Moving To Long Beach, CA in 2024

Long Beach, California, is a lively city surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. It mixes city life with a coastal vibe. The city is loved for its long beaches, varied areas, and rich culture. Thanks to its various ways of getting around, it’s known for being a top choice for many. Many people enjoy walking, biking, and using public transport here.

Living in Long Beach, it is about $2,557 to buy a one-bedroom apartment for rent. Renting an apartment costs around $1,713 for one bedroom. This shows how much people love living here, and there are many types of homes to choose from. Thinking about moving to Long Beach or just exploring the possibilities of living in Long Beach? This guide will tell you the pros and cons of Long Beach. It will help you decide if this sunny city is the right place for you.

Pros of Living in Long Beach

Long Beach is a lively coastal city in Southern California. There are many reasons why people love to live there. With beautiful beaches, active arts and food scenes, and a lifestyle for everyone, it offers something for everyone. Let’s look at what makes living in Long Beach great.

Walkable and Bikeable Neighborhoods: Long Beach is perfect for walking and biking, scoring 73 for walking and 70 for biking. It has many bike lanes and paths, which makes getting around easy without cars. This helps people stay active and helps the environment.
Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene: Long Beach is alive with arts and culture, including theaters, music spots, and museums. This makes living there very exciting. You’ll always find something new to enjoy and discover.
Diverse Culinary Offerings: Long Beach’s food scene reflects its mix of cultures. You can eat at various places, from affordable to fancy. It’s like traveling the world through food right at home.
Abundant Outdoor Recreational Opportunities: Living by the coast, Long Beach is full of fun outdoor activities. You can walk by the beach, visit the Queen Mary, or try water sports. There’s always something exciting to do outside.
Lively Community Events and Festivals: Long Beach loves bringing people together with fun events and festivals all year. Whether the Pride Festival or the Car Show, these events add joy and culture to the city.
Scenic Green Spaces and Parks: Long Beach has many beautiful green spaces and parks. Places like Bluff Park are perfect for relaxing outside, making life in the city more peaceful and enjoyable.

The significant parts of living in Long Beach go beyond its stunning beaches. It’s rich in activities that cater to different tastes. Whether you love the arts, food, or outdoor fun, Long Beach is great for a diverse and enjoyable life.

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Pro 1: Beachfront living

Long Beach is a perfect spot for Southern California beach living. It boasts sandy shores and a beautiful harbor. Here, you can play volleyball, sail, and paddleboard. The beach paths are great for biking or walking, showing off the fantastic ocean views. This lifestyle keeps you healthy and lets you escape the city anytime.

Coastal Amenities and Attractions

Long Beach’s beachfront living means many things to do near the water. You can walk, run, or bike on the clean beach paths, which offer stunning views of the Pacific. Those into water fun can also sail, kayak, or try stand-up paddleboarding. The city is perfect for water lovers because of its terrific location.

Living in Long Beach also means being part of a fun, social community. There are cafes, restaurants, and fun places near the beach. These places are where people meet and enjoy the easygoing coastal life. With its fun outdoor activities, beautiful views, and close-knit community, Long Beach is ideal for people who want a beachfront life.

Pro 2: Excellent art scene

Long Beach has a buzzing art scene that everyone can enjoy. The Long Beach Museum of Art and small East Village Arts District galleries offer lots to see. Plus, there are many fantastic events like the Long Beach Art Walk, where local artists and performers shine.

This art scene brings folks together and makes the city lively. Places like the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) bring something unique. It’s the only spot in the U.S. showing modern and contemporary Latin American art. Visitors can talk to experts and check out the beautiful garden outside.

The city’s love for art isn’t just in galleries. The East Village Arts District is entirely made up of street art. They even have a map for finding art you’ll love. This focus on arts and culture makes life better for people living here. It also shows Long Beach is a place where creativity blooms.

Pro 3: Diverse culinary scene

Long Beach has a mix of foods from all over. This comes from the city’s varied people and lively culture. The food scene has everything from real Mexican and Southeast Asian food to new farm-to-table places. You can find places to eat that fit every taste and budget.

Big food festivals like the Long Beach Seafood Festival show how much the city loves great food and getting together. These events let local chefs and restaurants share their best food, giving everyone a chance to enjoy many delicious dishes.

Exciting New Additions to the Long Beach Food Scene

In 2024, Long Beach will welcome new and fun places to eat. Telefèric, a top Spanish restaurant from Barcelona, is making its new home in the city. This happens as the old Hungry Angelina spot gets transformed. Also, a favorite spot called Sonoratown is bringing its tasty flour tortillas to a new location on 3rd Street.

