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
Richard Abrams,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Lakewood, NJ sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lakewood, NJ over the last 12 months is $372,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well-Maintained 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Hawthorne Model with an Open Floor Plan. This inviting layout offers a spacious living and dining room with great natural light and a seamless flow into the kitchen with an additional living area. The generously sized bedrooms include a primary bedroom with an ensuite and ample closet space. The 3 Season Room is a cozy space to unwind and leads to the
Location - Location - Leisure Village East- Just Bring your suitcase - Nothing to do but move in and enjoy easy living. Greenbrier Model-with New Kitchen with Quartz Counters, S/S Appliances, LPV Floor - kitchen, dining and Living Room, Bath with shower stall and tile floor. 2 Bedrooms with plush carpet. BACK DOOR Entrance - right from your parking space.
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
ALL NEW! One floor ranch style condo in the desirable Leisure Village. Step into this beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath 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.
What is there to say--another beautiful Baronet has hit the market! This totally renovated home features a bright, open-concept layout with top-notch finishes throughout. Enjoy the stunning, state-of-the-art kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The fully renovated bathroom offers a nice-size vanity, updated shower stall, and more. The home also features plantation shutters throughout and a
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
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.
Welcome to your new retreat in the heart of Leisure Village. This charming Greenbriar model offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience and a vibrant community. Designed for easy one floor living. Kitchen boasts new Stainless-steel appliances and granite counter tops, 2 spacious bedrooms, living room dining area, sunroom and updated bathroom with a stall shower, glass shower doors and a heated
Welcome to 1263B Hamilton Court -- a beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offered at $274,000 in the highly sought-after 55+ gated community of Leisure Village East. This move-in-ready residence offers comfortable one-level living with a thoughtfully designed layout and numerous recent upgrades throughout. Step inside to find updated bathrooms, newer windows, and stylish laminate flooring
This lovely 2 bedroom Baronet Model end unit has been meticulously cared for and updated, offering the perfect maintenance-free opportunity. The home welcomes you with newer paint and carpeting and an inviting eat-in kitchen. Enjoy the convenience of a 1-car garage with direct access and additional storage area as well as the added bonus of an enclosed front porch, your new favorite spot for
This is coming soon Showings start 4/21/2026.Welcome to Covington Village! This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside and discover a bright, open living space, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The modern kitchen boasts sleek countertops and ample storage, while the well-appointed bedrooms provide a peaceful retreat. Enjoy your
BE IN FOR SUMMER!! 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
Anne CharlesBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
BRAND NEW ROOF!! Fairways Adult Community - Barrington ModelBeautiful and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath Barrington model located in the desirable Fairways Adult Community (55+). This home features an open and spacious living room/dining room with cathedral ceilings and NEW flooring throughout.The kitchen includes NEW granite countertops, and cherry cabinets with decorative glass-front
Pristine Condition Home Situated in the desirable Fairways. Spacious open Layout w/ LOADS OF NATURAL SUNLIGHT! Large Dining Room w/ Beautiful Moldings, Formal Living Room, & Huge Family Room. The EIK boasts a ton of cabinetry, & Cabinets, Walk-in pantry & dinette area! The Family Room Features cathedral ceilings, & built in Magnificent Gas Fire Place. Nice Size Bedrooms! Master Bedroom Features
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.
LOCATION AND VALUE SUPREME! Just unpack and create sweet memories in this beautifully maintained home! Newer HVAC system newer windows and gas heat will keep heating costs down while you live it up enjoying the extra large family room and expanded deck and fenced in backyard! Enjoy easy access to Massachusetts with a convenient backyard door too! Hardwood floors add a personal warmth and elegance
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
*You must be age 55 or older in order to apply*. Freshly painted first floor condo in 55+ Covington Village. 2 Bedroom, 1.5 bath with outdoor terrace. Spacious open layout with an updated kitchen including granite countertops, breakfast bar & stainless steel appliances. Washer/dryer included. Clubhouse offers a gym, movie theater, billiards, spa, party room and an outdoor pool. Rent includes
Elizabeth MorganCrossroads Realty Ocean Cty Regional Office
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
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
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 fixtures. Freshly paintied. One car
Mary O'Malley-JoyceBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Rumson
Fairway Villas apartments is ideally located in the charming town of Lakewood, NJ, close to shopping, schools, entertainment, public transportation and major roadways but with the feel of a peaceful hideaway. The property features beautiful landscaping and off-street parking, and the spacious units all feature wall-to-wall carpeting and modern appliances, including dishwashers and washer/dryers.
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
Discover your new home at Pinewood Apartments, conveniently located at 1703 Lexington Ave in the desirable 08701 area of Lakewood. This welcoming community offers a comfortable living environment with thoughtfully designed apartment homes to suit your lifestyle. Enjoy easy access to local shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences, all just minutes from your doorstep.Our friendly and
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