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Waylon Turner
moving
Relocating to Long Beach from LA
Quick one - Home prices averaging is {home_feel}. I keep discovering new spots even after 12 years. Anyone else feel the same?
74 upvotes
53 Replies
Gabriella Jones
Not to be negative but the schools are inconsistent. I still like living here overall though. Just keeping it real.
50 upvotes
Charlotte R.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to El Dorado Park from San Diego about 6 years ago. Initially I missed home a lot. But after settling in, People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out El Dorado Park and Lakewood Village for housing
- Talk to your neighbors - people are friendlier than you'd expect
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was transit. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 6/10 for retirees.
I moved to El Dorado Park from San Diego about 6 years ago. Initially I missed home a lot. But after settling in, People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out El Dorado Park and Lakewood Village for housing
- Talk to your neighbors - people are friendlier than you'd expect
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was transit. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 6/10 for retirees.
50 upvotes
Thomas M.
Facts.
49 upvotes
Isabelle Edwards
This is the way.
49 upvotes
Ian Rodriguez
Night shift worker - Long Beach at 3am is pretty good. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable..
48 upvotes
Aubrey Turner
Great question. Here's my honest take after 3 years:
The good:
- Friendly locals
- Good healthcare options
- Safe neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Limited public transit
- Limited diversity in some areas
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. I'd say for young professionals, Long Beach is great. DM me if you want more details.
The good:
- Friendly locals
- Good healthcare options
- Safe neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Limited public transit
- Limited diversity in some areas
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. I'd say for young professionals, Long Beach is great. DM me if you want more details.
47 upvotes
Nicholas Brown
I had the opposite experience.
46 upvotes
tampa_ian
Weekend warrior here - Long Beach is hit or miss for kayaking. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.
43 upvotes
Silas Wood
As a local, yes.
43 upvotes
Miles
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Signal Hill from Detroit about 8 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Signal Hill and Los Altos for housing
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was cost of living. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 8/10 for remote workers.
I moved to Signal Hill from Detroit about 8 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Signal Hill and Los Altos for housing
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was cost of living. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 8/10 for remote workers.
42 upvotes
Emmett E.
Parent of two in Los Altos. Schools are improving here. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
42 upvotes
Emmett Torres
Following because I'm curious too.
42 upvotes
Chloe Ruiz
TIL.
41 upvotes
lake_emilia15
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Long Beach.
Background: 23, newlywed, moved from Baltimore 8 years ago for my partner's job. Currently in Wrigley.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Wrigley because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Marina Pacifica - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
education jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Baltimore but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 2 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Long Beach people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. For students, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 23, newlywed, moved from Baltimore 8 years ago for my partner's job. Currently in Wrigley.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Wrigley because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Marina Pacifica - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
education jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Baltimore but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 2 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Long Beach people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. For students, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
40 upvotes
Everett White
Underrated comment.
39 upvotes
Weston Williams
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The city has shifted a lot.
38 upvotes
Ruby Peterson
I've lived in both Signal Hill and Belmont Shore. Completely different vibes. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go..
37 upvotes
Riley N.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Long Beach.
Background: 31, empty nester, moved from Baltimore 4 years ago for family. Currently in Los Altos.
**Housing:**
The market is great right now. We went with Los Altos because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Lakewood Village - it's established and the value is better.
**Work:**
retail jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Baltimore but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 15 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Long Beach people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. For retirees, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 31, empty nester, moved from Baltimore 4 years ago for family. Currently in Los Altos.
**Housing:**
The market is great right now. We went with Los Altos because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Lakewood Village - it's established and the value is better.
**Work:**
retail jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Baltimore but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 15 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Long Beach people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. For retirees, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
37 upvotes
Owen Morris
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If good schools matters most, then yeah Long Beach is great. But if you need walkability, might want to look at Cal Heights instead.
35 upvotes
Isla Wood
Homeowner in Bixby Knolls since 2020. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. Property values have been flat which is great for equity.
34 upvotes
Addison Anderson
Been here 1 years, can vouch for this.
34 upvotes
Hunter
Pretty much.
33 upvotes
John Walker
Night shift worker - Long Beach at 3am is excellent. The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
32 upvotes
Liam Ross
I'd highly recommend checking out Belmont Heights. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. Plus the food options around there are excellent.
28 upvotes
Evelyn Lee
You're not wrong.
26 upvotes
Dominic Cruz
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Long Beach guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Los Altos: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Marina Pacifica: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- El Dorado Park: hidden gem, locals only know
- Belmont Heights: good schools, safe streets
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Long Beach is established but it's not for everyone. If you value community over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Raleigh.
Happy to answer questions.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Los Altos: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Marina Pacifica: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- El Dorado Park: hidden gem, locals only know
- Belmont Heights: good schools, safe streets
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Long Beach is established but it's not for everyone. If you value community over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Raleigh.
Happy to answer questions.
23 upvotes
Maria S.
I walk my dog through Naples every day and Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. The vibe has really evolved in the past couple years.
22 upvotes
Emilia
I had the opposite experience.
22 upvotes
Dylan
+1
20 upvotes
Eugene G.
Yep.
