Lakewood Township, New Jersey

The earliest documented European settlement of the present Lakewood area was by operators of sawmills, from about 1750 forward. One such sawmill—located at the east end of the present Lake Carasaljo—was known as Three Partners Mill from at least 1789 until at least 1814. From 1815 until 1818, in the same area, Jesse Richards had an iron-smelting operation known as Washington Furnace, using the local bog iron ore. The ironworks were revived in 1833 by Joseph W. Brick, who named the business Bergen Iron Works, which also became the name of the accompanying town. In 1865, the town was renamed Bricksburg, and in 1880, it was renamed Lakewood and became a fashionable winter resort.

Lakewood's developers thought that "Bricksburg" did not capture their vision for the community, and the names "Brightwood" and "Lakewood" were proposed. After reaching out to area residents, "Lakewood" was chosen, and the United States Postal Service approved the name in March 1880.[http://www.villageprofile.com/newjersey/lakewood/01/topic.html History of Lakewood] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430102242/http://www.villageprofile.com/newjersey/lakewood/01/topic.html |date=April 30, 2011 }}, VillageProfile.com. Accessed September 2, 2015. "Because the name of the town did not suit the visions its promoters had for it, Samuel D. Davis suggested the name 'Brightwood'. Erastus Dickinson suggested 'Lakewood' and the times and Journal conducted a house-to-house canvass of the citizens, who voted for 'Lakewood' by a large majority. On March 20, 1880, the Post Office officially recognized the name of the village as 'Lakewood.'" The name "Lakewood" was intended to focus on the location near lakes and pine forests.Hutchinson, Viola L. [http://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/356/nj_place_names_origin.pdf#page=17 The Origin of New Jersey Place Names] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115082401/http://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/356/nj_place_names_origin.pdf#page=17 |date=November 15, 2015 }}, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed September 2, 2015.

Lakewood was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 23, 1892, from portions of Brick Township. Portions of Howell Township in Monmouth County were annexed to Lakewood Township in 1929.Snyder, John P. [https://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/enviroed/oldpubs/bulletin67.pdf The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314055548/https://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/enviroed/oldpubs/bulletin67.pdf |date=March 14, 2022 }}, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 203. Accessed March 19, 2012.

Lakewood's three most prominent hotels were the Laurel House (opened in 1880; closed in 1932), the Lakewood Hotel (opened January 1891, closed in 1925), and the Laurel-in-the-Pines (opened December 1891, burned down in 1967).Axel-Lute pp. 6–8, 11–12, 14, 26, 39, 42–43, 83–84, 95. Lakewood's promoters claimed that its winter temperature was usually about ten degrees warmer than that of New York City and were warmer than points located further south,Staff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1882/12/23/archives/lakewood-a-winter-home-pure-air-for-weak-lungs-among-the-newjersey.html "Lakewood A Winter Home.; Pure Air For Weak Lungs Among The New-Jersey Pines."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613010730/https://www.nytimes.com/1882/12/23/archives/lakewood-a-winter-home-pure-air-for-weak-lungs-among-the-newjersey.html |date=June 13, 2018 }}, The New York Times, December 23, 1882. Accessed August 30, 2015. "We have here the purest of air, filtered through miles of pine forest; the purest of water, and the best possible soil for the purpose, with perfect drainage, and a climate always at least 10° warmer than that of New York and from 20° to 30° warmer than New-England."[https://www.nytimes.com/1895/12/29/archives/holidays-at-lakewood-balmy-christmas-weather-a-boon-to-outdoor.html "Holidays At Lakewood; Balmy Christmas Weather a Boon to Outdoor Sports. Social Events Were Also Abundant Hotels Liberally Decorated and Extra Efforts to Entertain Guests -- Recent Arrivals from New-York."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613001142/https://www.nytimes.com/1895/12/29/archives/holidays-at-lakewood-balmy-christmas-weather-a-boon-to-outdoor.html |date=June 13, 2018 }}, The New York Times, December 29, 1895. Accessed August 30, 2015. "These observations have proved that Lakewood possesses an average temperature warmer than that of many a place much further south, a point on which many persons previously had doubts." but this claim is not substantiated by official records of the United States Weather Bureau.{{cite book|last=United States Weather Bureau |title=Climatic Summary of the U.S.|year=1934}} During the 1890s, Lakewood was a resort for the rich and famous, and The New York Times devoted a weekly column to the activities of Lakewood society.Axel-Lute pp. 52–53. Grover Cleveland spent the winters of 1891–1892 and 1892–1893 in a cottage near the Lakewood Hotel, commuting to his business in New York City.Axel-Lute p. 44. This cottage became part of the Tuberculosis Preventorium for Children in 1909. Mark Twain also enjoyed vacationing in Lakewood. George Jay Gould I acquired an estate at Lakewood in 1896, which is now Georgian Court University.Axel-Lute p. 49. John D. Rockefeller bought a property in 1902 which later became Ocean County Park.Axel-Lute p. 65. Lakewood's hotel business remained strong in the 1920s and 1950s, but went into severe decline in the 1960s.Axel-Lute, pp. 84, 95.

In 1943, Aharon Kotler founded Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG).Barchenger, Stacey (April 25, 2018) [https://www.app.com/story/news/local/communitychange/2018/04/25/bmg-lakewood-nj-yeshiva-beth-medrash-govoha/1066234001/ "BMG: How This Orthodox Jewish School and Its Leader Turned Lakewood Into NJ's Boom Town"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930132213/https://www.app.com/story/news/local/communitychange/2018/04/25/bmg-lakewood-nj-yeshiva-beth-medrash-govoha/1066234001/ |date=September 30, 2023 }}, app.com. Retrieved April 20, 2022. In time, it would grow to become the largest yeshiva outside of Israel. In the 1960s, much of the woods and cranberry bogs in the township were replaced by large housing developments. Leisure Village, a condominium retirement development on the south side of Route 70, opened for sale in 1963.Axel-Lute pp. 96–97.

File:Lake Shenandoah gangway.jpg

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 25.08 square miles (64.95 km²), including 24.68 square miles (63.92 km²) of land and 0.40 square miles (1.03 km²) of water (1.59%). Lying on the coastal plain, Lakewood is a fairly flat place: three-quarters of it is {{convert|20|to|80|ft}} above sea level, and its highest point is about {{convert|150|ft}}.Axel-Lute p. 1.

The North Branch of the Metedeconk River forms the northern boundary and part of the eastern boundary of the township, while the South Branch runs through the township. A southern portion of the township is drained by the north branch of Kettle Creek. As implied in its name, Lakewood township has four lakes, all of them man-made; three of them—Lake Carasaljo, Manetta, and Shenandoah—are on the South Branch of the Metedeconk River, whereas the fourth—Lake Waddill—is on Kettle Creek.

Lakewood CDP (2010 Census population of 53,805[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3438580 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Lakewood CDP, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212140222/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3438580 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 20, 2012.), Leisure Village (4,400 as of 2010[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3439900 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Leisure Village CDP, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212142810/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3439900 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 20, 2012.) and Leisure Village East (4,217 as of 2010[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3439910 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Leisure Village East CDP, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212134333/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/1600000US3439910 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed August 20, 2012.) are unincorporated communities and census-designated places (CDPs) located within Lakewood Township.[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US34029 GCT-PH1 - Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County -- County Subdivision and Place from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 for Ocean County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212204350/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US34029 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 26, 2012.[http://www2.census.gov/acs2010_5yr/summaryfile/UserTools/Geography/NJ.xls 2006-2010 American Community Survey Geography for New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053907/http://www2.census.gov/acs2010_5yr/summaryfile/UserTools/Geography/NJ.xls |date=March 4, 2016 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 26, 2012.[https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf New Jersey: 2010 - Population and Housing Unit Counts - 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH-2-32)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723055400/http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf |date=July 23, 2013 }}, United States Census Bureau, August 2012. Accessed December 26, 2012.

Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Greenville, Lake Carasaljo, Seven Stars and South Lakewood.[http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt Locality Search] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709092825/http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt |date=July 9, 2016 }}, State of New Jersey. Accessed May 17, 2015.

The township borders the municipalities of Brick Township, Jackson Township, and Toms River in Ocean County; and Howell Township in Monmouth County.[https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/1085104/touches.html Areas touching Lakewood Township] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407021154/https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/1085104/touches.html |date=April 7, 2022 }}. MapIt. Accessed February 25, 2020.[http://chnj.njpn.org/ocean-county/ Ocean County Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319081147/http://chnj.njpn.org/ocean-county/ |date=March 19, 2022 }}, Coalition for a Healthy NJ. Accessed February 25, 2020.[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf New Jersey Municipal Boundaries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204213712/https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf |date=December 4, 2003 }}, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.

The township, including a portion of its southwestern portion, is one of 11 municipalities in Ocean County that are part of the Toms River watershed.[https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/toms-river-watershed/ Toms River Watershed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324000506/https://www.barnegatbaypartnership.org/learn/watershed-map/toms-river-watershed/ |date=March 24, 2022 }}, Barnegat Bay Partnership. Accessed July 3, 2022.

{{US Census population

| 1880= 1044

| 1890=

| 1900= 3094

| 1910= 5149

| 1920= 6110

| 1930= 7869

| 1940= 8502

| 1950= 10809

| 1960= 16020

| 1970= 25233

| 1980= 38464

| 1990= 45048

| 2000= 60352

| 2010= 92843

| 2020=135158

| estimate=139866

| estyear=2023

| estref=[https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2023/mcds/totals/SUB-MCD-EST2023-POP-34.xlsx Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023], United States Census Bureau, released May 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.

| footnote=Population sources:
1880Axel-Lute p. 129. Estimate from census schedule of Brick Township. 1900-2000Barnett, Bob. [http://westjersey.org/popoce_04.htm Population Data for Ocean County Municipalities, 1850 - 2000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928005127/http://westjersey.org/popoce_04.htm |date=September 28, 2018 }}, WestJersey.org, January 6, 2011. Accessed December 26, 2012. 1900-1920[https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full Compendium of censuses 1726-1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226125132/https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full |date=February 26, 2021 }}, New Jersey Department of State, 1906. Accessed August 5, 2013.
1900-1910[https://archive.org/details/cu31924070698398/page/n345 Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890], United States Census Bureau, p. 338. Accessed December 26, 2012. 1910-1930[https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA718 Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714225902/https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA718 |date=July 14, 2023 }}, United States Census Bureau, p. 718. Accessed December 26, 2012.
1940–2000[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2kpub/njsdcp3.pdf#page=27 Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005222054/https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2kpub/njsdcp3.pdf#page=27 |date=October 5, 2022 }}, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023. 2000
2010[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0600000US3402938550 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Lakewood township, Ocean County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212103922/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0600000US3402938550 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 3, 2012.[http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_oce/lakewood1.pdf Table DP-1. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Lakewood township] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513034446/http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_oce/lakewood1.pdf |date=2012-05-13 }}, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed January 3, 2012. 2020[https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/lakewoodtownshipoceancountynewjersey QuickFacts Lakewood township, Ocean County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609080053/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/lakewoodtownshipoceancountynewjersey |date=June 9, 2023 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 10, 2022.[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213084623/https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf |date=February 13, 2023 }}, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.

