Lakewood is a suburban city in Los Angeles County, California, bordered by Long Beach on the west, northwest, and south. With a population of over 82,000, it is one of the most notable planned communities in American history. Incorporated on April 16, 1954, Lakewood was developed by Louis Boyar, Mark Taper, and Ben Weingart, who “altered forever the map of Southern California.” The city is known for its innovative postwar planned development, its extensive park system, and its motto: “Times change, values don’t.”
The Lakewood Plan: A Postwar Housing Revolution
Lakewood is one of the most significant planned communities in American history. Development began in late 1949, and the plan was completed in 1953. On the first day of sales — March 24, 1950 — an estimated 30,000 people lined up to view model houses. By the end of April, over 200,000 people had visited the sales office and more than 1,000 families had purchased homes. At the peak, 110 homes were completed in a single day, and a new house was finished every 7.5 minutes. Empty fields became 17,500 houses in less than three years.
The development offered WWII veterans home loans with no down payment and a 30-year mortgage at just 4 percent interest. The monthly cost was $44 to $56, including principal, interest, and insurance — making homeownership accessible to thousands of returning veterans and their families. This model of mass-produced, affordable housing influenced suburban development across America.
City Services and Innovation
When Lakewood incorporated in 1954, it chose a novel path: rather than being annexed by Long Beach or remaining unincorporated, it incorporated as a city while continuing to receive county services under contract. This “Lakewood Plan” became a model for cities across California and the nation, demonstrating that a new city could provide efficient services without building everything from scratch.
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life
Lakewood is known for its extensive park system and recreational facilities. The city has over 20 parks, including the popular El Dorado Regional Park, which features lakes, picnic areas, sports fields, and a disc golf course. The Lakewood Center shopping mall is a major retail destination, and the city’s tree-lined boulevards with landscaped medians create a distinctive and attractive streetscape.
Climate and Geography
Lakewood sits at just 46 feet above sea level on the coastal plain, surrounded by Long Beach, Bellflower, Cerritos, and Cypress. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city covers 9.45 square miles and enjoys over 280 days of sunshine per year. The San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) runs through the city’s eastern regions.
From empty fields to a city of over 80,000 in less than three years, Lakewood’s story is one of vision, innovation, and the American dream of homeownership — a city that changed the way America builds suburbs.
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