19 upvotes
Sophie Bennett
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Lakewood Village, Bixby Knolls, and currently in Naples. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Lakewood Village: /mo for a 2-bed
- Bixby Knolls: about /mo
- Naples: /mo but great
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Long Beach really clicks.
I've lived in Lakewood Village, Bixby Knolls, and currently in Naples. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Lakewood Village: /mo for a 2-bed
- Bixby Knolls: about /mo
- Naples: /mo but great
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Long Beach really clicks.
18 upvotes
Brooklyn
Underrated comment.
18 upvotes
Dylan Alvarez
Following because I'm curious too.
15 upvotes
Anna Johnson
I'd highly recommend checking out Lakewood Village. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Plus the food options around there are solid.
15 upvotes
Zoey Murphy
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Los Altos from Denver about 7 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Los Altos and Naples for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was housing. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 9/10 for retirees.
I moved to Los Altos from Denver about 7 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Los Altos and Naples for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was housing. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 9/10 for retirees.
15 upvotes
Easton Hughes
Needed to hear this.
15 upvotes
Scarlett Nelson
Haven't experienced that personally.
14 upvotes
Daniel J.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Long Beach guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Bixby Knolls: best food in the city
- Belmont Heights: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Los Altos: great community feel
- Retro Row: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Long Beach is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value space over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Columbus.
Feel free to ask specifics.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Bixby Knolls: best food in the city
- Belmont Heights: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Los Altos: great community feel
- Retro Row: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Long Beach is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value space over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Columbus.
Feel free to ask specifics.
14 upvotes
Jeremiah Miller
I walk my dog through Cal Heights every day and Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The vibe has really grown in the past couple years.
13 upvotes
Ethan Gray
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Marina Pacifica from New York about 1 years ago. Initially I missed home a lot. But after settling in, Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Marina Pacifica and Belmont Heights for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was cost of living. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 8/10 for remote workers.
I moved to Marina Pacifica from New York about 1 years ago. Initially I missed home a lot. But after settling in, Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Marina Pacifica and Belmont Heights for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was cost of living. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 8/10 for remote workers.
10 upvotes
Judith L.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Long Beach guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Naples: safest area, good schools
- Bixby Knolls: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Lakewood Village: great community feel
- Cal Heights: good schools, safe streets
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: underrated compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Long Beach is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider San Diego.
DM me if you want more details.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Naples: safest area, good schools
- Bixby Knolls: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Lakewood Village: great community feel
- Cal Heights: good schools, safe streets
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: underrated compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Long Beach is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider San Diego.
DM me if you want more details.
9 upvotes
Connor Rivera
My experience has been different actually. I found that I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. Maybe it depends on which part of Long Beach you're in.
9 upvotes
Brooklyn Carter
Parent of two in Naples. Schools are great here. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
8 upvotes
Parker Kelly
Adding this to my list.
8 upvotes
Joshua R.
Can confirm.
7 upvotes
Aiden W.
My experience has been different actually. I found that I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. Maybe it depends on which part of Long Beach you're in.
7 upvotes
Delilah Baker
Weekend warrior here - Long Beach is decent for live music. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
7 upvotes
Jaxon
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Naples from Minneapolis about 10 years ago. Initially I loved it immediately. But after settling in, Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Naples and Signal Hill for housing
- Join local Facebook/Reddit groups for your neighborhood
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was job market. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 7/10 for families.
I moved to Naples from Minneapolis about 10 years ago. Initially I loved it immediately. But after settling in, Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Naples and Signal Hill for housing
- Join local Facebook/Reddit groups for your neighborhood
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was job market. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 7/10 for families.
5 upvotes
Henry Foster
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Long Beach.
Background: 47, empty nester, moved from Dallas 8 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Cal Heights.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Cal Heights because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Downtown Long Beach - it's lively and the value is better.
**Work:**
hospitality jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Dallas but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 16 months were tough. Then I found my people through a dog park crew. Now I have a solid group. Long Beach people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
The parks system here is underrated.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 47, empty nester, moved from Dallas 8 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Cal Heights.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Cal Heights because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Downtown Long Beach - it's lively and the value is better.
**Work:**
hospitality jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Dallas but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 16 months were tough. Then I found my people through a dog park crew. Now I have a solid group. Long Beach people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
The parks system here is underrated.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
3 upvotes
Cora Sanders
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a freelancer in Los Altos. Been here since 2022. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
Neighborhood-wise, Los Altos has really transformed in the past few years. Belmont Shore is the up-and-coming spot right now. Traffic Circle area is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for real estate: great. For government: quiet.
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.
Happy to answer questions.
I'm a freelancer in Los Altos. Been here since 2022. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
Neighborhood-wise, Los Altos has really transformed in the past few years. Belmont Shore is the up-and-coming spot right now. Traffic Circle area is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for real estate: great. For government: quiet.
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.
Happy to answer questions.
2 upvotes
Theodore
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If career growth matters most, then yeah Long Beach is great. But if you need nightlife, might want to look at Downtown Long Beach instead.
2 upvotes
Carter
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. The city has evolved a lot.
2 upvotes
Caleb
Been here 10 years, can vouch for this.
0 upvotes