🧭 Moving to Los Angeles
Just moved to Lakewood?
Curated by Simir Shah
Who lands here
Families who want a single-family-home suburb next to Long Beach, with lots of youth sports and supervised park programs.
The vibe
Residential and park-centered, with Lakewood Center as the shopping hub, afterschool supervision at city parks and big seasonal events like the Pan Am Fiesta.
Schools
Depending on your address, Lakewood is served by ABC Unified, Bellflower Unified, Long Beach Unified or Paramount Unified. Use the city's In My Neighborhood lookup, then the district's own tool, before you sign a lease.
Getting around
Most families drive, with the I-605 and I-405 nearby. Long Beach Transit serves the city and connects to the Metro A Line at Del Amo, and GoPass students ride LBT and Metro free.
Finding your community
Two LA County Library branches, including Iacoboni Library at the Civic Center, offer storytimes and baby programs. A weekly city eMagazine covers programs and events. See our community guides.
Now go explore Lakewood
A friendly orientation, not advice. Neighborhoods, schools and prices change and depend on your exact address — always verify school assignments and lease details directly. New to the area? Start with the New to SoCal hub.
New to Lakewood? Let us be your local friend
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Frequently asked questions
Is Lakewood a good place for families new to Southern California?
Lakewood is a classic postwar suburb north of Long Beach, incorporated in 1954 and built around neighborhood parks, pools and city-run recreation. Families who want a single-family-home suburb next to Long Beach, with lots of youth sports and supervised park programs.
How are the schools in Lakewood?
Depending on your address, Lakewood is served by ABC Unified, Bellflower Unified, Long Beach Unified or Paramount Unified. Use the city's In My Neighborhood lookup, then the district's own tool, before you sign a lease.
Do I need a car in Lakewood?
Most families drive, with the I-605 and I-405 nearby. Long Beach Transit serves the city and connects to the Metro A Line at Del Amo, and GoPass students ride LBT and Metro free.