One of the first questions buyers ask me is:

“What can I actually get for my budget?”

The answer is…it depends.

Long Beach is one of the most diverse real estate markets in Southern California. You can find beachfront condos, historic Craftsman homes, luxury waterfront properties, charming bungalows, and everything in between. Because each neighborhood is so different, your budget can stretch a lot further in some areas than others.

To give you a better idea of what’s possible, here’s what you can generally expect at three common price points in today’s Long Beach market. Keep in mind that every home is different, and inventory changes daily, but this should give you a realistic starting point. Median sale prices in Long Beach have recently ranged from roughly the high-$700,000s to the high-$800,000s depending on the source and timeframe.

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Around $500,000

For many buyers, this is the perfect entry point into the Long Beach market.

At this price, you’re typically looking at:

• One- or two-bedroom condominiums
• Some townhomes
• Smaller condos near Downtown or Alamitos Beach
• Occasionally a fixer-upper, depending on the neighborhood and market conditions

Many condos in this price range offer amenities like secured parking, community pools, fitness centers, or proximity to the beach and local restaurants.

Great neighborhoods to explore include:

• Downtown Long Beach
• Alamitos Beach
• East Village
• Zaferia

If you’re a first-time buyer or someone looking for low-maintenance living, this price point offers a great opportunity to build equity while enjoying everything Long Beach has to offer. Condo prices around this level remain common in several Long Beach neighborhoods.

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Around $750,000

This is where your options really begin to open up.

Depending on the neighborhood, $750,000 may allow you to purchase:

• A move-in-ready condo in a premium location
• A small single-family home
• A charming bungalow
• A home with a yard in certain neighborhoods

You’ll likely find more square footage, additional bedrooms, and outdoor space compared to the $500,000 price point.

Neighborhoods worth considering include:

• Wrigley
• North Long Beach
• Carson Park
• Parts of California Heights
• Parts of East Long Beach

For many buyers, this budget strikes a nice balance between affordability and flexibility. It’s often where buyers transition from condo living into homeownership with a private yard and garage. Long Beach’s median listing price has hovered close to this range in recent market data.

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Around $1 Million

Once you reach the $1 million mark, your choices expand significantly.

This budget can open the door to:

• Larger single-family homes
• Beautifully remodeled properties
• Homes with larger lots
• Multiple living spaces
• Prime locations
• Occasionally homes with ocean views or close proximity to the water

Depending on exactly where you’re looking, you may also find historic homes with incredible character or modern renovations with high-end finishes.

Popular neighborhoods include:

• Bixby Knolls
• Los Altos
• Belmont Heights
• California Heights
• Parts of Naples
• Parts of Belmont Shore

It’s worth noting that in some of Long Beach’s most desirable coastal neighborhoods, $1 million is often just the starting point, especially for larger homes or properties directly on the water.

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It’s Not Just About the Budget

One thing I always tell my clients is this:

Don’t fall in love with a price point. Fall in love with a lifestyle.

Would you rather have a condo where you can walk to the beach and your favorite coffee shop?

Or would you rather have a larger home with a backyard that’s a 15-minute drive from the ocean?

Neither answer is right or wrong. It simply depends on what’s most important to you.

Some buyers prioritize square footage. Others care more about being able to walk to dinner, bike to the beach, or live in a neighborhood with a strong sense of community.

That’s why I always encourage my clients to focus on how they want to live, not just how many bedrooms they want.

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So…What’s the Right Budget for You?

The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

Your ideal budget depends on your goals, your lifestyle, your monthly payment, and the neighborhoods you’re most interested in.

One of my favorite parts of my job is helping buyers explore different options they may not have considered. Sometimes a neighborhood that’s five minutes away offers exactly what you’re looking for at a completely different price point.

If you’re curious about what your budget could buy in today’s market, I’d be happy to put together a personalized list of homes based on your price range, preferred neighborhoods, and wish list.

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real information to help you make the best decision for your future.

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