Long Beach is known for its watersports, rollerblading, and fine dining. Some of the best neighborhoods in this California city for enjoying the local amenities include Bixby Knolls, Naples, East Village, Belmont Heights, and Hellman.
Bixby Knolls
Reputation: Multi-generational legacy families
Hotspots: First Friday’s Long Beach, Rancho Las Cerritos, Bixby Knolls Park
Bixby Knolls is a very livable neighborhood in Long Beach. With a 95 percent high school graduation rate and crime rates that are down 60 percent from the rest of Long Beach, this area is attractive to wealthy families and individuals looking to get away from the big city. With regular community events, arts, dining, and literary clubs in abundance, as well as several local parks, the neighborhood enjoys a tight-knit and leisurely lifestyle.
Naples
Reputation: Upper middle class artistic neighborhood
Hotspots: Michael’s, The Hangout, Crow’s Cocktail
Built on three islands in Alamitos Bay, Naples is like an Italian microcosm in the heart of Long Beach. The crime rates are lower than in other areas of Long Beach and graduation rates from the Long Beach school district are 96 percent. With gondola rides and a series of canals, it lives up to its nickname of “Venice in America.” Marine Park is a popular local destination, with play and picnic areas and volleyball courts.
East Village
Reputation: Young singles
Hotspots: Hotspot Café, Taco Beach, The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub
The East Village neighborhood boasts a low crime rate and a solid high school graduation rate from the Long Beach school district. It’s a safe place to live with access to good schools. This region is known as the arts and cultural district as well as boasting some of the most active nightlife around. From galleries and designer denim to used books and antiques, this neighborhood has a wealth of shopping and entertainment.
Hellman Street Craftsman Historic District
Reputation: Middle class working families
Hotspots: Holé Molé, The Social List, Qrious Palate
Centered by Hellman Street, this region has low crime and great schools, making it a safe and wonderful place to raise a family. The dominant feature in the region is the Craftsman bungalows, but there are also Spanish Colonial Revival and Victorian homes. Easy access to North Alamitos Beach provides plenty of opportunity for leisure and fun.
