Moving to Long Beach? This coastal California city provides affordable living in the LA metro, amazing schools, unique dining options, and plenty of fun things to do. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Long Beach!
Bixby Knolls
- Home Price: $695,625 median purchase price; $1,130 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 52% of Long Beach neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Located just 15 minutes north of Downtown Long Beach, Bixby Knolls is a quaint, upscale neighborhood with a large selection of boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and more scattered along Atlantic Ave. As one of the best neighborhoods in Long Beach for families and young professionals to plant roots, this Long Beach neighborhood is full of tree-lined streets with renovated, historic SoCal-style bungalows and Craftsman homes. Residents of Bixby Knolls have quick access to nearby job opportunities and attractions in other parts of the city thanks to close proximity to major highways, as well as the convenient Long Beach Transit System. And with regular, large community events like Bixby Knolls First Fridays, Bixby Knolls Strollers, and Kidical Mass Bike Rides, you don’t have to go far to find fun things to do when you settle down in Bixby Knolls!
Things to Do in Bixby Knolls
Have a picnic next to the duck pond, hit the tennis courts for a friendly singles or doubles match, or play fetch with your furry friend in Uptown Dog Park at Scherer Park. Reserve a lane, join a bowling league, or win prizes in the arcade at Cal Bowl. Play a game of pool on the pro tables or join a weekly 10 Ball Tournament at Good Times Billiards. Go for a morning jog, practice free throws on the basketball court, and let your kids play on the playground at Cherry Park. Order the Boom Boom Shrimp, Chili Verde Mac n Cheese, or BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders at Knolls Restaurant. Satisfy your craving for Asian fusion cuisine with specialty sushi rolls like the Salmon Lime, Crispy Tartar, and Chill Maki at Sushi Nikkei—and finish with Chocolate Mochi for dessert! Try modern Mexican dishes like the Tinga Tostaditas, Mole Negro De Oaxaca, and Birria Queso Tacos at Lola’s Mexican Cuisine. Or catch up with friends while enjoying unique microbrew beers on tap like Gandalf The Crisp, Berry Shower, and Kangaroo Song at Ambitious Ales.
El Dorado Park
- Home Price: $458,325 median purchase price; $717 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of Long Beach neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Seeking a safe Long Beach neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Located 25 minutes outside of Downtown Long Beach, El Dorado Park is a great option! A top pick for families due to highly-rated schools in the area like Newcomb Academy, this primarily residential area offers housing options ranging from condos to affordable ranches. Military families, in particular, benefit from El Dorado Park’s close proximity to Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos. There are also plenty of opportunities to get outside, thanks to the nearby Long Beach Community Garden and El Dorado Park’s spacious, namesake parks—El Dorado East Regional Park and El Dorado Park West!
Things to Do in El Dorado Park
Take a scenic train ride through the Ruvolo Valley countryside, learn the history of California’s Gold Rush, and ride the carousel at El Dorado Frontier. Go fishing, test your archery skills, or explore the El Dorado Nature Center at El Dorado East Regional Park. Hit the links or enroll in golf lessons to sharpen your skills at El Dorado Park Golf Course. Go shopping at popular retailers like Bath & Body Works and Barnes & Noble, or view the latest blockbuster films in the movie theater at Long Beach Towne Center. Pick up sweet treats for breakfast like Lemon Heaven Bundt Cakes, Cheesecake Bars, and Assorted Muffins at Twice Baked Gluten Free Baking Company. Try the Lobster Mac-N-Cheese, Chicken Teriyaki, or Mexican Tilapia with Fresh Mango Salsa at The Original Fish Company—a popular, long-standing Long Beach seafood restaurant. Have a dinner date over Raspberry-Chipotle Duck or Maple-Glazed Salmon, and order German Butter Cake for dessert at Shenandoah at the Arbor. Or go wine-tasting and take home a glass growler full of Grenache, Pinot Noir, or Merlot at Seal Beach Winery.
Lakewood Village
- Home Price: $591,314 median purchase price; $1,036 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Long Beach neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Home to Long Beach City College‘s Liberal Arts Campus, Lakewood Village is a popular Long Beach neighborhood for singles and young professionals. Families also love living here, especially because of the area’s excellent safety ratings and top-notch schools—like Mark Twain Elementary School, Bancroft Middle School, and Lakewood High School. Often referred to as “The Village” by locals, Lakewood Village is surrounded by tons of green spaces, restaurants, and shopping destinations for all residents to enjoy. Those looking to purchase Long Beach real estate will have an abundance of Mid-Century Modern ranches and cozy bungalows to choose from here. To top it off, Long Beach Airport is located just a few minutes from the neighborhood, making Lakewood Village an ideal spot for those who travel frequently!
