The 10 Best Long Beach Neighborhoods: Waterfront Living in the Golden State

Long Beach is best known for its laid-back beach feel, diverse communities, and its world-class attractions (not to mention the stunning waterfront present almost anywhere you go). Whether you're looking for a concert in bustling downtown or a relaxing afternoon at the beach, the best Long Beach neighborhoods have something to offer everyone, and they’re pretty underrated compared to neighborhoods in other major metros across the Golden State — including nearby Los Angeles. We’re here to take you through a few of our favorites, plus help you get to know the city before your big move.

Long Beach offers a diverse range of festivals and events catering to various interests, including its namesake Grand Prix and the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade. Despite its urban setting, though, there are plenty of green spaces and parks that provide residents with a place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle. One of the most popular parks in the area is El Dorado East Regional Park.

The educational system is also very strong, and top-notch institutions — including California State University and Long Beach City College — provide high-quality education to residents. The city is situated near major employment centers and airports, including the Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest ports in the country. Here are a few other quick stats.

Long Beach at a Glance

Best Neighborhoods in Long Beach

Long Beach neighborhoods offer the best of both worlds with easy access to outdoor recreation, beautiful beaches, local events, and fabulous restaurants, combined with the perks of walkability, affordability, and top-notch schools. When looking at a Long Beach neighborhoods map, it may even feel overwhelming trying to navigate all the communities offered by the city! To give you a great idea, here are our top contenders for the best neighborhoods in Long Beach.

Alamitos Heights is often considered the best area to settle down in Long Beach.
(Source: Kristi Faber Vento via Facebook)

1. Alamitos Heights

• Average rent: N/A
• Average home value: $1.2M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, central location, recreation, special events, beautiful views

Located in Long Beach, Alamitos Heights is one of the best Long Beach neighborhoods, situated near some of the city's most prominent communities, including University Park Estates and Belmont Heights. According to AreaVibes, Alamitos Heights is also considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Long Beach and attracts many students overall.

One of the area's most popular parks is Colorado Lagoon, which is situated along an inland lake and features sandy beaches, as well as panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. (Bonus points for its model boat shop!) Located nearby on Alamitos Bay, Marina Vista Park also offers waterfront views, sports fields, a playground, and a walking path to explore.

Between these two areas is Alamitos Heights Park, another impressive facility that serves as a community hub. This 1.31-acre park features a tight-knit community and year-round events for residents to enjoy — including an annual neighborhood picnic and Goblins on the Greenbelt during Halloween.

2. Belmont Shore

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,450
• Average home value: $1.3M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, entertainment, great dining, special events

The Belmont Shore neighborhood is best known for being the home of two popular beaches: Rosie's Dog Beach and the nearby Bay Shore Beach. Both are great for dogs and their owners, who can enjoy playing fetch and basking in the sun. The beach is also ideal for kitesurfing, and there is a path to the neighborhood's biking and walking trails.

The area's entertainment district, Second Street, runs through the heart of Belmont Shore. The locals have their pick of a variety of cuisines — including seafood, steak, and live music at Roe Seafood or Italian favorites at L'Antic Pizzeria Da Michele.

During the holidays, there are lots of events around the area, including the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade and Trick-or-Treat on 2nd Street. More of a car enthusiast? Check out the Belmont Shore Car Show. 

3. Los Altos

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,400
• Average home value: $1M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, beautiful homes, recreation, great local library

Although many of the neighborhoods within East Long Beach look similar, Los Altos stands out from the others. This is mainly a suburban-feeling area that consists of single-family houses. Many of these were built during the 1950s and 1960s and have gone through various transformations.

The area has plenty of recreational opportunities for everyone, including a shopping center and the Los Altos Family YMCA. Whaley Park is a neighborhood favorite that features fields and courts for different sports, including a roller hockey rink. It also has three playgrounds and a group picnic area.

The Los Altos Library is a division of Long Beach's Public Library, which has lots of educational programs and events, like Toddler Storytime and plenty of book clubs to choose from. 

The Naples neighborhood gives off Mediterranean vibes with its luxury waterfront properties, tall palm trees, and red-tiled roofs.
(Source: Mia McLeod Mercado via Facebook)

4. Naples

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,775
• Average home value: $1.9M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, cultural feel, recreation, special events

The Naples neighborhood looks like it's part of the Mediterranean, with tall palm trees and red-tiled roofs that give it a European feel. It’s laid out as a compact grid that makes it simple for residents to bike or walk everywhere — the quaint atmosphere is perfect for retirees in particular. 

Outdoor recreation is very common in the area, and one of the most popular parks is Marine Park, which features a playground and a volleyball court. Mother’s Beach is also nearby, known for its shallow depth and gentle waves.

People who love to be on the water come from all around the world to Naples. During the holiday seasons, residents deck out their boats in garland and tinsel to hold the Naples Islands Annual Holiday Boat Parade. Keep your eyes peeled: You might catch Santa in a beachy button-up with a drink in hand.

5. Park Estates

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $1.2M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, unique homes, recreation, great dining

Ranked by Niche as the No. 1 best neighborhood in Long Beach, Park Estates offers a high-end suburban feel with plenty of space and highly-ranked public schools, making it perfect for families.