}}

A study of Jewish communities published under the auspices of the Berman Jewish DataBank estimated that Lakewood had a total Jewish population of 54,500 in 2009, about 59% of the township's 2010 population.Sheskin, Ira; and Dashefsky, Arnold. [https://www.jewishdatabank.org/content/upload/bjdb/612/Jewish_Population_in_the_United_States_20111.pdf#page=105 Jewish Population in the United States, 2011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504010140/https://www.jewishdatabank.org/content/upload/bjdb/612/Jewish_Population_in_the_United_States_20111.pdf#page=105 |date=May 4, 2022 }}, Berman Jewish DataBank, 2011. Accessed March 26, 2022. NJ.com estimated in 2018 that two-thirds of the township's residents, or about 90,000 people, were Orthodox Jews.Strunsky, Steve. [https://www.nj.com/news/erry-2018/11/2bd79bf32a6683/lakewoods-orthodox-population.html "Lakewood's Orthodox population keeps growing. We talk to a rabbi about why, and what it means."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325142406/https://www.nj.com/news/erry-2018/11/2bd79bf32a6683/lakewoods-orthodox-population.html |date=March 25, 2022 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, November 26, 2018, updated September 24, 2019. Accessed March 26, 2022. "With more than 100,000 residents, two thirds of them Orthodox, Lakewood is now the fifth most populous municipality in New Jersey, trailing only Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and Elizabeth -- and it's still growing."

After the Second World War, Lakewood had a significant Estonian population. The community had an Estonian-language Saturday school, church, Boy Scout troop, and folk dance group.{{cite news |last1=Foy |first1=Fred |title=Estonian School Preserves Ties to Homeland |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-estonian-diaspora/167937782/ |work=Asbury Park Press |date=March 14, 1976 |location=Asbury Park, NJ |page=40 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

The median value of owner occupied housing is $322,000 with an average mortgage of $2,216 and additional housing expenses of $807. The median gross rent is $1,463.[https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/lakewoodtownshipoceancountynewjersey/IPE120220#IPE120218 QuickFacts Lakewood township, Ocean County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930132223/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/lakewoodtownshipoceancountynewjersey/IPE120220#IPE120218 |date=September 30, 2023 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed June 21, 2022.

{{Expand section|examples with reliable citations|date=September 2021}}

The 2010 United States census counted 92,843 people, 24,283 households, and 17,362 families in the township. The population density was {{convert|3,777.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 26,337 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,071.6|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup was 84.33% (78,290) White, 6.35% (5,898) Black or African American, 0.30% (276) Native American, 0.84% (777) Asian, 0.02% (14) Pacific Islander, 6.68% (6,199) from other races, and 1.50% (1,389) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.30% (16,062) of the population.

Of the 24,283 households, 43.2% had children under the age of 18; 58.5% were married couples living together; 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present and 28.5% were non-families. Of all households, 24.6% were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.73 and the average family size was 4.49.

41.8% of the population were under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 11.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 98.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 94.0 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006-2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $41,527 (with a margin of error of +/− $1,797) and the median family income was $45,420 (+/− $2,296). Males had a median income of $39,857 (+/− $4,206) versus $32,699 (+/− $2,365) for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,430 (+/− $565). About 21.9% of families and 26.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.0% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3402938550 DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Lakewood township, Ocean County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212084347/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3402938550 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 3, 2012.

As of the 2000 United States census[https://www.census.gov U.S. Census website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/ |date=December 27, 1996 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014. there were 60,352 people, 19,876 households, and 13,356 families residing in the township. The population density was {{convert|2,431.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 21,214 housing units at an average density of {{convert|854.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the township was 78.77% White, 12.05% African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.39% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.61% from other races, and 2.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.80% of the population.[http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/0603402938550.pdf Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Lakewood township, Ocean County, New Jersey] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605034459/http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/0603402938550.pdf |date=2012-06-05 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 3, 2012.[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3402938550 DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Lakewood township, Ocean County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212101940/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3402938550 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 23, 2012.

There were 19,876 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.8% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.64.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.8% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 15.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $35,634, and the median income for a family was $43,806. Males had a median income of $38,967 versus $26,645 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,700. About 15.7% of families and 19.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.9% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

Portions of the township are part of an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), one of 32 zones covering 37 municipalities statewide. Lakewood was selected in 1994 as one of a group of 10 zones added to participate in the program.[https://www.state.nj.us/dca/affiliates/uez/publications/pdf/tax_q&a_052709.pdf Urban Enterprise Zone Tax Questions and Answers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112140210/http://www.state.nj.us/dca/affiliates/uez/publications/pdf/tax_q%26a_052709.pdf |date=January 12, 2016 }}, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, May 2009. Accessed October 28, 2019. "In 1994 the legislation was amended and ten more zones were added to this successful economic development program. Of the ten new zones, six were predetermined: Paterson, Passaic, Perth Amboy, Phillipsburg, Lakewood, Asbury Park/Long Branch (joint zone). The four remaining zones were selected on a competitive basis. They are Carteret, Pleasantville, Union City and Mount Holly." In addition to other benefits to encourage employment within the UEZ, shoppers can take advantage of a reduced 3.3125% sales tax rate (half of the {{frac|6|5|8}}% rate charged statewide) at eligible merchants.[https://www.nj.gov/dca/affiliates/uez/about/ Urban Enterprise Zone Program] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721130311/https://www.nj.gov/dca/affiliates/uez/about/ |date=July 21, 2019 }}, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Accessed October 27, 2019. "Businesses participating in the UEZ Program can charge half the standard sales tax rate on certain purchases, currently 3.3125% effective 1/1/2018" Established in November 1994, the township's Urban Enterprise Zone status expires in October 2025.[https://www.nj.gov/dca/affiliates/uez/publications/pdf/ZONE%20EXPIRATION%20DATES%20-%202018.pdf Urban Enterprise Zones Effective and Expiration Dates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923185010/https://www.nj.gov/dca/affiliates/uez/publications/pdf/ZONE%20EXPIRATION%20DATES%20-%202018.pdf |date=September 23, 2019 }}, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Accessed January 8, 2018. The UEZ is overseen by the Lakewood Development Corporation, which works to foster the UEZ and the businesses that operate inside it through loan and grant programs.[http://www.lakewoodnj.gov/department/uez http://www.lakewoodnj.gov/department/uez Urban Enterprise Zone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214080006/http://www.lakewoodnj.gov/department/uez |date=December 14, 2019 }}, Township of Lakewood. Accessed November 19, 2019. "The Lakewood Development Corporation administers Lakewood's Urban Enterprise Zone program and the Lakewood Foreign Trade Zone. Both programs are designed to encourage economic development through the location and/or expansion of businesses to the municipality. The LDC offers business loans and grants to certified UEZ businesses as well as numerous other business encouragement incentives."

Lakewood School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, and is broken up into three different stages of schooling.[https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0110&search=comprised&id=69d917eec73348b88ae66af620e165e5 Lakewood Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820165025/https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0110&search=comprised&id=69d917eec73348b88ae66af620e165e5 |date=August 20, 2023 }}, Lakewood School District. Accessed May 5, 2020. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through twelve in the Lakewood School District. Composition: The Lakewood School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Lakewood."[http://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//edccc918-3b07-4550-b248-edc5434cdafe.pdf#page=35 Public Schools Directory 2019-2020; Living & Learning in Ocean County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617141303/http://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//edccc918-3b07-4550-b248-edc5434cdafe.pdf#page=35 |date=June 17, 2020 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed May 5, 2020. As of the 2021–22 school year, the district, comprised of eight schools, had an enrollment of 5,433 students and 511.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.6:1.[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3408220&DistrictID=3408220 District information for Lakewood Township School District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106222144/https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3408220&DistrictID=3408220 |date=November 6, 2018 }}, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022. Schools in the district (with 2021–22 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3408220 School Data for the Lakewood School District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106222644/https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3408220 |date=November 6, 2018 }}, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed April 1, 2020.) are

Lakewood Early Childhood Center[https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/179 Lakewood Early Childhood Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822190718/https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/179 |date=August 22, 2023 }}, Lakewood Public School District. Accessed August 22, 2023. with 247 students in PreK,

Ella G. Clarke School[https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/13 Ella G. Clarke School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822190718/https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/13 |date=August 22, 2023 }}, Lakewood Public School District. Accessed August 22, 2023. with 375 students in grades 2-5,

Clifton Avenue School[https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/12 Clifton Avenue School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822190720/https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/12 |date=August 22, 2023 }}, Lakewood Public School District. Accessed August 22, 2023. with 387 students in grades 2-5,

Oak Street School[https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/10 Oak Street School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822190719/https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/10 |date=August 22, 2023 }}, Lakewood Public School District. Accessed August 22, 2023. with 633 students in grades 1-5,

Piner Elementary School[https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/429 Piner Elementary School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822190717/https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/429 |date=August 22, 2023 }}, Lakewood Public School District. Accessed August 22, 2023. with 415 students in grades PreK-1,

Spruce Street School[https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/11 Spruce Street School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822190717/https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/11 |date=August 22, 2023 }}, Lakewood Public School District. Accessed August 22, 2023. with 384 students in grades PreK-1,

Lakewood Middle School[https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/9 Lakewood Middle School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822190720/https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/9 |date=August 22, 2023 }}, Lakewood Public School District. Accessed August 22, 2023. with 1,126 students in grades 6-8 and

Lakewood High School[https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/8 Lakewood High School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822190722/https://www.lakewoodpiners.org/Domain/8 |date=August 22, 2023 }}, Lakewood Public School District. Accessed August 22, 2023. with 1,458 students in grades 9-12.[https://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//ccc36cbf-c757-4b58-b7fd-875b64968cae.pdf#page=39 Public Schools Directory 2022-2023; Living & Learning in Ocean County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428120926/https://www.co.ocean.nj.us//WebContentFiles//ccc36cbf-c757-4b58-b7fd-875b64968cae.pdf#page=39 |date=April 28, 2023 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed August 22, 2023.[https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/selectreport/2022-2023/29/2520 School Performance Reports for the Lakewood Township School District], New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 1, 2024.[https://homeroom6.doe.state.nj.us/directory/school/districtid/2520 New Jersey School Directory for the Lakewood School District], New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.

