10 Surprising Reasons to Move to Lakewood, New Jersey – 2025 Community Guide
Discover why Lakewood, NJ is one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing towns. From housing and schools to community and culture, explore everything you need to know before moving.
📍 Where Is Lakewood, New Jersey?
Lakewood is a township located in Ocean County, New Jersey, just 10 miles from the Jersey Shore, and roughly 75 minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia. With a booming population, strong community life, and vibrant culture, Lakewood has grown from a quiet town into a regional powerhouse.
Snapshot:
- County: Ocean
- Population: ~137,000 (and growing!)
- Known For: Thriving Orthodox Jewish community, Lake Carasaljo, bustling local economy, and educational institutions
Lakewood isn’t just growing — it’s thriving.
🌤️ Climate & Geography – Green, Central, Accessible
Lakewood offers a mild climate and plenty of green space, sitting just inland from the Jersey Shore and close to the Pine Barrens.
☀️ Climate Overview:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | Local Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Breezy & full of bloom 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–88 | Warm but less humid than cities ☀️ |
| Fall | 50–70 | Colorful and mild 🍁 |
| Winter | 25–40 | Cold, snow a few times ❄️ |
🌎 Landscape Perks:
- Lake Carasaljo – scenic walking, kayaking, and fishing
- Surrounded by parks and golf courses
- Close to Brick Township, Toms River, and Point Pleasant Beach
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods in Lakewood
Lakewood is made up of residential areas, religious communities, and family-friendly developments, making it a draw for large households and newcomers seeking community life.
🏡 Neighborhood Comparison:
| Area | Vibe | Avg Home Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Gate | Tight-knit, religious | $670,000 | Private development, popular schools |
| The Ridge | Modern suburban | $590,000 | Near parks, newer builds |
| Four Seasons | 55+ adult community | $480,000 | Gated, golf & lake access |
| Coventry Square | Family-focused | $520,000 | Mix of townhomes & single-family |
| Downtown Lakewood | Mixed-use, walkable | $500,000 | Access to shopping & schools |
Lakewood offers everything from luxury homes to active adult living and large-family housing.
💼 Jobs & Economy – Booming Local Business Scene
Lakewood has one of the fastest-growing local economies in New Jersey, driven by education, healthcare, retail, and small business.
Major Employers:
- Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) – one of the largest yeshivas in the U.S.
- Lakewood Industrial Park – 200+ businesses
- Monmouth Medical Center – Southern Campus
- Lakewood Board of Education
- Strong support for entrepreneurship + remote work
💰 Local Economy:
- Median Household Income: ~$65,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~4.2%
- Strong growth in construction, logistics, retail, education
Lakewood’s private sector and community-run organizations keep the economy humming.
🏠 Real Estate – Affordable Options with Long-Term Growth
Lakewood’s real estate is a major reason people move here. Homes sell fast, and there are plenty of options for multi-family living, large homes, and townhouses.
🏠 Housing Snapshot:
| Area | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (3BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Gate | $670,000 | $2,500 | ~2.1% |
| Coventry Square | $520,000 | $2,200 | ~2.0% |
| The Ridge | $590,000 | $2,400 | ~2.1% |
| Four Seasons (55+) | $480,000 | $2,000 | ~1.9% |
Market Trends:
- High demand for new construction
- Multi-generational homes are popular
- Plenty of real estate development underway
🚆 Transportation – You’ll Likely Need a Car
Lakewood is car-dependent, but it’s well-connected to major NJ highways.
Transit Options:
- Close to Garden State Parkway & Route 9
- NJ Transit buses to NYC and Philly
- Lakewood Shuttle for local access
- 25 min to NJ Coast Line (Park-and-Ride from Aberdeen-Matawan)
- 60–75 min to Newark Airport
If you commute, plan for the car — but public transport to NYC is doable.
🎓 Education – Faith-Based, Public, and Private Options
Lakewood is home to one of the largest religious educational communities in the U.S., as well as charter, public, and private schools.
🏫 Education Options:
- Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) – post-secondary yeshiva with 6,000+ students
- Lakewood School District – serves over 6,000 K–12 students
- Yeshiva and parochial schools (Torah Temimah, Ohr Hatorah, etc.)
- Ocean County College – nearby
- Special ed and vocational options also available
🏥 Healthcare – Quality Local Care
Lakewood offers accessible healthcare for families, seniors, and specialty needs.
🏥 Main Providers:
- Monmouth Medical Center – Southern Campus
- Ocean Health Initiatives (OHI) – community health services
- Urgent care centers, pediatricians, OB-GYNs, and geriatric clinics
🌿 Parks, Recreation & Nature
Lakewood may be urbanizing, but it still knows how to do green space right.
🌲 Best Spots:
- Lake Carasaljo – kayaking, walking, playgrounds
- Pine Park – nature trails, ballfields, and BBQs
- FirstEnergy Park – home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws ⚾
- Ocean County Park – dog-friendly, trails, tennis
- Skate park, spraygrounds, and community pools nearby
Family weekends in Lakewood = nature walks, lakeside picnics, and baseball games.
🍽️ Dining & Shopping – Local and Kosher Options Galore
Lakewood has a strong kosher culinary scene, plus international groceries, boutique shops, and national brands.
🍴 Must-Try Spots:
- Estreia – upscale kosher dining
- Pizza Plus – kosher pizzeria favorite
- Glatt Gourmet – shabbat-friendly meals
- Gourmet Glatt & Seasons – kosher supermarkets
- Woodlake Country Club Café – breakfast with a view
🛍️ Shopping:
- Lakewood Commons
- Downtown local markets
- Nearby Brick Plaza + Ocean County Mall
🕊️ Community, Culture & Identity
Lakewood is deeply defined by its tight-knit communities, religious lifestyle, and strong family values.
- One of the largest Orthodox Jewish populations in the U.S.
- Hebrew, Yiddish, and Spanish spoken widely
- Active community groups, tzedakah (charity), and volunteerism
- Holiday events, religious festivals, and family-focused living
If you’re seeking a values-driven, community-first lifestyle — Lakewood delivers.
🛡️ Safety & Peace of Mind
Lakewood is overall safe, with low violent crime rates, especially in family neighborhoods.
| Area | Safety Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| West Gate | 1/10 | Private, family-focused |
| The Ridge | 2/10 | Modern development, quiet |
| Coventry Square | 3/10 | Residential, busy but safe |
| Downtown Lakewood | 4/10 | Commercial, more active |
Most crime is property-related — awareness and neighborliness go a long way.
📊 Lakewood Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~137,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$570,000 |
| Median Income | ~$65,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | ~2.1% |
| Commute to NYC | ~75–90 min |
| Public Transit Access | Limited (car-friendly) |
| Known For | Religious community, parks, growth |
✅ Should You Move to Lakewood?
Lakewood is a great fit if you want:
- A strong, values-based community
- Affordable housing near the Jersey Shore
- Room to grow for large or multi-gen families
- Access to kosher food, religious schools, and green space
- A safe, family-oriented environment
Pros:
- Strong sense of community
- Diverse housing options
- Growing local economy
- Beautiful parks & lakefront
- Vibrant cultural and faith life
Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Car-dependent (limited train access)
- Schools vary in quality (but lots of private alternatives)
🔗 External Resource
Learn more at the Township of Lakewood Official Website
🧠 Final Thoughts
Lakewood, New Jersey is more than a suburb — it’s a community, a movement, and a way of life. If you’re looking for a town where faith, family, and future intersect — this just might be your next home.