Lakewood Village, Long Beach, California
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Lakewood Village is considered one of the most sought after areas in Long Beach, California. This custom-home community consists of two blocks from south of Del Amo to north of Carson and east of Lakewood Blvd to west of Bellflower Blvd. near the city of Lakewood (right next to the Lakewood Country Club). This area (90808) is the 2nd most expensive after the Belmont Shores/Heights area.
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[edit] Lakewood Village homes values
As of November 2006, homes in Lakewood Village start in the high $600,000 and go to almost $2,000,000. The lots in Lakewood Village are estate-sized, averaging about 9,000 sq ft.,with some as large as 17,000 sq ft. Many new and custom-built homes have been added in the Village, replacing many old homes which dated from the 30s & 40s.
Lakewood Village is located in the center of the Lakewood/Long Beach area, and is close to the 91, 710, 605 and 405 Freeways. The Lakewood Mall, numerous parks, top-rated schools, and the future Douglas Park Center all add to the value of the area. Lakewood Village is part of the 90808 ZIP Code that also includes communities such as the El Dorado Park Estates. The 90808 Zip Code has the 2nd highest average real estate value, making it the second most expensive area in Long Beach after the Belmont Shores & Belmont Heights 90803/90814.
[edit] Village History
Between 1869 and 1897, the Rancho Los Cerritos skyrocketed in value from $5,000 for the entire ranch in 1869 to $50 an acre in 1897 when the Bixby Investment Company sold 6,979 acres for $348,950 to William Clark of Montana.These 6,979 acres are now the sites of the City of Lakewood, and the area of Long Beach called "Lakewood Village".
By the early 1930s, several houses had been built in the rural area known as Lakewood Village. The houses were favored with a pleasant setting and the proximity of the Lakewood Country Club. It has been suggested that Bouton Lake, located on the golf course and formed in 1895 when drilling operations opened an artesian well, is the source for the name “Lakewood.”
The Second World War began an era of profound change for the future Lakewood area. The Douglas Aircraft Company completed a massive defense plant and home for the Douglas workers were begun in what is now Lakewood Village. Yet even as the defense workers moved into their new homes, the fields between South Street and Lakewood Village remained empty.
By 1949, most of the land comprising west Lakewood -- some 3,500 acres -- had been purchased for nearly $9 million by Louis Boyar, Ben Weingart, and Mark Taper. From their experience as homebuilders in Long Beach and Norwalk, they knew that the Lakewood area was ready for planned development. Together, they formed the Lakewood Park Corporation and, with the financial assistance of the Prudential Insurance Company, began building the first of 17,000 new homes.
Even as wartime and post-war suburbs bloomed, discriminatory housing practices continued. The "Lakewood Village" portion of Long Beach, was famously built and financed by Jews who were not allowed to live in the neighborhood. The Jews instead built a country club across the street ( the Lakewood Country Club). [citation needed]
[edit] The Village Shoppes
Along Viking Way (the Southeast corner of Lakewood Village) Since the 1950s, "Parkview Village" has included a collection of shops and service providers along Viking Way and Village Road in the heart of the residential community of Lakewood Village. The Village is located at the intersection of Bellflower Boulevard and Carson Street adjacent to Heartwell Park and the Long Beach City College Liberal Arts Campus, and only minutes from the Long Beach Municipal Airport and Skyline Golf Course. Parkview Village has the characteristics of an outdoor shopping "main street" with over 100,000 square feet and more than seventy businesses.
Along Norse way (the Southwest corner of Lakewood Village) A wide variety of stores and businesses are offered along this street. One can find a several restaurants ranging from Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Mexican, and even Classic American food from Dale's Diner. These shops are located at the intersection of Lakewood Boulevard and Carson Street. Many of these businesses offer discounts to Boeing employees since Boeing is located just across the street. The shops are also not too far from the Long Beach City College Liberal Arts Campus.
[edit] Local schools
Part of the Long Beach Unified School District, this area boasts California Distinguished Elementary Schools that include Mark Twain Elementary School and Bancroft Middle School. Long Beach City College's Liberal Arts Campus is also located in the Village.
