Long time reader, first time posting. The weather averaging 61F year-round is {weather_feel}. The community in Belmont Shore is really tight-knit. What's your experience been?
93 upvotes
16 Replies
Evelyn Richardson
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Long Beach.
Background: 29, college grad, moved from Dallas 1 years ago for my partner's job. Currently in Belmont Heights.
**Housing:**
The market is solid right now. We went with Belmont Heights because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Retro Row - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
finance jobs are strong 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 12 months were tough. Then I found my people through a kickball league. Now I have a solid group. Long Beach people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. For families, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
50 upvotes
Levi Myers
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):
- Downtown Long Beach: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Belmont Heights: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Lakewood Village: underrated and affordable
- Traffic Circle area: suburban feel, big yards
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:**
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Long Beach is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Tampa.
Hope that helps!
49 upvotes
Cameron Gomez
Parent of two in Belmont Shore. Schools are pretty good here. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
42 upvotes
Miles L.
My neighbor would disagree lol.
40 upvotes
Lily Morris
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in Long Beach is hit or miss. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit..
38 upvotes
Ella Clark
Great question. Here's my honest take after 11 years:
The good:
- Good schools in certain areas
- Strong arts and culture scene
- Good farmers markets
The not-so-good:
- Summers are brutal
- Winters are harsh
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. I'd say for singles, Long Beach is improving. Happy to answer questions.
21 upvotes
Emily H.
Renter's perspective: I think it's fair for the area. I'm in Bixby Knolls and it's excellent. Definitely shop around though.
21 upvotes
Ava Cook
We pay /mo in Signal Hill for a 3-bed and I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
21 upvotes
Hannah J.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Signal Hill from Seattle about 8 years ago. Initially I missed home a lot. But after settling in, The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Signal Hill and El Dorado Park for housing
- Give it at least 6 months before deciding if it's for you
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was walkability. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 9/10 for remote workers.
21 upvotes
Weston Howard
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Belmont Shore vs Los Cerritos: completely different vibes. Belmont Shore is more decent with a younger crowd and nightlife. Los Cerritos is up-and-coming and better for singles.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Belmont Shore. In Los Cerritos you can find stuff for /mo.
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
18 upvotes
Austin E.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Retro Row from Portland about 1 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Retro Row and Naples for housing
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was cost of living. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Overall I'd give Long Beach a 7/10 for singles.
15 upvotes
Claire Campbell
As someone who lives in Signal Hill, Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. That said, the suburbs are a different story.
14 upvotes
Leah
Moved here from Boston and I'd say The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. The walkability here is hit or miss compared to what I'm used to.
8 upvotes
Sadie S.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 12 years:
The good:
- Good parks and trails
- Good healthcare options
- Good internet
The not-so-good:
- Not much to do late at night
- Homelessness visible downtown
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. I'd say for remote workers, Long Beach is improving. Feel free to ask specifics.
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