Long Beach, CA, is located 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and is one of the largest shipping ports in the world. As of 2020, it has a population of over 463,200 people, making it the seventh-largest city in the State of California. It boasts over 80 miles of shoreline and over 60 miles of walking and biking trails. The city has also created over 90 parks for its residents to enjoy.
Are you considering a move to Long Beach? Here’s our guide to this city we love to call home!
Weather
Restaurants
Shopping
Outdoor Recreation
Beaches
Local Attractions
Cost of Living
Jobs
Education
Culture
Art
What’s the weather like in Long Beach, CA?
The weather is a big reason why so many people love living in Long Beach. The summers are warm, and the winters are mild. In fact, Long Beach ranks #2 on the Sperling’s BestPlaces list of the most comfortable summer metropolitan areas. Summer temperatures usually range from the mid-70s to the low 90s, averaging out at 86 degrees. Winter temperatures range from average lows of 43 to average highs of 68.
Because of its coastal location, Long Beach is more temperate compared to much of Southern California. For those who don’t care for the rain, Long Beach might be the perfect place: 345 out of 365 days of the year are rain-free!
Check out the 10-day forecast to see the current weather!
Are there any good restaurants in Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach is a hotspot for amazing food. The diversity of its residents is reflected in the eclectic mix of restaurants and food places Long Beach has to offer. Its seaside location means that fresh seafood is abundant, and the constant shipping in and out of this port city means that nearly any ingredient or food in the world is available here. The city is especially known for its world-class Cambodian fare and abundant Asian-influenced restaurants, but nearly every country in the world will find its food represented in Long Beach, CA.
Beyond geographic diversity, lifestyle also drives the food scene in Long Beach. Residents of Long Beach are an active bunch in general, and the restaurants reflect this. There’s an abundance of vegan, raw, and health food restaurants throughout the city for those following specific diets. For those looking for pure indulgence, there are plenty of options that will satisfy as well.
Here are a few of our favorite local restaurants:
Seabirds Kitchen – Plant-based, organic, and seasonal cuisine
Sophy’s: Cambodia Town Food – Top-rated Cambodian restaurant
Appu’s Cafe – Ultra-healthy Indian food with lots of vegan options
Long Beach Creamery – Homemade ice cream in a variety of unique, delicious flavors
Parkers’ Lighthouse – Upscale seafood and steak in a beautiful and romantic setting
Is there good shopping in Long Beach?
This beachfront city is home to a diverse collection of stores and shops. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion or some souvenirs of your Long Beach vacation, you’ll find places ranging from big box stores to designer boutiques. There are several great places to shop in Long Beach, CA, where you can explore dozens of different shops. You’re sure to find something you love!
Long Beach is also home to a large number of outlet stores for some of the most popular brands. There’s also a vibrant thrifting community and plenty of places to find unique clothing, furniture, and handmade goods.
Here are some of the best places to shop in Long Beach, CA:
What outdoor recreation is available in Long Beach?
Long Beach is an outdoor paradise. It’s home to beautiful city and regional parks such as Rainbow Lagoon Park, which offers paddle boat rentals, walking paths, and beautiful, lush landscaping. It’s a great place for an evening stroll with family and friends. El Dorado Park is another great place to visit.
If something a bit more rigorous is what you’re looking for, consider visiting the 7.3-mile Long Beach Shoreline Bike Trail or the 13.5-mile Los Angeles Bikeway. Both are popular options for biking and jogging. As you move north of the coast, you’ll also find additional opportunities for hiking and exploring nature reserves and other landscapes.
For those looking for adventure, the beach is the perfect place to be. Several different companies offer cruises and harbor sailing as well as scuba diving, jet-skiing, and surfing lessons. There’s kayaking, boating, and just about every form of aquatic recreation you can imagine in Long Beach, CA.
Here’s more outdoor fun in Long Beach, CA:
Catalina Express – A sleek ferry to visit Catalina Island
SkyThrills! – Exciting acrobatic flight tours over Long Beach
SoCal Kitesurfing – Lessons and equipment included
Are there good beaches in Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach, CA, is home to some of the best beaches in Southern California! Its 80 miles of shoreline provides plenty of space for picnics, sunbathing, swimming, and friend/family get-togethers. There are even dog beaches specifically set aside for your furry friends to run free.
