Old Lakewood City

At a Glance

• Neighborhood: Old Lakewood City
• City / ZIP: Long Beach, CA 90808
• Property Types: Single-family homes (1940s–1950s)
• Best Known For: Heartwell Park, tree-lined streets, East Long Beach character
• Adjacent To: Lakewood Village, Carson Park, South of Conant

Overview

Old Lakewood City — often called simply "East Long Beach" by residents — is bordered by Lakewood Boulevard to the west, Woodruff Avenue to the east, Carson Street to the north, and Conant Street to the south. One of the original tracts in this part of the city, it was built primarily in the 1940s and 1950s, with housing styles nearly indistinguishable from neighboring Lakewood.

Heartwell Park at the Center

A significant portion of Heartwell Park falls within Old Lakewood City's boundaries — a fishing pond, playground, fitness course, and the Ruth Bach Library all sit inside the neighborhood, with the rest of the park extending into adjacent Carson Park. For a tract-home neighborhood, having this much green space within walking distance is a meaningful advantage.

Real Estate Snapshot

Old Lakewood City homes were originally two- or three-bedroom, roughly 900 to 1,250 square feet, with many having gone through remodels and additions over the decades. As with similar-era tracts, condition varies significantly from home to home, and recent median values have run above $1.1 million — reflecting the broader appreciation seen across east Long Beach's inland neighborhoods.

Lifestyle & Culture

Heartwell Park's fishing pond, fitness course, and library give the neighborhood a genuine community gathering point, while Lakewood Village's Parkview Village shopping area is close by for restaurants and everyday errands. The tree-lined streets and tract-home consistency give the area a settled, family-oriented feel.

Schools

Old Lakewood City is served by Long Beach Unified School District, with several elementary and middle schools in the surrounding area feeding into nearby comprehensive high schools.

Getting Around

Carson Street and Lakewood Boulevard provide quick access to the 405 and 605 freeways, with Long Beach Airport and the Lakewood Center mall both close by.

Is Old Lakewood City Right for You?

Old Lakewood City is a solid choice for buyers who want established, tree-lined East Long Beach living with direct access to Heartwell Park's amenities. As with most 1940s–50s tracts, the tradeoff is that each home needs to be evaluated individually — additions and remodels vary widely in quality. For buyers focused on a quiet, park-adjacent neighborhood with strong community character, it's a dependable option.