About Long Beach
Long Beach is the most varied market on this list, and the one where neighborhood knowledge matters most. It is a full city rather than a coastal enclave — waterfront high-rises, canal homes, historic craftsman districts, and hillside view properties all exist within a few miles of each other, at genuinely different price points.
Housing Stock
Naples and Belmont Shore hold the waterfront character tier, with canal homes and beach-adjacent streets that price closer to Orange County coastal norms. The historic districts — Bluff Park, Bluff Heights, Rose Park — contain some of the best-preserved early twentieth-century architecture in Southern California, much of it protected. Downtown and the shoreline offer high-rise condo living with harbor views. Inland neighborhoods span a wide range and reward specific local knowledge.
Lifestyle & Amenities
The waterfront covers marinas, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Queen Mary. Second Street in Belmont Shore is the walkable retail and dining spine. The city hosts the Long Beach Grand Prix annually and supports a substantial arts and university presence through CSULB. Long Beach Unified serves the city.
Neighborhoods & Enclaves
Naples
Canal homes on three islands, many with docks and water frontage.
Belmont Shore
Walkable beach neighborhood centered on Second Street.
Bluff Park
Historic district with preserved early-century architecture and ocean views.
Alamitos Heights
Elevated streets with bay and city views.
Downtown / Waterfront
High-rise condos with harbor and marina outlooks.
What Sets the Market Apart
- Pricing varies more block to block here than in any other market on this list — averages are especially misleading.
- Historic district designation affects what can be changed on a property and carries both benefits and restrictions.
- Canal and dock access in Naples creates a waterfront submarket distinct from the rest of the city.
