New Jersey / Ocean County

Moving to Lakewood, NJ

Thinking of making a move to Lakewood, NJ? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lakewood, NJ

Considering a move to Lakewood, NJ? This welcoming community of 135,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $376,000 and average rents near $1,520. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Lakewood's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lakewood, NJ

Lakewood has a population of 135,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 18 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 85% White, 5% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 39% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
135,700
Density
4,500 per sq mi
Median Age
17.5
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
38.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
85.3%
Black
5.2%
Asian
2.1%
Others
7.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Lakewood, NJ?

The cost of living in Lakewood is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 119.4. Median home values are around $376,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,520. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$376,000
Gross Rent
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,770
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$670
State Taxes
Low: 1.4%| High: 10.75%
Cost Of Living Index
119.4
Grocery
114.8
Housing
122.1
Utilities
110.2
Transportation
117.6
Health Care
109.8
Miscellaneous
107.4

Crime

Is Lakewood, NJ a safe place to live?

Lakewood is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 174 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 89. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New Jersey.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
174
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,120
Crime Index
1,294
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 575
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 89

Weather

What is the weather like in Lakewood, NJ year-round?

Lakewood experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $76,000 and a low poverty rate of 18.7%. Over 81% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$43,900
Household Income
$76,000
Family Income
$80,500
Per Capita Income
$23,500
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$35,500
Poverty Rate
18.7%
Non English Speakers
38.5%
Rent
$1,520
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Public Transport Usage
3.6%
Commute Time
32.1 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
81.2%
Bachelors or More
19.4%

Education

How are the schools in Lakewood, NJ?

Lakewood offers quality education options, with public schools like Lakewood High School and Spruce Street School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Georgian Court University and Ocean County College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lakewood High School
Street
855 Somerset Ave
Phone
732-905-3500
Students
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio
13.6
Name
Spruce Street School
Street
90 Spruce St
Phone
732-905-3630
Students
600
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Yeshiva Toras Chaim
Street
999 Ridge Ave
Phone
732-367-1060
Students
1,200

Colleges

Name
Georgian Court University
City
Lakewood
State
NJ
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,300
Name
Ocean County College
City
Toms River
State
NJ
Distance
8 miles
Students
8,600

Healthcare

Lakewood residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus and Ocean University Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 89.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
Address
600 River Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone
(732) 363-1900
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Ocean University Medical Center
Address
425 Jack Martin Blvd, Brick Township, NJ 08724
Phone
(732) 840-2200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
89.5%
Health Care Index
73.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lakewood, NJ?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $376,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 6.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Lakewood offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$376,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.1%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Lakewood handle vehicle services through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently located in Trenton. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New Jersey
Department
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone
1-609-292-6500

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Lakewood, NJ

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Lakewood, review the core fields on this page: population 135,700, median home value $376,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,520, commute time 32.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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