Living in Long Beach, California: 18 Things To Know About This Beachfront Oasis
California
Living in Long Beach, California, is a truly vibrant experience. The city is known for its walkability, diverse neighborhoods, and, of course, the beach life. Situated just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, the city’s waterfront, plus its proximity to Los Angeles, make it hard to beat. Whether you’re a retiree looking to slow down or a young professional searching for your family’s forever home on the waterfront, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into a list of the 18 important things to know about living in Long Beach.
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Long Beach at a Glance
- Situated 25 miles south of Los Angeles, Long Beach lies on San Pedro Bay and surrounds the city of Signal Hill.
- Long Beach covers just over 50 square miles on the southern coast of Los Angeles County.
- Population: Just under 466,800
- Median age: 36.8 years old
| Q: Is Long Beach a good place to live? A: While there is a lot of vibrant and upbeat energy throughout the city, Long Beach still offers residents more of a laid-back beach lifestyle overall compared to other cities across the state. Its diverse neighborhoods, cultural offerings, and waterfront amenities are hard to resist, even though the city has a high cost of living overall. |
18 Things To Know About Living in Long Beach, California
You’ve gotten a glimpse into Long Beach living, but it’s important to remember that not everything is sunshine and rainbows. The benefits of living in Long Beach aren’t to be ignored, but we’d be remiss to not mention the cons as well. Luckily, we’re here to take you through it all.
1. Long Beach's Cost of Living Is More Expensive Than Other Areas of the Golden State
Is Long Beach, CA, expensive? The Long Beach, CA, cost of living score is 161.7 — almost 62 percent higher than the national average index of 100 and almost 8 percent higher than the California state average of 149.9. So, while it’s definitely cheaper to live here than in other parts of the state (San Francisco’s cost of living score is 245.5), Long Beach is still more expensive than other cities around the U.S.
| Q: How much do you need to make to live in Long Beach? A: In order to live comfortably, SmartAsset recommends that 50 percent of your budget be allocated to cover basic needs, 30 percent to entertainment and fun, and 20 percent to pay down debt, invest, and save. If you apply that 50/30/20 budget to MIT’s living wage estimates for Long Beach, a single adult with no children would need to make $120,100, while a family of four with two working adults would need to make $280,000. |
Easy access to beautiful beaches is one of the top pros of living in Long Beach, California.
(Source: Visit Long Beach via Facebook)
2. Pros and Cons of Living in Long Beach, California
Of course, there are plenty of benefits of living in Long Beach, but what are the major cons to look out for? Here are both the top pros and cons of living in Long Beach, California.
Pro: Beachfront Lifestyle
Long Beach is known for its laid-back lifestyle and beautiful waterfront. The area features miles of sandy beach and numerous outdoor activities such as sailing, volleyball, and paddle boarding. Its convenient beach paths are ideal for walking or biking, and they provide panoramic views of the Pacific.
Con: Tourist Crowds
Long Beach gets crowded during the summer — especially along the coast — and it can impact life in a lot of ways for locals. Although tourism is a vital part of the city's economy, sometimes the seasonal crowds can become overwhelming. You’ll quickly learn the spots to avoid during the busy season, though.
Pro: Don’t Miss Out on Waterfront Amenities
The waterfront of Long Beach is one of the city's most prominent features, with various activities and attractions. One of these is The Queen Mary, a museum and hotel that's located in the heart of the waterfront. Other notable attractions include the Aquarium of the Pacific and the nearby Shoreline Village.
Con: Beware of Traffic
In Long Beach, traffic can be an issue. The city's major freeways, such as the 710 and 405, are often affected by heavy traffic during rush hour. This can make it hard to get around the city when time is limited. The average commute time in Long Beach is higher than the national average, and L.A. interstates are well known for containing some of the worst traffic.
Pro: Open Space Galore
Long Beach is a great place to be if you're not a fan of tight living. With over 170 parks and recreation facilities in the city (one of the largest park systems in the country), wide open spaces aren’t difficult to come by. And it’s also regarded as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in America.Con: Air Quality Concerns
Industrial activities and the location of the Port of Long Beach have resulted in the area's air quality problems, which can mean potential health impacts. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world's busiest seaports, and its proximity to the city has resulted in higher air pollution levels. It might not be a big deal for healthy individuals, but anyone with sensitivities might experience symptoms from long-term exposure.
| Q: What is the vibe of Long Beach? A: Long Beach undoubtedly houses the vibrant SoCal vibe, known for its laid-back beach lifestyle and close-to-the-coast whimsy — but it’s still close to Los Angeles, the second-most populous city in the U.S. So, you can still expect easy access to big-city amenities plus everything that comes with living near the entertainment capital of the world. |
While the average home value in Long Beach may seem high at $852,300, that’s almost $120,000 less than in L.A.
