Pros and Cons of Living in Long Beach, CA (2025) | Local Expert Guide

Updated: December 7, 2025

Thinking about moving to Long Beach, California? With a population of 467,000 and miles of Pacific coastline, Long Beach offers a unique Southern California lifestyle that blends urban amenities with beach living at a more affordable price than neighboring LA or Orange County. But is Long Beach a good place to live? This comprehensive 2025 guide reveals the honest pros and cons of living in Long Beach, from housing costs and crime rates to beaches, weather, and neighborhood comparisons. Whether you're relocating for work, retirement, or family, here's everything you need to know before making your move.

Long Beach offers a distinctive Southern California lifestyle combining coastal access, urban amenities, and cultural diversity at a more moderate price point than neighboring Los Angeles or Orange County communities. Located 21 miles south of downtown Los Angeles with a population near 467,000, the city attracts residents seeking beach living without extreme coastal premiums, though affordability remains relative and lifestyle tradeoffs warrant careful consideration before relocating.

Advantages of Living in Long Beach

Beach Access and Coastal Recreation

Long Beach delivers on its namesake promise with miles of sandy coastline defining the residential experience. Alamitos Beach, Belmont Shore, and Junipero Beach provide venues for volleyball, sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, while the beach path system supports biking and walking with consistent Pacific Ocean views. This proximity to water activities creates daily opportunities for outdoor recreation that many coastal California residents prioritize in their housing decisions.

Mediterranean Climate with Mild Winters

The city experiences hot summers and temperate winters, with average temperatures ranging from 47°F in winter months to 84°F in summer, peaking in August. Residents enjoy approximately 246 days annually with temperatures reaching at least 70°F, while freezing conditions occur roughly once per decade. Annual rainfall totals about 12 inches, concentrated between December and March, creating predictable dry conditions most of the year.

Cultural Diversity and Community Inclusivity

Long Beach maintains a reputation for demographic diversity and a welcoming atmosphere across neighborhoods. The mix of cultures influences dining options, community organizations, and social environments throughout the city. Downtown and surrounding areas reflect this multicultural character, and the city's historically prominent LGBTQ+ community contributes to the overall inclusive environment that many residents cite as a key attraction.

Dining and Entertainment Infrastructure

The culinary landscape mirrors the city's diversity, with restaurants representing cuisines from multiple continents. Major attractions include the Aquarium of the Pacific (spanning over 360,000 square feet), the historic Queen Mary ocean liner, the Museum of Latin American Art, and Shoreline Village. The waterfront concentrates leisure and entertainment options, featuring Rainbow Harbor, whale watching excursions, and local breweries.

Comparative Affordability Within California

While housing costs remain substantial, Long Beach typically prices below San Francisco, Los Angeles, and many Orange County coastal markets. Median home prices range from approximately $771,000 to $825,000, representing relative value within the Southern California coastal context. The city provides rental assistance programs and homebuying support through organizations like the Long Beach Community Land Trust for qualifying residents.

Comprehensive Public Transportation

Long Beach ranks among the top 10 most walkable U.S. cities and maintains extensive transit infrastructure. Long Beach Transit operates 37 bus routes at $1.25 per fare, while the Metro A Line light rail connects to downtown Los Angeles and beyond. Summer months add water taxi services through AquaLink and AquaBus, and bike share programs plus e-scooter services from Bird, Lime, and VeoRide supplement the transit network.

Regional Employment Growth

The Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metropolitan area recorded employment growth of 31,600 jobs (0.7%) over the past year, marking the largest numerical increase among California sub-state regions. Average hourly wages reach $36.64, with key employment sectors including healthcare, port logistics, entertainment, and professional services. The Port of Long Beach's presence creates specialized logistics and trade-related career opportunities.

Family-Oriented Neighborhoods

Several neighborhoods appeal to families prioritizing school quality and residential safety:

Disadvantages of Living in Long Beach

Elevated Cost of Living

Long Beach's cost of living sits 50% above the national average, with housing comprising the largest expense at 137% above national benchmarks. Monthly household budgets break down as follows:

One-bedroom apartment rent averages $1,577 to $2,487 depending on location and amenities, while studios cost $1,500 to $1,800. Comfortable living requires annual income of approximately $141,840 for families or $70,400 for single individuals, figures that exceed median incomes in many professions.

Traffic Congestion and Parking Constraints

Heavy traffic affects the 405 and 710 freeways during peak commute hours, creating delays that conflict with the city's otherwise relaxed coastal atmosphere. This congestion extends quality-of-life impacts beyond simple commute time, affecting access to work, schools, and recreation. Downtown, tourist destinations, and beach areas experience parking limitations that compound transportation challenges during busy periods.

