If you’re looking for a vibrant, coastal city with easy access to the big-city amenities and energy of Los Angeles, Long Beach has plenty to offer.
From waterfront bungalows to artsy downtown lofts and quiet, tree-lined streets, Long Beach offers a surprising range of neighborhoods — often at lower costs than nearby L.A.
This variety, in combination with the city's relative affordability, is a big part of Long Beach's appeal. Whether you're chasing vibrant nightlife and walkability or great schools and a slower pace, there's a corner of this city for you. In this guide, we’ll explore our favorites among the best neighborhoods in Long Beach, highlighting what makes each one unique.
Choosing the Best Neighborhoods in Long Beach
When it comes to moving to Long Beach, there are many factors to consider to find the right neighborhood for you. We looked at safety, housing costs, school ratings, and amenities in each neighborhood to find the best places to live.
For every neighborhood that made the list, we’ve included:
Median home sale price
Average rent for a one-bedroom (to indicate affordability)
Commute time to the beach
Highlights and attractions that make the neighborhood special
5 Best Long Beach Neighborhoods
With over 50 neighborhoods to choose from, the decision of where to move in Long Beach, California can seem overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve narrowed it down to five of the best neighborhoods in Long Beach for 2025.
No matter where you choose to live in Long Beach, be prepared to pay more than the national average for housing. Home values in Long Beach have been trending up, reflecting the area’s desirability.The median home price in Long Beach is $915,000, about 7.6% higher than the previous year and almost double the national average.
At the same time, Long Beach offers many of the same lifestyle benefits as L.A. — ocean views, walkable districts, diverse culture — at a generally lower cost of living, making the area a more affordable coastal alternative for those who want L.A. access without L.A. prices.
Not ready to buy? The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Long Beach is roughly $2,650 per month. Of course, prices vary by neighborhood — coastal and upscale areas cost more, while some inland neighborhoods are more affordable.
Safety is another important aspect to consider. What is the safest part of Long Beach? The neighborhoods of Belmont Shore and Bixby Knolls top the list.
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Here are our top five favorite neighborhoods in Long Beach, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Belmont Shore: Best for Beach Lovers
2. Naples Island: Best for Waterfront Luxury and Safety
3. Bixby Knolls: Best for Families
4. Los Altos: Best for Schools and Suburban Comfort
5. East Village Arts District: Best for Nightlife and Young Professionals
1. Belmont Shore: Best for Beach Lovers
Median home sale price: About $1.4 million
Average rent (1-bedroom): Around $2,200/month
Commute to the beach: 0 minutes — you live there!
Don’t miss: Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, shops and restaurants on 2nd Street, and the annual Belmont Shore Car Show
Belmont Shore is a classic Southern California beach neighborhood and one of the most popular Long Beach neighborhoods for those desiring a coastal lifestyle. Located along the city’s southeast coast, Belmont Shore sits between the Pacific Ocean and Alamitos Bay, offering miles of sandy beach and picturesque views on all sides.
Stroll to the beach for a morning surf or paddleboard session, then grab a bite on 2nd Street, the neighborhood’s main drag filled with boutiques, cafes, and bars. Even getting around is fun. With a walkability score of 89 and bike-friendly streets, you can park your car and enjoy the ocean breeze while running errands.
Housing in Belmont Shore consists mostly of charming Spanish-style bungalows, beach cottages, and low-rise condo buildings. Yards are small, as this neighborhood is dense by suburban standards, but the trade-off is being just steps away from the sand. If you dream of an active beach lifestyle with sailing, volleyball courts, and waterfront dining at your doorstep, Belmont Shore is hard to beat.
2. Naples Island: Best for Waterfront Luxury and Safety
Median home sale price: $1.9 million
Average rent (1-bedroom): $2,000/month
Commute to the beach: While there are bayside beaches in Naples, it’s about 5 minutes to the oceanside beaches at Belmont Shore.
Don’t miss: Gondola rides through the canals, Naples Canals Christmas Boat Parade, and dining at Michael’s on Naples
Naples offers a truly unique setting. The neighborhood is built on three small islands in Alamitos Bay, crisscrossed by picturesque canals. Many homes have private docks, and it’s common to see residents kayaking or taking evening gondola rides in the canals. The neighborhood rightfully earned its nickname as the “Venice of Long Beach.”
Living in Naples means living in luxury. The median home price falls between $1.5–$1.9 million, and many properties are custom-built waterfront estates. Even rentals are pricey, about $2,500 for a one-bedroom, if you can find one. The cost reflects the exclusive feel — Naples is quiet, with beautifully landscaped streets and little traffic aside from locals.
Naples is an ideal spot for those seeking peaceful, resort-style living. Whether you’re taking a sunset stroll over arched bridges, doing some stand-up paddleboarding in the bay, or enjoying fine dining at waterfront restaurants, the neighborhood offers an elegant lifestyle.
3. Bixby Knolls: Best for Families
Median home sale price: $1,012,500
Average rent (1-bedroom): $1,850/month
Commute to the beach: 15–20 minutes; about 7–8 miles to the downtown beach
Don’t miss: First Fridays Art Walk on Atlantic Avenue, Expo Arts Center, and Scherer Park for weekend picnics
Bixby Knolls offers a delightful blend of suburban comfort and hip local culture, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Long Beach for families.
Located in the north end of the city, Bixby Knolls is known for its tree-lined residential streets and strong community involvement. Here you’ll find beautiful 1930s–1940s era homes with architecture including Spanish Colonials, mid-century ranches, and even some Tudors.
