The Bluff Heights neighborhood of Long Beach is one of the city’s most vibrant older residential neighborhoods. It’s known for its lovely vintage homes and proximity to great shops and restaurants along with the beach. Here’s everything you need to know about it!
Background on Bluff Heights
Bluff Heights predominantly features Craftsman Bungalows that were constructed between 1910 and 1923. However, it also includes some Spanish Colonial Revival, Prairie Style, Colonial Revival, and Tudor homes built in the 1920s and 1930s. In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, some large-scale multi-family structures were also built in the neighborhood. The Bluff Heights area is now one of Long Beach’s city-designated historic districts. Learn more about the city’s historic districts in the video below!
Bluff Heights lies between Broadway on the south, 4th Street on the north, Junipero and Wisconsin on the west, and Redondo on the east. To the north is Rose Park South and to the south lies the Bluff Park neighborhood. To the east lies Belmont Heights, and tucked in the corner is Carroll Park.
The Bluff Heights area includes most of the Broadway corridor running from Redondo Avenue down to Alamitos Avenue. Broadway is home to unique restaurants, coffee joints, and interesting shops. At 4th Street and Junipero, you will find Long Beach’s Retro Row. This charming area is home to coffee houses, vintage clothing and gift stores, and the restored Art Theater.
History
Originally planned by John W. Bixby in 1866, Bluff Heights was annexed by Long Beach in 1905. Its close proximity to the Pacific Electric Railway meant the neighborhood saw housing growth soar starting in 1914. Today, this boom is still reflected in the historic home styles that characterize the neighborhood.
Marketed as “Iowa by the Sea” by developers, Bluff Heights offered the architectural feel of a Midwestern neighborhood in a sunnier, seaside community. Even today, Bluff Heights suggests a small town with, retro feel while being firmly planted in metropolitan Long Beach.
Life in Belmont Heights
Watch the video tour below for a peek at life in Bluff Heights!
Schools
For families, a major draw to the neighborhood includes the great local schools. Part of the Long Beach Unified School District, primary schools include Luther Burbank Elementary and Mann Elementary. The middle school serving the area is Thomas Jefferson and Woodrow Wilson is the local high school.
Recreation
Bixby Park is located just outside of the Bluff Heights community and offers fun for people of all ages. Park amenities include a playground, sports field, volleyball court, skate park, and a picnic area with barbeque pits. Bluff Park is only blocks away from the beach and offers ocean views along a path for bikers, joggers, or anyone looking for an oceanfront getaway.
Restaurants
Park Pantry has long been a favorite with locals, offering traditional diner fare and delicious baked goods. If you’re looking for organic smoothies, juices, and bowls, then Tru Nature Juice bar is a must. The bonus is their beautiful artwork to enjoy while you’re waiting. Another favorite among locals is La Parolaccia Osteria. If you’re looking for good, old-fashioned, Italian comfort food, then this is the spot for you.
Additionally, a farmer’s market is hosted at Bixby Park every Tuesday at 3 PM. This is another great option for buying fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers, along with a number of prepared food vendors.
The home above is one The Shannon Jones Team sold in Bluff Heights. Learn more about it HERE!
Bluff Heights Neighborhood Association
Bluff Heights has an active neighborhood association. They have regular neighborhood forums and events like walking tours and a 4th of July Block Party.
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that captures the spirit of classic Americana, has a laid-back, coastal attitude, and is convenient to all the metropolitan amenities of Long Beach, Bluff Heights may the neighborhood for you. Check out the homes for sale in Bluff Heights below or for help finding the historic home of your dreams, contact our team of experts via the form at the bottom.
