Los Angeles metro, CA relocation guide
Moving to Long Beach, CA
About Long Beach
Long Beach is Los Angeles County's second-largest city (after Los Angeles), home to about 466,742 residents at the 2020 census (per Census QuickFacts, read September 24, 2026). This waterfront metropolis hosts the Port of Long Beach — one of the busiest container ports in the United States — the historic Queen Mary ocean liner (shown below), the Aquarium of the Pacific (shown below), and the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Its waterfront, Rainbow Harbor, and distinct neighborhoods (Downtown, Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, Naples) make it a city unto itself rather than a suburb.
Home prices in Long Beach
The median listing price in Long Beach is $889k.
Top places in Long Beach
- The Queen Mary — the retired 1936 ocean liner turned hotel and museum (shown below).
- Aquarium of the Pacific — tropical reef exhibits and sea otter habitats (shown below).
- Rainbow Harbor and the Pike — the downtown waterfront (night view shown below).
- Belmont Shore — beachside shops and dining along 2nd Street.
- The THUMS oil islands — the disguised offshore drilling platforms (shown below).
Commuting from Long Beach
- Approximate drive to downtown Los Angeles (about 25 miles): ~30–45 minutes off-peak via I-710 north or I-405 north; peak-hour commutes run 50–90 minutes.
- Metro: the A Line (Blue) runs from downtown Long Beach to downtown LA (~55–60 minutes), with stops through Bixby Knolls and North Long Beach.
- Long Beach Airport (LGB) is inside the city — a major travel perk.
Schools in Long Beach
Public schools: Long Beach Unified School District. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Long Beach FAQs
- What is the housing market like in Long Beach, CA?
The median listing price in Long Beach is $889k. 1,100–1,116 active listings, $623/sq. ft., 61 median days on market, $2.7k median rent · Realtor.com · 2026-09-25 - How is the commute from Long Beach, CA?
Approximate drive to downtown Los Angeles (about 25 miles): ~30–45 minutes off-peak via I-710 north or I-405 north; peak-hour commutes run 50–90 minutes. - Which school district serves Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach is served by Long Beach Unified School District. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Transit
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.