Moving To Long Beach? Here Are 14 Things You Should Know BEFORE Making A Move

Long Beach. The name conjures images of an easy coastal life, with fine sunny weather almost all year round. Originally named Willmore City, this coastal town and port in Southern California was renamed to give a worthy nod to its wide- LONG beaches. The introduction of the Pacific Trolley in 1902 caused the city to grow both as a resort town and a business hub.

Are you ready to find out about the 14 facts you should know before moving to Long Beach? Well, then… let’s do this!

14 fun facts you should know about Long Beach

1. Demographics

Long Beach is a city located in Los Angeles County California. With a 2020 population of 467,638, it is the 7th largest city in California and the 41st largest city in the United States. The population breakdown is as follows: 35.8% Hispanic, 33.1% White, 14.5% Black, 11.9% Asian, and 4.7% all other ethnicities.

Long Beach is currently growing at a rate of 0.10% annually and its population has increased by 0.19% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 466,742 in 2020. Spanning over 80 miles, Long Beach has a population density of 9,224 people per square mile.

Inclusive fact: In December 2021, for the 10th straight year, Long Beach was named one of the best cities in the nation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer inclusion in municipal law and policy, earning a perfect score and 11 bonus points. 

2. Weather

In Long Beach, the summers are short, warm, arid, and clear and the winters are long, cool, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 48°F to 82°F and is rarely below 42°F or above 91°F. 

The warm season lasts for 2.9 months, from June 30 to September 27, with an average daily high temperature above 79°F. The hottest month of the year in Long Beach is August, with an average high of 82°F and a low of 64°F. The coldest month of the year in Long Beach is December, with an average low of 49°F and a high of 66°F.

Cool fact: In Long Beach, the cool season lasts for 4.1 months, from November 25 to March 30, with an average daily high temperature below 69°F.

3. Housing

Housing prices in Long Beach are 127% higher than the national average, and utility prices are 7% higher than the national average. That said, Long Beach has the least expensive rents in the Los Angeles metro, with a two-bedroom median of $1,959; rents decreased 0.2% over the past month but were up 9.6% over the past year.

Long Beach rents have declined 0.2% over the past month, but are up sharply by 9.6% in comparison to the same time last year. Currently, median rents in Long Beach stand at $1,542 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,959 for a two-bedroom. Long Beach's year-over-year rent growth leads to the state average of 7.0%, as well as the national average of 7.5%. 

Skinny fact: Long Beach is home to the nation's skinniest house. The aptly nicknamed Skinny House at 708 Gladys Avenue (corner of 7th Street) in the Rose Park neighborhood of Long Beach, California, United States, is a narrow three-story house that has been cited by both the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley's Believe It or Not as the nation's skinniest house. 

4. Healthcare

When planning your budget in Long Beach, account for proper medical care, as healthcare in Long Beach is 11% higher than the national average. A single adult without children will pay around $2,288 for medical care annually while working adults with two children will pay $7,559. In addition, childcare for this family will cost $30,666.72 per year. 

Useful fact: There are 127 hospitals in or near Long Beach. They cater to different kinds of sicknesses. This means you may not have to travel outside the city to receive medical care.

5. Cost of living

The cost of living in Long Beach, in particular, is known to be 43% higher than the national average. Before rent, a single person's estimated monthly costs are $987, while a family of four’s estimated monthly costs are $3,551.

The living rate in Long Beach is $21.61 per hour, which is the basic wage needed to pay for essentials like housing, food, and necessities. Don’t forget to account for extra costs like dining and entertainment, as they are not a part of the living wage when calculating your budget.

Useful fact: Long Beach has grocery prices that are 13% higher than the national average.

6. The job market

In Long Beach, in August 2022, the civilian labor force employed 494,500 persons, and the unemployment rate was 4.9%. In the same month, total nonfarm employment was 450,000. Of this, persons employed in the mining and logging sector were 1,600; those in construction were 15,800; persons in manufacturing were 32,180; persons in trade, transportation, and utilities were 85,240; persons employed in the information sector were 23,000; persons in financial activities were 21,390; persons in professional and business services were 66,490; persons in education and health services were 87,240; persons in leisure and hospitality industry were 50,170; other services accounted for 15,430 persons; and government accounted for 52,950 persons. 

Employment fact: With a team of more than 12,000 full-time and part-time employees, the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) is the largest employer in Long Beach.

7. Business

Long Beach is the sixth-largest city in California, and it is located between Los Angeles County and Orange County.

The geographic factor made it easier for business owners in Long Beach to prospect clients from the surrounding areas. Of course, the growing economy in Long Beach helps businesses thrive and Long Beach is a city that is business-friendly.

TED fact: In 2009, the prestigious TED Conference moved to Long Beach for a five-year annual engagement, bringing notable luminaries in Technology, Entertainment, and Design to speak on “Ideas Worth Spreading.” 

8. Safety

Long Beach's crime index is 12. This simply means that it is safer than 12% of U.S. cities. 

Long Beach is a relatively safe place to visit. However, the city is not devoid of crime. Long Beach grapples with crimes like assault and robbery.

