Long Beach offers an impressive array of waterfront attractions, including the historic Queen Mary ocean liner and the Aquarium of the Pacific which showcases diverse marine life. The city features unique cultural destinations like the Museum of Latin American Art, dedicated to contemporary Latin American and Latinx art, and the Long Beach Museum of Art which provides stunning ocean views. Residents enjoy outdoor recreation at Rosie's Dog Beach, the only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County, and El Dorado Nature Center's serene trails. The dining scene includes Heritage, which earned its first Michelin star in 2023 for its California cuisine, along with seafood at Parkers' Lighthouse and steaks at 555 East.
The housing market presents diverse options across distinct neighborhoods. In Belmont Shore, the median price for single family homes is $1,400,000, while Naples commands a median of $2,275,000. Bixby Knolls offers single family homes at a median price of $1,055,000. Condos present more affordable options, with one bedroom units in Alamitos Beach at a median price of $520,000 and two bedroom units at $850,000. Downtown condos show median prices of $550,000 for one bedroom and $780,000 for two bedroom units.
Long Beach's cost of living sits 49.7% above the national average. A married couple with children ages 6 to 17 needs an annual salary of $156,000 to live comfortably, while renters should aim for $86,000. The property tax rate is 0.69%, with a combined sales tax rate of 8.80%. The city offers strong educational options, including Wilson High School and Polytechnic High School, both rated A by Niche. California State University Long Beach provides higher education opportunities. Public transportation includes the Metro Blue Line to downtown LA, Long Beach Transit buses, and water taxis, while cyclists enjoy 60 miles of bike paths throughout the city.