People will also enjoy Guisados’ famous Mexican meals at the old Long Beach Fish Grill site on Redondo Avenue. Soon, Broken Spirits Distillery will offer rum, whiskey, and aquavit at the new spot on the scene.

Long Beach is increasingly known for its food and drink spots. Places like Angel’s Share in Belmont Shore and Holey Grail’s first spot in Long Beach are proof. They add to the city’s ever-growing and exciting dining choices.

These new places in Long Beach show it’s a top spot for food. Whether you live there or are just visiting, many tastes and experiences await you to try.

Pro 4: Waterfront attractions

The Long Beach waterfront is a top feature of the city. It has many activities for everyone to enjoy. Central to this area is the Queen Mary, which is now a hotel, museum, and fun spot.

Next to the Queen Mary is the famous Aquarium of the Pacific. Here, you can see over 12,000 Pacific animals, including sharks, sea otters, and beautiful coral. It’s a perfect look into the sea life around the city.

Just nearby is Shoreline Village. It includes a boardwalk with shops and fun for the family. You can take a gondola ride or see the Sand Sculpture Contest. Or, just enjoy the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.

These spots are significant for the city. They bring in many visitors and help the city’s economy grow. The Long Beach waterfront is a crucial area for fun and community activities.

Pro 5: Exciting community events and festivals

Long Beach has a lively schedule full of fun events and festivals. The exciting Long Beach Grand Prix and the quaint Belmont Shore Christmas Parade show the city’s energy all year round.

The Long Beach Grand Prix is an annual event people look forward to. It attracts visitors from nearby and far away. This thrilling street race is part of the city’s racing history. Besides the races, you can enjoy shopping at different booths, eating from food trucks, and having fun with various entertainment. It’s a true celebration of Long Beach.

The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is also well-loved. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to see colorful floats, hear music from bands, and see Santa. This makes a happy time to show off Long Beach’s culture and join together as a community.

Events like these bring Long Beach together. They let people connect and share in the city’s lively culture. Whether it’s the Grand Prix’s excitement or the Christmas Parade’s cozy feeling, these events make Long Beach a memorable place to be.

Pro 6: Beautiful green spaces and parks

Long Beach mixes city life with lots of green, lively areas. It’s proud to keep growing its parks and green spaces, giving people many chances for fun outdoors.

El Dorado Park is at the center, covering 388 acres. It has lakes, trails, sports spots, and more. This place is loved by families and anyone who enjoys nature and staying fit.

Long Beach also has many gardens and plazas for its communities. The Long Beach Greenbelt, a 3.1-mile park, links several areas. These beautiful spots help make life better for the city’s residents by offering many opportunities to do things outside, relax, and meet others.

The city works hard to keep its green areas and make new ones, showing it cares about the environment. This means there are many places where you can walk, do outdoor activities, or just enjoy the peace of nature in Long Beach.

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Cons of Living in Long Beach

Living in Long Beach has both good and bad sides. Consider whether you can deal with its cons before moving. The high living costs, traffic, and air quality might make you think twice.

High Cost of Living: Living in Long Beach is a lot pricier than most places in the U.S. Everything from housing to everyday items costs more. This can really stress your wallet out.
Traffic Congestion: Long Beach is cool but has its fair share of traffic. Rush hours and tourist times can be super busy, making getting around town a hassle.
Air Quality Concerns: The city’s big on industry and transportation, which makes the air not so clean. Breathing in this air isn’t great for anyone, especially those with health issues.
Limited Parking: Finding a parking spot in Long Beach, especially downtown or by the beach, can be challenging. Plus, when you do find one, it might cost a lot.
Seasonal Crowds: Summer brings a lot of tourists to Long Beach. While good for the city, it can complicate daily life for residents. Transportation and parking become real issues.
Noise Pollution: Living near the airport or in busy parts of the city means dealing with loud noises. Even with steps to reduce them, this can be a problem for some people.

But Long Beach offers a lot, too. Its beach and arts scene are fantastic, and there’s plenty to do. Your choice to live here should consider these positives and negatives.

Con 1: Traffic congestion

Like many cities in Southern California, Long Beach experiences heavy traffic. The 405 and 710 freeways get crowded, especially during rush hours. This makes getting around in Long Beach traffic tough, affecting the city’s chill atmosphere.

Recent data shows that traffic in Los Angeles and Orange counties exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 4%. Wednesday morning traffic was 86% of what it was before, and afternoon traffic matched old levels. Even off-peak traffic on June 30th was 14% higher than before. This hints at a return to normal travel habits.

