7 Best Places to Live in Long Beach, California

Searching for the best neighborhoods in Long Beach, CA? Here are 7 of the best places to live in Long Beach!

Located in southern California, the coastal city of Long Beach is just south of Los Angeles and is about two hours North of San Diego. Considered an excellent place to live, the residents of Long Beach love the city's relaxed beach vibe and easygoing atmosphere. Though it may be expensive to live in Long Beach due to the high cost of living, many people are drawn to the area for its fantastic beaches, exciting nightlife, and abundance of restaurants.

If you have always wanted to live in the sunshine near the water, you may consider a move to Long Beach. Full of many excellent and safe neighborhoods, this neighborhood guide was created to help you find your new home in this friendly city. While making the big move to California may be stressful and overwhelming, our dedicated team has compiled this list of the best parts of Long Beach to live in to make your transition to this new city as smooth as possible. You can check out all of the homes in California at any time. Read on to learn more about the 7 Best Neighborhoods in Long Beach, California!

Belmont Shores

Making its way up to becoming one of the best places to live in California, the city of Long Beach has multiple neighborhoods that make it stand out. The area of Belmont Shores is a prime example of this. Offering its residents a mixture of urban and suburban living, living in Belmont Shores means being surrounded by many parks, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, local boutiques, and thriving businesses.

Great for college students and young professionals, Belmont Shores is most well known for its beautiful sandy beaches, lagoons, canals, and boardwalks. Not to mention a fantastic nightlife scene on East Second Street that is famous for its multiple drinking and dining establishments. Known to be one of the safest neighborhoods in Long Beach, real estate is some of the hottest on the market. With various home styles to choose from, find a wide range of single-family homes, apartment complexes, and renovated condominiums. Since this is a desirable place to live, the median home price is around $800,000. In our opinion - Belmont Shores is one of the best places to live in Long Beach, CA! Check out the homes for sale in Belmont Shores!

Local Favorites:

• Rosie’s Dog Beach: Stretching for 4-acres, this dog beach is a must-visit for all pet owners! With special off-leash hours, your furry friend can run near the ocean to their heart's content. There is even a beachfront parking lot.

• Belmont Brewing: Serving excellent bar food and unique beers, sit outside on the patio to admire the picturesque ocean views. Make sure to try the Strawberry Blonde Ale, a summertime favorite!

• Murphy’s Pub at the Belmont: Located on East Second Street, this pub serves over 70 beers and craft cocktails. Dine on hot sandwiches, salads, and other classic pub food.

• Simmzy’s Restaurant Long Beach: This fan-favorite gastropub has some of the best burgers, salads, and sandwiches in town. Plus, this is the perfect place to spend your Saturday night with a wide range of craft beers. Try the homemade wood-fired pizza!

Naples

Located in Alamitos Bay, the neighborhood of Naples was built on three islands and is separated by a series of canals that lead into the bay. Named after the Italian city of Naples, the street names of this community are even Italian-inspired. If you love living by the water, this is your place. Attracting many visitors to the area, both residents and travelers like to boat, kayak, and a gondola ride through the canals. Surrounded by walking paths and beautiful houses, Naples is the go-to spot for gorgeous sunset views. This is also an excellent neighborhood for water sports lovers. Many residents spend their free time waterskiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.

Found in the center of the neighborhood lies the Naples Fountain, which is a popular meet-up spot and local hang-out. For those wanting a bustling nightlife and out-of-this-world dining experience, head over to Second Street, which is close to the neighborhood of Belmont Shores. This charming street is where all of the action lies and is where many pubs, bars, cafes, coffee shops, boutiques, and specialty shops can be found.

Local Favorites:

• La Bella Fontana Park: The location of the infamous Naples Fountain, this park is close to nearby amenities and is in the heart of the neighborhood. Bring your camera to take some pictures!

• Mothers Beach: An excellentplace for families and kids, this beach is a local hotspot and popular marine park. Featuring a playground, picnic areas, and a concession stand, there is more to do at this beach than just swimming in the water. Make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds and to ensure a parking spot in the public parking lot. Unfortunately, there are no dogs allowed.

• Gondola Getaway: Home to one of the oldest and most significant amounts of gondolas in the United States, this gondola service is the most excellent way to explore the neighborhood. Hop aboard this Venetian ride for a tour of the canals. Perfect for a romantic occasion or outing with a group of friends.

• Naples Rib Company: The best place to enjoy all things barbeque. Serving ribs, burgers, steak, and everything in between. The potato skins and prime ribs are divine. There is even valet parking that comes in handy on busy nights.

The Waterfront

Much like the name suggests, the neighborhood of the Waterfront is found suitable by the seaside. Considered part of Downtown Long Beach, the Waterfront is the location of the marina and many pristine beaches. Home to several vintage shops and charming cafes, the Waterfront is renowned for the distinct character that sets it apart from all other Long Beach neighborhoods. The Waterfront has been nicknamed "the soul of Long Beach."

Considered the best place to take a morning stroll, many residents claim that the Waterfront is known to have some of the most breathtaking views of the ocean in the whole city. With plenty of activities in this part of town, spend the day biking, boating, shopping, or dining out at one of the many locally-owned restaurants. With plenty of green spaces, parks, and even a lighthouse, it is safe to say that the residents of the Waterfront prefer to stay active and love to explore. Featuring a boardwalk, multiple waterfront attractions, and annual festivals, there is a reason why this neighborhood is one of the most visited. Remember that while this part of town may be beautiful, its safety rating is not the best. Always walk with a buddy and stay near well-lit areas like any other big city.