In recent years, the Lakewood School District has had budgetary issues, shutting down briefly in 2019 due to a funding deficit.{{cite web |last1=Strunsky |first1=Steve |title=UPDATE: Lakewood schools shut down, then reopen after state steps in |url=https://www.nj.com/education/2019/07/facing-budget-crisis-lakewood-schools-shut-down-beg-state-for-money.html |website=NJ.com |date=July 2019 |publisher=NJ Advance Media for NJ.com |access-date=27 April 2020 |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618020954/https://www.nj.com/education/2019/07/facing-budget-crisis-lakewood-schools-shut-down-beg-state-for-money.html |url-status=live }} The district spends more money on special education programs than any other district in the state and has a high bill for mandatory busing to non-public schools. Town leaders also cite imbalanced state funding formulas as the root of the district's financial problems.{{cite web |last1=Heyboer |first1=Kelly |title=Why is Lakewood spending $32M to send kids to private school? |url=https://www.nj.com/news/2017/08/why_is_lakewood_spending_32_million_to_send_kids_t.html |website=NJ.com |date=August 8, 2017 |publisher=NJ Advance Media for NJ.com |access-date=25 April 2020 |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708034147/https://www.nj.com/news/2017/08/why_is_lakewood_spending_32_million_to_send_kids_t.html |url-status=live }}

Georgian Court University is a private, Roman Catholic university located on the shores of Lake Carasaljo. Founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Mercy as a women's college in North Plainfield, New Jersey, the school moved to the former estate of George Jay Gould I in Lakewood in 1924. Women made up 88% of the student population in Fall 2006.[http://www.georgian.edu/aboutgcu/index.htm About] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828165726/http://www.georgian.edu/aboutgcu/index.htm |date=2011-08-28 }}, Georgian Court University. Accessed September 5, 2011.

There are many yeshivas and Jewish day schools serving the Orthodox Jewish community, with the school district providing busing to 18,000 students enrolled at 74 yeshivas as of 2011,Ahearn, James. [http://archive.northjersey.com/story-archives/opinion-in-central-jersey-a-school-imbroglio-1.1211058 "Opinion: In Central Jersey, a school imbroglio"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407054951/http://archive.northjersey.com/story-archives/opinion-in-central-jersey-a-school-imbroglio-1.1211058 |date=2017-04-07 }}, The Record, June 5, 2012. Accessed April 6, 2017. "The answer was eye-opening. Eighteen thousand kids. That is, to repeat, 18,000. They attended 74 yeshiva schools, served by 14 bus companies, on 400 routes, more than any other district in the state." and 25,000 by 2016.Rinde, Meir. [http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/16/06/20/is-lakewood-on-the-verge-of-a-meltdown/ "Is Lakewood on the Verge of a Meltdown?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626042847/http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/16/06/20/is-lakewood-on-the-verge-of-a-meltdown/ |date=June 26, 2016 }}, NJ Spotlight, June 21, 2016. Accessed April 6, 2017. "State and local educational funding systems aren't built to handle a town with 25,000 children in religious institutions and 6,000 in the public schools, says Rev. Glenn Wilson." BMG, one of the world's largest yeshivas, had an enrollment in excess of 6,500. It is a post high school institution for higher education, where students primarily focus on the study of the Talmud and halakha (Jewish law).Fahim, Kareem. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/nyregion/10lakewood.html "As Orthodox Population Grows, So Do Tensions"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030150557/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/nyregion/10lakewood.html |date=October 30, 2017 }}, The New York Times, December 10, 2007. Accessed September 5, 2011. "Many Orthodox Jews have been drawn to Lakewood by the prestige of the town's yeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, one of the largest rabbinical colleges in the world. The yeshiva was founded in 1943 by a Polish-born rabbi, Aaron Kotler. In 1962, when Rabbi Kotler died, the school had 250 students. It now has about 5,000. The wider yeshiva community includes more than a hundred temples, and about 50 schools."

The non-denominational Calvary Academy serves students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.[http://www.calvaryacademy.org/academy_page.aspx?id=458692 A Brief History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725132311/http://www.calvaryacademy.org/academy_page.aspx?id=458692 |date=2011-07-25 }}, Calvary Academy. Accessed September 5, 2011.

The Roman Catholic-affiliated Holy Family School served youth from preschool through eighth grade under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton. In 2014, the diocese announced that the school was closing at the end of the 2014–2015 school year, as fewer students were enrolling.Terry, Nicquel. [http://www.app.com/story/news/local/2014/12/02/two-shore-catholic-schools-close/19798133/ "Shore Catholic schools set to close in 2015"], Asbury Park Press. December 2, 2014. Accessed August 30, 2015. "Two Shore area Catholic schools will close in 2015, citing declining enrollment in recent years as more families opt to send their children to public schools. Officials from both St. Denis School in Manasquan and Holy Family School in Lakewood confirmed Tuesday that the schools would shut down at the end of this school year." ()

File:Strand Theater.JPG]]

The Strand Theater, established in 1922, was designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb.[http://www.strand.org/history.aspx The History of The Strand] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309101226/http://strand.org/history.aspx |date=2015-03-09 }}, Strand Center of the Arts. Accessed September 15, 2014. "The famous theater architect Thomas Lamb was commissioned in the early 1900s by the Ferber Amusement Company to design a theater in Lakewood, New Jersey.... In 1922, The Strand opened in a time when Lakewood was a popular playground for the rich and famous, including Grover Cleveland and John D. Rockefeller."

ShoreTown Ballpark, home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, is a 6,588-seat stadium constructed at a cost of $22 million through funds raised from the township's Urban Enterprise Zone.Luttrell, Jim. [https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/25/sports/baseball-minor-league-notebook-phillies-class-a-team-plays-in-first-class-park.html "Baseball: Minor League Notebook; Phillies' Class A Team Plays in First-Class Park"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112043018/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/25/sports/baseball-minor-league-notebook-phillies-class-a-team-plays-in-first-class-park.html |date=January 12, 2018 }}, The New York Times, May 25, 2001. Accessed September 5, 2011. "While the final touches are being applied to new stadiums in Staten Island and Brooklyn, the eighth minor league franchise in New Jersey has already unveiled its $22 million facility.... The Lakewood stadium, which was built in an urban enterprise zone and which the team says is the largest urban enterprise project in the state, has 6,588 reserved seats and general admission grass seating beyond the outfield fences that accommodates another 3,000 people."

File:Lakewood - FirstEnergy Park - Blueclaws Stadium.jpg—Blueclaws Stadium]]

The BlueClaws, previously known as the Lakewood Blue Claws,{{cite web|first=Hill|last=Benjamin|title=Shore thing: BlueClaws adopt beachy keen look|url=https://www.milb.com/news/lakewood-blueclaws-shift-to-jersey-shore-moniker-unveil-fresh-logos|website=Minor League Baseball|date=October 21, 2020|access-date=October 21, 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024071947/https://www.milb.com/news/lakewood-blueclaws-shift-to-jersey-shore-moniker-unveil-fresh-logos|url-status=live}} have led the league in attendance every year since its formation in 2001 up until 2011, with more than 380,000 fans in the 2001 season, representing an average attendance of more than 6,200 fans per game.Staff. [http://njtoday.net/2011/09/06/blueclaws-lead-league-in-attendance-for-11th-straight-year/ "Blueclaws Lead League In Attendance For 11th Straight Year"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108073542/http://njtoday.net/2011/09/06/blueclaws-lead-league-in-attendance-for-11th-straight-year/ |date=November 8, 2011 }}, News Record, September 6, 2011. Accessed August 20, 2012. "For the 11th time in as many years, the Lakewood BlueClaws minor league baseball team has led the South Atlantic League in attendance. With 6,263 fans per game coming to FirstEnergy Park – 93 fans per game more than 2010 – the BlueClaws wrapped up their 11th straight attendance title and now begin the push towards five million fans, which will happen early in 2012. The BlueClaws drew 382,070 to FirstEnergy Park this year, bringing their 11-year total to 4,838,603 fans, 161,397 shy of 5-million."

Ocean County Park offers tennis courts, sports fields, hiking trails, beach volleyball, a driving range, swimming and cross-country skiing.Staff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/18/archives/article-3-no-title-rockefeller-estate-will-become-a-park.html "Rockefeller Estate Will Become a Park"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719084102/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/18/archives/article-3-no-title-rockefeller-estate-will-become-a-park.html |date=July 19, 2018 }}, The New York Times, April 18, 1940. Accessed July 18, 2018. Lakes Carasaljo and Shenandoah have canoe and kayak access, and jogging trails.[https://www.trails.com/us/nj/lakewood/lakes-carasaljo-and-shenandoah-cgn036-020 "Lakes Carasaljo and Shenandoah"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719024619/https://www.trails.com/us/nj/lakewood/lakes-carasaljo-and-shenandoah-cgn036-020 |date=July 19, 2018 }}, Trails.com The Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum is located on the campus of Georgian Court University.[https://georgian.edu/arboretum/ Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225205540/https://georgian.edu/arboretum/ |date=February 25, 2020 }}, Georgian Court University. Accessed February 25, 2020. "The arboretum, established in 1989, is named after Sister Mary Grace Burns, who was the chairperson of the biology department and professor of biology from 1927 to 1968. It comprises the entire campus (approx. 155 acres)."