3. The Long Beach Housing Market Is Cheaper Than Nearby L.A.
From lavish Victorian-style homes to modern Craftsman, Long Beach’s vast history is displayed throughout its neighborhoods. You’ll be paying a pretty penny to live in it all, though — the city’s average home price sits at a cool $852,300. It’s still lower than L.A.’s average home price of $971,000, but it’s nothing to scoff at.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, you might have more luck in one of California’s cheaper cities, including Fontana, CA, located about an hour east, with an average home price $210,400 lower than Long Beach’s.
4. You’ll Find Diverse Apartments in Long Beach, California
You’ll find that renting varies widely throughout Long Beach, depending not only on home type, but also on neighborhood. And when you see that almost 60 percent of residents rent their homes, it’s easy to understand the variety. From the high-rises with waterfront views in the East Village, where the rent averages $4,000, to the more affordable options in Park Estates, where the rent averages just $1,750, you’ll find something to fit your fancy.
The city’s average rent sits at $2,650 for a one-bedroom apartment. You can, of course, find cheaper studios if you’re willing to downsize, or two-bedroom options if you need more space.
5. Best Places to Live in Long Beach
Where are the best places to settle down in Long Beach, CA? Here are some of the city’s top-ranked neighborhoods.
Marina Pacifica
Located in the Long Beach Marina, Marina Pacifica is best suited for young professionals looking for an upscale lifestyle — complete with waterfront views, rich cultural amenities, and great nightlife options nearby.
The dining scene is also immaculate. Looking for a fancy night out on the water? Check Boathouse on the Bay. Looking for something a little cheaper without skimping on views? Ballast Point Brewing is where you should head.
Carroll Park
One of the oldest historic districts in Long Beach is Carroll Park, with beautiful green spaces that are great for families. Spend an afternoon at the playground in Bixby Park or pack up the kids and head to Cherry Beach for the day. What this neighborhood lacks in commercial areas it makes up for with the kitschy shops and locally-loved restaurants running along 4th Street’s Retro Row — one of the city’s only bike-friendly business districts.
Bixby Village
A variety of choices await at Bixby Village, with two or three-bedroom condominiums perfect for accommodating the lifestyle of retirees. The community’s tight-knit atmosphere and close proximity to lively events and greenery make it easy to get away from the hustle and bustle without moving to the middle of nowhere. Hit the links at the Bixby Village Golf Course, enjoy the neighborhood’s monthly First Fridays Art Walk, or take in the greenery at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden.
6. Rely on a Strong Public Transportation System
In spite of its traffic, Long Beach Transit provides plenty of public transportation options. One of these is the light rail Metro A Line (previously known as the Blue Line), which connects Downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach. You’ll also find bus routes connecting the city, and water taxis that go through all of the city’s hotspots and across the bay.
With all of that, plus a walk score of 73 and bike score of 70, you’ll likely find that you’re able to navigate within the city without a car.
Cal State Long Beach is ranked No. 3 among national universities for promoting social mobility, plus it’s known for its affordable tuition.
(Source: California State University, Long Beach via Facebook)
7. Long Beach Education Provides Access and Affordability
The city of Long Beach has a strong educational system that includes some of the best universities and schools in the country. Cal State Long Beach is ranked No. 3 among national universities for promoting social mobility, plus it’s known for its affordable tuition. Other schools, like Pacific Coast University School of Law, are well known for online legal education.
The Long Beach Unified School District is the fourth-largest school district in the state, which has over 80 schools that serve over 64,000 students. It places Long Beach among the top cities in the state for people looking for the best learning opportunities.
8. Enjoy Water Sports on Your Own Time
When you’re in Long Beach, access to the beach is pretty much unlimited. Simply cruising the waterfront will allow you to experience everything that SoCal has to offer — whether you’re biking, walking, or even riding your longboard down the coastline. If you’d rather be in the water, though, you’ll find easy access to boat and kayak rentals. The more adventurous can always check out the surfing, jet skiing, and windsurfing opportunities.
9. Warm Summers & Mild Winters Make it Easy To Enjoy the Outdoors
If you’re not partial to experiencing all four seasons, living in Long Beach, California, might be a great choice. Overall, the weather in Long Beach stays warm year-round, with mild winters. The summer season is characterized by warm and dry weather, while the winter season is mostly cloudy and cool, with temperatures typically ranging between 48° F to 83° F. The hottest month in the city is August, with an average high of 82° F and lows never reaching below 60° F. December is the coldest month, with the average low hitting 49° F.