Local Favorites:

• The Aquarium of the Pacific: This public aquarium in the harbor is undoubtedly worth a visit. While tickets can get a little pricey, this is an excellent place to bring the family to learn about marine life and the world's oceans.

• The Queen Mary: Permanently docked in Long Beach, hop aboard this historical ship to learn about its significance and role in World War II.

• Harbor Breeze Cruises: Have you always wanted to go whale watching? Well, now is your chance! Book a trip of a lifetime with this whale watching agency for the opportunity to spot a whale out in the wild. These interactive tours are two and a half hours long.

• Parkers’ Lighthouse: The perfect meal after a long day. This restaurant serves freshly caught seafood, steak, and harbor views. There is even live music on select nights!

East Village Arts District

The East Village Arts District is the place for all things art and culture. Attracting artists and creative types, this neighborhood has become a hotspot and inspirational center for art lovers. Found southeast of Downtown Long Beach, this art district is recognized for its vibrant, colorful murals, many art galleries, museums, and live music. Beloved for its eclectic coffee shops, trendy bars, and hip restaurants, there is always something to do and see in this creative residential community.

This neighborhood offers its residents a small-town feel in an urban setting, and the area is highly walkable, making it easy to get around without a car. Plus, with a low crime rate and a highly rated public school system, it is no wonder the neighborhood is a sought-after place to live. Whether you are an artist or simply want to be surrounded by talented individuals, the East Village Arts District is a quirky place to call home.

Local Favorites:

• The Museum of Latin American Art: Founded in 1966, this museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary Latino art.

• Long Beach Museum of Art: Home to over 4,000 sculptures, paintings, and artistic objects.

• Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum: Admire art, textiles, and artifacts from the Pacific Islands while learning about the different exhibits.

• Gumbiner Park: Surrounded by artwork, this city park is an excellent place to play, skateboard, and practice yoga.

Bixby Knolls

Considered one of the most convenient places to live in Long Beach, Bixby Knolls's neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and is centrally located to nearby amenities. Only a short commute to Downtown Long Beach, residents can take advantage of the city's public transportation or easily access one of the main highways. Rated as one of the safest places in the town, Bixby Knolls virtually has no crime making it a top place to raise a family. Bixby Knolls appeals to any lifestyle by attracting couples, young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Continually holding the reputation of being the "upscale district of Long Beach," this residential community is pristine and well maintained. With tree-lined streets and beautiful large homes, it is easy to fall in love with this quiet and peaceful neighborhood.

Local Favorites:

• Bixby Knolls Shopping Center: This open-air shopping center features many local boutiques, specialty stores, and restaurants.

• Knott’s Berry Farm: This 57-acre theme park has 40 rides to appeal to any thrill seeker.

• Scherer Park: This 26-acre park with a pond includes a dog park, playground, tennis courts, and a community center.

• Cherry Avenue Park: Features baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and volleyball courts.

Lakewood Village

Found in the northeast part of the city, Lakewood Village is a small and modest community in Long Beach. Often referred to as just "The Village" by its residents, this neighborhood is safe and an excellent place to live. Located next to the Long Beach Airport, travel to and from neighboring cities and states easily. Lakewood Village is a perfect choice for any homebuyer, with multiple drinking and dining options on the famous Carson Street.

Local Favorites:

• Lakewood Country Club: Open since 1933, this 18-hole championship golf course is Spanish-designed and inspired.

• Heartwell Park Community Center: This community center features a fitness course, library, playground, and even a pond for fishing.

• Vino E Cucina: Get your fix of rustic Italian meals and flavorful wine.

• S.T. Noodle Bar: Dine on authentic Thai dishes and spicy flavored classics.

Alamitos Heights

Found on the city's southeast edge, Alamitos Heights's neighborhood borders the infamous Pacific Coast Highway. Considered an extremely safe area with an excellent school system, this community is regarded as the fourth-best neighborhood in Long Beach to raise a family. Also great for young professionals and retirees, Alamitos Heights offers its residents a mixture of urban and suburban living. There is always something to do and see with an abundance of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and green spaces. Currently holding a population of just over 9,000 people, Alamitos Heights continues to grow over the years.

Local Favorites:

• Alamitos Heights Park: An excellent place to walk and relax outdoors.

• 49ers Tavern: Known for its incredible selection of beer and burgers.

• Nick’s on 2nd Long Beach: The best place to indulge in American comfort food. Try the chicken sandwich!

• Starling Diner: This family-friendly cafe is the go-to for classic diner eats and flavorful coffee.

The Best Neighborhoods in Long Beach, CA - The Bottom Line

A great place to call home, Long Beach is renowned for its beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxing on the sand. With many top-rated neighborhoods to choose from, Long Beach is ready to welcome you with open arms. Before buying a home in Long Beach, reach out to one of our knowledgeable and experienced Realty Specialists to assist you through the home buying process. Once you have decided on a budget and property type, our team is ready to help you. Contact us today to find your dream home in Long Beach, California!

Check out homes for sale in Los Angeles or San Deigo, neighbors of Long Beach!

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