Lots of sunshine, countless beach days, and cruising around town by bike: Welcome to Long Beach. This Californian city is home to the Queen Mary, a nearly 100-year-old ship docked in the harbor, California State University, and a fantastic brewery scene. Get to know all about this sunny city on the water before you start living in Long Beach.
6 things you should know before moving to Long Beach
1. The coastal life isn’t cheap
It’s best to get the biggest downside out of the way first: Living in Long Beach is pretty expensive. The city has a cost of living index of 159.1, which is even more than the California index of 149.9. Here are some facts and figures about the average cost of living to consider before moving to Long Beach:
- Rent: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,795. The average two-bedroom apartment costs $2,395. These rates make Long Beach the 18th priciest rental market in the U.S.
- Transportation: Regular 30-day LBT passes cost $65.
- Taxes: Sales tax in Long Beach is 10.25%.
- Food and drinks: A domestic beer costs about $7.50. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will run you about $66.50.
- Utilities: The average cost of utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment in Long Beach is around $152.
- Internet: Internet services range from $50 to $85.
2. The sun’s out year-round
That high cost of living does buy you some of America’s best weather. Get ready to embrace your inner beach bum because Long Beach is pleasant year-round. The winter temps rarely dip below 50 degrees, and the summers are pleasant and warm, with the ocean breeze keeping locals cool. The sun is usually shining in Long Beach; this city experiences just 32 rainy days per year, on average. Bring your bathing suit and summer clothes, because you’ll need them here.
3. Long Beach has several great neighborhoods
Your cost of living also depends on where you decide to live. Here are a few popular neighborhoods that locals like to call home:
East Village
Perhaps the most beloved neighborhood in Long Beach, East Village boasts easy access to the city’s best breweries, shopping, brunch spots, and nightlife options. Also referred to as the East Village Arts District, this ‘hood is full of restored, historic buildings covered in murals.
Belmont Shore
A mix of commercial businesses, shops, popular college bars, and restaurants dot Belmont Shore’s main thoroughfare, East Second Street. A drive across the canal will take you into neighboring Naples, and a walk to the southern border takes you to the beach. This is the ideal ‘hood for easy access to the seashore and some great bars and restaurants.
Eastside
Comprised of many small neighborhoods that make up what locals call the Eastside, this neighborhood spans roughly half of the city. The Eastside is residential at heart, but you can find eateries, shops, and grocery stores on East Anaheim and East Fourth Streets. It’s bordered on its west by Alamitos Avenue and on its eastern edge by Recreation Park Golf Course.
Naples
Located on an island inside Alamitos Bay, Naples is a charming neighborhood with plenty to enjoy close to home. There are public volleyball courts and picnic tables on Mother’s Beach and restaurants and shops along East Second Street. The biggest draw, though, is the canals that open into the bay. Take a stroll along their banks and admire the view of the marina and neighboring Treasure Island.
4. It’s never boring
There’s so much to see and do in Long Beach. If you’re hungry or want to spend a night out on the town, head to the Promenade. Located in East Village/Downtown Long Beach, you’ll find several great bars and restaurants here, such as Congregation Ale House, Big Catch Seafood House, and Beachwood Brewing. The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, which is almost always hosting some type of interesting event, is just a short walk away.
Rent a canoe or kayak and hit the open water, or grab some friends and have a picnic in the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. The atmosphere at Belmont Brewing on the pier is perfect for lazy Saturday afternoons. It’s the oldest brewpub in town, but the recent explosion in the Long Beach beer scene provides plenty of other options.
5. There are plenty of ways to get around
Long Beach is one of the most bike-friendly cities to live in, and locals take full advantage of it. Bring your beach cruiser or road bike and you can scoot around most parts of the city. There’s also the Long Beach Transit, the city’s bus system, but it’s probably the least effective way to get around. You might want a car if you plan on driving around SoCal or across town.
On your arrival, fly into Long Beach Airport and grab a taxi or scheduled shuttle from there. Public transport from the airport to the city is limited and inefficient. If you’re driving, Long Beach is conveniently located off of I-710, I-605, and I-405.
6. How to make the most of the city
Our tips will ensure you have the best time living in Long Beach:
- Do hit up the Taste of Brews Long Beach, the Long Beach BBQ Festival, or one of the many other outdoor summer activities in this city.
- Don’t overlook the Queen Mary. Even though this historic ship doesn’t hit the open water anymore, there’s always something fun going on in it. Take a tour, book a room, and stay in one of more than 300 art deco-inspired rooms, or get spooked at their annual Dark Harbor fright-fest.
- Do explore the arts scene in Long Beach. Head to the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), the Long Beach Museum of Art, or the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum to see some of the best art in town.
- Don’t forget, Long Beach is part college town! It’s home to California State University Long Beach, with a student population of around 33,600, so you’ll definitely see them out on the town.
Frequently asked questions about moving to Long Beach, California
Long Beach has several quality service providers. Contact the City of Long Beach Energy Resources Department for your gas connection and Southern California Edison (SCE) for electricity. Long Beach Recycles handles trash and recycling, while Long Beach Water covers water and sewage. Spectrum, AT&T, and Frontier are the most popular internet service providers.
Long Beach has a competitive job market, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. That is higher than the national average of 3.7% and higher than nearly 68% of cities in Los Angeles County, so it might take some time before you secure a position. However, the unemployment level is falling, suggesting the local economy is bouncing back. California State University, Long Beach and Molina Healthcare are some of the city’s largest employers. You may also find jobs in the technology, media, and service sectors.
If you’re moving with children, you’ll appreciate Long Beach’s reputable public schools. The Long Beach Unified School District, which serves most of the city, received an A- grade from Niche. The 26-1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures its nearly 70,000 students receive a personalized education experience. After they graduate, they might attend California State University, Long Beach, which has celebrated nursing and criminal justice programs. Long Beach also has several good community colleges.
The months of May to September are the best time to move to Long Beach. The weather is warm without being hot, and rain is rare, so it’s unlikely to interrupt your relocation. It’s also outside the peak real estate season, so you may be able to see agents faster and get a better deal on a rental.
Final thoughts
Are you ready to relax in the sunshine and lounge on the beach, or are you more of a beach volleyball and hit the brewery type of person? Whatever you decide to do, Long Beach has your back. Walk from your new apartment to the marina, take a stroll through the canals in Naples, or dig in at the Long Beach BBQ Festival. The city awaits your arrival.
Featured image courtesy of Flickr.
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