Are you thinking of making a move to Long Beach, California? Aside from the beautiful, 70-degree weather and convenient beach access, there are actually many reasons why people love living in Long Beach. Here are 20 reasons to live in Long Beach:
1. It’s Affordable
Long Beach is one of the most affordable coastal communities in Southern California. In many ways, Long Beach is underrated. When people think of SoCal beach towns, many people immediately think of Venice Beach or Laguna Beach. But, if you’re looking for a relaxed, friendly, and affordable place to live near the ocean, check out the neighborhoods in Long Beach.
2. It’s Diverse
Here in Long Beach, we appreciate differences and value inclusivity. In fact, according to the Long Beach Post, the City of Long Beach is among the nation’s top 25 most ethnically diverse cities. We host an annual three-day Pride Festival and Parade every year and there are many businesses, restaurants, shops, hotels, and bars that are a part of the Safe Space Alliance.
3. Great Weather
Since Long Beach is a city that’s situated on the coast of Southern California, we get to take advantage of the beautiful weather that it offers. Even our coldest months in December and January, have daytime average temperatures of 68 degrees. It’s not uncommon to see beachgoers during the months of December, January, and February.
4. The Neighborhoods
Long Beach has an amazing selection of neighborhoods with homes ranging from entry-level starter homes to multi-million dollar mansions. Because of its prime location, you have a chance to live in an area filled with stunning ocean views and a fresh breeze. For more videos on Long Beach neighborhoods, click here.
5. The Restaurants
Long Beach is a foodie’s paradise! It is home to an array of establishments from ethnic cuisine and vegan food, to high-end restaurants. Long Beach also has a variety of breweries! Ballast Point Brewing is a famous brewery that is not just known for its 60+ beers on tap, but its stunning location on the harborside filled with water activities surrounding it.
6. The Parks
Looking to go for a run or just a stroll? Here in Long Beach, we’ve got pocket parks, medium parks, and a huge regional park called El Dorado Park. There are parks all throughout Long Beach, and each one offers a change of scenery. We have parks that are surrounded by fishing lakes, waterfronts, and neighborhoods. Learn more about the Long Beach parks here.
7. The Beaches
Long Beach wouldn’t be the same without the beach. Although the breakwater limits the wave action compared to neighboring beaches, there are still plenty of aquatic activities! Consider paddle boarding on Alamitos Bay, renting kayaks, or even trying out kite surfing. You can even rent swan boats in Downtown Long Beach.
8. Biking
Long Beach is known for being a super bikeable city, and we have more than 60 miles of bike paths including the popular beach path. You can preview the bike paths online along with safety tips for biking around the city. If you are looking to go for a scenic bike ride, Long Beach has you covered!
9. It’s Pet-Friendly
Did you know Long Beach has the only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County? Long Beach is full of pet lovers, with numerous restaurants where you can dine with your pooch. Dogz Bar and Grill is one restaurant that has a dog-friendly patio that’s open to you and your furry friend year-round!
10. Long Beach Airport
Los Angeles International Airport is not the only airport in the county, Long Beach has one too! No need to drive all the way to LAX or Orange County if you’re looking for a domestic flight, the Long Beach Airport might be a better option for you. View the airlines they service here.
11. The Location
Situated on the border of Los Angeles and Orange County, Long Beach has a number of accessible freeways. If you hop on the 405, you can get to many popular destinations in just 45 minutes or less. You’re also close to famous amusement parks including Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
12. The Culture
Long Beach values the arts and has an abundance of theater companies, music venues, nightlife, a thriving art scene, and multiple museums. You can even find the famous Aquarium of the Pacific located on Rainbow Harbor. If you’d like to spend a day admiring local art, visit the Long Beach Museum of Art.
13. Recreation
There are so many fun, recreational activities to choose from in Long Beach! From aquatic activities like sailing and boating to visiting historic landmarks like the Queen Mary, there’s never a dull moment in our city.
14. Coffee
Are you a coffee lover? If you are, you’ll be right at home in Long Beach! We have an amazing coffee culture that includes local roasters and plenty of coffee houses to choose from. See some favorite Long Beach coffee houses here.
15. Ditto with Beer
Calling all beer drinkers! You can grab a cold one at local spots like Belmont Brewing, Long Beach Beer Lab, and other breweries that have opened in recent years. Ready to discover more breweries in Long Beach? Click here to check out the top 5 breweries in Long Beach.
16. Nature
From strolling through the Japanese Gardens at CSULB to exploring the 100 acres at El Dorado Park, you’ll enjoy the greenery scattered throughout Long Beach. Not to mention, Long Beach is only a couple of hours away from ideal hiking destinations in Big Bear and Idyllwild.
17. Education
Long Beach Unified School District has award-winning K-12 schools, along with Long Beach’s community college and four year state university. According to CSULB’s website, the blue pyramid campus that you can see off of the 405 freeway is known for its successful alumni, diverse student body, and top-notch professors.
18. Shopping
There are a number of unique shopping districts that offer lots of great options. For those that prefer clothing with a vintage flair, Long Beach’s 4th Street Retro Row features some amazing and eclectic vintage shops. Long Beach also has a number of small businesses! Here are some local neighborhoods that offer great opportunities to stroll and shop.
19. The Architecture
It’s no secret that Long Beach has gorgeous architecture. Many homes throughout the city are historic. Some home styles you’re likely to find are Craftsman, Spanish-Style, Tudor, and Ranch-Style homes. Some of the homes were built between the 1920s to 1960s. The city also has iconic condo buildings along Ocean Avenue including the Villa Riveria and the Sovereign.
20. The People
Last but certainly not least, the people of Long Beach are generally laid back, kind, and supportive. There are so many things to love about Long Beach, but at the end of the day, it’s the people that make it really special. That’s why we feel so lucky to call it home!
If you’re ready to move to Long Beach, we can help you get started on your home search! Fill out the form below or give us a call at 562.896.2456.