Families are drawn to the neighborhood for its spacious homes on generous lots, as well as highly regarded schools. The area is served by several well-rated Long Beach Unified schools. The neighborhood also has a reputation for being safe and friendly — it’s not uncommon to see parents pushing strollers or kids riding bikes on the quiet side streets.
What sets Bixby Knolls apart is its sense of character and community. The neighborhood has an emergent arts and dining scene centered on Atlantic Avenue. Local businesses host “First Fridays” art walks each month featuring live music, pop-up art, food trucks, and extended shop hours. It’s a big block party for all ages. Other community events include Kidical Mass bike rides and summer concerts in the park. Bixby Knolls gives you that “small town in a big city” feeling.
4. Los Altos: Best for Schools and Suburban Comfort
Median home sale price: $1.1 million
Average rent (1-bedroom): $2,200/month
Commute to the beach: 10 minutes; about 4–5 miles to Belmont Shore
Don’t miss: El Dorado Park West, shopping at Los Altos MarketCenter, and campus events at CSU Long Beach
Built mostly in the 1950s, Los Altos features neatly organized blocks of single-story ranch houses with well-kept lawns and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other and kids walk or bike to local schools — and indeed, the schools here are a big draw.
Los Altos’ schools, including Gant Elementary and Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School,. consistently earn high marks. The proximity to California State University Long Beach, which borders Los Altos, brings an added educational vibe to the community adds to the area’s appeal for students, staff, and families alike.
A convenient commercial district along Bellflower Boulevard and Stearns Street offers plenty of options for running errands or enjoying a day out, with a variety of grocery stores, coffee shops, and eateries — all while being just a short drive from downtown Long Beach’s vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions.
5. East Village Arts District: Best for Nightlife and Young Professionals
Median home sale price: $338,000 (condos/townhomes dominate)
Average rent (1-bedroom): $2,100/month
Commute to the beach: 5 minutes to Alamitos Beach
Don’t miss: Murals and street art on nearly every block, Long Beach Art Walk events, craft cocktails at The Blind Donkey, live music at Alex’s Bar or Fingerprints (record store venue).
If you’re looking for an energetic, creative, urban vibe, Long Beach’s East Village Arts District is the place to be. This neighborhood on the eastern side of Downtown Long Beach is the city’s arts and entertainment hub — think trendy coffeehouses, eclectic galleries, vintage thrift shops, and a diverse food scene ranging from food trucks to upscale dining. Thanks to those amenities, it’s named among the best neighborhoods in Long Beach for singles and young professionals.
The neighborhood’s character is defined by its historic Art Deco and Craftsman architecture mixed with modern lofts. Many residences are condos or apartments, including loft-style units in converted buildings, which makes buying in East Village relatively affordable — the median sale price is around $600–$700K, well below Long Beach’s average. Renting is also on par with city averages at around $2,100 for a one-bedroom, which is reasonable considering you’re in the heart of Downtown.
East Village boasts a vibrant atmosphere that’s easily walkable. You can meet up with friends at a microbrewery, catch an exhibit at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), then head to 4th Street for vintage shopping or to Pine Avenue for a night out.
The area is serviced by the Metro A (Blue) Line light rail, making it easy to get around the rest of Long Beach or commute to Los Angeles. Plus, the beach is close — Alamitos Beach is just a few blocks south, giving East Village residents quick access to the shoreline for a jog or cycling on the beach path after work.
Tips for Moving to Long Beach, California
If you're looking to make your move to Long Beach as smooth as possible, here are some essential tips:
Plan ahead: Summer is peak moving season for Long Beach, as it is for the rest of California and the U.S. If possible, try to schedule your move during the off-season or mid-week when movers are less busy to save money and stress. And remember, SoCal traffic is no joke, so plan your moving truck’s route and timing to avoid rush hour congestion.
Declutter and downsize before packing: Long Beach homes (especially in older neighborhoods) have less storage space than modern houses, so it pays to pare down. Donate or sell items you don’t need, as lighter loads will make for a cheaper and easier move. Use a detailed moving checklist to stay organized as you pack up each room.
Be prepared for the climate: Use plastic bins or waterproof covers for any items that might be sitting in a truck or storage during the move. While rain is rare, the marine-layer moisture creates high humidity. Also, have sunscreen and hats handy for moving day.
Hire experienced movers: If you’re coming from out of state or across the country, consider enlisting the help of a professional long-distance moving service. Cross-country moves come with a whole lot of logistics, not to mention they involve transport for your furniture as much as thousands of miles. Let the pros take care of the heavy lifting, literally.
Use local resources and connect early: Once you’ve chosen your Long Beach neighborhood, plug into the community. Join neighborhood groups on Facebook or Nextdoor to get insider info such as day is trash pickup, or who the go-to handyman is. If you have kids, reach out to the local PTA or community centers.
By following these tips you’ll set yourself up for a successful relocation to Long Beach.
Make the Most of your Move to Long Beach
Whether you’re drawn to the family-friendly streets of Bixby Knolls, the beachy fun of Belmont Shore, or the artsy scene of East Village, Long Beach truly has a neighborhood for everyone. It’s no wonder so many people are eager to call Long Beach home — the city offers the perfect mix of coastal relaxation and urban amenities.
When it’s time to make the move, you don’t have to do it alone. Colonial Van Lines is here to help. With over 50 years of full-service mover experience, our professional team knows how to pack, load, transport, and unload your belongings with care. We strive to make your relocation as smooth as possible – so you can focus on settling into your new Long Beach neighborhood and soaking up that California sunshine. Get a free moving quote today!