Lakewood Township is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state.[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601184216/https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf |date=June 1, 2023 }}, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023. The Township Committee is comprised of five members, who are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle.2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 103.[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=7 "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604040836/https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=7 |date=June 4, 2023 }}, p. 7. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023. At an annual reorganization meeting, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor.

The Township Committee controls all legislative powers of the Township except for health matters, which are controlled by the Board of Health. In addition, the Committee appoints members to boards, commissions, and committees. Each member of the township committee serves as a liaison to different divisions, departments, and committees.

The mayor, elected from among members of the committee, presides at meetings and performs other duties as the Township Committee may prescribe. The mayor has the power to appoint subcommittees with the consent of the committee. When authorized, the mayor may execute documents on behalf of the township, makes proclamations concerning holidays and events of interest, and exercises ceremonial power of the Township and other powers conferred by law.

{{As of|2024}}, the members of the Lakewood Township Committee are Mayor Ray Coles (D, term on committee ends December 31, 2026; term as mayor ends 2024), Deputy mayor Menashe Miller (R, term on committee and as deputy mayor ends 2024), Albert Akerman (R, 2025), Deborah Fuentes (R, 2026) and Meir Lichtenstein (D, 2024).[https://www.lakewoodnj.gov/department/government Government], Lakewood Township. Accessed April 17, 2024.[https://www.lakewoodnj.gov/images/db/u-56-4232-budget_2023_introduced_township_of_lakewood_nj.pdf#page=5 2023 Municipal Data Sheet], Lakewood Township. Accessed April 17, 2024.[https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/frmGovDirPage.aspx?ID=219 Township of Lakewood], Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed April 17, 2024.[https://co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/70fc90f8-5e4e-4454-a3c1-8ca3d0911f87.pdf 2024 Ocean County & Municipal Elected Officials], Ocean County, New Jersey Clerk, updated April 2, 2024. Accessed April 17, 2024.[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Ocean/119025/web.317647/#/summary General Election Results November 7, 2023 Official Results], Ocean County, New Jersey, updated November 22, 2023. Accessed January 1, 2024.[https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/9a46d949-75d5-448a-8190-dbcefcb2a739.pdf 2022 General Election Official Results November 8, 2022], Ocean County, New Jersey Clerk, updated November 21, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.[https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/07aecb2a-f6ce-4ef4-a6c3-7b7546fc9e3f.pdf 2021 General Election Official Results], Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed January 1, 2022.

Lakewood Township is served by the Lakewood Police Department (LPD), which provides police protection for the township. It has several specialized units: Traffic and Safety, School Resource Officers, Special Response Team (SWAT), Dive Team, and a Motorcycle Patrol and Bicycle Patrol unit in the spring and summer. The current Chief of Police is Gregory Meyer.[http://www.lakewoodnj.gov/department/police Police Department] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001024429/http://www.lakewoodnj.gov/department/police |date=October 1, 2011 }}, Lakewood Township. Accessed September 5, 2011.

Lakewood Township is served by the Lakewood Fire Department (LFD), a unified combination consisting of four Volunteer Fire Stations and one career fire station which provide fire protection for the township.[https://www.lakewoodnj.gov/department/fire Fire Department], Township of Lakewood. Accessed March 16, 2024. "The Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1888. The Lakewood Fire Department is a combination department. There are currently 50 active firefighters and support members in the volunteer fire department. The Career Division of the Department was started in the 1950s and currently employs 33 firefighters and officers, which includes the Chief of Department."

The fire department was founded in October 1888. The Board of Fire Commissioners was created in 1896. The first motorized equipment was purchased in 1915. The largest fire in township history occurred on April 20, 1940, when a forest fire destroyed over 50 structures and burned down most of the southern half of town. The largest loss of life caused by fire occurred on February 12, 1936, when the Victoria Mansion Hotel, valued at $100,000 (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US|0.1|1936|fmt=c|r=1}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}), located on the southeast corner of Lexington Avenue and Seventh Street, was destroyed in a fire and 16 people died.Staff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/14/archives/ten-bodies-found-in-lakewood-fire-searchers-working-from-dawn-till.html "Ten Bodies Found In Lakewood Fire; Searchers, Working From Dawn Till Night, Believe Five More Are in Hotel Ruins. Impeded By Cold And Ice Only Nine Are Identified, Three Tentatively -- Cause of Blaze Is Not Yet Determined."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723065025/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/14/archives/ten-bodies-found-in-lakewood-fire-searchers-working-from-dawn-till.html |date=July 23, 2018 }}, The New York Times, February 14, 1936. Accessed August 5, 2013. "The toll of known dead in the fire that destroyed the Victoria Mansion Hotel here rose to ten today as three more bodies were recovered. The police were certain that five more were in the ruins heaped where the $100,000 resort building had stood." The largest structure fire in department history occurred on March 29, 1967, when the block-long Laurel in the Pines Hotel was leveled by a suspicious fire that also killed three people. The last fire hose was picked up a week later when the fire was finally declared out.Staff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1967/03/29/archives/lakewood-resort-hotel-is-demolished-by-fire.html "Lakewood Resort Hotel Is Demolished by Fire"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064643/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/03/29/archives/lakewood-resort-hotel-is-demolished-by-fire.html |date=July 23, 2018 }}, The New York Times, March 29, 1967. Accessed August 5, 2013. "A raging fire, with flames 300 feet high, destroyed the Laurel in the Pines Hotel here tonight."

There are 33 career firefighters (including a career Fire Chief) and approximately 50 volunteer firefighters.[https://www.njfiredistricts.org/lakewoodfiredistrict1/Home.aspx Lakewood Fire District 1], NJ Fire Districts. Accessed March 16, 2024. "The Lakewood Fire District is comprised of a combination volunteer and career fire department under the leadership of Chief Jonathan Yahr and Deputy Chief David Wolf who report to the Board of Fire Commissioners. The volunteer department was established in 1888 and has grown to include seven strategically placed fire stations.... The career department fire stations are manned 24/7 and employ thirty-two career firefighters."

The Chief of the Lakewood Fire Department is Jonathan Yahr.

Fire stations are located across the township:

• Engine Company 1 – Engine 1, Engine 11; 119 First Street
• Engine 2, 1350 Lanes Mills Road
• Engine 3; 976 New Hampshire Avenue
• Ladder 3, Engine 33; 170 Lafayette Boulevard
• Engine 4, Engine 44; 300 River Avenue
• Engine 5 735 Cedarbridge Avenue (Career)
• Ladder 5 800 Monmouth Avenue (Career)
• Support Services & RAC Unit (Rehab) 733 Cedarbridge Avenue

Lakewood Township is served by three emergency medical services (EMS) entities, which include Lakewood EMS (LEMS), Lakewood First Aid & Emergency Squad (LFAS) and Hatzolah EMS. The squads are all independently operated, but work together to provide emergency medical services for the township. Lakewood First Aid & Emergency Squad and Hatzolah EMS are volunteer organizations, while Lakewood EMS is a career municipal service under the direction of EMS Chief Crystal Van de Zilver.

In the event of a motor vehicle accident, Lakewood First Aid & Emergency Squad are the primary providers of vehicle extrication services for the township and Hatzolah EMS serves as backup.[http://www.lakewoodnj.gov/department/ems Emergency Medical Services] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016174007/http://www.lakewoodnj.gov/department/ems |date=October 16, 2017 }}, Lakewood Township, Accessed October 15, 2017.

The three organizations collectively have approximately 150 volunteer and paid EMTs. Hatzolah also has a paramedic unit by special arrangement with RWJBarnabas Health.{{Cite web|date=2020-04-03|title=MONOC transfers operations to RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, CentraState Healthcare System|url=https://centraljersey.com/2020/04/03/monoc-transfers-operations-to-rwjbarnabas-health-hackensack-meridian-health-centrastate-healthcare-system/|access-date=2021-07-09|website=centraljersey.com|language=en-US|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709220754/https://centraljersey.com/2020/04/03/monoc-transfers-operations-to-rwjbarnabas-health-hackensack-meridian-health-centrastate-healthcare-system/|url-status=live}}

• Lakewood First Aid & Emergency Squad – Squad 25 – 1555 Pine Street[http://lakewoodfirstaid.org/ Services] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017100255/http://lakewoodfirstaid.org/ |date=October 17, 2013 }}, Lakewood First Aid & Emergency Squad. Accessed September 14, 2013.
• Hatzolah EMS – Squad 45 – Monmouth Avenue and 3rd Street, 501 West County Line Road at Heathwood Avenue

;EMS Department

• Lakewood EMS – Squad 52 – 1555 Pine Street

Lakewood Township is located in the 4th Congressional District,[https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2012-congressional-districts/njcd-2011-plan-components-county-mcd.pdf Plan Components Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219202014/https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2012-congressional-districts/njcd-2011-plan-components-county-mcd.pdf |date=February 19, 2020 }}, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020. and is part of New Jersey's 30th state legislative district.[https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2011-legislative-districts/towns-districts.pdf Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120165412/https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2011-legislative-districts/towns-districts.pdf |date=November 20, 2021 }}, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.[https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5bae63366fd2b2e5b9f87e5e/5d30f0a94a82c66427e564d2_2019_CitizensGuide.pdf 2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105221009/https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5bae63366fd2b2e5b9f87e5e/5d30f0a94a82c66427e564d2_2019_CitizensGuide.pdf |date=November 5, 2019 }}, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp#30 Districts by Number for 2011-2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714024328/https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp#30 |date=July 14, 2019 }}, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.

{{NJ Congress 04}} {{NJ Senate}}

{{NJ Legislative 30}}

{{NJ Ocean County Commissioners}}

As of March 2011, there were a total of 37,925 registered voters in Lakewood Township, of which 6,417 (16.9%) were registered as Democrats, 13,287 (35.0%) were registered as Republicans, and 18,202 (48.0%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 19 voters registered to other parties.[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-ocean-co-summary-report.pdf Voter Registration Summary - Ocean] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617094855/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-ocean-co-summary-report.pdf |date=June 17, 2013 }}, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 26, 2012. Among the township's 2010 Census population, 40.8% (vs. 63.2% in Ocean County) were registered to vote, including 70.2% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 82.6% countywide).[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTP7.ST16?slice=GEO~0400000US34 GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212202223/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTP7.ST16?slice=GEO~0400000US34 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 26, 2012.

