Lakewood, NJ

Lakewood, New Jersey

Introduction to Lakewood, New Jersey

Lakewood, New Jersey, in Ocean county, is 44 miles S of Newark, New Jersey. The city is a major center for Orthodox Judaism and includes one of the largest yeshivas in the world. The historic downtown is a prominent business and retail area. The industrial parks are important for the city's economy.

Lakewood History

Settlers arrived during the time of the American Revolution. In 1832 Bergen Iron Works was established and was a major employer for the city. The settlement actually became known as Bergen Iron Works however, the name was later changed to Bricksburgh. In 1865 the impressive Bricksburgh House was built and hosted prominent families such as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, Goulds, Arbuckles and others. Oliver Wendell Holmes and Rudyard Kipling visited the House. Around 1880 the citizens voted to change the name to Lakewood.

Numerous resort facilities were constructed and it became a well known resort town. Impressive homes were also built in the area. In 1893 the Township of Lakewood was established. The population experienced significant growth after World War I ended. The population would swell during winter due to the arrival of a vast number of tourists. In 1943 Rabbi Aaron Kotler established a yeshiva in Lakewood and it became a world class institution.

Lakewood Attractions

• Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum is situated at Georgian Court University and features a variety of gardens.
• Lakewood Blue Claws play minor league baseball.
• M. Christina Geis Gallery.
• The Strand Theater is a beautiful historic venue which features well known performers, concerts and theatrical productions and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Ocean County Park.
• Lions Medieval Renaissance Festival.
• Big Band/Jazz Music Spectacular is a popular event.
• Summer Carousel of Music.
• Kid's Stuff Flea Market.
• Funtasia Festival is popular with children.
• Lakewood Amphitheater.

Lakewood Activities

Lake Carasaljo is popular for swimming, fishing, picnics and bicycle riding. Golf enthusiasts enjoy the local courses including Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Woodlake Golf & Country Club and the Lakewood Country Club. The Lakewood Incline is a popular indoor skate park. Pine Park is enjoyed for camping and includes a variety of sports facilities. The city features exercise and bicycle trails.

Lakewood Higher Education

The city is home to the Georgian Court University.

High Points

Lakewood strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in New Jersey):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 12%

Comparative Profile of Lakewood, NJ

Comparing Lakewood to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in New Jersey (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Children Under 5 Years Old
Senior Citizens
Racial Diversity
Female Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population
Age of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Lakewood Almanac

Lakewood Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Lakewood Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Nearby Cities and Towns

Lakewood Hospitals

KIMBALL MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
600 RIVER AVE
(732) 363-1900
Emergency Service: Yes

Lakewood High Schools (2004)

LAKEWOOD HIGH
855 SOMERSET AVENUE
732-905-3502
Serves 1,389 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12.5

Lakewood Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Beth Medrash Govoha

Georgian Court University

Star Technical Institute

(List of All New Jersey Colleges)

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