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?
Reach out to
Cindy Nelson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Lakewood, NJ sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Lakewood, NJ over the last 12 months is $365,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully renovated home in a desirable 55+ comm., centrally located near Rt 70 & GSP for easy access to shopping, dining & major roadways. This move-in ready home features new flrs t/o, a fully updated kit w/ upgraded Frigidaire Gallery appl. pkg, new HVAC, all new trim & int. doors. Open layout is ideal for hosting & entertaining, highlighted by a custom built-in TV unit w/ elec. FP off the
Bright, shiny and new! This Seller has spared no expense in providing you with your ultimate move-in ready home!! If you value privacy, this unit backs to a wooded area and large front yard. All updates, appliances, recessed lighting and lighting fixtures are top of the line products and the installation and workmanship is second to none! Also, the luxury vinyl flooring is carried throughout the
Anne CharlesBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
Move right into this lovely Baronet model in the sought-after Leisure Village East, a gated 55+ community. Situated in a park-like setting, this beautifully maintained home features a spacious floor plan with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and plenty of natural light. Enjoy comfortable living with a cozy living/dining area, and a well-equipped eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances & 42'' cabinets.
Donna SanclementeBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
Move right into this lovely Baronet model in the sought-after Leisure Village East, a gated 55+ community. Features new carpet, fresh paint and a spacious floor plan with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and plenty of natural light. Enjoy comfortable living with a cozy living/dining area, and a well-equipped eat-in kitchen. Both bedrooms offer ample closet space and a peaceful retreat. An enclosed porch
If you've been waiting for a fully renovated Eton end unit, your wait is over! This beautifully updated home has just hit the market and features a top-notch kitchen and bathroom.The kitchen boasts 42-inch cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and modern finishes. Enjoy luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and the peace of mind of a brand-new water heater.Located in a great location,
Coming soon showings start 1/30 -Welcome to this beautifully updated Baronet model in the sought-after Leisure Village active adult community! This move-in ready 55+ home features new windows, doors, flooring, kitchen, and bathroom, plus upgraded electric and high-efficiency LED recessed lighting throughout. The stunning kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a
Step into this beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo in the desirable Leisure Village, Lakewood's premier 55+ gated community! Enjoy a brand-new kitchen with sleek cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances, plus a bright open-concept living and dining area with new flooring throughout. The updated bathroom shines with modern finishes. Relax in the enclosed sunroom
This thoughtfully designed condominium offers a comfortable living space with quality finishes and a practical layout. The unit features well-proportioned rooms that create a welcoming atmosphere for everyday living. This well-maintained home features three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, providing ample space for a variety of needs. The property is arranged to accommodate diverse
Welcome to Leisure Village living at its finest! This beautifully maintained Baronet model offers 2 spacious bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, perfectly blending comfort, style, and convenience. As an end unit just steps from the lake, you'll enjoy an extra sense of privacy and natural light throughout the home. Inside, you'll notice the newer flooring in the large living room, which provides the
Prime buildable lot offering over 14,000 square feet in the highly sought-after Albert neighborhood. Ready for development, this parcel provides an excellent opportunity to bring your plans and build to suit. Rare opportunity.
Wow—It doesn't get any better than this! This totally renovated Baronet model offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bath and truly has it all, including access to a beautiful clubhouse and pool. The home is filled with natural light and enhanced with recessed lighting and ceiling fans throughout, so you'll never lack great lighting. From the moment you walk through the door, this home shows like a magazine.
Welcome to this spacious and updated Regency model, offering over 1,600 square feet of comfortable and stylish living in one of the area's most sought-after adult communities. This inviting 2-bedroom, 2-full-bath home combines modern updates with a serene setting, making it the perfect place to enjoy an active yet relaxed lifestyle.Step inside to discover bright, open living spaces enhanced
Beautifully renovated home in a desirable 55+ comm., centrally located near Rt 70 & GSP for easy access to shopping, dining & major roadways. This move-in ready home features new flrs t/o, a fully updated kit w/ upgraded Frigidaire Gallery appl. pkg, new HVAC, all new trim & int. doors. Open layout is ideal for hosting & entertaining, highlighted by a custom built-in TV unit w/ elec. FP off the
Welcome to 35F Cambridge Court, a great opportunity to bring your vision to life in one of Lakewood's desirable adult communities. This attached home offers a comfortable layout, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a detached garage for added convenience, and the chance to customize the space exactly to your liking.Enjoy the peaceful setting of an established adult community while taking advantage of the
Cozy 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath ranch with a loft. This appx. 15,000 sq. ft. property offers a great opportunity to build your dream home in the Raintree neighborhood - value is in the land!