The Vaad in Lakewood is an 11-member council of elders from the Orthodox community, which greatly influences the way the community will vote, often after interviewing political candidates.{{cite web |title=Lakewood, NJ - Jewish Leaders' Vaad Sees Clout Diminish On Political, Development Issues |url=https://vinnews.com/2010/10/21/lakewood-nj-jewish-leaders-vaads-sees-clout-diminish-on-political-development-issues/ |website=VINnews |access-date=8 September 2021 |date=21 October 2010 |archive-date=September 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908091533/https://vinnews.com/2010/10/21/lakewood-nj-jewish-leaders-vaads-sees-clout-diminish-on-political-development-issues/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Bob |last2=Barchenger |first2=Stacey |title=Lakewood Vaad throws endorsement to Phil Murphy, incumbents |url=https://www.app.com/story/news/local/elections/2017/11/01/lakewood-vaad-throws-endorsement-phil-murphy-incumbents/778311001/ |website=Asbury Park Press |access-date=8 September 2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930132214/https://www.app.com/story/news/local/elections/2017/11/01/lakewood-vaad-throws-endorsement-phil-murphy-incumbents/778311001/ |url-status=live }}

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 82.4% of the vote (11,850 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 16.9% (2,427 votes), and other candidates with 0.7% (107 votes), among the 14,921 ballots cast by the township's 41,567 registered voters (537 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 35.9%.{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-ocean.pdf |title=Governor - Ocean County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134020/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-ocean.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-ocean.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Ocean County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133316/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-ocean.pdf |url-status=live }} In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 54.9% of the vote (10,528 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 30.8% (5,910 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 2.6% (506 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (142 votes), among the 19,171 ballots cast by the township's 37,928 registered voters, yielding a 50.5% turnout.[http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-ocean.pdf 2009 Governor: Ocean County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017230602/http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-ocean.pdf |date=2012-10-17 }}, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 26, 2012.

File:2021-05-27 12 50 22 View north along New Jersey State Route 444 (Garden State Parkway) from the overpass for Ocean County Route 528 (Cedar Bridge Avenue) in Lakewood Township, Ocean County, New Jersey.jpg at CR 528 in Lakewood]]

{{As of|2010|5}}, the township had a total of {{convert|193.15|mi}} of roadways; of which {{convert|135.26|mi}} were maintained by the municipality, {{convert|43.28|mi}} by Ocean County, {{convert|11.22|mi}} by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and {{convert|3.39|mi}} by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Ocean.pdf Ocean County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102145105/http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Ocean.pdf |date=January 2, 2020 }}, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 18, 2014.

The Garden State Parkway is the most prominent highway in Lakewood. It passes through the eastern part of the municipality, connecting Toms River in the south to Brick in the north[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/00000444__-.pdf#page=30 Garden State Parkway Straight Line Diagram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718095238/http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/00000444__-.pdf#page=30 |date=July 18, 2014 }}, New Jersey Department of Transportation, January 1997. Accessed September 15, 2014. with one major interchange serving Lakewood at exit 89.[http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/our-roadways.html Travel Resources: Interchanges, Service Areas & Commuter Lots] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213221232/http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/nj-vcenter-serv.htm |date=December 13, 2007 }}, New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Accessed September 15, 2014. Drivers can access Route 70 from exit 89, after exit 88 was permanently closed in November 2014.Higgs, Larry. [http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/11/parkway_exit_to_close_permanently_monday_night.html "Parkway exit to close permanently Monday night"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511065055/http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/11/parkway_exit_to_close_permanently_monday_night.html |date=May 11, 2015 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, November 10, 2014, Update as of April 8, 2015. Accessed May 17, 2015. "Exit 88 is scheduled to close permanently at 7 p.m., Monday and traffic to Route 70 will diverted to a new service road at Interchange 89." The state and U.S. routes that pass through are Route 70, Route 88 and Route 9. Major county routes that pass through are CR 526, CR 528, CR 547 and CR 549.

The Lakewood Bus Terminal is a regional transit hub. NJ Transit provides bus service on the 137 and 139 routes to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, to Philadelphia on the 317 route, to Newark on the 67 and to Atlantic City on the 559.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090522212313/http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=BusRoutesOceanCountyTo Ocean County Bus / Rail Connections], NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 22, 2009. Accessed December 26, 2012.

The Lakewood Shuttle is a bus with two routes: one in town, and one in Industrial Park.

Ocean Ride local service is provided on the OC3 Brick / Lakewood / Toms River and OC4 Lakewood – Brick Link routes.[http://www.gmtma.org/pg-bus-ocean.php Ocean County Bus Service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814190256/http://gmtma.org/pg-bus-ocean.php |date=2015-08-14 }}, Greater Mercer TMA. Accessed August 10, 2015.[http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/ReferenceGuide.pdf#page=9 Ocean Ride Rider's Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627011911/http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/ReferenceGuide.pdf#page=9 |date=2015-06-27 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed August 10, 2015.[http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/TransitMap.pdf Ocean County Transit Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205314/http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/Transportation/PDFs/Transportation/TransitMap.pdf |date=September 23, 2015 }}, Ocean County, New Jersey. Accessed August 10, 2015.

Lakewood Airport is a public-use airport located {{convert|3|mi}} southeast of the township's central business district. The airport is publicly owned.{{FAA-airport|ID=N12|use=PU|own=PR|site=13890.*A}}, effective December 20, 2007.

The Monmouth Ocean Middlesex Line is a passenger rail project proposed by NJ Transit Rail Operations to serve the Central New Jersey counties of Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex which would serve Lakewood.[http://www.njtransit.com/tm/tm_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=MOMProjectTo Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923193858/http://www.njtransit.com/tm/tm_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=MOMProjectTo |date=September 23, 2017 }}, NJ Transit. Accessed October 15, 2017.

{{Category see also|People from Lakewood Township, New Jersey}}

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Lakewood Township include:

{{div col}}

• Yitzchak Abadi (born 1933), rabbi and posek[http://kashrut.org/about.asp Halachic authority] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225190924/http://www.kashrut.org/about.asp |date=2017-12-25 }} "after the passing of Rabbi Kotler, Rabbi Abadi became the Posek and the exclusive Halachic authority in Lakewood."
• Morton I. Abramowitz (born 1933), diplomat[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=16945 "Nomination of Morton Isaac Abramowitz To Be United States Ambassador to Turkey"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720074907/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=16945 |date=July 20, 2011 }}, American Presidency Project, April 19, 1989. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Ambassador Abramowitz was born January 20, 1933, in Lakewood, NJ. He graduated from Stanford University (B.A., 1953) and Harvard University (M.A., 1955)."
• Val Ackerman (born 1959), first president of the Women's National Basketball Association[http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/val-ackerman/84207/t/stories/ Val Ackerman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018064821/http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/val-ackerman/84207/t/stories/ |date=October 18, 2012 }}, The Washington Times. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Valerie B. Val Ackerman was born on November 7, 1959, in Lakewood, New Jersey, but grew up in Pennington, New Jersey, United States."
• Jay Alders (class of 1996), fine artist, photographer and graphic designer, best known for his original surf art paintings[http://www.resinmag.com/features/art/jay-alders-profile/ "Jay Alders Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220152107/http://www.resinmag.com/features/art/jay-alders-profile/ |date=February 20, 2018 }}, ResinMag.com, February 2010. Accessed February 19, 2018. "Resinmag.com: Where were you Born? Jay Alders: In Lakewood, NJ, about 12 or so miles from the beaches of Jersey."
• Joe Baum (1920–1998), restaurateurGrimes, William. [https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/06/us/joseph-baum-american-dining-s-high-stylist-dies-at-78.html "Joseph Baum, American Dining's High Stylist, Dies at 78"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410203824/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/06/us/joseph-baum-american-dining-s-high-stylist-dies-at-78.html |date=April 10, 2019 }}, The New York Times, October 6, 1998. Accessed February 9, 2011. "After graduating from high school in Lakewood, N.J., in 1937, he worked for two years as a busboy, waiter and cook in hotels in New Jersey and Florida to earn tuition money to attend Cornell University, where he earned a degree in hotel administration in 1943."
• Spider Bennett (born 1943), professional basketball player in the ABA with the Dallas Chaparrals and Houston Mavericks[https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bennesp01.html Spider Bennett] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106185151/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bennesp01.html |date=November 6, 2018 }}, Basketball-Reference.com. Accessed February 9, 2011.
• Tyrice Beverette (born 1995), professional Canadian football linebacker for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League[https://stonybrookathletics.com/sports/football/roster/tyrice-beverette/4686 Tyrice Beverette]

{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206232119/https://stonybrookathletics.com/sports/football/roster/tyrice-beverette/4686 |date=December 6, 2021 }}, Stony Brook Seawolves football. Accessed December 13, 2021. "Hometown: Lakewood, N.J.; High School: Lakewood"

