City of Long Beach: A Unique and Thriving Profile
Long Beach defies simple definition—and that’s one of its greatest strengths. With oceanfront beaches and what Heal the Bay rates as A+ for clean water being Alamitos Bay, the city is both an industrial powerhouse and a vibrant coastal destination. It boasts six prominent shopping neighborhoods, each offering a unique mix of businesses, retail, art, and history.
While the downtown business district faces challenges, with businesses leaving, thousands of new apartments have been built and are mostly leased. Despite urban struggles, the residential market and suburban business districts tell a much brighter story.
A Diverse and Dynamic City
Belmont Shore exemplifies the California beach lifestyle with trendy restaurants, boutique shopping, and fitness hubs. Other notable areas include 2nd & PCH, Retro Row on 4th Street, LBX and The Hangar at Douglas Park, the East Village Arts District, and Bixby Knolls. These neighborhoods highlight Long Beach’s diversity—a major factor driving its continued growth and appeal.
Historically, institutional investors from New York and beyond overlooked Long Beach, unsure of its potential. That view changed long ago. In the past eight years, over 4,000 rental units have been built downtown, with another 4,000 units planned, in progress, or under construction. Institutions and sophisticated well-capitalized developers continue to bet long on Long Beach.
California’s Housing Affordability Act further mandates the development of 25,000 new homes in Long Beach over the next eight years. At least 12 affordable or mixed-income projects, ranging from 50 to 100 units each, are already nearing approval or completion.
This demand reflects Long Beach’s thriving residential market, strong suburban office space performance, and vibrant retail activity in many areas. Together, these factors reinforce Long Beach as a vital economic hub within the Greater Los Angeles region.
A Growing Coastal Destination
As other Southern California beach cities grow increasingly expensive, Long Beach stands out as an affordable and accessible alternative. Few cities along the Southern California coastline offer the same blend of affordability, opportunity, and coastal charm as Long Beach.