Industrial Port Impact on Air Quality

The Port of Long Beach—among the world's busiest seaports—generates air quality concerns through industrial activity and related truck traffic. Neighborhoods in West Long Beach and areas near the port and 710 freeway experience higher pollution exposure, with measurable impacts on air quality that residents should factor into neighborhood selection, particularly families with respiratory sensitivities or young children.

Neighborhood-Specific Crime Variation

Crime levels differ substantially across Long Beach's four police districts. South Long Beach recorded 1,091 violent crimes in 2024, the highest total, followed by West Long Beach with 873. However, recent data shows positive trends: shootings decreased to a five-year low in early 2025 (133 incidents versus an average of 187), while robberies dropped 18.9%, property crimes fell 23.6%, and motor vehicle thefts declined 33.6%.

Inconsistent Public School Performance

Long Beach Unified School District operates as a school of choice system, allowing families to apply to any school with available capacity rather than defaulting to neighborhood assignments. While this provides flexibility, school quality varies considerably across campuses. Elementary schools offer dual immersion programs, middle schools feature specialized programs, and high schools provide different pathway options, requiring parents to research individual schools rather than relying on neighborhood reputation alone.

Seasonal Tourism Crowds

Long Beach's appeal as a tourist destination creates seasonal congestion at beaches, attractions, and restaurants during summer months and holidays. Downtown, Shoreline Village, and Second Street experience particularly heavy visitor traffic during peak periods, which can diminish quality of life for residents seeking to enjoy these amenities during high season.

Noise from Port and Airport Operations

The combination of port operations, Long Beach Airport traffic, and urban density generates notable noise levels in affected areas. Residents near the airport or industrial zones experience consistent noise that city ordinances cannot fully mitigate, representing a quality-of-life consideration for noise-sensitive individuals or those working from home.

Neighborhood Price and Character Comparison

Different neighborhoods offer distinct environments and corresponding price points:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Long Beach safe for families?

Safety varies significantly by neighborhood and district. While South and West Long Beach experience higher violent crime rates, the city shows positive trends with shootings at five-year lows and property crimes declining over 23% in recent data. Families should research specific neighborhoods and visit at different times of day before committing to a location.

How does Long Beach compare to other Southern California beach cities?

Long Beach offers more affordable housing than Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, or Laguna Beach while maintaining beach access and urban amenities. The tradeoff includes higher crime rates in certain areas, industrial port proximity affecting air quality, and less exclusive beach culture compared to premium Orange County coastal communities.

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Long Beach?

Single individuals require approximately $70,400 annually for comfortable living, while families of four need around $141,840. These figures account for housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and discretionary spending at middle-class standards but may vary based on neighborhood choice and lifestyle preferences.

Are Long Beach schools good?

School quality varies considerably across the district. The school of choice system allows families to apply beyond neighborhood boundaries but requires active research rather than defaulting to proximity-based assignments. Some elementary schools offer strong dual immersion programs while high schools feature different specialized pathways, making individual school investigation essential.

About Rick J. Lee — Long Beach & Coastal OC Real Estate Expert

Rick J. Lee is a Southern California real estate professional with deep expertise in Long Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and surrounding coastal communities. As a lifelong Orange County resident with years of hyper-local market knowledge, Rick provides data-driven guidance to help buyers and sellers make confident decisions.

With nearly two decades of experience in television and multimedia production, Rick brings a uniquely skilled marketing approach—using high-quality visuals and strategic storytelling to maximize a home's value in today's competitive market.

Clients trust Rick for his clear communication, hassle-free process, and commitment to treating every buyer and seller like the MVP they are. Whether you're exploring Long Beach neighborhoods or preparing for your next move, Rick delivers proven expertise backed by local insight and professional integrity. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the California Association of Realtors (CAR), and Pacific West Realtors (PWR).

Next Steps: How Rick J. Lee Can Help

If you are considering a move to Long Beach, the most important decisions happen at the neighborhood and even street level. That is where a local expert makes the biggest difference.

Rick can help you:

• Narrow down neighborhoods based on your budget, commute, school priorities, and lifestyle.

• Understand realistic crime and safety patterns in the areas you are considering.

• Compare Long Beach vs. nearby alternatives like Lakewood, Seal Beach, or Huntington Beach.

• Build a step‑by‑step purchase or relocation plan, from initial search through closing.

When you are ready to dive deeper into Long Beach—or compare it to other Southern California communities—reach out to Rick J. Lee for a personalized consultation tailored to your move.