• Yisroel Pinchos Bodner, rabbi and author of books on various topics of halakhaBen Dov, Reuven. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/jpost/access/98471491.html?dids=98471491:98471491&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+03%2C+1992&author=Reuven+Ben+Dov&pub=Jerusalem+Post&desc=THROUGH+THE+MAZE&pqatl=google "Through the Maze"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105132940/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/jpost/access/98471491.html?dids=98471491:98471491&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+03,+1992&author=Reuven+Ben+Dov&pub=Jerusalem+Post&desc=THROUGH+THE+MAZE&pqatl=google |date=November 5, 2012 }}, The Jerusalem Post, January 3, 1992. Accessed February 10, 2011. "Halachos of Brochos by Yisroel Pinchos Bodner, Lakewood, New Jersey."
• Brandon Carter (born 1986), former offensive lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers[http://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/roster/brandon-carter/8cc695e8-9d3a-4e09-81c4-006d1a382f18/ Brandon Carter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405134925/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/roster/Brandon-Carter/8cc695e8-9d3a-4e09-81c4-006d1a382f18 |date=2017-04-05 }}, New Orleans Saints. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Born Brandon Scott Carter Sept. 10, 1986 in Lakewood, N.J."
• Haakon Chevalier (1901–1985), author, translator, and professor of French literature at the University of California, Berkeley, best known for his friendship with physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer[http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/hchevalier.htm Haakon Maurice Chevailer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224172716/http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/hchevalier.htm |date=December 24, 2007 }}, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Haakon Maurice Chevalier was born on September 10, 1901, at Lakewood, New Jersey."
• Simcha Bunim Cohen, rabbi, posek and author[http://matzav.com/rav-simcha-bunim-cohen-on-nj-toeivah-vote-call-senators-and-be-mosif-in-tefillah-and-torah "Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen On NJ Toeivah Vote: Call Senators and Be Mosif in Tefillah and Torah"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714050306/http://matzav.com/rav-simcha-bunim-cohen-on-nj-toeivah-vote-call-senators-and-be-mosif-in-tefillah-and-torah |date=July 14, 2011 }}, Matzav.com, January 7, 2010. Accessed February 10, 2011.
• Michael Cudlitz (born 1964), actor who has appeared in Southland and Band of BrothersHegedus, Eric. [http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/shooting_from_the_lip_pabCghdM2wOL4IXpdRcUIL "Shooting from the lip: 'Southland' cop sounds off on NBC cancellation and TNT rescue"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714220923/http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/shooting_from_the_lip_pabCghdM2wOL4IXpdRcUIL |date=July 14, 2011 }}, New York Post, February 28, 2010. Accessed February 10, 2011. "Cudlitz, 45, has moved on. The Flushing native and former Lakewood, NJ, resident, has aroused a lot of interest in his portrayal of Cooper, who has many personal issues, including his developing gay identity, a prescription drug dependency and a job-threatening back injury, and an ex-wife who figures into his pill-popping problem."
• Ngo Dinh Diem (1901–1963), first president of South Vietnam[https://web.archive.org/web/20071113223344/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,866120-5,00.html "The Beleaguered Man"], Time, April 4, 1955. Accessed March 27, 2008. "For the best part of two years (1951-1953) he made his home at the Maryknoll Junior Seminary in Lakewood, N.J.. often going down to Washington to buttonhole State Department men and Congressmen and urge them not to support French colonialism."
• Marc Ecko (born 1972), founder and CEO of Eckō Unltd.Walker, Rob. [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/10/magazine/10ECKO.html Cul-de-Sac Cred] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113100129/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/10/magazine/10ECKO.html |date=November 13, 2013 }}, The New York Times, July 10, 2005. Accessed January 3, 2012. "Marc Milecofsky grew up in Lakewood, N.J., about an hour and a half south of Manhattan."
• Shimon Eider (died 2007), rabbi, author on halakha and expert on the construction of eruvinSchweitzer, Sarah. [http://www.boston.com/realestate/articles/2005/05/29/when_faith_real_estate_converge?pg=full "When faith, real estate converge: In Sharon, an eruv boosts house prices"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628230433/http://www.boston.com/realestate/articles/2005/05/29/when_faith_real_estate_converge?pg=full |date=June 28, 2011 }}, The Boston Globe, May 29, 2005. Accessed February 10, 2011. "The Sharon eruv was constructed under the supervision of Meir Sendor, the rabbi at Young Israel of Sharon, with continuing consultation from a noted eruv expert, Rabbi Shimon Eider, of Lakewood, N.J."
• Mendel Epstein, convicted leader of the New York divorce coercion gangJones, Abigail. [https://www.newsweek.com/2015/04/17/fighting-be-free-lengths-orthodox-jewish-women-will-go-get-320536.html "In Orthodox Jewish Divorce, Men Hold All the Cards"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214130059/https://www.newsweek.com/2015/04/17/fighting-be-free-lengths-orthodox-jewish-women-will-go-get-320536.html |date=December 14, 2021 }}, Newsweek, April 8, 2015. Accessed December 14, 2021. "'Basically, what we are going to be doing is kidnapping a guy for a couple of hours and beating him up and torturing him and then getting him to give the get," Rabbi Mendel Epstein told two potential clients. It was August 14, 2013, and he was sitting in his home in Lakewood, New Jersey, with a young Orthodox Jewish woman and her brother."
• Dick Estelle (born 1942), pitcher who played for the San Francisco GiantsAdelizzi, Joe. [https://archive.today/20130131140141/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1851766981.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+03,+1999&author=JOE+ADELIZZI&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Heat+wave+at+the+Shore+Leiter+leads+long+list+of+flamethrowers+in+area's+baseball+lore&pqatl=google "Heat wave at the Shore Leiter leads long list of flamethrowers in area's baseball lore"], Asbury Park Press, October 3, 1999. Accessed February 9, 2011. "16. Dick Estelle Lakewood1958 His fastball got him a trip with the Giants."
• Mike Gesicki (born 1995), tight end who plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League[http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mike_gesicki_905720.html Mike Gesicki] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121045502/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mike_gesicki_905720.html |date=November 21, 2016 }}, Penn State Nittany Lions football. Accessed December 2, 2016. "Born October 3, 1995 in Lakewood, N.J."
• Hazel Gluck (born 1934), politician and lobbyist who served in the New Jersey General Assembly and held several posts in the cabinet of Governor Thomas KeanHorner, Shirley. [https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/26/nyregion/no-headline-153553.html "No Headline"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127234148/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/26/nyregion/no-headline-153553.html |date=January 27, 2017 }}, The New York Times, August 26, 1984. Accessed March 24, 2016. "'Lottery losers might soon end up winning books here, too,' Hazel Gluck of Lakewood, director of the New Jersey Division of the State Lottery, said the other day."
• William Goldstein (born 1942), composer, recording artist, arts philosopher and improvisational pianist[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118376173/william-goldstein-of-lakewood-and/ "Success is habit forming to Goldstein"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212000949/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/118376173/william-goldstein-of-lakewood-and/ |date=February 12, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, October 22, 1980. Accessed February 11, 2023, via Newspapers.com. "Success is getting to be a habit with William Goldstein, a film composer and arranger who grew up in Lakewood.... Goldstein was graduated from Lakewood High School, Trenton State College, the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard School of Music."
• George Jay Gould I (1864–1923), financier and railroad executive, whose estate became Georgian Court UniversityStaff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1922/07/14/archives/goulds-wed-in-june-at-georgian-court-sailed-together-after-lakewood.html "Goulds Wed In June At Georgian Court; Sailed Together After Lakewood Ceremony, and Are Now at Aix-les-Bains. No Mystery, They Declare Their Chief Desire, They Say Now, Was for Quiet Wedding and Peaceful Honeymoon."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723065357/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/07/14/archives/goulds-wed-in-june-at-georgian-court-sailed-together-after-lakewood.html |date=July 23, 2018 }}, The New York Times, July 14, 1922. Accessed February 9, 2011. "It will surprise some of their neighbors at Lakewood to learn that the wedding took place at Georgian Court, the Gould house at Lakewood... "
• Virginia E. Haines (born 1946), politician who serves on the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and had served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1992 to 1994 and as Executive Director of the New Jersey Lottery from 1994 to 2002Staff. [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/147633060/ "Haines picked to head lottery"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914014725/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/147633060/ |date=September 14, 2016 }}, Asbury Park Press, May 19, 1994. Accessed August 30, 2016. "Education: Graduated from Lakewood High School in 1964; attended Ocean County College."
• Yehudah Jacobs ({{circa|1940}}–2020), mashgiach ruchani (spiritual guidance counselor) at BMG[https://matzav.com/rav-yehuda-jacobs-ztl/ "Rav Yehuda Jacobs zt'l"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604135638/https://matzav.com/rav-yehuda-jacobs-ztl/ |date=June 4, 2020 }}, Matzav.com, April 27, 2020. Accessed May 31, 2020. "Settling in Lakewood with his wife, Mrs. Ruthie Jacobs, he grew along with the yeshiva, eventually being instated as one of the mashgichim."
• Serge Jaroff (1896–1985), conductor, composer and founder of the Don Cossack ChorusStaff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/08/arts/serge-jaroff.html "Serge Jaroff"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121003038/http://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/08/arts/serge-jaroff.html |date=November 21, 2017 }}, The New York Times, October 8, 1985. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Serge Jaroff, founder and director of the Don Cossack Chorus, died Saturday in the Paul Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, N.J. He was 89 years old and lived in Lakewood."
• C.S. Eliot Kang (born 1962), diplomat and member of the Senior Executive Service[https://clintonwhitehouse6.archives.gov/1998/05/1998-05-05-white-house-announces-white-house-fellowships-finalists.html The White House Announces National Finalists For 1998-1999 White House Fellowships] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127151144/https://clintonwhitehouse6.archives.gov/1998/05/1998-05-05-white-house-announces-white-house-fellowships-finalists.html |date=January 27, 2023 }}, Clinton administration, May 5, 1998. Accessed January 27, 2023. "C.S. Eliot Kang, 35, is a foreign policy analyst at the Japan Institute of International Affairs in Tokyo. A native of Seoul, South Korea, Kang grew up in Lakewood, N.J."
• Stan Kasten (born 1952), president and part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and former President of the Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers[http://www.harrywalker.com/speakers_template.cfm?Spea_ID=779 Stan Kasten keynote speaker page on the Harry Walker Agency Speakers Bureau website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529160618/http://www.harrywalker.com/speakers_template.cfm?Spea_ID=779 |date=May 29, 2008 }}.

* Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll (born 1975), activist and writer whose work focuses on women's rights in Orthodox Judaism and the visibility of women in Israel's Orthodox communitiesKlein, Abagail. [https://www.jpost.com/magazine/lifestyle/arrivals-finding-their-comfort-zone "Arrivals: Finding their comfort zone"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123060259/https://www.jpost.com/magazine/lifestyle/arrivals-finding-their-comfort-zone |date=January 23, 2022 }}, The Jerusalem Post, November 26, 2010. Accessed January 26, 2022. "Both born in 1975 and raised in New Jersey, Shai Jaskoll (Teaneck) and Shoshanna Keats (Lakewood) first crossed paths here."

