Welcome to Long Beach
A richly diverse city with many kinds of residential real estate.
The city's real estate market reflects its diversity, with neighborhoods that can change block by block, offering something for everyone. From historic Craftsman and Spanish-style homes to Mid-Century modern gems, Long Beach has a rich tapestry of architectural styles. These homes preserve history and offer intricate details.
What to Love
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High-quality schools
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High home appreciation rates
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Central to dining and shopping
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Strong demand for local homes
Local Lifestyle
There are always cultural and neighborhood events around the city, and people here are generally friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. The town is set for exciting transformations with upcoming developments and the 2028 Olympics, including more accessible ADU permitting and friendly short-term rental policies. Meanwhile, Long Beach's vibrant arts and culture scene and varied educational institutions contribute to the city's allure.
History & Heritage
Long Beach, California, boasts a rich and diverse history that has significantly shaped its development and cultural landscape. Originally inhabited by the Tongva people, the area was known for its fertile land and abundant resources. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century marked the beginning of significant changes. In 1784, the Spanish crown granted 300,000 acres of land, including present-day Long Beach, to Manuel Nieto, leading to the establishment of Rancho Los Cerritos.
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) resulted in California becoming a U.S. territory, and eventually a state in 1850. The Gold Rush era brought an influx of settlers, transforming the landscape from ranchos to small farms and settlements. By the late 19th century, the development of the Pacific Electric Railway connected Long Beach to Los Angeles, boosting its growth as a resort destination and residential area.
Incorporated as a city in 1888, Long Beach experienced rapid expansion. The discovery of oil in the 1920s brought economic prosperity, earning the city the nickname "Iowa by the Sea" due to the influx of Midwesterners. The Port of Long Beach, established in 1911, evolved into one of the world's busiest ports, significantly influencing the local economy and infrastructure.
Long Beach also played a vital role during World War II. The Long Beach Naval Shipyard and the Terminal Island Naval Base were crucial in the war effort, leading to a population boom and further industrial development. Post-war, the aerospace industry flourished, with companies like Douglas Aircraft Company setting up operations in the area.
The latter half of the 20th century saw Long Beach diversifying its economy and culture. Efforts to revitalize downtown began in the 1980s, leading to the development of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the transformation of the waterfront. The city also embraced its cultural diversity, reflected in its vibrant arts scene and numerous festivals.
In recent years, Long Beach has continued to grow and evolve, focusing on sustainability, technological innovation, and community development. The city's rich history, from its indigenous roots to its modern-day renaissance, makes Long Beach a dynamic and exciting place to live, work, and visit.
Dining and Nightlife
Long Beach, CA, offers a vibrant and diverse dining and nightlife scene, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Restaurants
- The Attic on Broadway: Known for its Southern-inspired comfort food with a creative twist, The Attic offers a cozy atmosphere and a famous mac and cheese menu.
- Michael's on Naples Ristorante: An upscale Italian restaurant in the Naples neighborhood, Michael's features handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list.
- Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles: A beloved spot for a unique combination of soul food, Roscoe’s is famous for its chicken and waffles.
- BO-beau kitchen + roof tap: Located in the historic district, this restaurant offers French-inspired cuisine and a rooftop beer garden with stunning views of the city.
- Seabirds Kitchen: For vegan and vegetarian options, Seabirds Kitchen serves innovative plant-based dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing.
Bars and Nightlife
- The Blind Donkey: A popular whiskey bar with a speakeasy vibe, offering a wide selection of craft beers and spirits, as well as classic arcade games.
- Alex's Bar: Known for its live music and punk rock atmosphere, Alex’s Bar is a local favorite for catching up-and-coming bands and enjoying a laid-back vibe.
- The Federal Underground: Located in a historic bank building, this venue offers live music, comedy shows, and a speakeasy-style bar with a diverse cocktail menu.
- Riley's: A lively Irish pub with a friendly atmosphere, Riley's features a variety of beers on tap, traditional pub fare, and frequent live music events.
- Parker’s Lighthouse: Overlooking the waterfront, this iconic seafood restaurant and bar offers stunning views of the Queen Mary and a romantic ambiance, perfect for evening cocktails.
Cafes
- Coffee Cup Cafe: A beloved local breakfast and brunch spot known for its hearty portions and friendly service.
- Recreational Coffee: A modern cafe offering expertly crafted espresso drinks, a minimalist aesthetic, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Viento y Agua Coffeehouse: A cozy spot that doubles as an art gallery, Viento y Agua offers a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and light bites, as well as regular live music and art events.
- Berlin Bistro: Located in the East Village Arts District, Berlin Bistro offers a unique blend of coffee, fresh pastries, and a menu of healthy and flavorful dishes.
Shopping in Long Beach
Long Beach provides a plethora of shopping opportunities, from high-end malls to charming boutiques and convenient grocery stores.
Malls
- Shoreline Village: A picturesque waterfront shopping center featuring a mix of boutiques, specialty stores, and restaurants, with beautiful views of the marina.
- The Pike Outlets: Located near the waterfront, this open-air shopping center offers a variety of brand-name outlet stores, dining options, and entertainment venues, including a Ferris wheel and a movie theater.