Of course, you’ll be living in California, so earthquakes are something to remain wary of. Not to mention the potential for unique building codes, insurance premiums, and any emergency plans the city has. Long Beach itself hasn’t experienced any major earthquake or tsunami disasters since 1933, though.
10. Long Beach Has Higher Crime Rates Than Many Other Communities Across the State
Long Beach is estimated to be safer than just six percent of other U.S. cities. The crime rate is 36 per 1,000 residents — one of the highest in the nation. That doesn’t mean there aren’t safe pockets within the city, though. Some of the safest neighborhoods in the city, according to NeighborhoodScout, are Carson Park, El Dorado South, and Los Altos.
11. Opportunities Abound in Long Beach’s Thriving Job Market
The Long Beach job market is diverse, with many opportunities in healthcare, education, and logistics.
Boathouse on the Bay is one of Long Beach’s most popular restaurants, serving up waterfront views and delectable dishes.
(Source: Boathouse on the Bay via Facebook)
12. Foodies Rejoice in Long Beach
With how diverse Long Beach is, it’s no surprise that it comes with a food scene to match. Here are a few local favorites:
- George's Greek Cafe: If the name didn’t imply it, George’s offers Greek fare, with traditional dishes like souvlaki and gyro. Not to mention the wine and live music throughout the week.
- Boathouse on the Bay: Another one of Long Beach's most popular restaurants, Boathouse on the Bay offers a variety of seafood and steak dishes all handcrafted by Executive Chef Katsu Nagasawa, or Chef Naga for short.
13. Check Out Local Events for the Whole Family
There’s never a shortage of weekend fun in Long Beach, with everything from world-class events to festivals beloved by locals. Here are a few of the most notable:
- Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach: The longest-running street racing event in the nation. Attended by nearly 200,000 people each year, it’s one of the city’s most famous events and attracts attendees from around the world.
- The Long Beach Yacht Club hosts the Congressional Cup — a modern world-class match racing event that takes place every year in late April.
- The Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration aims to honor and celebrate Black culture with music, food, live music, and a step show. The face painting and arts & crafts activities make it perfect for the entire family to enjoy.
14. Enjoy World-Class Attractions at Every Turn
One of the greatest benefits of living in Long Beach has to be the number of cultural amenities on every corner. Here are just a few:- Home to over 12,000 animals living in over 100 exhibits, the Aquarium of the Pacific is perfect for anyone to learn about the area’s wildlife — even if you just want to visit the sea otters.
- Once an iconic 1930s ocean liner, The Queen Mary is a floating hotel and museum that offers tours and even paranormal experiences to help visitors learn more about its maritime history.
- The Museum of Latin American Art is the only museum in the U.S. that’s fully dedicated to contemporary and modern Latino and Latin American art.
Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoor weather and scenic views in Long Beach.
(Source: Visit Long Beach via Facebook)
15. Never a Dull Moment When Exploring the Outdoors & Nature
In Long Beach, you can access a variety of outdoor pursuits, such as boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. The marinas and beaches of the city, as well as one of the largest park systems
More in the mood for a day trip? The Santa Monica Mountains are just an hour and a half away, and they create the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding.
16. You Can’t Go Wrong With a Beach Day
If you’d rather catch some rays in the sand than spend time among the greenery, the beach awaits. Whether you need a spot to bring the pup or the kids, Long Beach has great options for everyone:
- Alamitos Bay Beach is a great place to walk and enjoy the coastal views.
- Rosie’s Dog Beach is perfect for off-leash playtime for Fido.
- Mother’s Beach has a picnic area and playground for the kids to enjoy.
17. The Nightlife Scene Doesn’t Disappoint
With Cal State close by and boardwalks along the beach, you don’t have to travel far to find weekend fun (or weeknight drink specials, for that matter). And with Los Angeles so close, it can feel like the world is your oyster — you don’t have to travel to the next city over for a great experience, though.
- The Blind Donkey: Whiskey bar and game room known for its elevated bar offerings and craft cocktail selection
- The Exhibition Room: A speakeasy-esque experience awaits — complete with craft cocktails and burlesque shows.
- East Village Arts District: Hit up the art market during the day and end the night at a local live show.
- Belmont Shore: More for the college crowd, Belmont Shore has lots of sports bars and happy hours to choose from.
18. There’s a Focus on Affordable Housing
Long Beach has made an effort to combat the rising cost of living within the city. The Long Beach Community Land Trust (CLT) was established in 2021 to provide permanently affordable housing to its residents. In this case, the CLT retains ownership of land in order to provide permanently affordable housing for residents — no matter what companies move in later down the line. These programs are aimed at making rentals and homeownership more accessible for all residents.
PODS makes moving to Long Beach flexible with portable moving containers and built-in storage options.
Move To Long Beach, California, With PODS
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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