Quick answer
Long Beach has 5 notable neighborhoods. Median 1BR rent is $2,050/mo citywide. Top picks: Downtown / Waterfront, Belmont Heights, Bluff Heights.
Neighborhood Guide · 2026
Best Neighborhoods in Long Beach
5 areas ranked by vibe, walkability, and affordability. Median 1BR rent: $2,050/mo. State income tax: 9.3%.
All 5 Neighborhoods
Downtown / Waterfront
Walkable, bars and restaurants, galleries and arts spaces, young professionals. Expensive ($2,200-2,500 for 1BR), constant activity, some noise from port and clubs.
Belmont Heights
Family-friendly, tree-lined streets, Craftsman homes, quieter than downtown. Good schools, 10-minute drive to beach. $2,000-2,300 for 1BR rentals.
Bluff Heights
Hilltop neighborhood, older architecture, views of Long Beach and ocean. Diverse, family-oriented, peaceful. $1,800-2,100 for 1BR, genuine community feel.
Bixby Knolls
Upscale, quiet, tree-covered streets, 1920s-1960s homes. More expensive ($2,300+), families and empty nesters, minimal foot traffic, feels separate from city bustle.
North Long Beach
More affordable ($1,500-1,800 for 1BR), diverse, some blocks are sketchy and gentrifying. Less walkable, more car-dependent, but cheaper access to Long Beach.
Long Beach at a Glance
Median 1BR
$2,050
Median home
$825K
Walk score
76/100
State tax
9.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best neighborhoods in Long Beach?
Long Beach's top neighborhoods include Downtown / Waterfront, Belmont Heights, Bluff Heights. Walkable, bars and restaurants, galleries and arts spaces, young professionals. Expensive ($2,200-2,500 for 1BR), constant activity, some noise from port and clubs.
What is the safest neighborhood in Long Beach?
Long Beach safety varies by area. For up-to-date crime data by neighborhood, check the Long Beach police department's public crime map. Generally, established residential areas with lower vacancy rates tend to have lower crime rates.
How much does it cost to rent in Long Beach?
City-wide median 1BR rent in Long Beach is $2,050/mo, 2BR is $2,650/mo. Prices vary by neighborhood — central and trendy areas run above the median, outer residential areas below.