Check out Los Altos Plaza Park and Bouton Creek Park, both just minutes from the North Los Altos Marketcenter and its myriad of stores, whether you need a chain like Trader Joe’s or prefer a local option like the Lazy Acres Market.

Park Estates' dining scene is a reflection of Long Beach’s diversity. Those who want to try out authentic Mexican food can visit Hole Mole or enjoy the Green Field Churrascaria, an upscale Brazilian steakhouse.

6. Bluff Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,850
• Average home value: $853,000
• Great for: Young professionals, recreation, entertainment, public transportation

In addition to being a comfortable place to live, the Bluff Heights neighborhood is also about being active. Residents love Bixby Park’s panoramic oceanfront views, not to mention the dog park, skate park, and playground.

Don’t have a car? With a walk score of 85 and a bike score of 81, you don’t have to worry — Bluff Park in the area is even ranked the 14th most walkable neighborhood in Long Beach. You can also take advantage of the easy access to Long Beach Transit whenever you need it!

One of the area's most popular attractions is the Long Beach Museum of Art, which features rotating exhibitions, an oceanfront restaurant, and a sculpture garden. Another popular place is the Long Beach Aquarium, where you can visit all kinds of sea creatures, including penguins, sharks, and sea otters.

East Village is the perfect place to experience the city’s culture while staying within walking distance of the best shops and restaurants in Long Beach.
(Source: The Whipple Group via Facebook)

7. East Village 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,375
• Average home value: $430,200
• Great for: Young professionals, restaurants, entertainment, live music

Looking for an artsy neighborhood in Downtown Long Beach? East Village might be the spot for you. Ideal for young professionals, it’s the perfect place to experience the city’s culture while staying within walking distance of the city’s best shops and restaurants.

Stroll through the East Village Arts District and spend the afternoon cafe hopping (you have to check out Rose Park Roasters). Keep the variety going with dinner at Partake Collective — a food hall with a rotation of ghost kitchens that make it simple to either dine in or grab your food and take it on the road.

The East Village's Art Block happens every second Saturday of the month, and is a great place to check out live music and see the work of local artists, not to mention exploring the neighborhood’s quirky boutiques.

8. Belmont Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,625
• Average home value: $1.2M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, recreation, unique architecture, community events

Belmont Heights is ranked No. 5 on Niche’s list for the best neighborhoods in Long Beach, and is famous for its historic homes and tree-lined streets. The area is a great choice for families and young professionals looking for a quiet environment with easy access to green spaces and local community events. The Belmont Heights Community Association makes an effort to cater to both children and their parents with events like annual egg hunts, book clubs, and workshops hosted by organizations like the Long Beach Beekeepers.

The architecture of Long Beach is truly brought to life in Belmont Heights. Although homes are older, they come in a variety of styles and sizes, with broad sidewalks that lead to century-old spaces. You might even see some parrots eating from the fruit trees or nesting on houses around the area.

9. Wrigley Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: $773,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, recreation, unique homes

Wrigley Heights was created in the 1920s as a Spanish-inspired neighborhood and is considered one of the best Wrigley neighborhoods in Long Beach. It's located along the 405 and 710 freeways, but it’s still a quiet area perfect for commuters.

The Long Beach City Council declared a two-block area near Eucalyptus Avenue a historical district, and it’s characterized by single-family homes built as working-class cottages reflective of the area’s Spanish Colonial Revival roots. You’ll also find various ranch and Craftsman homes throughout the neighborhood. 

Nearby is the eight-acre Los Cerritos Park. It's full of ways to stay active, including a playground and tennis courts. At the northern boundary of Wrigley Heights is Baker Street Park, which is privately owned and mostly known by locals. 

Marina Pacifica is a contemporary-style condominium community with over 500 luxury units.
(Source: Inhabit Collective Real Estate via Facebook)

10. Marina Pacifica

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $1M
• Great for: Young professionals, retirees, luxury living, walkability

Situated in the Bay Harbor/Belmont Shore area of Long Beach, California, Marina Pacifica is a large contemporary-style condominium community. This complex features over 500 luxury units and is close to the beach and restaurants. 

Residents of this community are drawn to the area's great lifestyle and the amazing amenities it offers, including water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. One of the most unique features of this community is its private footbridge, which leads directly from the community to the Marina Pacifica Shopping Center.

11. El Dorado South

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,900
• Average home value: $1M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, local dining, shopping

El Dorado Park South is located near Long Beach's largest park, El Dorado East Regional Park, which has various facilities. Residents have easy access to this park, which features a nature center and hiking trails with lake views.

Although El Dorado Park South is mainly residential, there are plenty of local businesses nearby that cater to residents' needs. Some of these include local restaurant John's Hamburgers and Moonbridge Doughnut Studio, plus a variety of stores at the nearby Lakewood Plaza Marketplace. The Long Beach Towne Center is also only a short distance away.

12. Carroll Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,625
• Average home value: $757,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, local events, beautiful homes, proximity to other hotspots nearby

One of Long Beach's oldest and most distinct neighborhoods is Carroll Park — in fact, it was one of the first areas in the city to become a designated historic district. Well known for its looping streets and peaceful surroundings, the neighborhood’s inner circle is made up of four landscaped islands. 

The area has various housing styles, including California Bungalows, Mediterranean, and Craftsman style homes. Carroll Park is close to 4th Street Retro Row and just a short drive away from other popular areas, including Belmont Shore and Downtown Long Beach.

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