious Regency Model in Leisure Village East! Welcome to this beautifully maintained Regency model, the largest floor plan available in the desirable gated community of Leisure Village East. This inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features a bright sun porch, extra-long driveway, and attractive river rock landscaping for a polished, low-maintenance exterior. Inside, you'll find thoughtful
Brian Kachoogian
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
Welcome to Four Seasons! This beautiful, private move in ready, super clean 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Chestnut model in a park like setting is waiting for you! Just unpack and start enjoying Four Seasons resort and spa lifestyle. Amenities include: indoor saltwater heated indoor pool, Olympic size outside pool, complete exercise room, 9 hole executive golf course, Pickle ball, Tennis, Bocce, Minutes
Adult Community. 55+ Yearly rental available August 1. Beautifully updated one-bedroom, one-bath ranch-style unit located in the sought-after Leisure Village East.. This charming home features beautiful laminate flooring throughout and large windows that let in an abundance of natural light. The kitchen has been fully renovated with modern appliances, granite countertops, and contemporary
Coming April 2024! Elevate your lifestyle with the detailed luxury designed just for you at The Lofts at Ocean Park Village. Newly built from the ground up with your comfort in mind, our spacious 1 bedroom flats and 2 bedroom townhomes include every amenity you could wish for plus a little more.
Well maintained Eton model for rent in Original Leisure Village. This unit offers one bedroom, one bath, a galley kitchen with dining area, a large living room and enclosed three-season porch. A convenient back door does away with you having to walk all around the building to enter the home. Leisure Village is close to shopping, medical facilities, restaurants, and our beautiful Jersey shore.
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