Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Lakewood
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Lakewood
Rent control: Lakewoodhas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
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Lakewood is a suburban city of about 82,500 residents in Los Angeles County, bordered by Long Beach to the west and south, and Cypress to the east. It developed as a planned residential community and remains a stable, car-oriented neighborhood with straightforward amenities and moderate costs.
The city is crossed by major corridors like Lakewood, Bellflower, and Del Amo Boulevards, and the I-605 freeway runs through the eastern regions. Most of daily life revolves around driving, with shopping, dining, and recreation scattered across the city rather than concentrated in walkable nodes.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Lakewood centers on a car-dependent routine. Within a short walk you will find about 6 restaurants, 1-2 grocery stores, and 1-2 coffee shops per block cluster, but reaching most errands means getting behind the wheel. Parks including the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail, Michelson Street Park, and Monte Verde Park offer green space for outdoor activity, though they are spread throughout the city.
Traffic here is moderate, ranking below the state median, and air quality is slightly below the California median for diesel PM exposure. There is limited public transit and infrequent service, so a car is practical for most residents. The rhythm is typical suburban: quiet residential streets, family-oriented schools, and weekend trips to bigger shopping or dining destinations.
Who it's for
Lakewood suits families and professionals who want stable, affordable suburban living without the complexity of denser urban areas. It works well for those with steady cars and flexible schedules, or for renters who work nearby and don't mind driving. It is less suited for people relying on public transit or those who want to walk to most daily needs.
Environment & livability
Air quality: below the California median for diesel PM exposure.
Air quality here is better than average for the state. Worth noting if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: most errands require a car or transit.
Lower intersection density and fewer destinations within walking distance, typical of suburban LA/OC areas.
Transit: limited transit, infrequent service in this area.
Transit exists but headways are long enough that a car or bike is more practical for most daily trips.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Lakewood
Population
66,821
Renters
26%
of households rent
Median age
39
Median income
$118k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Lakewood
Vons · Ralphs · Albertsons · WinCo Foods
HoneyBaked & Cafe · Starbucks · donuts · Corner Bakery
Gengis Khan · In-N-Out Burger · Sansai Grill/ Sushi · Panda Express
West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail · Michelson Street Park · Monte Verde Park · Mayfair Park
Iron Island · Martial Arts · Crunch Fitness · 4th Quarter Fitness
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Lakewood?+
Yes. Most errands require a car or transit, and public transit is limited with infrequent service. Walking is not practical for groceries, dining, or work for most residents.
What is the air quality like?+
Air quality is slightly below the California median for diesel PM exposure, but traffic congestion is moderate and below the state median, so conditions are acceptable for most people.
Are there parks and outdoor spaces nearby?+
Yes. The West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail, Michelson Street Park, Monte Verde Park, and Mayfair Park are spread throughout the city and offer recreation, though most require a short drive or long walk.
How does Lakewood compare to nearby suburbs?+
Lakewood is similar to Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and Monrovia in being car-oriented with limited transit. It is a stable, straightforward suburban choice rather than a trendy or highly walkable community.
Is Lakewood walkable?+
Lakewood ranks #298 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, most errands require a car or transit.
What is the average rent in Lakewood?+
Current residents of Lakewood pay a median rent of about $2,266 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Lakewood?+
Lakewood has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 46 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Lakewood?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Lakewood are Castaic, Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch and Palmdale.