Lakewood Village, Long Beach, California
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Lakewood Village or simply known as the the Village is a community in the northeast portion of Long Beach, California and is surrounded on the west, north and east sides by the city of Lakewood. This custom-home community is one of the most desireable places to live in Long Beach. It is located 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).
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[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 (28 km²) for $348,950 to William Clark of Montana. These 6,979 acres (28 km²) 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 (14 km²) -- 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] Lakewood Village homes
Homes in Lakewood Village start in the high $600,000 and go to almost $2,000,000 (2006). The lots in Lakewood Village are estate-sized, averaging about 9,000 sq ft (800 m²)., with some as large as 17,000 sq ft (1,600 m²). From quaint cottages to large million-dollar homes, continuous renovation of older homes that date from the 30s & 40s and additions of many new and custom-built McMansion homes further boosts the Village's diverse landscape and real estate values. Almost every architectural style is found in this village neighborhood with styles including; English Tudor, Cape Cod, Country, French Country, Medieval, Ranch, Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, Contemporary, Asian, Tropical/Tiki, Streamline Moderne/Art Deco, Craftsman, and many more.
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, 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 in Long Beach after the Belmont Shore/Heights area.
[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 Skylinks Golf Course. Parkview Village has the characteristics of an outdoor shopping "main street" with over 100,000 square feet (10,000 m²) 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.