The traffic on the 405 Freeway and 710 Freeway makes travel times longer for people in Long Beach. This got worse with more people taking trips for the July 4th holiday. Despite many workers choosing to work from home, traffic problems continue.

A few more cars on already packed roads can create significant delays. The city’s transportation often works at its limit because of this. For example, public transportation use in Los Angeles fell by 70% during the pandemic, even with major efforts to improve it.

Contrast with the City’s Laid-back Atmosphere

Long Beach’s constant traffic conflicts with its normally relaxed vibe. Dealing with slow traffic removes the city’s calm feel, hindering the enjoyment of its features and attractions.

Con 2: High cost of living

Living in Long Beach, California, is expensive—51% more than the national average. High housing prices and rents are the main reasons.

The median home price in Long Beach is about $650,000, which is higher than the national average. Renting a three-bedroom home costs $1,800 to $2,300 a month, which is tough for many who want to live here.

Long Beach has beautiful beaches and a diverse culture. However, the high costs are a big issue for some. It’s hard to afford living in nice areas, which affects their budget and quality of life.

City	Cost of Living Index	Median Home Price	Median Rent (3-Bedroom)
Long Beach, CA	138.4	$650,000	$1,800 – $2,300
San Francisco, CA	186.5	$1,400,000	$3,500 – $4,500
Washington, DC	145.2	$550,000	$2,400 – $3,100
Miami, FL	115.4	$400,000	$1,800 – $2,500
Chicago, IL	112.4	$300,000	$1,500 – $2,000

High prices in Long Beach can scare off some. But, the city’s many good points still bring people in. Finding cheaper places to live and carefully planning money can make it easier.

Con 3: Poor air quality

With its coastal charm and diverse people, Long Beach struggles with air quality. It’s near the Port of Long Beach, a busy seaport, which makes the air less clean. Thus, the health of people in Long Beach is at risk.

Long Beach has good air just 10% of the year, making it one of the most air-polluted cities in the U.S. The area around Los Angeles and Long Beach has the worst ozone pollution.

The bad air hurts everyone, especially those already sick. It’s bad for the lungs and can cause asthma and even early death. Plus, people of color face this issue more. They’re almost four times more likely to live in heavily polluted areas.

City	Good Air Quality Days	Unhealthy Air Quality Days
Long Beach, CA	10%	90%
Norfolk, VA	98%	2%
National Average (100 Largest Cities)	62%	38%

Fixing the air in Long Beach is a big challenge. A lot is being done, but avoiding the bad air is tough, especially in some parts of the city.

Everyone in Long Beach needs to work together—leaders and everyday people. They need to figure out ways to keep the air clean, which is key for everyone’s health in Long Beach.

Con 4: Limited parking

Finding parking in Long Beach is challenging for everyone. The city’s near the coast and has crowded downtown areas, making it hard to find a spot, especially at busy times or events. Plus, some spots cost a lot to park in, putting people off from visiting Long Beach entirely.

It’s like trying to win a game to park at the beach or downtown. There are not many spaces, and everyone wants one. This makes looking for a space long and irritating. It gets even more challenging for people who need special parking because there’s little space for them.

The parking rules are also hard to understand. Different colors on the curb mean different things, like when you can park there. If you don’t know, you can park in the wrong place, leading to expensive tickets or even getting your car towed. It’s not a fun surprise when you’re just trying to enjoy Long Beach.

Navigating Long Beach’s Parking Challenges

To face Long Beach’s parking problems, you need a plan. Here are some things you can do:

Learn the parking rules and what the curb colors mean.
Use apps or websites to find open parking spots.
Think about using other ways to get around, like the bus, sharing rides, or biking, instead of parking your car.
Look for parking for people who need it, or find out how to get a special parking permit if you qualify.
Think about the cost of parking and make a budget for it, especially in expensive areas.

No doubt, parking is challenging in Long Beach. But, with a little plan and the right mindset, you can find a way through it. Then, you can fully enjoy the wonders of this lively coastal town.

Parking Regulation	Description
Yellow Curb	Allows stopping for loading or unloading passengers or freight for up to two (2) minutes during specific hours.
White Curb	Allows stopping for loading or unloading passengers or mail deposit for a maximum of two (2) minutes, with exceptions for taxicab stands.
Green Curb	It limits parking to a time frame ranging from ten (10) to thirty (30) minutes, as determined by the traffic engineer for a particular location during specific hours.
Red Curb	It prohibits stopping or parking at any time except for buses in designated bus stops that are not more than 150 feet in length.
Blue Curb (Disabled Parking)	Designated zones on public property allow those with a valid disabled parking placard or license plate to park.

