Long Beach is located in south Los Angeles County, California, approximately 20 miles south of the city of Los Angeles. It has a population of 466,742, making it the seventh largest city in California and 42nd largest city in the United States. The Port of Long Beach is the second largest shipping port in the United States.
The weather in Long Beach is primarily sunny throughout the year. Summers can be hot and winters are mild to warm. Average temperatures range from 42°F to 84°F. Rainfall is minimal and concentrated in the winter months.
The city of Long Beach was incorporated in 1897. Known for its famous beachfront amusement park, The Pike, Long Beach quickly became a tourist destination. In the 1950s, oil and naval industries moved into the port and became central to the city’s economy. Today, Long Beach is a diverse city that appeals to people from many backgrounds and age groups.
City |
Single |
Family |
Long Beach, CA |
$2538 |
$6386 |
Jacksonville, FL |
$2109 |
$4891 |
Austin, TX |
$2672 |
$6245 |
New York City, NY |
$3723 |
$8021 |
The Port of Long Beach provides many jobs for local residents. Jobs in the aerospace, education, technology, healthcare, and government sectors are prevalent throughout the area.
The average cost of living is on-par with most Southern California cities at $2,538 for individuals and $6,386 for a family of four. Long Beach was ranked the tenth best city to live in in the United States.
The Downtown Waterfront district of Long Beach features distinct sections of restaurants, shops, and coastal activities. “Restaurant Row” on Pine Avenue includes restaurants for every budget with cuisine from around the world. The Pike Outlets are home to great shopping and a vintage carousel and Ferris Wheel.
West Long Beach is known for quaint dining spots and vibrant small businesses. It offers three parks, including the 12.29-acre Admiral Kidd Park. The Eastside is home to California State University Long Beach and boasts multiple parks and green spaces. The El Dorado Nature Center includes a “mini-wilderness” with a 2-mile walking trail.
With outdoor activities along the waterfront, a vibrant arts scene, and countless nearby day trips, Long Beach has something to offer everyone. Coastal activities are plentiful with a variety of boat rental and charter companies located along the coast. Whether you enjoy surfing, sunbathing, or exploring nearby islands, you’ll find plenty of sun, surf, and sand in Long Beach.
For foodies, Long Beach offers a diverse restaurant scene with cuisine from around the world. Great steakhouses, fresh seafood, and cozy bakeries make it easy to find great food in any part of town. In the summer, the Stroll and Savor and Taste of Downtown food festival offer even more great ways to sample fare from local restaurants and eateries.
Long Beach offers an array of arts and cultural activities as well. Some of the top attractions include; The Aquarium of the Pacific, the Museum of Latin American Art, the RMS Queen Mary, The Battleship Iowa Museum, and the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. And for a relaxed day in town, local parks offer the chance to soak up the sunshine at locations throughout the city.
