Quick answer
Walkable, bars and restaurants, galleries and arts spaces, young professionals. Expensive ($2,200-2,500 for 1BR), constant activity, some noise from port and clubs.
Neighborhood Guide · 2026
Downtown / Waterfront, Long Beach
Walkable, bars and restaurants, galleries and arts spaces, young professionals. Expensive ($2,200-2,500 for 1BR), constant activity, some noise from port and clubs.
Long Beach Housing Costs — 2026
Median 1BR rent
$2,050/mo
Median 2BR rent
$2,650/mo
Median home price
$825K
Avg utilities
$165/mo
City-wide medians. Downtown / Waterfront rents may vary above or below depending on building vintage and unit type.Full Long Beach breakdown →
Other Neighborhoods in Long Beach
Compare Downtown / Waterfront with other popular areas.
Belmont Heights
Family-friendly, tree-lined streets, Craftsman homes, quieter than downtown. Good schools, 10-minute drive to beach. $2,000-2,300 for 1BR rentals.
Bluff Heights
Hilltop neighborhood, older architecture, views of Long Beach and ocean. Diverse, family-oriented, peaceful. $1,800-2,100 for 1BR, genuine community feel.
Bixby Knolls
Upscale, quiet, tree-covered streets, 1920s-1960s homes. More expensive ($2,300+), families and empty nesters, minimal foot traffic, feels separate from city bustle.
North Long Beach
More affordable ($1,500-1,800 for 1BR), diverse, some blocks are sketchy and gentrifying. Less walkable, more car-dependent, but cheaper access to Long Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown / Waterfront a good neighborhood in Long Beach?
Walkable, bars and restaurants, galleries and arts spaces, young professionals. Expensive ($2,200-2,500 for 1BR), constant activity, some noise from port and clubs.
What is the rent in Downtown / Waterfront, Long Beach?
Long Beach citywide median 1BR rent is $2,050/mo. Downtown / Waterfront pricing varies from the city average depending on building age, proximity to transit, and in-unit amenities. Studio units in Long Beach often run 15–20% below the 1BR median.
What is Downtown / Waterfront in Long Beach known for?
Walkable, bars and restaurants, galleries and arts spaces, young professionals. Expensive ($2,200-2,500 for 1BR), constant activity, some noise from port and clubs.
How does Downtown / Waterfront compare to other Long Beach neighborhoods?
Downtown / Waterfront is one of 5 notable neighborhoods in Long Beach. Other options include Belmont Heights, Bluff Heights, Bixby Knolls.
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