Long Beach offers oceanfront and bayfront living with a walkable downtown
“The City by the Sea” sounds like a moniker given to a city in a book, but it’s fitting for Long Beach — especially since parts of its history feel a little fantastical. Located on a barrier island off Long Island’s coast, with waterfront on both the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, William H. Reynolds had a hand in the community’s early development. At one point, Reynolds, who was a real estate investor responsible for developing Coney Island’s Dreamland, had elephants brought from the amusement park to help build Long Beach’s boardwalk.
Today, many people live in Long Beach year-round. “It really is such an awesome, unique place, and I think once you get your feet in the sand, it just kind of keeps you there,” says Jennifer McConnell, an associate real estate broker at Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International who lives in Long Beach and has sold homes there for 19 years. “The sand turns to cement, and it’s like, ‘I’m not letting you go!’” Long Beach has an urban vibe and walkable streets lined with local shops and restaurants. And in 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the city is getting $4.5 million for continued improvements.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 33.9% of Long Beach residents work in education, health care and social assistance, and 14.7% work in professional, scientific, management and administrative and waste management services.
Nearly 35,000 residents call the city of Long Beach home.
Many local residents run, walk and ride bikes on Long Beach's boardwalk along the ocean.
Waterfront homes can be found along the Atlantic Ocean or the bay in Long Beach.
There are many wonderful restaurants and services along Park Avenue in Long Beach, NY.
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Surfing, beach volleyball and boating
Ocean Beach Park is popular for relaxing in the sand, swimming in the Atlantic and — above all for some — surfing. “I don’t think I could imagine a Long Beach without surfers,” says Dave Juan, the owner of unsOund Surf, a favorite local surf shop. “When the waves are good, it turns into like Southern California, with how many people you see with surfboards on their car and people just all wet, they look like they just got out of the water at the food stores, and you run into them and they’re talking about it. You get people on the boardwalk watching sometimes when the waves get really big. It’s cool.” But the best surfing spots are a carefully guarded secret. “You’re not allowed to tell the best spots — you’ve just got to find them,” Juan says. Beach volleyball, bodysurfing and skimboarding are also popular. Residents purchase daily or yearly beach passes at a discounted price.
Long Beach’s bayside is ground central for hobbies like boating, jet skiing and fishing. “That’s really what’s so special and so unique,” McConnell says. “The lifestyle is very different if you live bayside or if you live by the ocean.” Winter doesn’t slow residents down, either. “You’ll see people walking the boards even in the dead of winter,” McConnell says. “People will still take a dip in the water, people are surfing, but even when it’s very, very chilly, people’s passions get them out there.” Long Beach Recreation Center has an indoor swimming pool and ice rink; within a couple of blocks, there’s also a skatepark, dog run and bayside fishing pier.
Many local residents easily get around by boat in Long Beach.
Join the annual Long Beach Polar Plunge, every second Sunday in February.
Dip your toes into the Atlantic Ocean in Long Beach.
Hang ten in the city of Long Beach with some of the best surf on the East Coast.
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Homes a short walk from the water
Long Beach’s single-family homes range from three-story beach houses or little bungalows to split levels, colonials and Mediterranean-style homes. Every home in Long Beach is eight blocks or less from the water, and there are plenty of waterfront homes. The median home price is $780,000, which is higher than the national median home price of $418,700, but large waterfront houses can sell for as much as $4 million. Condos cost between $325,000 and $1.2 million.
The Red Brick Street Historic District of Long Beach has homes dating back to the 1900's
Large family homes can be found on some larger plots in Long Beach.
Homes in the west end of Long Beach are often abutted right next to each other.
The biggest amenity in Long Beach is the 2 mile long boardwalk that residents use for recreation and exercise.
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Hurricane season, dropping crime rates
Long Beach has a major risk of flooding and a severe risk of high winds, especially during hurricane season. Since Hurricane Sandy, though, Long Beach has taken steps to improve the resilience of its infrastructure, and many homes are now built on cement blocks or stilts to help protect against flooding. Long Beach has its own police force. Between 2022 and 2023, the city saw about a 13.5% decrease in violent crimes and a 9.6% drop in property crimes.
Annual pro surfing contest, summer and winter festivals
Surfers of every age look forward to the unsOund Pro Surf Competition in September. “It’s just really cool to see the kids, how they’re walking with their heads all high, being part of an event,” Juan says, adding that it’s many kids’ first professional-level competition. The men’s and women’s pros division carries a $10,000 prize. Nearly every weekend during the summer has craft fairs, live music and movie festivals, but even winter is far from quiet with events like the Polar Bear Splash and the Electric Light Parade.
Ireland's colors are visible everywhere during Long Beach's Irish Heritage Day Event.
Join your neighbors in the pumpkin patch at the Long Beach Annual Fall Festival.
The Rabbi from the Chabad of the Beaches lite the Chanukah Menorah in Long Beach.
Get up close and personal with Polar Bears at the Electric Light Parade in Long Beach.
