Few cities in California were built as quickly or as uniformly as Lakewood. Most of it went up in the early 1950s as one enormous planned development, and that origin still explains what you see when you look at Lakewood homes for sale today: single-story houses of similar size on regular lots along a grid of tree-lined streets. This guide covers what has changed since, and what to check. Call or text Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties at (951) 331-8453 with questions.
Where Lakewood Is and How It Runs
Lakewood is an incorporated city in southeast Los Angeles County. Long Beach wraps around it to the south and west, Bellflower is to the north, Cerritos to the northeast, and Hawaiian Gardens and the Orange County city of Cypress lie to the east. The 605 freeway cuts through the eastern side, the 91 runs just to the north and the 405 just to the south.
The city incorporated in 1954 and became known for the Lakewood Plan, under which a city contracts with the county and other agencies for services instead of running every department itself. Law enforcement is provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and fire protection by Los Angeles County Fire. Lakewood Center, a large regional mall, sits at the middle of town, and the city maintains an unusually dense network of neighborhood parks.
The Original Tract Houses
The typical Lakewood house began as a compact two or three bedroom, one bathroom home with a detached or attached garage. Seventy years on, very few are still in that form. When you tour houses for sale in Lakewood you will find:
- Original-footprint homes, sometimes with original kitchens and baths, that suit buyers planning their own renovation.
- Homes with a rear addition, typically a family room, primary suite or second bathroom.
- Fully rebuilt or second-story homes that are much larger than their neighbors.
- Properties with a converted garage or a newer accessory dwelling unit.
Two houses on the same block can therefore differ a great deal in size and condition, which is why comparisons need to be made carefully.
Other Parts of Lakewood Real Estate
Not everything dates from the first building wave. The Mayfair area in the north and Lakewood Park near the center are names you will see in listings. The section of the city east of the San Gabriel River was added later and has somewhat newer tract homes. There are condominium and townhome complexes near the major boulevards, and the streets around Lakewood Country Club, a public golf course, include some larger homes. A portion of Long Beach called Lakewood Village sits just outside the city limits, so confirm which city an address is actually in.
What to Inspect in a 1950s Lakewood Home
- Permits for additions: compare the square footage and room count with city building records. Unpermitted additions and garage conversions are common in houses of this age.
- Plumbing: ask whether original galvanized supply lines and cast iron or clay drain lines have been replaced, and order a sewer camera inspection.
- Electrical: check the panel capacity and whether wiring has been updated to handle air conditioning, electric vehicle charging or solar.
- Foundation and roof: have an inspector report on the foundation, any earthquake bolting where it applies, and roof age.
- Aircraft noise: Long Beach Airport is just southwest of the city. Visit at different times of day and review the airport’s published noise information.
School Districts Vary by Address
Lakewood is unusual in being divided among four public school districts: Long Beach Unified, ABC Unified, Bellflower Unified and Paramount Unified. Which one serves a house depends on where it sits, and the boundaries do not follow obvious lines. If district matters to you, verify the address directly with the district office before you make an offer, and do not rely on a listing remark.
Selling a Home in Lakewood
Because so many homes started from the same few floor plans, buyers compare Lakewood listings closely, and small differences show. For anyone selling a home in Lakewood, useful preparation includes:
- Pulling permits for every addition and conversion, and deciding with your agent how to handle anything that lacks one.
- Having a sewer line inspection done in advance so there are no surprises in escrow.
- Documenting upgrades buyers cannot see, such as repiping, a new panel or insulation.
- Pricing against recent sales of similar size and condition on nearby streets.
Working With a Lakewood Real Estate Agent
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula and licensed to work anywhere in California. A Southern California native raised in Murrieta, she has a bachelor’s degree in business and more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience, and she represents buyers, sellers and investors. Her approach rests on communication, dedication and service. If you are weighing a move into or out of Lakewood, get in touch or call (951) 331-8453.
Neighboring Cities
- Long Beach, on the south and west sides.
- Bellflower, to the north.
- Cerritos, to the northeast.
- Hawaiian Gardens, to the east.
- Cypress, across the Orange County line.
- Signal Hill, a short drive southwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were most Lakewood homes built?
The bulk of the city was built in the early 1950s as a single large planned development, with some later tracts east of the San Gabriel River. Many houses have since been expanded or rebuilt.
Which school district serves Lakewood?
It depends on the address. Parts of the city fall within Long Beach Unified, ABC Unified, Bellflower Unified and Paramount Unified, so confirm the district and assigned schools directly with the district office.
Is Lakewood Village in the City of Lakewood?
No. Lakewood Village is a neighborhood of Long Beach that borders Lakewood. Always confirm the city for an address, since permits, utilities and services differ between the two.
How can I tell if an addition was permitted?
Ask the seller for permits and compare the home’s current layout with City of Lakewood building records. An inspector and your agent can help spot differences that need explaining before you close.
How do I start looking at Lakewood real estate with Aimee?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453 with your preferred size, condition and timing. She will set up a search and check permit history and school district for each address that interests you.
Buying or Selling in Lakewood?
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula who grew up in Murrieta. She is licensed to work anywhere in California and represents buyers, sellers and investors.
Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.