- Long Beach Exchange (LBX): A modern shopping center that combines retail, dining, and entertainment. It features popular stores like Nordstrom Rack, Whole Foods, and a host of trendy eateries.
Boutiques
- 4th Street Retro Row: Known for its vintage charm, Retro Row on 4th Street offers a collection of independent shops selling vintage clothing, mid-century modern furniture, and unique home decor.
- Pigeon’s: A boutique on Retro Row specializing in handmade and vintage-inspired gifts, clothing, and accessories.
- Blue Windows: Located in the Belmont Shore neighborhood, Blue Windows offers a curated selection of home goods, gifts, and clothing with a coastal flair.
Entertainment and Things to Do
Long Beach's prime location along the waterfront offers an array of affordable beachfront properties, fulfilling the dreams of those seeking the ultimate oceanfront living experience. The diverse coastal real estate options cater to various preferences, from quaint beachside cottages to modern condominiums, providing residents with stunning views and easy access to the beach.
In addition to its enticing real estate opportunities, Long Beach boasts iconic landmarks such as The Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner turned floating hotel and museum, allowing residents to immerse themselves in maritime history. Outdoor enthusiasts can relish in the recreational offerings of El Dorado Park or unwind at the serene Bayshore Beach, creating a perfect blend of nature and relaxation within the city.
For those who appreciate history, Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens offers a glimpse into Long Beach's rich past, showcasing its evolution. Adding a cultural touch to the city, the Long Beach Museum of Art provides residents with a vibrant and engaging experience, ensuring Long Beach remains a dynamic and culturally rich place to call home.
Cultural Scene
Long Beach, CA, boasts a thriving cultural scene that reflects its diverse and dynamic community. The city is home to a variety of museums, theaters, galleries, and cultural events that cater to a wide range of interests. The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), the only museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American art, offers a robust collection of works and frequent exhibitions. The Long Beach Museum of Art, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, provides a stunning setting for its diverse collection of American and European art.
For performing arts enthusiasts, the Long Beach Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of events, including performances by the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, Musical Theatre West, and the International City Theatre. The Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of California State University, Long Beach, also features a wide array of performances, from dance and music to theater and comedy.
Art lovers will appreciate the East Village Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood filled with galleries, studios, and creative spaces. The district regularly hosts art walks and open studio events, allowing visitors to engage with local artists and their work. Additionally, the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum offers insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands through its exhibitions and programs.
Long Beach's cultural events calendar is packed with activities year-round. Highlights include the Long Beach Opera, known for its innovative and avant-garde productions, and the Long Beach Playhouse, which has been entertaining audiences with a mix of classic and contemporary plays for over 90 years. The city's commitment to cultural diversity is evident in its numerous cultural festivals and community events, making it a vibrant hub for arts and culture in Southern California.
Commute & Accessibility
Long Beach, CA, is well-connected and offers a variety of commuting options, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the city and access nearby areas. The city's strategic location along the coast of Southern California ensures excellent connectivity to major highways, roads, and public transportation systems.
Highways and Roads: Long Beach is conveniently situated near several major highways, providing easy access to surrounding regions. The San Diego Freeway (I-405) runs through the northern part of the city, offering a direct route to Los Angeles and Orange County. The Long Beach Freeway (I-710) connects the city to downtown Los Angeles and the inland areas, while the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) (State Route 1) runs parallel to the coast, offering scenic drives and access to nearby beach towns. The Terminal Island Freeway (State Route 103) is also essential for accessing the Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest ports in the world.
Public Transportation: Long Beach Transit operates an extensive network of bus routes throughout the city and neighboring communities. The bus system is reliable and provides convenient options for commuting within the city and to key destinations such as downtown, the waterfront, and major shopping centers. Additionally, the Metro Blue Line (now known as the A Line) light rail service connects Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles, offering a stress-free and eco-friendly alternative to driving. The A Line runs from the Downtown Long Beach Station to the 7th Street/Metro Center Station in Los Angeles, with multiple stops along the way.
Biking and Walking: Long Beach is recognized as a bike-friendly city, with an extensive network of bike lanes and paths. The Beach Bike Path runs along the shoreline, providing a scenic and safe route for cyclists and pedestrians. The city's commitment to promoting biking is further evidenced by the BikeShare program, which allows residents and visitors to rent bikes from various locations throughout the city. Walkability is also a key feature of Long Beach, especially in neighborhoods like downtown and Belmont Shore, where shops, restaurants, and attractions are easily accessible on foot.
Air Travel: For those traveling further afield, Long Beach Airport (LGB) offers a convenient and less crowded alternative to the larger Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). LGB provides domestic flights to major cities across the United States, with airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest, and American Airlines operating from its terminals.
Overall, Long Beach's comprehensive transportation infrastructure ensures that commuting within the city and to nearby areas is efficient and accessible, making it an attractive place to live and visit. Whether by car, public transit, bike, or foot, residents and visitors have numerous options for getting around and exploring all that Long Beach has to offer.
Schools
Real Estate in Long Beach, CA