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Shops and restaurants along East Park Avenue
East Park Avenue is the city’s commercial pulse. Running the length of the city, it’s flanked by local shops, restaurants and other essentials. There’s cuisine from all over the world, and the restaurants themselves are a blend of longstanding mainstays and up-and-coming spots. Shopping is just as varied.
Marvel Ice Cream, a Long Beach staple, has been serving ice cream in the area since 1951.
Key Foods in Long Beach is a one stop shop for many looking to complete their grocery list.
Brixx and Barley in Long Beach offers classic American cuisine in a sports bar setting.
Stop in to the Long Beach Surf Shop to pick up Sex Wax for the upcoming UnsOund Surf Comp.
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Athletics at Long Beach schools
Niche gives the Long Beach Public Schools an A. Long Beach High School makes Niche’s list of top 25 schools for athletes in New York; in 2024, five students signed letters of intent to play Division I sports in college.
The student-to-teacher ratio at East Elementary School in Long Beach, NY is 12-to-1.
Long Beach High School in Lido Beach, NY serves approximately 1,300 students.
Long Beach Middle School has 756 students in grades 6-8 with a ratio of 8 to 1.
Lido Elementary School in Long Beach, NY is a highly rated public elementary school.
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Major roads, LIRR station
Park Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard are major thoroughfares here. Many people commute into Manhattan from the Long Island Rail Road’s Long Beach Station. The train takes commuters to Manhattan’s Penn Station in about 50 minutes. There are urgent care centers in Long Beach, but the nearest hospital is Mount Sinai South Nassau, 5 miles away on Long Island.
Written By
Christina Norwood
Photography Contributed By
Johnny Milano
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Linda Callegari,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Long Beach, NY sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Long Beach, NY over the last 12 months is $785,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great location across street is ramp to boardwalk. On lower level there are units with bike room also laundry. This unit is up front steps straight ahead. Across street is ramp up to beach. Owner would rent while buying or 3 month summer rental.
Elevated coastal living awaits in this mint-condition, brand new renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath residence WITH DEDICATED PARKING, perfectly positioned in one of Long Beach’s premier oceanfront buildings. Located on the 6th floor, this bright and inviting home features a spacious layout, oversized windows, private balcony and sweeping city views that fill the space with natural light throughout the
Sleep on the boardwalk? Wake up to the sound of waves and endless ocean views in this stunning 1 bedroom oceanfront retreat. Perfectly positioned right on the boardwalk, Seaview Terrace offers effortless beach access and breathtaking water views from every window. While this unit does not have a private balcony, it does have a courtyard outside with 2 gas barbeques, patio tables with umbrellas,
Back on Market at no fault to seller: Wake up to sweeping ocean views and the rhythm of coastal living in this sun-filled 1-bedroom co-op in Long Beach, with a walk-in closet, ideally positioned directly on the iconic Boardwalk. The residence features hardwood floors, excellent closet space, and a thoughtfully designed layout that captures natural light and sea views throughout. This
IDEAL PROPERTY you will WANT TO CALL HOME!! CORNER PROPERTY SITTING ON A RARE DOUBLE LOT STILL EXISTS....PARKING FOR 5-6 CARS WITH PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS on EACH SIDE OF YOU.....RON GUIDRY IS COMING OUT OF RETIREMENT AT #49!! LARGE SPACIOUS FOUR BEDROOM RANCH WITH TWO FULL BATHROOMS, POTENTIAL IS PRICELESS. STEP ONTO THE REAR DECKS FOR YOUR PRIVATE QUIET TIME OR ENTERTAIN ON THE FRONT DECK THAT LEADS
CIELO — Meaning Sky and Heavens — is an Ultra-Luxury Oceanfront Residence Unlike Anything Else Available. This All Brick and Stone Architectural Masterpiece Offers Only 11 Exclusive Residences, with Each Full-Floor Unit Spanning an Impressive 3,391 sq ft of Refined Living Space. Designed for the Most Discerning Buyer, Every Residence Features 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, and Breathtaking Oceanfront
Welcome to 100 Kentucky Street located in the HEART of the West End. Ideal Home for Investors or an End User that would like to live RENT FREE!! Main Floor Features Three Bedrooms, One Full Bathroom, Living Room, Family Room, Kitchen Nook, Porch and Basement. Upper Unit Features One Bedroom, Living Room, Full Bathroom, Open Kitchen and Deck that Overlooks Above and Beyond. Both Units have ample
Centrally located in the Heart of Long Beach, this Updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium is situated on the fourth floor of the Desirable Summit Building. The apartment features a galley kitchen, separate dining area, and an oversized living room perfect for entertaining. The spacious primary bedroom includes an en-suite bath and walk-in closet, while the second bedroom is conveniently located
Live the Beach Lifestyle Year-Round at Waters Edge! Welcome to the highly desirable Waters Edge oceanfront co-op community in Long Beach, where every day feels like a vacation. This beautifully updated and spacious JR4 offers the perfect combination of comfort, style, and unbeatable location. The unit features a king-size bedroom with an expansive walk-in closet, an updated full bathroom, and a