Downtown Long Beach may have a significantly higher crime rate than other neighborhoods. This is despite the area ranking top in the list of areas that receives the highest number of tourists.

In Downtown neighborhoods, standard crime reports include car break-ins, petty theft, and bike and auto theft. Avoid leaving your valuables unattended or in plain sight. Doing so puts you or your belongings at risk

Useful fact: Long Beach holds many events and local attractions that bring in loads of local and international tourists. If you observe wise security measures and keep your head up, you can have a good time in this city.

 9. Education

Long Beach has seven schools servicing a school population of approximately 3500 students, and 10 colleges. The district consists of one pre-kindergarten school, four elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and an adult learning center. Long Beach has its fair share of big schools, but Polytechnic High School is the biggest with 4,464 students.

The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has earned a reputation as one of America's finest school systems, winning many awards as a national and international model of excellence. Established in 1885 with fewer than a dozen students meeting in a borrowed tent, LBUSD now educates nearly 68,000 students, from preschool to high school, in 85 public schools located in the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Avalon on Catalina Island. 

Educational fact: LBUSD is the fourth largest school district in California, and dozens of languages are spoken by local students. 

10. Recreation

Long Beach, the great outdoors is right at your doorstep. Cruise 5.5 miles of breathtaking waterfront by bicycle, blade, or foot and enjoy everything that makes the Southern California surf and sand famous. Jet skis, kayaks, boats, wind surfboards, and more are all just a rental away to help you conquer the waterways and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the coast. When you want to watch the pros in action, come and experience the heart-thumping roar of turbo-charged engines at the Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine serve the community with recreation programs and services that are offered at 169 parks with 26 community centers, two historic sites, 69 tennis courts and two major tennis centers (including the Billy Jean King Tennis Center), one of the busiest municipal golf systems in the country with five courses, the Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau, the largest municipally operated marina system in the nation and six miles of beaches. 

Are you a standup comedy? Enjoy the Laugh Factory located at Pike Outlets. The outlets also host a range of events throughout the year, including the Urban Hive farmers market every fourth Friday of the month.

Fun fact: Long Beach attracts approximately six million visitors each year. 

11. Retail 

Long Beach's "Retro Row" is the go-to place for vintage freaks. Situated along 4th Street between Walnut and Junipero, it is a three-block collection of shops where you will find retro threads and other vintage hard-to-find apparel. On the other hand, Second Street offers shoppers a mile and a half of retail therapy from specialized boutique shops and well-known retailers such as The Body Shop and the Banana Republic. 

Pike Outlets has a treat for shoppers with retailers like Nike, Converse, Gap, Restoration Hardware Outlet, H&M, and Columbia Sportswear. It has restaurants and shops in a pedestrian-friendly setting. Pike Outlets underwent a $65 million update in 2015. 

Shopaholics' fact: Long Beach was named one of the Most Walkable Neighborhoods in America by WalkScore.com as it is an ideal location to stroll and shop. 

12. Social amenities

Long Beach is well-suited for seniors who enjoy outdoor living. With year-round temperatures ranging between 46 and 79 degrees, this city is rated 9.3 out of 10 on Sperling’s Comfort Index, which is considerably higher than state and national scores. This city is also a relatively affordable place to receive health care services, which may benefit seniors who are managing chronic conditions. It also has assisted living amenities for those in need of such facilities. 

For book lovers, the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) has provided free and equal access to information, education, innovation, and community since 1896. With hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from and an impressive selection of digital content, their collections of books, movies, music, audiobooks, and magazines are free to browse, borrow, stream, and download for all library card holders.

Fun fact: LBPL operates Family Learning Centers to support lifelong learning, and academic, and career success. Their studios are tech hubs inspiring new ideas and creative problem-solving. They provide access to computers, high-speed internet, and digital tools. 

13. Transport

Long Beach has public transportation in the form of buses with routes within Long Beach and routes to surrounding areas. Long Beach is also home to the Metro Blue Line train with service to downtown Los Angeles. There are also ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, besides car rentals. 

Additionally, the City of Long Beach is taking steps toward becoming the most bike-friendly city. To this end, Long Beach has its own Bikestation for those who wish to travel by bike, rent a bike, get information to plan a trip or have a convenient place to park their bike. Bikestation Long Beach was the first facility of its kind.

Parking fact: Long Beach is every lawn lover's paradise, as it is unlawful to park on a front lawn. Open parking is permitted only on paved areas in front of the garage or in the rear 2/3 of a lot. 

14. Partner city of LA28

Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics in 2028, from July 21 to August 6. The games have been christened, LA28. Multiple sports will be held in Long Beach during the 2028 Summer Olympics, including BMX racing, water polo, triathlon, open water swimming, sailing, and handball. 

Sporting fact: The Olympics leads to an increase in jobs supporting the event. A rise in tourism and hospitality services (during non-pandemic years). An increase in trade can yield an increase in foreign investment.

What to do next if you’re considering moving to Long Beach…

If you are considering buying Long Beach Real Estate or selling Long Beach Real Estate, make it easy on yourself and contact Kelly Corsino and schedule an appointment. 

You can also follow her on her website, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram for more information.