The Good & Bad of Long Beach
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4/22/2023
I have been living in Downtown Long Beach (90802) for 20 years. When I arrived, the City was moving at a decent pace to clean up its Sailor Town-nudie bar image, making improvements here and there. However, it slowed to a snail's pace, and the City struggled to attract a good variety of retail on Pine Street. Then came the 2008 Real Estate Crash, and the Pandemic, throwing a MAJOR monkey wrench in Long Beach's game plan.
After clearing those hurdles, the City hit the acceleration pedal, adding several new multifamily residential developments, Civic Center Plaza, expanding the aquarium, and attracting national chain retail at The Pike. However, Pine Steet, once the heartbeat of the City, still struggles to reach its fullest potential as many storefronts remain empty. The only lively thing on Pine is the restaurants which transform into clubs on weekend nights. I am perplexed why Pine is not popping like 2nd Street in Belmont Shores, Melrose in Hollywood, or the shopping district in old Pasadena.
Pollution is a significant problem in Long Beach, as the 710 Freeway, lined daily with emission-producing trucks, has earned the nicknames "Diesel Death Zone" and "Asthma Alley." Sadly, LA-Long Beach again ranks as the nation's most ozone-polluted region in 2023. What a horrible title to hold. I don't think the City is doing enough to solve the problem quickly, and I most definitely plan to move to another City and rent out my condo, which is located in the business district.
In conclusion, avoid Long Beach if you like your lungs and value your health. However, if you want to live in a city on the move, Long Beach is the place to be, but it is expensive, like every other place in California.
Keith | Long Beach, CA