lakewood
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Lakewood, New Jersey now witnesses some good relocation. In recent years, the number of people moving to Lakewood has significantly gone up, particularly among those who prefer a peaceful life amidst urban settings. Are you too one among them?

You’ve come to the right place as we’ve got everything you need to know about the most populous township in Ocean County. Once a small hamlet, Lakewood is currently the fifth-most-populous municipality in New Jersey. There has been a sharp rise in the population in recent years and this has also opened up new opportunities for jobs and to invest.

When you are serious about relocating to a new place, it is not just the scenic setting and location that matters but cost of living, safety, education, taxes, infrastructure, and economy too are prominent factors to consider.

Fortunately, our ultimate Lakewood moving directory covers every bit of fact related to transport, jobs, taxes, crime, school, and population here, which are accurate and in-depth.

Without wasting much time, let’s delve into Lakewood facts.

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before you move to Lakewood, NJ

  • Lakewood began as a small hamlet in the early 1800s with the establishment of a sawmill.
  • It was originally called Bricksburg, after the wealthy local landlord, Joseph W. Brick.
  • The place was renamed Lakewood in 1880.
  • Lakewood became a township in 1893.
  • The city is the fifth-most-populous municipality in New Jersey.
  • Lakewood has one of the largest Jewish populations in New Jersey.
  • The city is much safer as per the crime stats.
  • Lakewood has a lot to offer outdoors.
  • The city ranks good in healthcare.
  • There is a strong sports culture.

Top 10 things to know before moving to Lakewood, NJ

  • The cost of living is extremely high.
  • About 26% of the residents live under the poverty line.
  • The property prices have grown over the years.
  • The climate is pleasant here.
  • There is low risk of natural disasters.
  • There are plenty of open areas, parks, and golf courses.
  • The poverty level is higher here.
  • Lakewood has one of the youngest populations in the country, with its median age at 18.5 years.
  • Lakewood has a lot to offer in fun and entertainment.
  • About 75% of the residents feel the city is highly safer.

What is Lakewood, New Jersey Known For?

Lakewood is an amazingly pretty town with the charming vibes that promise a comfortable life packed with fun. Though the cost of living is a little higher than the national average, the city has amazing infrastructure, a robust transport system, and a growing economy.

Is Lakewood, NJ a Good Place to Live?

Lakewood is serene and also has a booming economy. The population is warming and you will be welcomed without inhibition. The neighborhoods are much calmer than most cities in New Jersey and the town also has many good schools within and nearby areas.

Is it Costly to Live in Lakewood, NJ?

One of the major factors that you need to consider while relocating to Lakewood is the cost of living. Moving to Lakewood, you will require spending more than most neighboring cities. The cost of living in Lakewood is 11.9% higher than the US average. However, the city is cheaper in New Jersey standards and the cost of living is 6.6% lower than the state average. To live comfortably in Lakewood, you would need a minimum annual income of $104,040 for a family, and $44,000 for a single person.

What's the Population of Lakewood, NJ?

Lakewood’s population is 99,467, which means 4,385 persons per square mile. Lakewood has one of the largest Jewish populations in New Jersey who form up to 59% of the total residents. The median age in the city is 18.4 while the average household size is 3.9. About 26.1% of the population is below the poverty line.

To know the population better, here are a few stats:

  • Lakewood’s total population is 99,467.
  • The population is made up of 50.2% males and 49.8% females.
  • The median age in Lakewood is 18.4.
  • The city population is made up of 79.5% White, 3.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.5% from two or more races.
  • About 16.0% of the population is of Hispanic ethnicity.
  • The median household size in Lakewood is 3.9 persons.
  • About 58.2% of the residents are married couples living together.
  • On average, 13.6% of the residents are single and have children.

How Fast Can You Commute to Lakewood, NJ?

While you compare the traffic in Lakewood with other major cities in New Jersey, it is easier to commute to the office and back. The average commuting time in Lakewood is 23.0 minutes, which means you will spend less time behind the wheels. On average, a Lakewood resident spends 23.0 minutes on the road which is shorter than the US average of 26.4 minutes. However, this can also be longer than many US cities.

If you are keen to know how the city residents reach the office regularly, here are the latest stats:

  • About 61.8% drive their car alone.
  • About 15.7% carpool with others.
  • About 9.2% work from home.
  • Approximately 2.8% take mass transit.

What is the Weather Like in Lakewood, NJ?

Lakewood has a mild and humid climate, and during the summers, average temperatures reach up to the mid-80s. In cold winters, average temperatures touch down to the mid-30s. Winters also see occasional snowfalls, but rarely does it accumulate on the ground for more than a few days. Precipitation is abundant year-round, though it increases during summer months, ranging from light showers to heavy thunderstorms. July is the hottest month while January is the coldest.

Here are a few Lakewood weather facts:

  • The city receives about 48 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
  • Lakewood averages 22 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
  • On average, the city gets about 208 sunny days per year against the US average of 205 sunny days.
  • The city receives some kind of precipitation, on average, 110 days per year in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
move to Arizona

Top reasons to move to Lakewood, NJ

Are you surprised that many people have moved to Lakewood in recent years? Here are the reasons.

