Long Beach,CA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Long Beach, CA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Long Beach, CA
Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city with a rich blend of cultures, stunning waterfront views, and diverse neighborhoods that cater to all kinds of lifestyles. Whether you're looking for bustling urban vibes, quaint beachside communities, or family-friendly suburbs, Long Beach has something special to offer. Exploring a Long Beach neighborhoods map reveals distinct areas each with their own unique charm—from the artsy East Village to the serene Bixby Knolls. Let’s dive into what makes these neighborhoods stand out and why they’re considered some of the best neighborhoods in Long Beach.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
Long Beach neighborhoods are wonderfully diverse, reflecting a mix of ethnicities, ages, and cultures. For instance, the North Long Beach area is known for its strong sense of community and vibrant cultural heritage, while the Belmont Shore neighborhood boasts a lively, upscale crowd with young professionals and families. The East Village Arts District attracts a creative demographic, filled with artists and entrepreneurs. This blend creates a welcoming atmosphere where community events, farmers markets, and festivals are common, fostering strong neighborhood ties across the city.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Each neighborhood in Long Beach offers a unique lifestyle. Belmont Shore is perfect for beach lovers, with its wide sandy beaches, trendy shops, and popular eateries like The Attic or Beachwood BBQ. Meanwhile, Bixby Knolls caters to those who enjoy a walkable neighborhood with boutique shopping, cozy cafes, and local theaters such as the Art Theatre Long Beach. Downtown Long Beach is a hub for nightlife and dining, with hotspots like Alex’s Bar and The Federal Bar, plus the scenic waterfront and Pike Outlets. For a more relaxed vibe, Naples Island offers charming canals and gondola rides, perfect for romantic strolls and peaceful afternoons.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
When it comes to housing, Long Beach has a wide array of options to fit different budgets. Neighborhoods like Wrigley and Los Altos tend to be more affordable, offering charming single-family homes and quiet streets ideal for families. On the other hand, areas like Belmont Shore and Naples are known for their pricier real estate, with ocean views and luxury condos attracting buyers looking for a beach lifestyle. The Long Beach housing market has remained competitive, so consulting a Long Beach neighborhoods map can help prospective residents identify areas that balance affordability with amenities and commute convenience.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Long Beach boasts an accessible transit system, making it easy to get around without a car. The Metro Blue Line light rail connects downtown Long Beach to Los Angeles, while local buses serve most neighborhoods efficiently. For example, residents in the Arts District and Downtown benefit from walkable streets and bike lanes, while those in more suburban neighborhoods like Bixby Knolls have easy freeway access via the 405 and 710. For commuters, the city's thoughtful transit options enhance accessibility and reduce travel times, which is a big plus when considering the best neighborhoods in Long Beach.
Things to Do: Popular Attractions and Activities
Long Beach offers a plethora of attractions and activities that appeal to residents and visitors alike. The Aquarium of the Pacific, located near downtown, is a major draw for families and marine enthusiasts. Shoreline Village provides shopping, dining, and waterfront fun, while the Queen Mary—a historic ocean liner turned hotel and museum—is a unique landmark in the area. Outdoor lovers can enjoy the El Dorado Nature Center or rent kayaks to explore the bay. Each neighborhood has its own hotspots, making it easy to find fun things to do no matter where you live.
Colleges & Universities: Neighborhoods with Educational Hubs
Long Beach is home to several notable colleges and universities that shape the character of surrounding neighborhoods. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) sits in the eastern part of the city, attracting a lively student population to nearby neighborhoods like Los Altos and East Long Beach. Long Beach City College, with its main campus in the Lakewood area, serves many local students and adds an educational vibe to its surroundings. These institutions contribute to the dynamic energy of Long Beach and influence housing and lifestyle trends in their neighborhoods.
Long Beach Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Island Grissom | 45.8 | 2.1% | $701,550 | $140,892 | 5.0 |
| El Dorado Park Estates | 43.6 | 29.4% | $872,067 | $157,024 | 5.5 |
| Imperial Estates | 41.2 | 35.9% | $854,517 | $148,414 | 5.7 |
| El Dorado Park | 40.1 | 29.7% | $812,389 | $140,147 | 6.1 |
| Rancho Estates | 49 | 25.9% | $926,420 | $158,140 | 6.1 |
| El Dorado South | 46.2 | 21% | $859,750 | $137,428 | 6.3 |
| City College Area | 41.9 | 30.1% | $820,000 | $131,717 | 6.5 |
| Bixby Hill | 40.6 | 21.2% | $920,000 | $147,330 | 6.5 |
| Washington School | 32.4 | 35.7% | $394,740 | $52,397 | 6.5 |
| Wilmington | 38 | 20.9% | $626,200 | $128,456 | 6.6 |
Long Beach neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Long Beach—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Long Beach, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Long Beach
| Crime |
Reported |
Long Beach /100k |
CA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 37 | 8.3 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 200 | 45.0 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 989 | 222.6 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,779 | 400.5 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 3,005 | 676 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3,131 | 704.8 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 7,977 | 1,795.7 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 4,346 | 978.3 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 15,454 | 3,479 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 18,459 | 4,155 | 2,564 | 2,119 |