Long Beach, CA


45 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
Long Beach, CA

About Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, California makes for an ideal destination for beach lovers, boasting miles of gorgeous coastline. Visitors can spend the day in the sand or enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The city also offers numerous cultural attractions such as the Long Beach Museum of Art and aquarium, plus plenty of shopping destinations downtown and along Shoreline Drive. In addition to its beaches, Long Beach has a lively nightlife filled with bars and clubs, making it a great choice for those who want to experience all that this vibrant city has to offer. Mega metro area set in the coast and mountains of Callifornia. Primary industries include entertainment and technology. Noteworthy features include shoreline. - Positioned in southern California, along the Pacific Coast, 125 miles north of San Diego and 380 miles southeast of San Francisco..

Location Details

Zip Codes: 90805, 90813, 90806, 90815, 90802, 90804, 90810, 90808, 90807, 90803, 13 total
Cost of Living: 61.7% higher
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Elevation: 292 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Long Beach.
Find A Top Agent

Dig Deeper on Long Beach

Los Angeles, California, is a city with a deep and diverse history. It was founded in 1781 by Spanish governor Felipe de Neve and originally named "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles." Over the centuries, it transformed from a small settlement to one of the largest and most well-known cities in the world. Los Angeles is famous for its film and entertainment industry, earning it the nickname "The Entertainment Capital of the World."

The geography of Los Angeles is unique, with mountains, beaches, and valleys all within a short drive. The city itself is sprawling, covering approximately 469 square miles. It's known for its Mediterranean climate, offering residents sunny days most of the year, mild winters, and warm summers. This weather allows for a variety of outdoor activities, from surfing at Venice Beach to hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Economically, Los Angeles is a powerhouse. Besides entertainment, it has a diverse economy with strong sectors in technology, fashion, aerospace, and international trade. The Port of Los Angeles is one of the busiest ports in the world, playing a crucial role in global trade. The city also has a vibrant startup scene, with many tech companies choosing Los Angeles as their home.

When it comes to voting patterns, Los Angeles and the broader Los Angeles County are known for leaning towards the Democratic Party. This reflects the diverse population and the variety of views and lifestyles within the city. Local elections and issues can often draw significant attention and participation from the community.

Living in Los Angeles offers a dynamic experience. The city is a melting pot of cultures, leading to a wide array of food, music, and festivals. Residents can enjoy cuisine from all over the world, visit museums like the Getty Center, or attend live shows and concerts. However, newcomers should be aware that traffic congestion is a significant issue, and public transportation options, while improving, may not cover all areas extensively.

New residents should know that the cost of living in Los Angeles is higher than in many other parts of the United States, particularly when it comes to housing. Researching neighborhoods and planning for commuting times can help in making a successful transition. Additionally, embracing the diverse culture and exploring different parts of the city can lead to discovering hidden gems and building a connection to the community.

In summary, Los Angeles, CA, is a city with a rich history, diverse geography, and a dynamic economy. It's a place where the entertainment industry meets technology, fashion, and more. The city's political landscape is predominantly Democratic, reflecting its diverse populace. Life in Los Angeles is full of opportunities to explore cultures, cuisines, and outdoor activities, but new residents should be prepared for higher living costs and traffic. Understanding and embracing the unique aspects of Los Angeles can make living in the city a truly rewarding experience.

Long Beach Cost of Living
$$$$

Shoreline, arts & culture, and low humidity make Long Beach a great place to live.

$739,900
+54.3% higher than avg
$71,150
+3.0% higher than avg
$2,240 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+36.2% higher than avg
Long Beach Crime
41.2 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Long Beach, California
$141,840
for a family
$70,400
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Long Beach
   Shoreline
High home prices
   Arts & culture
High taxes
   Low humidity
Quakes, wildfires, heat waves
Reviews for Long Beach
    See all (45)

Local born and bred. This place is going down the drain. Crime is up, housing is up, yuppies finding nothing wrong with it since they want to validate spending 3k on a 2  More

   |    Reply

Angelique · 
Over 4 years ago

I love Long Beach. I especially shoreline village and the aquarium of the pacific. The only big problem here (for me) is crime. Otherwise, nice  More

   |    Reply

Over 6 years ago

The cost of living is extremely high and there are way too many apartments or multi unit homes which have no parking. But with everyone living on top of each other it  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Long Beach

Cost of Living
Compare Long Beach, CA
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Long Beach, California to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.