The city of Long Beach does a great job of taking care of its beaches and making them safe, enjoyable places. Many of the more popular beaches have nearby basketball courts, playgrounds, and piers for beachgoers to enjoy. There are walking and biking trails that run along the beach as well.
Here are some of the best beaches in Long Beach, CA
What are the best things to do in Long Beach, CA?
RMS Queen Mary – This historic vessel has given up the open ocean and is now a permanent Long Beach fixture. Visitors and residents can book one of the nearly 350 rooms available aboard the Queen Mary or visit the 1930s-style bar and restaurant for an evening drink or a royal Sunday brunch.
When the sun goes down, join paranormal explorers on a haunted ghost tour of the Queen Mary, widely considered to be one of the most haunted locations in the country. You’ll get to visit some of the most haunted areas on the ship, even some that are closed to the general public!
One of the most unique parts of this aquarium is the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the aquarium’s residents, including penguins, seals, sharks, rays, and a variety of birds. You’ll get to feed and pet these special creatures that most only see through the aquarium glass! You’ll need to sign up specifically for animal encounters.
There’s a lifestyle expo and family fun center that happens alongside the Grand Prix of Long Beach. The racecar drivers are also on site to sign autographs and take pictures with fans! This weekend event is flooded with popular food trucks serving up a variety of tasty meals for the nearly 200,000 seasonal visitors. This event is one of the more popular annual Long Beach activities.
What is the cost of living in Long Beach?
It should come as no surprise that living in California is expensive, at least compared to most of the US. The cost that most people in Long Beach, CA, struggle with is housing. The median home price in Long Beach is just over $600,000.
Living in an apartment in Long Beach is a great way to avoid the high cost of homes in the area, but it’s also an option while saving up for a home, if that’s one of your goals. Here at The Circle Apartments in Long Beach, we maintain competitive rent prices for our residents.
The cost of groceries, transportation, and entertainment tend to be average for the state. Healthcare, however, is slightly cheaper compared to the national average. The cost of living can be an important factor when considering living in Long Beach, but many residents love living right on the coast in the temperate climate. To them, it’s worth the cost.
Here’s more about the cost of living in Long Beach, CA.
Are there good jobs in Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach, CA, is home to large employers such as California State University, Long Beach and Molina Healthcare. A large portion of Long Beach residents are employed in education or healthcare, but there are many available positions in the tech, media, and service industries.
Looking for a job in Long Beach, CA? Here are the latest listings.
What are Long Beach schools like?
Long Beach is home to California State University Long Beach (CSULB) as well as several other community colleges. CSULB’s 322-acre campus makes it the second largest of the 23 California State University campuses. It’s one of the largest universities in the state of California by enrollment, its student body numbering 39,359 for the fall 2020 semester. It is well known for its nursing and criminal justice programs.
Public schools in Long Beach, CA, are generally highly rated. Long Beach Unified School District, which serves most of Long Beach, has received an A- grade for overall quality of education. Over 72,000 students make up the Long Beach Unified School District, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 26:1. Check out this school district map for a more specific look at the local schools and their ratings.
What is the culture of Long Beach, CA?
The culture is one aspect of living in Long Beach, CA, that residents love. It’s close enough to Los Angeles to have that urban, high-fashion feel, but its coastal location brings with it a slower beach-bum sort of pace. Its location also makes it a popular tourist destination, which has influenced the shops and restaurants, especially on the waterfront.
How’s the art scene in Long Beach, CA?
Many great artists call Long Beach home. In fact, the Long Beach Museum of Art holds an annual art auction for southern California artists. The University of California, Long Beach has great art programs that draw young artists from across the country.
There’s also a vibrant street art scene: Beautiful murals appear throughout the city showcasing Long Beach’s culture and history. The performing arts also thrive here, with popular theaters and centers for the performing arts like Terrace Theater, Long Beach Playhouse, and the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Lovers of art in all its varieties will be right at home in Long Beach, CA.
Here’s a list of some must-visit places for art fans.
At The Circle Apartments at Long Beach, we strive to provide each of our residents with a safe, friendly, and affordable place to live. If you’re thinking about moving to Long Beach, consider living with us at The Circle Apartments, surrounded by the best Long Beach has to offer!
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