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
Justin Bosak,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Lakewood, NJ sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Lakewood, NJ over the last 12 months is $389,500, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 891 Inverness Court, Unit B -- the Eton model located in the desirable Leisure Village East, a gated 55+ community offering true resort-style living. This bright and sunny 1-bedroom, 1-bath home features an open-concept living and dining area, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Enjoy additional living space in the enclosed porch -- ideal for morning coffee or unwinding at the
Adorable 2-bedroom, 1 full bathroom condo with plenty of light, newly painted, brand-new appliances, and new vinyl flooring throughout in Leisure Village East! Come relax on the front porch and have your coffee! Don't miss this adult community with many amenities, including, 9-hole golf course, heated pool, woodshop, gym, and clubhouse with many activities! Close to shopping, restaurants and near
Kathleen LuszikBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
Welcome to Leisure Village East!Enjoy easy, low-maintenance living in this beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath home, with new kitchen, bathroom, flooring, washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator & baseboard heat! Located in a vibrant 55+ community. This charming unit features an enclosed porch--perfect for morning coffee or relaxing evenings--and convenient attic storage for added space. Take
Welcome to easy, vibrant living in one of the area’s most sought-after 55+ active adult communities. Leisure Village offers a lifestyle centered around connection, recreation, relaxation, and convenience. Residents enjoy a beautifully maintained clubhouse, sparkling community pool, scenic lake, walking and biking paths, bocce courts, and even a private boat ramp for kayaking, canoeing, or
Welcome to your new retreat in the heart of Leisure Village a VA loan approved community. 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,
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 Leisure Village, a sought-after 55+ community offering easy, low-maintenance living. This Strathmore model features 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and approximately 1000 sq ft of living space. Enjoy a spacious open layout. Additional highlights include central air and interior access to the garage. This is an as is purchase and presents a great opportunity for buyers looking to
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
JUST LISTED! Don't miss this adorable and completely updated 1-bedroom home! Featuring a gorgeous brand-new kitchen, a stunning new bathroom, stylish laminate flooring throughout, and stainless steel appliances, this home is packed with upgrades.Warm, cozy, and move-in ready, this property is perfect for anyone looking for comfort and value. Come see it for yourself--you'll fall in love the
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a desirable location a new Hvac system. Enjoy a garage, enclosed porch with windows, granite countertops, and more. Situated within walking distance of the lake and the many amenities that Leisure Village has to offer, this home combines comfort and convenience.Residents enjoy access to 7 lakes, 2 clubhouses, and a wide variety of community
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
RARE OPPORTUNITY! FANTASTIC LOCATION! PRIME LAKEWOOD! This 2,500 sqft home has 5 Bedroom Plus 2 additional, Large dining room! Kitchen with eat in area, Large deck, oversized lot (137 x 117), and so much more! Located in a quiet Cul-de-sac, this home is walking distance to everything! Come see for yourself!
Lovingly up kept on Kingston. Welcome to the gated community of Leisure Village where you will find this freshly painted and move-in ready 2 bedroom/ 1 bath home located on Kingston Ct. You'll find peace of mind knowing big ticket items like the HWH and AC are newer and regularly maintained. Bathroom and flooring recently updated. New garage door and opener. Put your finishing touches on this
This cozy ranch which has 2 units. 1 unit is tenant occupied. which has 2 bedroom 1 bathroom, dining room, living room and a kitchen. The second unit is vacant. This home is zoned R12A Value is in the land - 75X162 12,000+ sq. ft. property. Being sold ''as is''.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Dutchtown Manor is situated in a prime spot along US Highway 9, featuring garden style apartments surrounded by shopping, convenient to public transit and close to Jersey Shore beaches. Our apartments feature private entrances, patios or balconies, washer and dryer units and central air conditioning! Stop in for a tour and discover choice rental living with an array of amenities right at your
Property Id: 2436397Massive 4-bedroom in the Heart of Downtown LakewoodThis spacious 4-bedroom home now INCLUDES ALL UTILITIES in the rent. Enjoy the ultimate convenience of one flat monthly payment while living in the absolute center of Downtown Lakewood's vibrant energy.This home is designed for flexibility. Whether you are a large family needing space or a group of
Welcome to your new home in the heart of Lakewood, NJ! This inviting property is close to a variety of excellent restaurants and shops, ensuring you have everything you need right at your fingertips. Conveniently situated, you'll also find HMH Ocean University Medical Center just 13 minutes away and Ocean County Vocational Technical School within a 16-minute drive.This property features
Property Id: 2568945Beautifully updated 2-bedroom end-unit condo located in the highly desirable Leisure Village 55+ gated community in Lakewood Twp, NJ. This bright and airy home offers 982 square feet of comfortable living space with new windows and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout.Screened-in porch features new ceramic tile and an eastern exposure. This unit
Beautifully updated 2-bedroom end-unit condo located in the highly desirable Leisure Village 55+ gated community. This bright and airy home offers 982 square feet of comfortable living space with new windows and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout for a clean, modern feel.The screened-in porch features new ceramic tile and an eastern exposure, perfect for enjoying morning
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
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