Since you’re considering moving to Lakewood AL, the following are the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • Pleasant climate
  • Good economy
  • Scenic surroundings
  • Plenty of open areas
  • Safety
pros and cons of Lakewood

Pros & Cons of Moving to Lakewood

As you are planning to relocate to Lakewood, knowing the merits and demerits of living here will benefit to analyze both and decide whether you are taking the right call. Cross-check both before you take the final call.

The pros
  • Amazing outdoor fun options
  • Age diversity
  • More open space
  • Beach nearby
  • Plenty of golf and tennis clubs
  • Welcoming community
The cons
  • Overpopulation
  • Heavy traffic
  • Unruly driving
  • High cost of living
  • High poverty rate

Best places to live in Lakewood, NJ

As Lakewood is your new moving destination, you may be interested in knowing the best neighborhoods in the city to rent or buy a house. Realizing this, our experts have got a list of safe and decent neighborhoods inside the city and nearby.

Here are the 10 best neighborhoods in Lakewood and nearby areas.

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value
1 Beth Medrash Govoha $4,531 $1,050,650
2 A Country Place $2,889 $1,034,180
3 Lakewood Northeast $2,431 $977,267
4 Roberto Clemente Park $3,173 $870,843
5 Marys Ln / E 7th St $2,375 $803,209
6 Ocean Ave / Laurel Ave $3,065 $794,827
7 Chestnut Estates / Spruce Gardens $3,390 $737,973
8 Greenville / Lanes Mills $4,133 $705,162
9 Coventry Square $3,308 $683,700
10 Town Center $2,362 $682,991

Cost of living in Lakewood ,NJ

A major concern you may have about living in Lakewood is the expenditure. The cost of living is about 111.9% higher than the US average. However, if you are relocating from somewhere in New Jersey, you won’t find the city expenses burning a hole in your pocket as the cost of living is 6.6% lower than the state average. To live here, you may require a minimum annual income of $104,040 for a family and $44,000 for a single person.

Here is a break-up of the cost of living in Lakewood.

Living Expense Lakewood New Jersey National Average
Overall 111.9 119.8 100
Grocery 105.1 105.8 100
Health 97.7 96.9 100
Housing 145.6 136.4 100
Median home cost $542,900 $432,100 $291,700
Utilities 105.5 109.2 100
Transportation 89.8 127.7 100
Miscellaneous 101.7 112.5 100
Job Market

How is the job market in Lakewood, NJ?

If you are looking for a job, Lakewood is a great choice to move. Here, the future job growth is estimated to be 25.56%. Though the job market is strong and the economy is growing, the recent job growth has been negative in recent years. Utilities, life sciences, retail, and healthcare are major businesses here. And we’ve got a few job-related facts in Lakewood, which may benefit you.

  • The job growth in Lakewood has been negative.
  • The future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 28.0%.
  • The unemployment rate here is 7.5%.
  • Jobs have decreased by 6.6% over the past year.
  • The average salary in Lakewood is $53,380.
  • The median home cost in Lakewood is $542,900.

Here is a breakdown table to better understand the Lakewood job market.

Employment Information Lakewood, NJabama United States
The income per Cap $18,966 $37,368
Household Income $53,380 $69,021
Unemployment Rate 7.5% 6%
Recent Job Growth -6.6% -6.2%
Future Job Growth 28.0% 33.5%

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Fastest growing jobs in Lakewood, NJabama

Lakewood has a strong job market that is expected to continue its growth in the coming years. If your purpose of moving to Lakewood is a job, you won’t be disappointed as your chance of getting one is easier. And when you have a list of the fastest-growing jobs in Lakewood and nearby areas in hand, searching for a good job becomes easier.

Here are the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in Lakewood and nearby areas.

Rank Job Title Growth Average salary Openings in 2024
1 Nurse practitioner 127.8% $133,000
2 Physician assistant 122.6% $122,040
3 Home health aid 117.1% $26,100
4 Physical therapist 112.4% $103,110
5 Optometrist 111.1% $119,130
6 Phlebotomist 106.2% $47,380
7 Web developer 105.0% $81,290
8 Operations analyst 103.8% $91,290
9 Roofer 98.4% $65,340
10 Substance abuse counselor 93.4% $59,808
11 Business analyst 89.1% $118,210

Top career options in Lakewood, NJabama?

While you’re in Lakewood and are hunting for a job, the pay slip would be the priority. It is a good idea to have a list of the best-paying jobs in the city as things will be easier while you filter down the jobs. Knowing this, we’ve prepared a list of top career options at Lakewood

Rank Job Title Average salary Entry level salary
1 Consultant & Sales Representative $248,090 $190,100
2 Vice President, Field Operations $241,201 $161,200
3 Senior Vice President, Sales $234,290 $146,240
4 Division Vice President $231,070 $145,890
5 President & General Manager $220,640 $141,100
6 Executive Vice President $201,100 $140,120
7 Executive Director, IT $200,110 $138,210
8 Chief Administrative Officer $193,300 $140,100
9 Senior Vice President $188,100 $133,400
10 Corporate Vice President $187,240 $131,110

Major Industries in Lakewood

Lakewood has a stable economy and when the job is a reason for relocating here, you will be curious to know the common and top businesses in the city. To help you, we’ve listed them out for you.

