What’s It Really Like Living in Long Beach?
Once you’ve landed here, it’s all about thriving. This section is your guide to the everyday lifestyle—covering everything from transportation and healthcare to pet-friendly tips and neighborhood safety.

💰 Cost of Living Breakdown

Long Beach offers a coastal lifestyle without LA’s sky-high price tags. You’ll find a range of price points across neighborhoods, with utilities, groceries, and transportation generally more affordable than larger metros. We break down average costs for rent, food, gas, and more.

🚲 Transportation & Getting Around

• Bike-Friendly: Miles of bike lanes and paths (including beachside routes)
• Public Transit: Long Beach Transit buses, Metro Blue Line to LA
• Driving & Parking: Mix of metered and residential zones; some areas busier than others
• Walkability: Varies by neighborhood—Downtown, Belmont Shore, and East Village are highly walkable

🏥 Healthcare, Gyms & Wellness

• Major hospitals: Long Beach Memorial, St. Mary’s, and VA Long Beach
• Tons of gyms, yoga studios, pilates, and wellness centers across the city
• Alternative wellness: acupuncture, massage, naturopaths, and mental health services widely available

🐾 Pet Ownership in Long Beach

• Very pet-friendly city!
• Off-leash parks like Rosie’s Dog Beach and Wrigley Heights Dog Park
• Many rentals and cafés welcome pets—check our guide to pet-friendly housing
• Local vets, pet supply stores, and mobile grooming options

🛡️ Safety & Local Resources

• Long Beach has both urban bustle and quiet neighborhoods—check our safety tips per area
• LBPD neighborhood watch and local crime maps available
• Community support includes libraries, cultural centers, senior programs, and youth rec centers

Long Beach is a place where you can live fully, your way—whether you’re surfing at sunrise, biking to work, or walking your pup through your favorite park. Welcome to your new routine.