Con 5: Seasonal crowds

Long Beach is a top pick for tourists. This makes the city very crowded, mainly in summer and on holidays. Places like beaches and restaurants get too busy, which can make it less fun for those who live here. Tourism is key to the city’s economy. But making sure both tourists and locals enjoy the city is hard.

Summers and holidays in Long Beach bring a lot of people, which makes finding a parking spot hard. The roads get jammed, and getting to fun spots is tough. Visitors and locals can feel stressed in these crowded times.

The city is trying to solve these problems. It is doing more to improve traffic, improve buses, and talk with local shops. However, ensuring tourists and locals are happy is still a big challenge for Long Beach.

Management Challenges During Peak Seasons

When lots of visitors come, Long Beach faces many problems:

Beaches, parks, and other fun spots get too busy
It’s hard to find a parking spot
Public services and buildings get stressed
This pressure can harm the economy and the quality of life of residents

To tackle these issues, Long Beach is taking steps like:

Doing more about traffic and parking rules
Making buses better and promoting other ways to get around
Working with local businesses to prepare for many visitors
Telling people to visit at non-peak times and explore the city in quieter seasons

But making sure tourism does not spoil residents’ lives is still a tough nut to crack for Long Beach.

Con 6: Noise pollution

Living in Long Beach can be noisy because of its port and airport. Places close to the airport or factories face more Long Beach noise pollution. People looking for quiet may find this a big issue. The city tries to control noise, but it’s hard to keep it low.

Regulatory Measures and Ongoing Challenges

The City of Long Beach has strict rules to deal with Long Beach airport noise and other loud sounds. But making sure everyone follows the rules is hard. A law like California’s Vehicle Code 27007 says there should be no loud noises within 50 feet. This law is sometimes forgotten.

Also, the California Penal Code 415.2 tries to keep peace against noise, but it can be tricky to use. People worry about getting in trouble if they complain about noise. Compared to Long Beach, cities like Beverly Hills and Palo Alto have stricter rules against noise. But Long Beach and places like Culver City still struggle. They find it hard to stop noisy cars and motorcycles.

The plan to grow Long Beach Downtown could make noise worse. Though the study looked into the noise, it doesn’t say how it might really affect locals.

Noise pollution in Long Beach is a significant and lasting problem. The rules sometimes don’t work well. As the city keeps growing, dealing with noise will be critical to a good life for everyone.

Conclusion

Long Beach is a unique place with coastal living and rich arts. It has many places to eat and things to do by the water. But there are some challenges, too. This city has lots of traffic, a high cost of living, and air pollution. Parking can be hard to find, the city gets crowded at times, and it can be noisy. Before moving to Long Beach, it’s wise to think about these ups and downs. Doing so can help determine if it fits your lifestyle and goals.

Looking at both good and bad sides, people can decide if Long Beach is right for them. It’s a city with much to offer, especially for the young. But there are things like cost and practical issues to think about, too. Finding the right balance between what this city offers and what you need. This will help you know if you should make Long Beach your home. Whether you pick Long Beach or not, exploring its lively culture and beautiful shore is enriching. This city in California has much to see and do. The tips in this article can point you in the right direction for your life and work goals, no matter where you choose to live.

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FAQs about Should I Move to Long Beach, CA?

Is Long Beach a safe place to live?

Safety is a top priority for anyone planning a relocation. Overall, Long Beach has a moderate crime rate compared to other cities in California. Like any urban area, it has its share of crime hotspots, but most neighborhoods are safe and family-friendly.

What is the cost of living like in Long Beach?

Long Beach’s living cost is slightly higher than the national average. Housing prices can be steep, but many options are available, from luxury apartments to more affordable neighborhoods.

How is the job market in Long Beach?

Long Beach has a diverse economy, offering employment opportunities in various sectors, including healthcare, education, tourism, and transportation. However, competition can be fierce, so it is advisable to secure a job before moving.

What about the quality of schools in Long Beach?

Long Beach boasts a range of excellent public and private schools. The Long Beach Unified School District is highly regarded and offers a robust educational system with numerous specialized programs.

What recreational activities does Long Beach offer?

Long Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts scene, and many outdoor activities, such as sailing, kayaking, and biking. The city also hosts several annual events and festivals that showcase its diverse cultural heritage.

How is the public transportation system in Long Beach?

Long Beach has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and a light rail system called the Blue Line. Additionally, many areas are easily walkable, and biking is a popular mode of transportation.

What is the weather like in Long Beach?

Long Beach’s mild Mediterranean climate is characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The city experiences an average of 280 sunny days per year, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

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