One of my favorite things about Long Beach is that no two neighborhoods feel the same.

You can live in a walkable beach community where you’re grabbing coffee and walking to the ocean every morning, or in a quiet neighborhood with tree-lined streets where kids ride bikes and neighbors actually know each other.

When buyers tell me, “I want to live in Long Beach,” my next question is always:

“What kind of lifestyle do you want?”

Because finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right house.

Here’s a guide to some of Long Beach’s most popular neighborhoods and who I think they’re perfect for.

Belmont Shore

Best for: Beach lovers, young professionals, and anyone who wants to walk everywhere.

If your dream is to grab your morning coffee, walk to the beach, browse local boutiques, and end your day with dinner on Second Street, Belmont Shore is hard to beat. It’s one of Long Beach’s most walkable neighborhoods and has a fun, energetic atmosphere with restaurants, shops, and the beach all within a few blocks.

You’ll love Belmont Shore if you:

Love being outside
Want a vibrant social scene
Enjoy walking or biking instead of driving
Don’t mind paying a premium for the location

Naples

Best for: Luxury buyers, boaters, and anyone looking for a peaceful waterfront lifestyle.

Naples feels like a little slice of Italy tucked into Long Beach. The canals, waterfront homes, bridges, and boats create one of the most unique neighborhoods in Southern California. It’s quiet, beautiful, and perfect for evening walks along the water.

You’ll love Naples if you:

Want waterfront living
Enjoy paddleboarding, boating, or kayaking
Prefer a quieter lifestyle
Appreciate luxury homes and scenic views

Bixby Knolls

Best for: Families, commuters, and buyers looking for a strong sense of community.

Whenever someone tells me they want charm, larger lots, and a neighborhood where people actually know their neighbors, Bixby Knolls is one of the first places I recommend.

Atlantic Avenue is filled with local restaurants, coffee shops, and small businesses, while the surrounding streets are known for beautiful homes and mature trees. It also offers convenient access to the 405 freeway for commuters.

You’ll love Bixby Knolls if you:

Want a suburban feel without leaving Long Beach
Have a family or plan to start one
Like local businesses over big chains
Commute to Los Angeles or Orange County

California Heights

Best for: Buyers who love character homes and historic neighborhoods.

California Heights is full of charm.

Think Craftsman homes, Spanish architecture, tree-lined streets, and houses with personality instead of cookie-cutter floor plans.

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a home with history and curb appeal, this neighborhood should absolutely be on your list. It’s also one of Long Beach’s designated historic districts.

You’ll love California Heights if you:

Appreciate historic architecture
Want a quiet residential neighborhood
Prefer unique homes with character
Enjoy taking evening walks through beautiful streets

Downtown Long Beach

Best for: Professionals, condo buyers, and people who love city living.

Downtown Long Beach offers a completely different lifestyle than the rest of the city.

High-rise condos, waterfront views, nightlife, sporting events, restaurants, and entertainment are all within walking distance. If you enjoy being where the action is, Downtown may be the perfect fit.

You’ll love Downtown if you:

Prefer a condo over a single-family home
Love restaurants and nightlife
Want a walkable, urban lifestyle
Like being close to the waterfront and entertainment

Los Altos

Best for: Growing families and buyers looking for more space.

Los Altos has a quieter, more suburban feel while still being just a short drive from the beach.

You’ll generally find larger lots, parks, and excellent access to shopping and schools, making it a popular choice for families who want a little more room to spread out.

You’ll love Los Altos if you:

Need extra space
Want a family-friendly neighborhood
Prefer a quieter lifestyle
Still want easy access to the rest of Long Beach

Alamitos Beach

Best for: First-time buyers, condo shoppers, and anyone wanting coastal living at a more approachable price point.

If you’ve always wanted to live near the ocean without spending millions, Alamitos Beach is worth considering.

It’s one of the more affordable neighborhoods close to the water and offers a mix of condos, apartments, beach paths, and easy access to Downtown.

You’ll love Alamitos Beach if you:

Want to be close to the beach
Are buying your first condo
Enjoy an active lifestyle
Like being near restaurants and downtown

So…Which Neighborhood Is Right for You?

The truth is, there isn’t one “best” neighborhood in Long Beach.

The best neighborhood is the one that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your goals.

Some people fall in love with the energy of Belmont Shore. Others prefer the quiet streets of Bixby Knolls or the historic charm of California Heights. That’s why I always encourage my clients to explore a few different neighborhoods before making a decision.

Sometimes the neighborhood you didn’t expect ends up feeling the most like home.

Thinking About Moving to Long Beach?

Whether you’re relocating, buying your first home, or simply trying to figure out which neighborhood fits your lifestyle, I’d love to help.

As a local Realtor, I spend a lot of time helping buyers compare neighborhoods, understand the market, and find a home that truly fits the way they want to live. If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk. Together we’ll narrow down the neighborhoods that make the most sense for you and help you feel confident every step of the way.

Kasey Cohen, REALTOR®
Helping buyers and sellers throughout Southern California find more than just a house…a place to call home.