Lakewood is a vibrant, exciting place – a natural beauty set amidst parks, lakes and a quaint Victorian downtown. The town offers old-world charm, a hometown feeling and solid values along with 21st Century amenities. Lakewood Township was well known as a relaxed retreat for the wealthy, but over the years this resort town has changed into a lively, youthful academic community with many historic parks and sites as its hot spots.
For business or pleasure, leisure, excitement and fun – it’s Lakewood! Lakewood looks like a small, scenic town, but its 25 square miles encompass everything: large corporations, small businesses, a baseball stadium, a historic theater, all kinds of leisure and recreation, and even an easy commute to the hustle and bustle of nearby cities.
Business opportunities abound in Lakewood not only because of its location, but also because of its on-going growth and phenomenal development. Lakewood is situated near several major roads. It is within an hour and a half of New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City, and only a few miles from beaches, boardwalks, and malls.
Lakewood has the second largest industrial park in the state, featuring light manufacturing and clean industry. It is the choice of many businesses, such as the New Jersey corporate headquarters of Blinds-to-Go, S.S. White Burs, and Watchung Spring Water, among many others. Gaming Labs International recently built its world headquarters in the Park. The Chamber of Commerce, a dynamic force in the town, has grown to more than 400 members. As a designated UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone), Lakewood offers a 3% sales tax in the Zone, providing significant business incentives and shopping advantages. Lakewood is also an FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) which offers great tax benefits for companies engaged in international trade-related activities.
Besides business opportunities, Lakewood flourishes in leisure and cultural activities. There are 18 public parks, one natural preserve, three golf courses, two country clubs, and three institutions of higher education
One of these institutions is Georgia County University, that has campus buildings registered in the National Registry of Historic Places.
Parks are popular for relaxation, picnics, and recreation of all kinds from hiking, biking, and fitness trails to volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, and open playing fields for almost every sport. Ocean County Park, once the 323-acre estate of John D. Rockefeller, has three lakes, one for picnicking around, one for swimming and one for fishing. Many recreational activities surround beautiful Lake Carasaljo, including an exercise trail; a 4.5 mile walking, running, and bike path; fishing and picnicking. Rowboats and paddle boats can be rented through Labor Day. The All Wars Memorial Amphitheater at Lake Carasaljo is the site of many community events and concerts, scheduled throughout the summer. Most sites have restrooms and are handicapped accessible. First Energy Park is both a Baseball park, home to “Single A” Minor League team the BlueClaws and the local convention center for Ocean and Monmouth County.
Lakewood Township airport, less than 40 minutes flying time from all of the metropolitan international airports, boast fixed wing and helicopter charter services, two aero clubs, flying lessons and transient parking.