I live in the area. You'll be hearing a lot of marching band music on Thursdays and Fridays, but it's generally not very loud. It's annoying sometimes to drive when school lets out, but highschool students in Lakewood are generally almost surprisingly responsible and not-annoying. The area itself is IMO primo Lakewood.

[Teary-eyed pallbearers slowly lower the casket into a giant vat of beef broth]

I agree with this. If you can afford this price range, you can find something nice on Clifton or Lake that will give you the most value for your rent, especially given the location. There are beautiful apartments in this area that rent for prices that would shock someone in NYC.

Also, on your note about the Colonial Club, I lived in a studio for a bit in 'The Edge on Clifton,' and it was $525/mo and in a great location. It was very modern and clean for the price. I liked living there when I did.

I'd start with something like Craigslist to see what's available, but then driving around and checking those spots might be beneficial, but you aren't going to figure much out without searching online. There's just so much real estate in Lakewood. It's more about where you would like to be, and getting a feel for the neighborhoods.

There are decent and affordable apartments up and down Clifton and Lake, which is an area that I really like, but Birdtown might potentially have cheaper options, but comes with the tradeoff of slightly higher crime.

It's totally doable to find an apartment on Clifton or Lake, which are great and convenient locations, for $600-700/mo, to give you a reasonable minimum price range for an acceptably nice apartment with all amenities.

Others have mentioned, Craigslist is a good option for looking, but be suspicious if you start seeing prices below about $600 for a 1 room or even a studio, because I know from experience that they don't really exist.

Most of the larger apartment complexes have specific names written over the doorwells, if you don't happen to see a sign for the realty company. If you search one that looks nice to you, I'm sure the realty company has a website with open listings.

* Should have asked, what's your price range?

There are decent quality apartments in Lakewood for $630~-$700, but not a lot. Just make sure to do your research and check the place out. I've lived on Clifton Blvd for years in decent, fairly large apts that are under $700. Generally in the large brownstone-style apartment buildings.