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Life in Long Beach, CA

223 Rooms Available
$1307 Average Rent
357 Roommates Available
$1218 Average Budget

Moving to Long Beach

Stretching along the Southern California coast just south of Los Angeles, Long Beach is a city that has carved out an identity entirely its own. Home to nearly half a million people, it blends beach-town charm with big-city grit — think working port, world-class aquarium, craft beer scene, and bike lanes everywhere. Whether you're drawn by the waterfront, the diversity, or the rents that still undercut the Westside, this guide covers everything you need to know about making the move.

Here's what we'll cover:

Why is Everyone Moving to Long Beach, CA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Long Beach, CA

The Pros and Cons of Living in Long Beach, CA

Moving to Long Beach, CA FAQ's

Thinking About Moving to Long Beach, CA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Long Beach

Before moving to Long Beach, CA, know that this city rewards exploration. The neighborhoods are wildly different from one another. Belmont Shore feels like a classic SoCal beach town with 2nd Street's boutiques and brunch spots. Downtown has undergone a major revitalization, with loft conversions, rooftop bars, and the Pike Outlets along the waterfront. Bixby Knolls to the north is tree-lined and family-friendly, while Cambodia Town along Anaheim Street is home to the largest Cambodian community outside of Southeast Asia and some of the best Southeast Asian food in the country.

Housing costs in Long Beach sit in a sweet spot for Southern California. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,700 to $2,300 per month, depending on proximity to the water. Splitting rent with a roommate in a two-bedroom can bring your share down to $1,000 to $1,400 — a serious value compared to Santa Monica or West Hollywood. Prices are climbing, but there's still room to find a deal, especially north of the 405.

The job market benefits from the massive Port of Long Beach (one of the busiest in the Western Hemisphere), plus aerospace employers, healthcare systems, and a growing creative economy Downtown. The Metro A Line (formerly Blue Line) runs directly to Downtown LA in about 50 minutes, making car-optional commuting a reality. The climate is classic coastal Southern California — mild year-round with morning fog that burns off by noon and roughly 280 sunny days a year.

Roommates in Long Beach

Pros & Cons of Living in Long Beach

Long Beach delivers genuine coastal living without the sticker shock of LA's Westside. The diversity is incredible — over 90 languages are spoken here — and the city has its own airport, its own port, and its own identity separate from LA. The trade-offs include pockets of higher crime, air quality concerns near the port, and a Metro line that could use modernization. For anyone who wants beach access, cultural richness, and a real sense of community, Long Beach delivers.

Pros of Living in Long Beach

Beach Living at Non-Beach Prices

Long Beach is one of the few coastal Southern California cities where you can live within biking distance of the sand without paying Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach prices. A roommate share near the water can run $1,000-$1,400 per person, which is remarkable for a beachside address in LA County.

Exceptional Bike Infrastructure

Long Beach has consistently been rated one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. The city has invested heavily in protected bike lanes, the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath runs along the coast, and many residents commute by bike year-round. You can genuinely live here without a car if you choose the right neighborhood.

Incredible Cultural Diversity

With one of the most diverse populations in the country, Long Beach is home to thriving Cambodian, Latino, Black, LGBTQ+, and Pacific Islander communities. This diversity translates directly into an extraordinary food scene, vibrant cultural festivals, and a city that genuinely feels welcoming to everyone.

Downtown Revitalization and Waterfront

Downtown Long Beach has transformed from overlooked to exciting. The Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, craft breweries, loft-style apartments, and a growing restaurant scene have given the area a genuine urban energy. The waterfront promenade is one of the best in Southern California.

Metro Access to Downtown LA

The Metro A Line connects Long Beach to Downtown Los Angeles in about 50 minutes, offering a car-free commute option that most SoCal beach cities simply don't have. Combined with Long Beach Transit's local buses and the city's bikeability, going car-light is a real possibility.

Cons of Moving to Long Beach

Port-Related Air Quality Concerns

The Port of Long Beach is an economic engine, but it also means diesel truck traffic, ship emissions, and industrial activity that affects air quality in nearby neighborhoods like West Long Beach. If you have respiratory sensitivities, choose a neighborhood further from the port — Belmont Shore and Bixby Knolls fare much better.

Uneven Safety Across Neighborhoods

Long Beach's safety varies significantly by area. Belmont Shore, Naples, and Bixby Knolls are quite safe, but parts of Central and North Long Beach see higher crime rates. Research your specific neighborhood carefully and visit at different times of day before signing a lease.

Aging Metro Line

While the Metro A Line is a genuine asset, it's one of LA Metro's oldest lines and can feel slow and dated. The 50-minute ride to DTLA involves many stops, and service disruptions for maintenance aren't uncommon. It works, but it's not the sleek modern transit experience you might hope for.

Limited Nightlife Compared to LA Proper

Long Beach has a solid bar and restaurant scene, especially Downtown and along 2nd Street, but it can't compete with the sheer volume of options in Hollywood, Silver Lake, or DTLA. Night owls who crave variety may find themselves driving north on weekends.
Roommates in Long Beach

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Long Beach

Is Long Beach, CA a good place to live?

What is Long Beach, CA known for?

What is the cost of living in Long Beach, CA?

Is Long Beach, CA safe?

Thinking About Moving to Long Beach?

When choosing where to live in Long Beach, think about your priorities. Belmont Shore and Naples are ideal for beach lovers who want walkability. Downtown suits young professionals who want nightlife and transit access. Bixby Knolls is perfect for those who want a quieter, more residential feel with great local restaurants. Using Roommates.com will help you connect with people already living in Long Beach and find a roommate who matches your lifestyle and budget.

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