Long Beach, CA apartments for rent

The second-largest city in Los Angeles County (after Los Angeles), Long Beach is one of the busiest port cities on the planet. 

Where is Long Beach located?

The city lies along the western edge of the county, 22 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Santa Monica is merely 32.3 miles away, while Hollywood is about 30 miles. San Francisco is a perfect long weekend destination, as it lies 353 miles away from Long Beach.

What is the weather like in Long Beach?

The coastal Los Angeles-area city boasts a Mediterranean climate, so the weather is consistently pleasant for most of the year. The average high in August is 84°F, while the average low in winter is 46°F. Due to its position east of the Palos Verdes peninsula, it features a unique weather pattern with less moisture, but fog in the mornings is still prominent.

What is living in Long Beach like? 

Long Beach is ideal for those in search of a big city feel, yet within close proximity to the beach.

What are the pros of living in Long Beach? 

The eclectic community of artists and musicians and the inexpensive public transportation system are two of the city’s best qualities. Long Beach has also been voted one of the most walkable cities in the country — an added bonus.

What are the cons of living in Long Beach?

On the downside, LBC (as the locals call it) has pollution from the industrial areas that can be bothersome.

Is Long Beach a diverse city? 

Considered to be one of the most ethnically diverse systems in the country, Long Beach is home to a large number of Hispanic individuals of Mexican heritage. Around 13% of the population is comprised of Asians originating mostly from Cambodia, with an equal number of African Americans also residing in the city. 

What is the best way to get around Long Beach?

Local public transportation is assured by Long Beach Transit, which features water taxis and buses. A regular bus ticket in the city costs $1.25. The Metro Blue Line serves commuters going to Los Angeles, while the Catalina Express is for those headed toward Catalina Island. The city also has a free bus line — the red Passport bus — which links all of the major attractions, like the Queen Mary and the Long Beach Convention Center.

How much does a meal cost in Long Beach?

Long Beach has some excellent restaurants and is abundant in an eclectic variety of ethnic foods. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people costs around $60, a price that is much lower than in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, you’ll pay around $13.50 for a meal in an inexpensive eatery, but with so many amazing fine dining options in the city, why would you?

How much do utilities cost in Long Beach?

Due to the year-round pleasant weather, utilities cost just $90.76, on average, for a 915-square-foot apartment. 

Long Beach Housing Statistics

Where to work in Long Beach?

As a major port city, Long Beach’s docks are some of the most prominent employers in the region and continue to attract job-seekers, thanks to the boom in imports and exports. Other top employers include Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and CSU Long Beach, in the health and education sectors.

What are the top colleges in Long Beach?

The city is served by the Long Beach Unified School District, which is one of the largest employers in the area. LAUSD, Paramount and ABC Unified also have a few schools in the city. Cal State Long Beach is home to the largest physics department in the state and welcomes more than 35,000 students. The local community college, Long Beach City College, features a commercial music program with alumni that go on to work within the industry.

Long Beach Employment Statistics

Long Beach Education Statistics

Long Beach Household Statistics

What to do for free in Long Beach?

The Long Beach Museum of Art doesn’t charge an entrance fee on the first Friday of each month, while the ocean waterfront and El Dorado East Regional Park are always free. Two free skate parks can be also found in the area and are often frequented by teenagers. Rosie’s Dog Beach is the only off-leash beach in the county and lies within close proximity of pet-friendly hotels. 

What family attractions are there in Long Beach?

The Aquarium of the Pacific welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors yearly and is a fantastic place for families to visit. The area’s popular cruise lines will enable you to take the entire family on an exciting whale-watching trip. 

What couples attractions are there in Long Beach? 

The Sky Room is considered one of the most elegant restaurants in town for a romantic night out. The Los Compadres Mexican restaurant is quite popular among locals, while the Callaloo Caribbean Kitchen with its flavorful Trinidadian food is another fantastic option. Those who love to have fun will surely enjoy an evening spent at the Laugh Factory.

Where to shop in Long Beach? 

Shoreline Village offers the ultimate shopping experience, also featuring fantastic views and a charming lighthouse. Pike Outlets, situated near the Aquarium, also has Cinemark on the Pike, where you can see first-run movies.

What are the most popular sports in Long Beach?

Despite not having any major league sporting franchises in the city, college sports are still played at CSU Long Beach, where the classic 49ers basketball team has been playing ball since 1954. 

What events are held in Long Beach? 

The Long Beach Funk Festival, in addition to the Pirate Invasion usually held in July and ZombieFest held in October, are some of the most famous events in the city. The emblematic Queen Mary Ocean liner is a hotspot for tourists, particularly around Halloween. Meanwhile, the Long Beach Grand Prix is the city’s largest annual sports event, while the Long Beach Marathon is internationally known and respected, serving as a starting point for those looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

What to know about renting in Long Beach?  

Renting is not particularly inexpensive in Long Beach, so the Housing Long Beach non-profit is advocating for residents in order to try to make renting more affordable. And, because there’s no rent control in Long Beach, Calif., a landlord can raise the rent by 10% with a simple 30-day notice. 

What is the rental market like in Long Beach?

Long Beach has quite a competitive rental market — thanks to the lower cost of living when compared to Los Angeles City, as well as the strong art and music culture that characterizes the city. If you’re looking to check out an apartment in the city, make sure you’re on time, come with your rental form completed and do your best to make a good first impression.