Things to Do in Lakewood Village
Golf with friends or practice with PGA professionals when you become a member at Lakewood Country Club. Shop ’til you drop at popular stores like Cotton On, Macy’s, H&M, and more at Lakewood Center. Go for a jog, host an afternoon picnic, or play a game of handball at Pan American Park. Browse vintage clothing, home decor, antiques, and more at the monthly Long Beach Antique Market. Looking for some of the best Mexican food in Long Beach? Try the Carnitas Tostada, Pastor Burrito, or Shrimp Quesadilla at El Burrito Grill. Choose your spice level and order The Original Nashville Hot Breakfast Burrito or The Main Chick Sandwich with a side of Blazin’ Fries at Cluck & Blaze. Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine with the Panang Curry Pasta, Thai Beef Jerky, and Spicy Fried Rice at the modern S.T. Noodle Bar. Or spend the night with friends sipping on a variety of drinks and tasting food from 14 different small businesses in Long Beach at The Hangar Food Hall.
Los Altos
- Home Price: $531,288 median purchase price; $1,323 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Long Beach neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Los Altos is a safe neighborhood in East Long Beach offering residents a wide variety of home styles to choose from—ranging from charming bungalows to Mid-Century Modern ranches. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly suburban feel, a great arts and culture scene, or unique shopping and dining spots to explore, Los Altos has something for everyone. This Long Beach neighborhood borders California State University, Long Beach, making it the perfect location for both students and those looking to work in education. Meanwhile, families can feel confident sending their kids to top-rated schools within the Long Beach Unified School District, like Tincher Preparatory School and Millikan High School. And Los Altos is also a great neighborhood for retired veterans thanks to its close proximity to Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center.
Things to Do in Los Altos
Take your kids to the playground, score goals on the soccer field, or gather friends for a pick-up basketball game at Whaley Park. Get tickets to see jazz performances, ballet productions, comedy shows, and more at Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Browse endless shelves of books, attend author readings, and visit Ruby the bookstore cat at Gatsby Books. Feed the koi fish, walk the Zen Garden paths, and participate in events like Art Days at the Japanese Garden every month at Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. Pick up fresh pastries and donuts like the Sugar Cronut, Chocolate Croissant, and Apple Fritter at 24-hour Simone’s Donuts. Order home-style dishes like the Thai Chicken Salad, Chicken Pot Pie, and Chili Size Burger at a family-owned and operated establishment, Hof’s Hut Restaurant & Bakery. Try the Seafood Ravioli or specialty pizzas like A La Nicola and Matterhorn Deluxe at Marri’s Pizza & Pasta. Or chow down authentic Thai and Japanese dishes like the Spicy Chicken Coconut Soup, Panang Thai Curry, and Chirashi Rice Bowl at Bai Plu Thai & Sushi.
Los Cerritos
- Home Price: $508,075 median purchase price; $1,689 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 78% of Long Beach neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
If you’re hoping to live in one of the most affordable Long Beach neighborhoods, check out Los Cerritos! Home to the famous Ferris Bueller House and close to plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, and breweries, this Long Beach neighborhood is quiet, safe, and full of parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. You’ll be able to choose from budget-friendly housing options including cozy bungalows, ranches, and Contemporary homes. Los Cerritos is also perfect for those who need to commute, with Downtown Long Beach just 15 minutes away and I-405 and I-710 providing convenient access to other parts of the city!
Things to Do in Los Cerritos
Wander through the gardens, explore the historic adobe home, and take a docent-led tour at Rancho Los Cerritos. Go bird-watching, mountain biking, or explore popular Long Beach hiking trails on foot at Dominguez Gap Wetlands. Walk your dog, practice your tennis swing, or enjoy a relaxing picnic with the family at Los Cerritos Park. Head to the gentleman’s bar, check out the card room, or play a round of golf when you become a member at Virginia Country Club. Order fresh-baked goods like the Guava Croissant, Cinnamon Bomb, and Zucchini Muffin at The Merchant. Feast on Southern comfort cuisine like the Chicken Fried Steak, Burnt Ends Sandwich, and Catfish Po Boy at Johnny Rebs’ True South. Try the Pasta Primavera, Bacon Crusted Halibut, and Chicken Piccata at Phil Trani’s. Or sink your teeth into burgers from Hangry Belly, waffles from Waffle Love, Acai Bowls from Koolberry, and more at the outdoor food court, SteelCraft Long Beach.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes.