Is Long Beach, CA a Good Place to Live? 10 Pros and Cons to Consider
If you’re wondering whether Long Beach is a good place to live, the answer is a resounding yes. With its Mediterranean climate, prime location, and abundant recreational opportunities, it is certain to captivate individuals of all tastes and backgrounds. From its strong education system and employment opportunities to its welcoming and inclusive community, Long Beach is a city that truly shines.
In this Redfin article, we’ll take a closer look at why Long Beach is such a fantastic city. Whether you’re interested in renting an apartment in Long Beach, are looking at homes for sale in the area, or are simply curious about the city’s offerings, read on to discover why Long Beach is a great place to call home.
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Quick Facts about Long Beach
Median home sale price
$838,000
Average monthly rent
$2,280
Walk Score
73/100
Transit Score
49/100
Bike Score
70/100
1. Pro: Housing and living costs are lower than other major CA cities
The cost of living in Long Beach is generally lower than other cities in California, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Additionally, the median home price in Long Beach is approximately $838,000, which is relatively lower compared to other cities in Southern California. This makes it an affordable option for those looking to live in a vibrant and culturally diverse city without breaking the bank.
The city has a variety of desirable neighborhoods, each with its unique character and housing options. For example, Belmont Shore is a popular neighborhood, offering a range of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes. Bixby Knolls is another popular area, known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets.
Long Beach also offers several programs to help residents with affordable housing options. The city’s Affordable Housing Program provides rental assistance to low-income families, while the Long Beach Community Land Trust helps people buy homes at below-market rates. These initiatives aim to make housing more accessible and affordable for residents, ensuring that Long Beach remains an attractive place to live for a diverse range of individuals and families.
2. Con: The overall cost of living is high here
While housing costs in Long Beach are lower compared to other popular Californian cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, they remain significantly high, with median home prices about $395,000 above the national median of $442,451. Long Beach’s cost of living is approximately 50% higher than the national average, making it a costly place to reside. In addition to steep housing costs, overall expenses such as groceries and utilities also exceed national averages, contributing to the substantial financial burden of living in the area.
3. Pro: Year-round sunshine and mild temperatures
The Mediterranean climate, featuring mild temperatures and abundant sunshine year-round, is one of the greatest advantages of living in Long Beach. With average high temperatures around 75°F (24°C) in summer and lows around 55°F (13°C) in winter, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities throughout the year, from surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding to jogging, cycling, and hiking. The city’s numerous parks, beaches, and recreational areas cater to an active lifestyle, while the pleasant weather fosters a strong sense of community engagement, with residents participating in outdoor events, sports leagues, and group activities.
4. Con: The air quality is not the best
The air quality in Long Beach can be less than ideal, particularly due to its proximity to major transportation routes and industrial zones. Pollution from vehicles and nearby ports often affects air quality, leading to smog and potential respiratory issues. This environmental concern is exacerbated during hot weather when ground-level ozone can increase, impacting overall health and quality of life.
5. Pro: Ideal for commuters and explorers
Long Beach’s strategic location between Los Angeles and Orange County offers residents easy access to diverse employment opportunities, entertainment options, and cultural attractions. The city’s excellent transportation infrastructure, including major highways, the Metro Blue Line, and bus routes, ensures convenient commutes to neighboring areas. This prime location allows residents to benefit from nearby job opportunities while enjoying Long Beach’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
In addition to its proximity to major employment centers, Long Beach is close to significant airports and ports, providing residents with extensive travel and economic opportunities. The Long Beach Airport, located within the city limits, offers regional flights, while the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John Wayne Airport in Orange County are both within reasonable driving distance.
The city’s location near the Port of Long Beach, a major hub for international trade, contributes to the local economy and offers jobs in logistics, transportation, and manufacturing. Furthermore, the city’s coastal setting allows for various recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and water sports, all while enjoying a mild, pleasant climate and refreshing ocean breezes.
6. Con: Property taxes are high
Property taxes in Long Beach are relatively high, reflecting California’s broader tax structure. Homeowners face significant annual tax bills, which can add a considerable financial burden. The high property taxes are a result of the state’s funding mechanisms for local services and schools, and they can influence the overall affordability of living in the area.
7. Pro: There’s endless fun and adventure in Long Beach
Long Beach’s vibrant lifestyle caters to diverse interests, from parks and beaches to water activities and cultural attractions. The city features numerous parks, such as the 800-acre El Dorado Park and the scenic Bluff Park, perfect for various outdoor activities. With over 5 miles of coastline, popular beaches like Belmont Shore and Alamitos Beach offer swimming, surfing, and sunbathing opportunities, while marinas and harbors enable sailing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Additionally, Long Beach is home to several world-class cultural attractions that provide unique recreational experiences. The Aquarium of the Pacific, located at Rainbow Harbor, is one of the largest aquariums in the United States and features a diverse collection of marine life from the Pacific Ocean. The Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner turned floating hotel and museum, offers tours, exhibits, and events that showcase its rich maritime history. The Museum of Latin American Art, with its impressive collection of Latin American and Latino art, is another cultural gem that provides a unique recreational and educational experience for residents.
8. Con: Long Beach is a popular place to visit
Long Beach is a popular tourist destination, which means that its beaches, attractions, and dining areas can become crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. This influx of visitors can lead to congestion in public spaces and strain on local amenities, potentially detracting from the resident experience and making it challenging to enjoy the city’s attractions without encountering large crowds.
9. Pro: Strong education system for all ages
Long Beach boasts a robust educational system, with esteemed colleges, universities, and schools providing quality education for residents. California State University Long Beach (CSULB) offers diverse programs and is known for academic excellence. Long Beach City College (LBCC) provides associate degrees, vocational training, and transfer programs, while Pacific Coast University School of Law (PCU) emphasizes practical legal education.
The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), the third-largest in California, serves over 70,000 students across 84 schools, offering diverse educational programs and a commitment to student success. With access to quality education at all levels, Long Beach is an attractive place to live for those seeking learning and personal growth opportunities.
10. Con: The city is prone to earthquakes
The city is situated in a seismically active region, making it prone to earthquakes. Residents must be prepared for the potential of seismic events, which can cause property damage and require significant preparedness and mitigation efforts. The risk of earthquakes is a serious consideration, influencing building codes, insurance costs, and emergency planning for those living in Long Beach.
Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.
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