• Edith Kingdon (1864–1921), actress wife of George Jay Gould I[https://web.archive.org/web/20110227033201/http://www.georgian.edu/aboutgcu/gould.htm The George Jay Gould Estate], Georgian Court University. Accessed February 9, 2011. "The health benefits of Lakewood enticed George Jay Gould, son of railroad magnate Jay Gould, to build Georgian Court in 1896. The construction began ten years after his marriage to a lovely young actress named Edith Kingdon. Edith and George Gould believed Lakewood would be an ideal spot in which to rear their two sons and four daughters."
• Aharon Kotler (1892–1962), founder of BMG and a pre-eminent authority on Torah in the 20th Century among Haredi JewsCaldwell, Dave. [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/01/nyregion/01njCOVER.html "In the Minor Leagues, It's Not Just About the Baseball"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930132311/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/01/nyregion/in-the-minor-leagues-its-not-just-about-the-baseball.html |date=September 30, 2023 }}, The New York Times, May 1, 2005. Accessed August 20, 2012. "Then, in 1944, a prominent rabbi named Aron Kotler moved to Lakewood from Eastern Europe, and a large Orthodox Jewish community evolved that still numbers about 20,000."
• Malkiel Kotler (born 1951), current rosh yeshiva of BMGDi Ionno, Mark.[https://www.nj.com/news/2017/05/how_lakewood_became_a_worldwide_destination_for_or.html "How Lakewood became a worldwide destination for Orthodox Jews"], NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, May 7, 2017. Accessed May 4, 2024.
• Shneur Kotler (1918–1982), rosh yeshiva (dean) of BMGStaff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/27/obituaries/rabbi-shneur-kotler-64-head-of-rabbinical-school-in-jersey.html "Rabbi Shneur Kotler, 64, Head Of Rabbinical School in Jersey"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075158/http://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/27/obituaries/rabbi-shneur-kotler-64-head-of-rabbinical-school-in-jersey.html |date=March 4, 2016 }}, The New York Times, June 27, 1982. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Rabbi Shneur Kotler, dean of Beth Medrash Govoha, a postgraduate rabbinical school in Lakewood, N.J., died Thursday at Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston. He was 64 years old and a resident of Lakewood."
• Cliff Kresge (born 1968), professional golferDucibella, Jim. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=VP&p_theme=vp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F35DFADE826BFFD&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Beach Open"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714174407/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=VP&p_theme=vp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F35DFADE826BFFD&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=July 14, 2011 }}, The Virginian-Pilot, May 5, 2002. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Kresge, a Lakewood, NJ, native, worked short-game magic the entire back nine..."
• Joseph Mayer (1877–1942), mayor of Belmar, New Jersey, who later served on the Ocean County Board of Chosen FreeholdersStaff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1942/11/19/archives/joseph-ma___y-er-i-former-mayor-of-belmar-wasi-director-of.html "Joseph Mayer; Former Mayor of Belmar Was Director of Freeholders"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116084033/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/11/19/archives/joseph-ma___y-er-i-former-mayor-of-belmar-wasi-director-of.html |date=November 16, 2018 }}, The New York Times, November 19, 1942. Accessed February 9, 2011. "He was born in Hazelton, Pa., Where he was elected to the Common Council at the age of 21 and later served as its president. He moved to Belmar in 1908 after residing in Lakewood."
• Rich Medina (born 1969), DJ, producer, spoken word poet, archivist, and journalistPrice, Toby. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-rich-medina-of-lakewoo/148214220/ "Medina will take his talents to Cornell"], Asbury Park Press, May 18, 1988. Accessed May 27, 2024, via Newspapers.com. "Rich Medina, a 6-7 forward from Lakewood, will attend Cornell University in the fall and continue his basketball career for the Ivy League champion Big Red."
• Sonia Handelman Meyer (1920–2022), photographer best known for her street photography as a member of the New York Photo League[https://mintmuseum.org/bearing-witness-the-new-york-photo-league-and-sonia-handelman-meyer/ "Bearing Witness: The New York Photo League and Sonia Handelman Meyer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206054435/https://mintmuseum.org/bearing-witness-the-new-york-photo-league-and-sonia-handelman-meyer/ |date=December 6, 2019 }}, Mint Museum. Accessed December 6, 2019. "The exhibition features a special spotlight on the work of Sonia Handelman Meyer. Born in Lakewood, New Jersey in 1920, Meyer spent most of her life in New York City."
• Purnell Mincy (1916–2003), Negro league baseball pitcher from 1938 to 1940Edelson, Stephen. [https://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/02/20/shore-greatest-athlete-purnell-mincy/23727077/ "Was Purnell Mincy the Jersey Shore's greatest athlete?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930132215/https://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/02/20/shore-greatest-athlete-purnell-mincy/23727077/ |date=September 30, 2023 }}, Asbury Park Press, February 20, 2015. Accessed October 17, 2020. "Purnell Mincy was a three-sport star at Lakewood, graduating in 1937.... I'm beginning to think Lakewood's Purnell Mincy might be the greatest athlete the Jersey Shore has ever produced...."
• Charles W. Morse (1856–1933), Wall Street speculatorStaff. [https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/01/08/120424243.pdf "Charles W. Morse's Marriage Annulled; Divorce Mrs. Morse Secured from First Husband Pronounced Illegal."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730014859/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/01/08/120424243.pdf |date=July 30, 2021 }}, The New York Times, January 8, 1904. Accessed February 10, 2011. "They gave up that house a few months ago, and have been living at their home in Lakewood, N.J., and at their Summer cottage at Bath, Me."
• Loren Murchison (1898–1979), Olympic athlete who won gold medals in 1920 and 1924 in the 4x100m relay eventStaff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/14/archives/loren-murchison-80-track-star.html "Loren Murchison, 80, Track Star"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064840/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/14/archives/loren-murchison-80-track-star.html |date=July 23, 2018 }}, The New York Times, June 14, 1979. Accessed February 9, 2011. "For the last 16 years he had resided in Leisure Village, a retirement community in Lakeville{{sic}}."
• Yisroel Neuman, (born 1947) rosh yeshiva of BMG{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}
• Yerucham Olshin, rosh yeshiva of BMG{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}
• Arthur Newton Pack (1893–1975), naturalist and writer who founded the American Nature Association and the periodical Nature Magazine[http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/upLoads/library_Pack-Family.pdf Pack Family] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624051432/http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/upLoads/library_Pack-Family.pdf |date=June 24, 2016 }},- Arizona Historical Society. Accessed November 23, 2017. "Arthur Newton Pack was born February 20th, 1893, in Cleveland, Ohio.... He eventually moved to Lakewood, New Jersey where he lived until his death in 1937."
• Haydn Proctor (1903–1996), member of the New Jersey SenateThomas Jr., Robert McG.[https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/05/nyregion/haydn-proctor-93-a-judge-and-new-jersey-state-senator.html "Haydn Proctor, 93, a Judge And New Jersey State Senator"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306024334/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/05/nyregion/haydn-proctor-93-a-judge-and-new-jersey-state-senator.html |date=March 6, 2016 }}, The New York Times, October 5, 1996. Accessed February 10, 2011. "Haydn Proctor, a longtime New Jersey official who operated at the highest levels of all three branches of state government, died on Wednesday at a hospital near his home in Lakewood, N.J."
• Yosef Reinman, rabbi and author who has written about inter-community dialogue within JudaismStaff. [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/nj_corruption_arrests_strike_c.html "N.J. corruption arrests strike core of Deal's Syrian Jewish community"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515141240/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/nj_corruption_arrests_strike_c.html |date=May 15, 2011 }}, The Star-Ledger, July 23, 2009. Accessed February 10, 2011. "'These are only allegations. All these people are innocent until proven guilty,' said Yosef Reinman, a rabbi and author in Lakewood's sizable Orthodox Jewish community, which is less than 20 miles from Deal."
• Richard Roberts (born 1957), pharmaceutical executive, philanthropist and political activist{{cite news |last=Kornbluh |first=Jacob |author-link=Jacob Kornbluh |url=http://www.haaretz.com/world-news/u-s-election-2016/1.731079 |title=Trump Names Two Top Advisers to Head 'Israel Advisory Committee'; Jason Greenblatt and David Friedman charged with coming up with alternative solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict |work=Haaretz |date=July 14, 2016 |access-date=May 16, 2017 |quote=Dr. Richard Roberts, a prominent Republican donor from Lakewood, NJ has been appointed as vice chair." |archive-date=January 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117134808/http://www.haaretz.com/world-news/u-s-election-2016/1.731079 |url-status=live }}
• John D. Rockefeller (1839–1937), industrialist and philanthropist, had an estate in Lakewood, as well as other homes in Ohio, New York, and Florida. His family donated a large tract of land it owned in Lakewood to Ocean County, where the County built the current Ocean County Park on Route 88, Lakewood[http://www.ocean.nj.us/parks/ocp.html Ocean County Park] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914173139/http://www.ocean.nj.us/parks/ocp.html |date=2008-09-14 }}, Ocean County Department of Parks & Recreation. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Ocean County Park was originally part of Financier John D. Rockefeller's vacation estate."
• Allen Rothenberg (born 1951), president of the National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs (COLPA){{citation needed|date=June 2022}}
• Eliezer Schindler (1892-1957), writer, poet, activist and missionary[https://thebaisyaakovproject.religion.utoronto.ca/person/eliezer-layzer-schindler/ Eliezer Schindler], The Bais Yaakov Project. Accessed March 13, 2024. "In 1938 he emigrated to America and became a farmer near Lakewood, New Jersey."
• Robert Schmertz (1926–1975), founder and CEO of Leisure Technology Corp. and former owner of the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celticsvia United Press International. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VP1GAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FXwMAAAAIBAJ&dq=robert-schmertz%20lakewood&pg=5951%2C1516859 "Bulls' Bid Denied"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118212111/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VP1GAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FXwMAAAAIBAJ&dq=robert-schmertz%20lakewood&pg=5951%2C1516859 |date=November 18, 2015 }}, Times-Union, July 12, 1972. Accessed February 10, 2011. "Robert Schmertz, a real estate executive from Lakewood, has received unanimous approval from the National Basketball Association Board of Governors to purchase the Boston Celtics, but another group was rejected in its bid to buy the Chicago Bulls."
• Dovid Schustal (born 1947), rosh yeshiva of BMG{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}
• Armin Shimerman (born 1949), actor, best known for playing the Ferengi bartender Quark in the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and voicing General Skarr in the animated series Grim & EvilP., Ken. [http://movies.ign.com/articles/432/432051p1.html "An Interview with Armin Shimerman: Deep Space Nine's Quark discusses his career."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005225/http://movies.ign.com/articles/432/432051p1.html |date=2011-07-13 }}, IGN, August 4, 2003. Accessed February 9, 2011. "IGN Filmforce: Am I correct in understanding that you're originally from Lakewood, New Jersey? Armin Shimerman: Yes ... a small town in the mid-section of New Jersey, Ocean County. It was a great, great childhood and it was a terrific town – probably still is. I haven't been there for decades. I keep waiting for them to invite me back to be sort of a VIP at one of their parades, but it hasn't happened yet."
• Betsy Sholl (born 1945), poet who was poet laureate of Maine from 2006 to 2011[https://www.pw.org/directory/writers/betsy_sholl Betsy Sholl] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723022832/https://www.pw.org/directory/writers/betsy_sholl |date=July 23, 2020 }}, Poets & Writers, updated April 28, 2014. Accessed July 22, 2020. "Born in: Lakewood; Raised in: Brick Town, NJ"
• Arthur Siegel (1923–1994), songwriterStaff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/17/obituaries/arthur-siegel-song-composer-and-pianist-70.html "Arthur Siegel, Song Composer And Pianist, 70"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901060550/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/17/obituaries/arthur-siegel-song-composer-and-pianist-70.html |date=September 1, 2016 }}, The New York Times, September 17, 1994. Accessed August 5, 2013. "Mr. Siegel, whose career in show business spanned nearly five decades, was born in Lakewood, N.J., on Dec. 31, 1923, and grew up in Asbury Park, N.J. He came to New York City in the 1930s and studied at the Juilliard School and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he met the entertainer Eddie Cantor's daughter and got his first big break as Cantor's accompanist."
• Robert Singer (born 1947), member of the New Jersey Senate and former Mayor of Lakewood TownshipLowe, Herbert. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB2A57401E0C5FD&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "A Game Of Musical Chairs When A Senator Died This Summer, An Assembly Candidate Replaced Him In The State Senate."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609063831/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB2A57401E0C5FD&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=June 9, 2011 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, October 26, 1993. Accessed February 10, 2011. "Republican Robert W. Singer, a former mayor of Lakewood Township, is seeking his first term as state senator. Singer, 45, was serving his third two-year term in the Assembly until moving over to the Senate on October 14 to succeed John Dimon, who died in September."
• Sarri Singer, activist who founded and directs Strength to Strength, an organization that supports survivors of terrorist attacksLewis, Colin. [https://issuu.com/the-jewish-journal/docs/aug_2013 "My Journey"], The Jewish Journal, August 2013. Accessed December 30, 2024. "Sarri Singer was born and raised in Lakewood, New Jersey, attended Lakewood Hebrew Day, and graduated from Lakewood High School."
• J. R. Smith (born 1985), NBA basketball player who plays for Cleveland Cavaliers[http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_5205691 The Nuggets interviews: J.R. Smith] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213063351/http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_5205691 |date=February 13, 2007 }}, The Denver Post, February 11, 2007. "J.R. Smith had his parents and a big family growing up, which helped get him through the mean streets of Lakewood, N.J."
• Lew Soloff (born 1944), jazz trumpeter[http://www.lewsoloff.com/scrolls/scroll_bio.html Biography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303003927/http://www.lewsoloff.com/scrolls/scroll_bio.html |date=March 3, 2009 }}, LewSoloff.com. Accessed September 5, 2011. "Born in Brooklyn, on February 20, 1944, Soloff was raised in Lakewood, New Jersey and started studying piano at an early age."
• Eli Stefansky, rabbi known for popular daf yomi shiur{{cite news |last1=Mernick |first1=Moe |title=Work/Life Solutions with Eli Stefansky |url=https://mishpacha.com/work-life-solutions-with-eli-stefansky/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Mishpacha |date=2020-01-01}}{{cite news |last1=Lytle |first1=Baruch |title=Heading Into Shavuos – One Daf At A Time |url=https://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/front-page/heading-into-shavuos-one-daf-at-a-time/2023/05/24/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Jewish Press |date=2023-05-24}}
• Yisroel Taplin, author of The Date Line in HalachaDershowitz, Yitzchok. [https://books.google.com/books?id=-Jb4w78HMzUC&pg=PA442&lpg=PA442&dq=%22Yisroel+Taplin%22+lakewood The legacy of Maran Rav Aharon Kotler], p. 442. Feldheim Publishers, 2005. {{ISBN|1-58330-875-X}}. Accessed February 10, 2011. "Footnote 113: Yet, Rebbetzin Taplin, the wife of Rav Yisroel Taplin of Lakewood..."
• Penina Taylor, counter-missionary speakerGros, Michael. [http://www.jewishpress.com/pageroute.do/44951/ "The Teshuvah Journey: Making Up For Lost Time"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713104148/http://www.jewishpress.com/pageroute.do/44951/ |date=2011-07-13 }}, The Jewish Press. August 19, 2010. Accessed February 10, 2011. "Penina grew up in a turbulent, loosely affiliated Jewish home in Lakewood, New Jersey."
• Steve Tisch (born 1948), film producer and chairman of the New York GiantsStaff. [http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/steve-tisch/ "Steve Tisch"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318144347/http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/steve-tisch/ |date=March 18, 2016 }}, Los Angeles Times. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Born in Lakewood, N.J., Tisch graduated from Tufts University and began his entertainment career as Peter Guber's assistant at Columbia Pictures."
• Harry Lancaster Towe (1898–1991), politician who represented New Jersey's 9th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1943 to 1951Staff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/10/obituaries/harry-l-towe-92-a-former-congressman.html "Harry L. Towe, 92, A Former Congressman"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043500/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/10/obituaries/harry-l-towe-92-a-former-congressman.html |date=December 1, 2017 }}, The New York Times, February 10, 1991. Accessed November 19, 2017. "Harry Lancaster Towe, a former Congressman and deputy attorney general of New Jersey, died on Friday at his home in Lakewood, N.J. He was 92 years old."
• Marc Turtletaub (born 1946), CEO of The Money Store and film producer and director{{Cite news|url=https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/movies/2018/07/27/money-store-lakewood-marc-turtletaub-puzzle/835524002/|title=From the Money Store to making movies: How a Lakewood native got to Hollywood|work=Asbury Park Press|access-date=2018-07-27|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930132716/https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/movies/2018/07/27/money-store-lakewood-marc-turtletaub-puzzle/835524002/|url-status=live}}
• Jake Turx (born 1986), senior White House correspondent and chief political correspondent for Ami magazine[https://www.thelakewoodscoop.com/news/2022/03/video-the-story-of-jake-turx-from-borough-park-to-the-white-house.html "The Story of Jake Turx - From Borough Park to the White House | Meaningful People"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402110831/https://www.thelakewoodscoop.com/news/2022/03/video-the-story-of-jake-turx-from-borough-park-to-the-white-house.html |date=April 2, 2022 }}, The Lakewood Scoop, March 30, 2022. "Turx resides in Washington, DC during the week; his family lives in Lakewood, NJ."
• Charles Waterhouse (1924–2013), artistStaff. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1751429751.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+16%2C+2006&author=&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Col.+Charles+Waterhouse+of+Ocean+County+has+spent+a+lifetime+painting+the+faces+of+those+who+fight+our+wars.&pqatl=google "Col. Charles Waterhouse of Ocean County has spent a lifetime painting the faces of those who fight our wars."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105132604/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1751429751.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+16,+2006&author=&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=Col.+Charles+Waterhouse+of+Ocean+County+has+spent+a+lifetime+painting+the+faces+of+those+who+fight+our+wars.&pqatl=google |date=November 5, 2012 }}, Asbury Park Press, December 16, 2006. Accessed February 9, 2011. "Waterhouse, a Perth Amboy native who now lives in Lakewood with his wife, spoke from the museum at 17 Washington St. in Toms River."
• Mookie Wilson (born 1956), baseball player, mostly notably with the New York MetsVecsey, George. [https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/29/sports/sport-of-the-times-building-toward-the-days-of-october.html&pagewanted=all "Sport Of The Times; Building Toward the Days of October"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116072451/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/29/sports/sport-of-the-times-building-toward-the-days-of-october.html%26pagewanted%3Dall |date=November 16, 2018 }}, The New York Times, May 29, 1988. Accessed August 20, 2012. "Shortly after his classic time at bat in the sixth game of the 1986 World Series, Wilson and his wife, Rosa, started an educational center for girls, Mookie's Roses, near their home in Lakewood, N.J."

{{div col end}}

• {{flagdeco|Israel}} Bnei Brak, Israel, since 2011Nahshoni, Kobi. [http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4076132,00.html "Bnei Brak gets twin sister; Ultra-Orthodox city in central Israel signs Twin City Alliance with Lakewood, New Jersey, which has large haredi community"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603063709/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4076132,00.html |date=June 3, 2011 }}, Ynetnews, May 31, 2011. Accessed March 24, 2016. "The ultra-Orthodox central city of Bnei Brak has found a twin sister overseas – Lakewood, New Jersey, which also has a very large haredi community."

{{portal|New Jersey}}

• Jewish population by city

{{Reflist}}

• Axel-Lute, Paul. Lakewood-in-the-Pines: A History of Lakewood, New Jersey, self-published, 1986 (South Orange, NJ)

• {{cite news | last = Spoto | first = MaryAnn | title = 11 things to know about Lakewood, suddenly the newsiest town in N.J. | newspaper = The Star-Ledger | date = June 30, 2017 | url = http://www.nj.com/ocean/index.ssf/2017/06/what_to_know_about_lakeood.html}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://www.lakewoodnj.gov/ Lakewood Township website]

{{Geographic location

| Centre = Lakewood Township

| North = Howell Township

| Northeast =

| East = Brick Township

| Southeast =

| South = Toms River Township
(formerly Dover Township)

| Southwest =

| West = Jackson Township

| Northwest =

}}

{{Ocean County, New Jersey}}

{{New York metropolitan area}}

{{Jersey Shore region}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1892 establishments in New Jersey

Category:Beth Medrash Govoha

Category:Orthodox Judaism in New Jersey

Category:New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zones

Category:Orthodox Jewish communities

Category:Populated places established in 1892

Category:Township form of New Jersey government

Category:Townships in New Jersey

Category:Townships in Ocean County, New Jersey