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
Marissa Van Name Polo,
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 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lakewood, NJ over the last 12 months is $400,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Four Seasons — A Beautiful Corner-Lot Home with Screened Porch The extended Hickory model with a screened-in porch has just become available in the beautiful and highly sought-after Four Seasons community! This lovely home features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, along with an extended family room off the kitchen. The family room offers a beautiful fireplace and built-in cabinetry,
Set within the desirable Four Seasons community in Lakewood, this beautifully maintained Extended Hickory Model 2 bedroom, 2 full-bath home offers an effortless blend of comfort, style, and carefree living. Enjoy an exceptional resort-style lifestyle with a clubhouse, sparkling pool, pickleball, and scenic walking trails, golf course, creating plenty of opportunities for recreation and
Tina CavazzoniWard Wight Sotheby's International Realty
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in one of the most desirable active adult communities at the Jersey shore. Surrounded by scenic lakes and picturesque walking paths, this home offers approximately 1,500 SF of comfortable living space, & features an updated bathroom in the main bedroom, newer windows, laminate flooring, and the open kitchen is equipped with stainless
Welcome to 9 Sandhurst Road in Fairways @ Lakeridge, one of Lakewood's premier 55+ active adult communities! This spacious 3-bedroom and 2.5 bathroom home offers a bright, comfortable layout with a formal living room and dining room, inviting family room, eat-in kitchen and sunroom perfect for relaxing year-round. A huge unfinished basement provides exceptional storage and endless possibilities,
Welcome to Covington Village! A unique & highly desirable active adult community! Residents enjoy exceptional clubhouse amenities including a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, movie rm, billards rm & library, a banquet & meeting rooms & lots of planned activities for those who wish to participate! Unit 724 is located on the 2nd floor of a well maintained 3-story elevator building, offering a
WILL CONSIDER A LEASE 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
Imagine arriving home to a peaceful street in Leisure Village, where beautifully maintained surroundings welcome you each day. As you step inside, brand-new laminate flooring stretches throughout the home, creating a clean, modern feel that's ready for you from day one. The bright living room invites you to relax before flowing naturally into the dining area and kitchen, making everyday living
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE IN FOUR SEASONS! Welcome to the highly sought-after Four Seasons community in Lakewood! This popular Danbury model offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and the convenience of easy one-level living. Thoughtfully designed with a bright, open layout, this beautifully updated home features a spacious primary suite with a handicap-accessible en-suite bath, two additional bedrooms perfect
Huge Price Improvement under current market value for quick sale. Choose easy and 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
Priced under market value for a quick sale! Come see this lovely 1-bed, 1-bath 55+ condo at Covington Village. This active-adult gem is perfectly located near Route 70 for easy access to shopping, dining, and the Garden State Parkway. Enjoy resort-style living with an incredible 12,000 sq. ft. clubhouse featuring a fitness center, sauna, day spa, movie theater, library, and billiards room. A
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath end-unit in the Briarwoods community. This spacious home offers a finished basement, providing additional living space, along with an extended deck perfect for relaxing or entertaining. A newer roof adds peace of mind, while the end-unit location offers added privacy. Conveniently located near the Garden State Parkway, shopping,
Fully updated and truly move-in ready in Leisure Village, an established 55+ community in Lakewood. The living and dining area runs nearly 26 feet as one open, uninterrupted space -- anchored by a bay window, finished with decorative molding, and easy to furnish any way you like. Laminate flooring carries through the living room, dining room, kitchen and primary bedroom for a clean, seamless look
LAKEWOOD!!!!!!!!SPACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!UPDATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!This Gorgeous Lakewood Commons Home has everything you could want. Windows galore lets in loads of sunshine.living space is amazing dining room living room can accommodate family gatherings.The kitchen has granite counter tops Designer backsplash Tons of spotlights have also been addedbedrooms are great size
Beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath corner unit located in the desirable Leisure Village East, an active 55+ community. This bright home offers abundant natural sunlight and a spacious layout featuring a large living room and eat-in kitchen. Enjoy additional living space in the enclosed sun porch, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful, park-like surroundings. Residents enjoy
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.
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
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
Escape the ordinary and experience comfort at the New Hampshire Commons apartment community in Lakewood, NJ. Just minutes from Route 70, with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment, New Hampshire Commons offers a convenient and accessible location. The spacious apartment homes feature vinyl floors, walk-in closets, an in-home washer/dryer, and a charming private balcony with views of
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
Nestled amidst lush landscaping and serene surroundings, Andrews Corner Apartments offers a calm retreat from the everyday hustle. Discover a community where modern luxury meets comfort and convenience, creating the perfect place to call home. Choose from our upscale 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, thoughtfully designed with hardwood floors, modern kitchens featuring updated appliances, dishwashers,
For rent by owner: Lakewood NJ - Covington Village - great reduced price of $2,200/mo - 2BR/2BA condo in a desirable 55+ gated community - newer construction - - very quiet and treezy complex - condo is immaculate, move-in ready, bright & sunny 2BR/2BA condo on 3rd floor elevator building of Covington Village, Lakewood NJ - high ceilings and open floor plan - living room featuring gleaming
This property at 200 Woodlake Manor Dr features 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms within a total of 1,040 square feet. The living room provides ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The kitchen is equipped for convenience, with washer/dryer hookups available for laundry needs. Each bedroom offers sufficient room for furnishings, and the bathroom includes essential fixtures. The exterior of the
Welcome to Leisure Village East - an extremely well-kept 55+ secret! Residents never leave - they're so happy with their environment and neighbors. The Association does a remarkable job with the upkeep of the Community. You can enjoy the clubhouse/ saltwater pool/bocce/GOLF AND BOATING TOO! This Greenbriar model is an end unit and has a back door entrance for convenience. This home has an open
Anne CharlesBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
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