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Clifton Avenue between Main Street and First Street in downtown Lakewood

Notable Neighborhoods of Lakewood Downtown Lakewood

Clifton Avenue and Main Street, Lakewood's historic downtown beside Lake Carasaljo.

Photo: Mr. Matté, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Short Take

Downtown Lakewood At A Glance

Downtown Lakewood grew up around Clifton Avenue and Main Street in the town's resort era. In 1865 Riley A. Brick built the Laurel House on Main Street, and the Lakewood Hotel opened in 1891. Lake Carasaljo sits next to the Victorian shopping area.

Sources: Township of Lakewood, History; Township of Lakewood, Parks, Lakes & Playgrounds. Checked October 2026.

The 1922 Strand Theater on Clifton Avenue, now the Ocean County Center for the Arts. Photo: Apc106, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Known For The Strand Theater

The Strand Theater at 400 Clifton Avenue was designed by Thomas W. Lamb and built in 1922 for pre-Broadway runs, later hosting vaudeville and films. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 22, 1982.

Source: Wikipedia, Strand Theater, checked October 2026.

Home Prices

What Homes Have Sold For

For recent sales in Downtown Lakewood, ask Dennis Mark for a home value or a custom market report.

Local Favorites

Where To Eat Nearby

Each checked as open in October 2026. Businesses change: check hours before you go.

Know Before You Buy

Flood Zones And Schools

Before you make an offer, look up the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and ask the seller for the flood zone and any elevation certificate. Dennis Mark can pull the flood zone for any home you're considering.

Downtown Lakewood is in the Lakewood Township School District. Its schools include Clifton Avenue School (625 Clifton Avenue), Oak Street School (75 Oak Street), Spruce Street School (90 Spruce Street), Lakewood Middle School (755 Somerset Avenue) and Lakewood High School (855 Somerset Avenue). Clifton Avenue School is downtown at 625 Clifton Avenue. Assignment goes by address, so confirm the school for a specific home with the district.

School information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and boundaries change often. Verify enrollment with the school district.

Source: Lakewood Township School District, checked October 2026.

Downtown Lakewood Q&A

Common questions, each with its source. Checked October 2026.

Is there a historic theater in downtown Lakewood?

Yes. The Strand Theater at 400 Clifton Avenue opened in 1922, was designed by Thomas W. Lamb, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Source: Wikipedia, Strand Theater.

When did Lakewood become a resort?

Its hotel era began with the Laurel House on Main Street in 1865, and the Lakewood Hotel opened in 1891. Source: Township of Lakewood, History.

When was Lakewood incorporated?

On March 23, 1893. Source: Township of Lakewood, History.

How close is Lake Carasaljo to downtown?

The township describes the lake as near the Victorian shopping area. Source: Township of Lakewood, Parks, Lakes & Playgrounds.

Can you take a bus to New York from Lakewood?

Yes. NJ Transit's 137 and 139 run from the Lakewood Bus Terminal to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Source: Wikipedia, Lakewood Township.

Which Parkway exit serves Lakewood?

Exit 89, for Route 70. Exit 88 closed permanently in November 2014. Source: Wikipedia, Lakewood Township.

How Much Do I Think You Can Get For Your Home?

Own a home in Downtown Lakewood? Get my opinion of what it could sell for, backed by real sales data and a marketing plan.

Photo: Dennis Mark InterdonatoThe sunken garden and lagoon at Georgian Court, Lakewood. Photo: Daderot., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Success Stories

Real stories from the people we've helped buy and sell their homes.

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SPENCER & SARAH RAITT-FOREST

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Downtown Lakewood

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