Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Long Beach
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Long Beach
Rent control: Long Beachhas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Long Beach scores for you
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Long Beach is a major coastal city in southeastern Los Angeles County, home to 450,469 people and one of California's largest municipalities. Known for its working waterfront, diverse neighborhoods, and mix of urban development alongside quieter residential pockets, it offers renters a range of living environments from bustling downtown corridors to more car-dependent outlying areas.
The city's character reflects its industrial and maritime heritage alongside newer development. You will find a substantial rental market spread across distinct neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm. Long Beach ranks 24th overall among regional rental areas, meaning it sits in the middle range of the Southern California rental landscape.
Getting around Long Beach requires a car for most daily errands; walkability ranks below the regional average. Public transit exists but is limited and infrequent, so a vehicle is practical for most residents. Traffic exposure is slightly above average for the region, and air quality is moderate.
Living here
Daily life in Long Beach depends heavily on which neighborhood you choose and whether you own a car. The city has a solid selection of restaurants, groceries, and gyms spread throughout, with about 6 restaurants and 1 grocery store within a short walk of typical locations. You will find coffee shops and parks nearby in many areas, though not at the density of more walkable regional neighborhoods. If you rely on transit, you should know that Long Beach has no Metro rail stations and service is limited compared to more centrally located areas.
The waterfront and downtown areas offer more walkability and urban energy, while residential neighborhoods require more driving. Air quality is moderate for California standards. Traffic is manageable but typical of a larger urban area. Renters here typically own cars and plan errands around their driving routes rather than walking.
Who it's for
Long Beach works best for renters who own a car, are comfortable with moderate walkability, and want to be near the coast or in a major urban center without the density of a smaller, more walkable neighborhood. It suits people working throughout the greater Los Angeles area who value having various neighborhood options within one city, from quieter residential blocks to more urban centers. If you rely on public transit or prefer to walk to most errands, other parts of the region will feel more convenient.
Environment & livability
Air quality: moderate diesel PM exposure for California.
Above the state median, linked to mild long-term respiratory risk in some studies. Worth considering for sensitive households.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: most errands require a car or transit.
Lower intersection density and fewer destinations within walking distance, typical of suburban LA/OC areas.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Long Beach
Population
382,585
Renters
59%
of households rent
Median age
36
Median income
$82k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Long Beach
Food 4 Less · Albertsons · Wild Fork · Trader Joe's
Doly‘s Delectables · Wolf's Brew · Hoja's Tea & Coffee · Little Brass Cafe
Popeyes · Taco Bell · 555 East American Steakhouse · Star of Siam
C. David Molina Park · Rose Park · Victory Park · Carroll Park
Planet Fitness · BE Fit · Gold's Gym · Student Recreation and Wellness Center
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to live in Long Beach?+
Yes, a car is practical for most residents. Walkability is below regional average, and public transit is limited with no rail service. While some downtown and waterfront areas offer more walkable errands, most neighborhoods require driving for groceries, work, and daily activities.
What is transit access like?+
Long Beach has limited transit service with no Metro rail stations within the city. Bus service exists but is infrequent compared to areas closer to central Los Angeles. If you rely on public transportation, you should research specific bus routes for your commute before moving.
What neighborhoods in Long Beach are most walkable?+
Downtown Long Beach and waterfront areas tend to have higher walkability and more urban amenities nearby. Residential neighborhoods throughout the rest of the city are more car-oriented and spread out. Your specific address matters significantly for how much you can walk versus drive.
How is air quality in Long Beach?+
Air quality is moderate, with moderate diesel PM exposure typical for California. It ranks around the regional median for air quality, so it is neither among the cleanest nor most polluted areas in Southern California.
Is Long Beach walkable?+
Long Beach ranks #282 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, most errands require a car or transit.
What is the average rent in Long Beach?+
Current residents of Long Beach pay a median rent of about $1,942 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Long Beach?+
Long Beach has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 61 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Long Beach?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Long Beach are Signal Hill, Downtown LA, Duarte and Lakewood.