  • Healthcare
  • Services
  • Retail

Best Companies to Work for in Lakewood, NJ

When you search for a job in Lakewood, your priority will be employee-friendly companies. And when you have a list of the best employee-friendly companies in the city, it becomes easier to search for one.  We’ve got a list of the top 10 best companies to work in Lakewood. Go through them to tweak the search list while job hunting. 

Here’s our best company list.

  • Tender Touch Rehab
  • Knipper
  • Achieve3000
  • Astor Chocolate Corp
  • The Arc Ocean County Chapter
  • Gaming Companies International
  • Beth Medrash Govoha
  • Atlantic Exposition Services Inc
  • Yeshiva Gedolah Keren Hatorah
  • Senior Planning

Average Salary and Income in Lakewood, NJ

While you are serious about moving to Lakewood, you would be concerned about the jobs and salaries. Fortunately, the city has good job options and the salaries you receive will also be fair. The average salary in Lakewood is $53,380 and anything above $50k is good enough to comfortably live.

  • Lakewood’s average annual pay for average jobs is $53,380 a year
  • Lakewood’s average hourly pay for average jobs is $23.35 an hour
  • Lakewood’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $1,011 per week
  • Lakewood’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $4,183 per month
  • Lakewood’s top earners (90th percentile) make $101,000 annually

How is the housing market in Lakewood ,NJ?

Moving to Lakewood, you’ll realize that home costs are extremely high and you may require spending about $542,900 for an average house, much higher than the US average. Home values have shot up in recent years. The home appreciation rate is 8.27%, which is up by 19.0%.  

We’ve got the latest city housing facts for you.

  • Lakewood’s median home cost is $338,100.
  • The median age of Lakewood’s real estate is 30 years old.
  • The city’s home appreciation in the last 10 years has been 85.4%.
  • Renters make up 45.0% of the Lakewood population.
  • About 1.0% of houses and apartments in Lakewood are available to rent.

Average rental prices in Lakewood, NJ

It is not just home prices but even home rentals are higher in Lakewood. Your initial days in the city will be in rented homes and it is crucial to know the average home rental prices.  We’ve researched the average home rental in the city and the details may help you. 

  • Lakewood’s average rent for a studio apartment is $980
  • Lakewood’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $1,100
  • Lakewood’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,370
  • Lakewood’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,880
  • Lakewood’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $2,090

What are taxes like in Lakewood, NJ?

Though your pay slip will appear fatter, the amount you take home will be much slimmer after the tax cuts by authorities. This makes knowing the taxes in Lakewood crucial. You need to know the common taxes in the city before you pack the bags and we thought to point down the major tax factors here.

Here are a few tax-related facts in Lakewood.

  • The sales tax rate for Lakewood is 6.6%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The income tax rate for Lakewood is 5.52%. The US average is 4.6%.
  • The average property tax rate in Lakewood is 2.26%.
things to do

What are the best things to do in Lakewood, NJ?

Lakewood is amazingly pretty with large open spaces and rich cultural landmarks. Moving to Lakewood also means getting engaged in exploring the plenty of entertainment and fun options here. 

We’ve got a list of the 10 best things to do in Lakewood. 

  • Explore Ocean County Park
  • Watch a game at FirstEnergy Park
  • Visit Sky Zone
  • Have fun at Incline Club SkatePark
  • Play golf at one of the many courses
  • Catch a show at the Strand Theater
  • Test the aim at Garden State Shooting Center
  • Shop at Judaica Plaza
  • Have fun at Finnigan’s Lanes
  • Take the child to Insectropolis

How safe is Lakewood, NJ?

Crime can be a major concern while living in Lakewood as the city’s violent crime rate is 34.4, much higher than the US average. However, the statistics also state that the city is safer than 55% of the US cities. The property crime rate is 39.6, which is also higher than the national average.   About 75% of the residents feel completely safe here.

To help you know the crime stats in Lakewood, we’ve got a few facts.

  • The violent crime rate in Lakewood is 34.4 while the US average is 22.7.
  • The city’s property crime is 39.6 while the US average is 35.4.
  • Your chance of being a violent crime victim here is 1 in 1,157.
  • Your chance of being a property crime victim is 1 in 133 in Lakewood.
  • About 75% of the population feels safe in the city.

What are the top schools in Lakewood, NJ?

A big positive side of living in Lakewood is quality education. The city has many quality schools within and outside the boundaries. This will help you while you are relocating with the family. To help you find a good school for your child, we’ve got the list of best schools in Lakewood. 

Here’s our list of top educational institutions with their rankings. 

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