Relocation Guide for People Moving to Long Beach

Are you thinking about moving to Long Beach, CA? Well, Long Beach has a lot to offer, and this guide will cover everything that you need to know.

Long Beach, California, is famous for its beautiful beaches and marinas. The city also has a fun bea Population: Long Beach has a population of around 456,062 residents. It's a diverse and thriving community.

• Languages: You'll encounter several languages in Long Beach, reflecting its cultural diversity. Common languages include English, Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Armenian, Hindi, and Persian.
• GDP per Capita: The city has a healthy economy, with a GDP per capita of USD 69,805 (latest estimate). This economic strength contributes to a vibrant quality of life.
• Currency: Long Beach uses the US Dollar (US) as its official currency. As of January 2023, exchange rates include CAD 1 = $0.79, €1 = $1.13, £1 = $1.35, and AUD 1 = $0.72.

Beaches

Living in Long Beach means you're never far from the inviting shores of the Pacific Ocean. The city has a scenic coastline that stretches for miles. Residents can enjoy surfing or a multitude of activities throughout the boardwalk. Long Beach's sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, picnics, and beach volleyball. Not to mention, you can also enjoy water paddle boarding.

One of the city's most renowned beachfront attractions is the Aquarium of the Pacific right at the waterfront. This famous institution allows you to look into the marine life of the Pacific Ocean and have guided tours where you can see them swimming in the acquarium. It is very entertaining for families, as they also have many activities for children as well.

Parks and Recreation 

Long Beach features many beautiful beaches and parks for people of all ages. Places like El Dorado Regional Park offer lots of space for picnics, sports, and outdoor fun. You can find playgrounds, lakes, and even a golf course in the park.

For those interested in hiking and bird watching, Signal Hill is a great place to visit. This small but scenic hill offers panoramic views of Long Beach and the surrounding areas. It's a popular spot for watching sunsets or camping out in one of its many designated areas.

Best Neighborhoods in Long Beach with Low Crime Rates, Best Amenities, and Much More

Owing to the city’s unique population, Long Beach has some very diverse neighborhoods. Each neighborhood represents the people that live there. Along with getting a chance to talk to people of different ethnic backgrounds, you can see how certain cultures shape the neighborhoods. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Long Beach:

• Downtown Long Beach: This is a bustling urban center that offers a mix of apartments, condos, and lofts. It provides an eccentric lifestyle with easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions.
• Belmont Shore: Belmont Shore is a desirable neighborhood for families and beach enthusiasts. It has a beachside vibe and offers an incredible view of the ocean. You'll find charming shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere.
• Bixby Knolls: This neighborhood is ideal for those seeking a more suburban feel. Bixby Knolls features tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a sense of community. It's a great option for families.
• Naples: Do you have a dream of living on the water? Naples offers a unique canal-front living experience. Residents enjoy the serenity of the canals, along with easy access to dining and shopping centers.
• East Village Arts District: As an arts and culture hub, this neighborhood is can be very fun for artists and creatives. It features numerous galleries, theaters, and eclectic shops.
• Los Cerritos: This historic neighborhood features beautiful homes and tree-lined streets. It's known for its architectural diversity, parks, and other recreational activities.

Cost of Living

Long Beach is more affordable compared to other cities in California, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. The median home price of the city stands at around $785,000. These prices are much lower than other cities in Southern California. Long Beach is an especially attractive option for individuals looking to live in a vibrant and culturally diverse city without breaking the bank.

The city features many desirable neighborhoods. Each of them caters to a unique lifestyle and housing options. For instance, Belmont Shore is a popular neighborhood among young professionals. It offers a range of housing choices, from apartments to single-family homes. On the other hand, Bixby Knolls is popular for its historic homes and tree-lined streets, making it a favored area for families.

Long Beach also tries to provide residents with affordable housing options. The city's Affordable Housing Program offers rental assistance to low-income families. Also, the Long Beach Community Land Trust helps individuals buy homes at below-market rates. These initiatives ensure housing accessibility and affordability for residents. This further enhances Long Beach's appeal as a diverse and welcoming place.

Economy and Job Market

Long Beach has an unemployment rate of 5.8%- which is slightly higher than the national average. But the city has a diverse economy. It caters to industries like aerospace, healthcare, finance, tourism, tech, trade, and oil. Hence, there are several job opportunities for people with different skill sets.

Some of the city's top employers are:

• The Boeing Aerospace Company, which employs approximately 7,000 residents
• Long Beach City College
• California State University Long Beach
• Frontier Communications
• The Port of Long Beach
• Long Beach Transit. 
• The local school system

Besides that, the Long Beach Unified School District is one of the largest employers in the city. They provide jobs to around 7,000 residents and also help the economy.

Education System

Long Beach has a strong education system with choices for quality learning. California State University Long Beach (CSULB) offers many academic programs. Long Beach City College (LBCC) features bachelor programs, job training, and transfer options. 

The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) is big, serving over 70,000 students in 84 schools. Students can choose from many diverse programs with an emphasis on the prospective job market. The city does offer many educational oppourtunities for individuals looking to pursue their bachelors, masters, or specialization.

Diversity

Diversity is one of Long Beach's most significant characteristics. And the city celebrates its mix of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. Long Beach celebrates many festivals and events all year round. These events make people from different backgrounds feel welcome and accepted.

One prominent event is the Long Beach Pride Parade. They organize this event every May, and it stands as one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in the country. It draws participants and visitors from around the world. Furthermore, the parade features colorful floats, music, and entertainment. It celebrates both the LGBTQ+ community's achievements and a powerful statement of inclusivity.

The Cambodian New Year Parade is another popular event that you can attend in April every year. This parade shows off Cambodian culture through vibrant costumes, traditional dances, and delicious cuisine. It offers a dynamic display of the city's Southeast Asian community and reflects its rich cultural heritage.

In February, Long Beach throws the Brazilian Street Carnival. It's a colorful party celebrating Brazilian culture with samba dancers, drummers, and more. People from all over Southern California come to join, and it's a great example of how Long Beach embraces diversity.

Beyond these events, Long Beach is a city that values diversity in all its forms. Its neighborhoods are home to individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. You can find Hispanic, African American, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities in different neighborhoods. This diverse population has contributed to a melting pot of cultures, leading to a wide variety of cuisines, music, and art.

Bottom Line

Moving to Long Beach? Well, Long Beach has a lot to offer! It's like the big Pacific Ocean, giving you endless possibilities. There are different neighborhoods to explore, plenty of jobs, and cheap cost of living. You can also enjoy the sunny beaches, chill out in the parks, or explore the lively neighborhoods. You can even hang out by the Queen Mary or check out the busy Port of Long Beach. 

The best part is that you can find your desired job due to diverse job industries. Also, if you are planning to get an education in Long Beach, several institutes are offering both traditional and unique courses. ch culture that can be especially fun for newcomers. 

In this guide, we'll explore what Long Beach has to offer. You can learn about its diverse people, strong economy, rich culture, and famous places. From the busy Port of Long Beach to the biggest aquarium in long beach, the city is home to a multitude of attractions.