Are you thinking about moving to Long Beach? Located between Los Angeles and Orange County, this coastal city combines a relaxed beach atmosphere with urban convenience. With its Mediterranean climate, vibrant regions and diverse food scene, Long Beach has many things, but like any city, it has a trade-off share.
Whether you’re considering renting an apartment in Long Beach or exploring a home for sale in the area, this guide will break down the pros and cons and help you determine if Long Beach is the best place to call your home.
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Simple Facts about Long Beach
Central Home Selling Price $771,000 Average Rent $2,555 Walkscore 73/100 Transit Score 49/100 Bike Score 70/100
1. Pro: Housing and living costs are lower than in other major cities
Long Beach isn’t cheap, but is generally more affordable than other major California cities, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. The median home price is around $771,000, which is relatively low compared to the nearby coastal market. Additionally, the city will offer programs such as rental assistance through the Affordable Housing Program, providing housing assistance through the Long Beach Community Land Trust, making homes more accessible to some residents.
2. CON: The overall cost of living is high here
Long Beach is more affordable than cities like LA and San Francisco, but its cost of living remains high, 49% above the national average. Median home prices are well above the US average of $424,647, and daily costs such as groceries, utilities and transportation quickly increase, making them an expensive place for many households.
3. Pro: Sunshine and mild temperature all year round
With mild temperatures and abundant sunlight throughout the year, the Mediterranean climate is one of the greatest benefits of living in Long Beach. The average high temperature in summer is 75°F (24°C) and in winter it is around 55°F (13°C), allowing outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year, from surfing, swimming, paddleboarding to jogging, cycling and hiking. While numerous parks, beaches and recreational areas in the city cater to active lifestyles, comfortable weather promotes a strong sense of community engagement, with residents taking part in outdoor events, sports leagues and group activities.
4. CON: The air quality is not the best
Air quality in Long Beach is not ideal, especially as it is close to major transportation routes and industrial zones. Pollution from vehicles and nearby ports often affects air quality, leading to smog and potential respiratory problems. This environmental concern worsens during hot weather when ground level ozone can increase, affecting overall health and quality of life.
5. Pro: Perfect for commuters and explorers
The central location in Long Beach between Los Angeles and Orange County provides easy access to a wide range of employment opportunities. On major highways, Metro Blue Line and large bus routes, commuting to nearby job centres is convenient. The city is also well connected by air. Long Beach Airport offers local flights, but both LAX and John Wayne Airport are located on reasonable drives. Additionally, the nearby port of Long Beach will drive the local economy and create jobs for trade, logistics and manufacturing.
6. CON: Property tax is high
Long Beach property taxes are relatively high, reflecting California’s broader tax structure. Homeowners face important annual tax bills that can add significant financial burdens. High property taxes are the result of the state’s funding mechanism for local services and schools, which can affect the overall affordability of living in the area.
7. Pro: Long Beach has endless fun and adventures
Long Beach offers a lively lifestyle with something for everyone, from parks and beaches to cultural attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy more than five miles of coastline at spots such as El Dorado Park, Bluff Park, and Belmont Shore and Aramitos Beach. The city’s marina also makes it easy to sail, kayak or paddle boarding. For cultural experiences, visit the Pacific aquarium, explore the historic Queen Mary, or check out the Latin American Museum of Art.
“What makes Long Beach a great place to live is to live in its micro. Each has its own unique, unique atmosphere and community feel.” “The best secret is the Japanese gardens at Earl Barnes Miller on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. This is free to enjoy. The Long Beach Restaurant & Cocktail Week, held every February, is also a delicious way to explore the city’s dining scene while supporting local restaurants.”
“There’s always something exciting going on in the foodie world with a wide range of restaurants. If you’re looking for a unique experience, support small businesses and try our favourite Italian sandwiches from Angelo on 2nd Avenue. Then take a stroll through the bay, stroll the boat and watch them spend a day full of fun.
8. CON: Long Beach is a popular place to visit
Long Beach is a popular tourist destination. This means that beaches, attractions and dining areas can be crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. This influx of visitors can lead to crowds in public places and strain on local amenities, which can undermine the residents’ experience and can challenge enjoying city attractions without encountering large crowds.
9. Pro: A powerful educational system for all ages
Long Beach provides access to quality education through early childhood and higher education. California’s largest Long Beach Unified School District serves more than 70,000 students across 84 schools, with a focus on a wide range of programs and student achievement.
For university-level education, California State University Long Beach (CSULB) is known for its excellence and diverse degree programs. Long Beach City College (LBCC) offers affordable associate degrees, vocational training and transfer options. Residents also have the option to pursue law at Pacific Coast University Law School, highlighting practical and practical training.
10. CON: Cities are prone to earthquakes
The city is located in a seismic active area, making it more susceptible to earthquakes. Residents must prepare for the possibility of earthquake events that cause property damage and require serious preparation and mitigation efforts. Earthquake risk is a serious consideration and affects building standards, insurance costs and emergency planning for people living in Long Beach.
Methodology: Median home sales prices and average monthly rental data are from Redfin data centers. Walkscore, transit score and bike score data are from Walkscore.