Newly Updated Studio Apartment In Prestigious Lido Towers, Living Room/Dining Area/Bedroom, Kitchen, Extra Generous Closet Space, 17 Ft. Terrace with North East Unobstructed Ocean and Bay Views, 1 Assigned Parking Spot, Plenty of Guest Parking, Additional Parking Available, Laundry on Each Floor, Building Offers a Resort Way of Life, 24 Hour Gated Security, Concierge, Large Outdoor Heated
Experience the best of coastal living in Long Beach’s West End! This stunning contemporary home on the West End offers decks, blending luxury and practicality. The property features a spacious carport. Inside, the home boasts 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, with cathedral ceilings on the top level enhancing the open and airy feel, plus crown molding. The front of the house showcases elegant pavers
Your Dream Home - New Construction Offering 3 Levels, Elevator, Entry Foyer w/Additional Spare Room, 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 3 Level of Decks, Living Room with Electric Fireplace & Deck, Dining Area, Chefs Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances & Quartz Countertop, Large Primary Bedroom Suite, Full Bath/Deck, Lots of Closets, Walk In Closet, Oak Floors Throughout, Utility Room, Gracious Size
Your Dream Home - New Construction Offering 3 Levels, Elevator, Entry Foyer with Additional Spare Room, 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 3 Level of Decks, Living Room with Electric Fireplace & Deck, Dining Area, Chefs Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances & Quartz Countertop, Large Primary Bedroom Suite, Full Bath/Deck, Lots of Closets, Walk In Closet, Oak Floors Throughout, Utility Room, Gracious Size
Great location across street is ramp to boardwalk. On lower level there are units with bike room also laundry. This unit is up front steps straight ahead. Across street is ramp up to beach. Owner would rent while buying or 3 month summer rental.
Long Beach Canals the most desirable area in Long Beach One of a kind 4 bedrooms up and 1 bedroom down layout is great for big family or M/Dall remodeled fully furnished great summer place to live
Beachfront landmark building offering private beach access and 24-hour concierge service. This spacious studio features a separate sleeping alcove, three closets, high ceilings, and wood floors throughout. Sliding glass doors lead to a private covered patio, perfect for outdoor dining. The building offers exceptional amenities including a game room, gym, tennis and pickleball courts, pool, and
Absolutely Mint Two Bedroom/Two Bathroom Unit With all Essentials Available for YOU Today! First Floor Unit Includes Primary Bedroom Suite with a Private Deck off the Backyard, Open Living Room and Dining Room off The Kitchen with interior access to the Laundry in the Garage! Get the Sand in your shoes this Summer in this beautiful brand-new unit just blocks away from our 2.2 Boardwalk on the
Bright, lovely, updated and beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath top floor apartment. Year round rental, located in the desirable East End of Long Beach. Enjoy stunning sunsets and water views from the oversized private, upper deck - perfect for relaxing or entertaining. This spacious unit was completely renovated just a few years ago and features an open, airy layout with abundant natural
YOU Can't Beat Sitting at the Top of this West End Beauty!! Climb up to your Private Deck and Enjoy the Amazing Views. Street Parking Only. Prime Location allows you to Bike and Walk to all Necessities!! Living Room, Dining Area, Eat-in-Kitchen, Three Bedrooms, Full Bathroom. Annual Lease is Desired. Tenant Only Pays Electric! Landlord Pays for Heat, Gas and Water!, Ready for May 1, Just in time
Beachside Living – Beautifully Updated 2-Bedroom Enjoy coastal living in this charming first-floor 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence just moments from the beach. The home features a bright and spacious open-concept living and dining area, a separate kitchen, and a tastefully updated bathroom. Elegant tile flooring throughout adds a clean, modern touch. Residents can take advantage of a shared backyard
Adorable Upper Unit Includes All Utilities Ready for March 1, 2026! Private Entrance leads to Cozy Unit with Kitchen, Living Room with Private Deck, Bathroom and Bedroom. Tenant pays for WiFi!! Centrally Located steps to Transportation, Dining, Shopping and our 2.2 Mile Boardwalk on the Beach. Come in for a Landing for the Summer of 2026!!
Oceanfront view, two-bedroom, one-bath condo apartment with a dedicated off-street parking spot. Top floor of an elevatored building. Heat and hot water are included in the rent—beautiful hardwood floors in all rooms..Gym, Laundry room & bike storage in the basement. Across from the beach and boardwalk. Close to shopping, restaurants & LIRR. Rent $3200. Living at the beach is Priceless! Available
Make Life a BreezeLocated in the heart of Long Beach, NY, The Breeze apartments are gorgeous oceanfront units with direct access to the boardwalk. Each apartment has been thoughtfully designed with open layouts and high-end touches. Sprawling amenity spaces bring you a fitness center, yoga studio, resort-style outdoor pool, pet spa and so much more.
Resort living, live your best beach life. Brand new rental in a luxury building just steps away from glistening shores. Featuring a beautiful lobby, intercom, brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, beautiful ceramic floors, brand new bathroom with designer delight tiles. Very bright unit. Beautiful studio with washer & dryer. Convenient access to restaurants, shops, LIRR
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