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.
Cute one bedroom model in area near Dorchester clubhouse. Close to all their activities and pool. It has open floor-plan, freshly painted, laminated wood flooring throughout. It has washer & dryer, a.c., newer counters in kitchen. The stove has glass top & is self cleaning. Take a look, you will love it. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying.
Welcome to One of the Newest Communities in Ocean County! Comfort and luxury come together at Hampshire Crossing, a premier apartment community in Ocean County. We offer several floor plans with one or two bedrooms, highlighted by contemporary design and open floor plans. Hampshire Crossing redefines maintenance-free living with some of the best amenities in the local area and top-notch on-site
Affordable Greenbriar Model end condo with rear door into 2nd bedroom from parking. It is located between the clubhouses, has central air and an enclosed front porch for relaxing. It comes with an oven, fridge, washer and dryer. Ready to go!
Beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained, Amber Grove offers spacious and welcoming 2-bedroom units for rent in Lakewood, NJ. Our units feature all the important touches that make a house a home, including private balconies/patios, vinyl flooring, full-size in-unit washer/dryers, oversized closets, and large windows that will flood your apartment with sunlight. Right at the
Wonderful 2 bedroom townhouse centrally located close to Parkway and Route 9. New carpets in the upstairs bedrooms. Master bedroom has a large walk-in closet and direct access to the newer main bathroom which includes a soaker tub. Main floor is hardwood through out with large sized living/dining room plus an eat-in Kitchen with newer applicances and cabinets. 1/2 bathroom is located on the first
Mary O'Malley-JoyceBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Rumson
Crossroad Manor Apartments is a well maintained 264-unit community in beautiful and exciting Lakewood, New Jersey. Recently updated apartments offer private entrance, hardwood floors, spacious closets, 24-hour maintenance service, on site management office, as well as walking distance to shopping and public transportation. Lakewood is a family-friendly community with a lot to do, from its parks
Interior Pictures to be added shortly. Centrally located townshouse in desirable Layayette Green. Completely renovated 3 bedroom and 2 1/2 bath home. The eat-in Kitchen has granite countertops, newer stainless steel appliances, and plenty of cabinet space. Fully equiped laundry area in the unit. New wood floors throughout the second floor plus hardwood floors on the ground level. Updated bathroom
Mary O'Malley-JoyceBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Rumson
Discover your new place at Pinewood Apartments. This property is situated at 1703 Lexington Ave in the 08701 area of Lakewood. Let the professional leasing staff show you everything this community has in store. Stop by the leasing office to learn more about our community.
Welcome to Covington Village, a 55+ community in Lakewood.This one bedroom, one bath unit is located on the first floor. As a resident, you will have access to the clubhouse that offers an outdoor pool, billiards room, library, fitness center, and theater.
Dawn PassaroCrossroads Realty Ocean Cty Regional Office
Washington Square is Lakewood's prestigious apartment community. You will enjoy an elegant way of life at Washington Square with its perfect blend of luxury, space and convenience. Beautifully landscaped surroundings give your home a park-like setting. Our apartments boast many custom home features: 9-foot ceilings, crown moldings, wall sconces, granite, European tile, and more. The Garden State
Located in the ''Four Seasons'' 55+ Community this Chestnut Model Home features Laminate Flooring in the Living Room/Dining Room, and both Bedrooms. Ceramic Flooring in Bathrooms, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting in Family Room and Vinyl Flooring in Kitchen. The kitchen has ample cabinet an counter top space and Stainless Steel Appliances. Master Bedroom features spacious walk in closet and private
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