Moving to Long Beach and trying to figure out where to live based on public school quality (Los Angeles: real estate, 2013)

[NYCA2013]

Hi folks,

I will be moving with my family to Long Beach over the summer and am trying to figure out housing options. I will be working in Long Beach and ideally I think would like to be close by but we are open to living in a neighboring city. From what I've heard, south Long Beach - Belmont Shore, Heights, and Alamitos Heights are some of the best options but also the priciest. We would like to buy but are also open to renting. Given that my oldest will be starting kindergarten, schools are the driving force in deciding where to live. My goal (maybe idealistic) is for him to be in a good public school, ideally a progressive or dual language program if those exist. Religious schools are not an option and I'd prefer to avoid private schools. Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated, including good websites to find information on elementary schools.

Thanks in advance.

[BRinSM]

the nearby cities of cerritos and los alamitos have highly rated schools, but both are also very expensive. what is your housing budget?

[Pacifico]

Look into nearby areas Cypress and Seal Beach as well.

[JohnSoCal]

Have a look at Lakewood.

[NYCA2013]

Thanks. Although we have a car, I would rather be able to cycle or take public transit to work (we live in NYC currently) so that is part of it. In terms of budget - we are hoping to rent a 3 bed, 2 bath for under $2500 if possible; or could buy for up to $550K.

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by NYCA2013

Thanks. Although we have a car, I would rather be able to cycle or take public transit to work (we live in NYC currently) so that is part of it. In terms of budget - we are hoping to rent a 3 bed, 2 bath for under $2500 if possible; or could buy for up to $550K.

Lot's of options in east long beach and cypress, see this link Real Estate Search | Redfin

Also, El Dorado Park is great and Long Beach is currently working on becoming the most bicycle friendly city in the country, so I think you'll like it there.

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by NYCA2013

Thanks. Although we have a car, I would rather be able to cycle or take public transit to work (we live in NYC currently) so that is part of it. In terms of budget - we are hoping to rent a 3 bed, 2 bath for under $2500 if possible; or could buy for up to $550K.

You could bike from Lakewood. Lakewood adjoins Long Beach.

[JohnG72]

Originally Posted by NYCA2013

Thanks. Although we have a car, I would rather be able to cycle or take public transit to work (we live in NYC currently) so that is part of it. In terms of budget - we are hoping to rent a 3 bed, 2 bath for under $2500 if possible; or could buy for up to $550K.

At those prices it's either Long Beach between the 405 and Lakewood and Lakewood in the parts covered by Long Beach or Bellflower Schoool districts and no other reasonable choice. I'd imagine that bus lines are easily accessible along the major streets. Biking probably is a very reasonable option as well.

Run a search on Redfin to see the types of homes that fall in your price range.

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by NYCA2013

Thanks. Although we have a car, I would rather be able to cycle or take public transit to work (we live in NYC currently) so that is part of it. In terms of budget - we are hoping to rent a 3 bed, 2 bath for under $2500 if possible; or could buy for up to $550K.

That is very doable in Lakewood for both renting or buying.

[linden52]

After living in Long Beach for more than 35 years you'd think I might know by now which are the good elementary schools. I don't have kids so I guess that's why I don't know. I did, however, find some websites that I hope you find useful.

Here is what looks like a good site for checking out schools in Long Beach. Parents talk about the schools and there is quite a bit of other information here; including real estate if you decide to buy.
Long Beach Unified School District - Los Angeles County - Trulia

Also, on the above website, parents talk about the dual immersion prgram at Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry Elementary School - 3720 Canehill Ave, Long Beach, CA - Trulia

Parents also talk about the schools their kids go to here
Long Beach Elementary Schools - Long Beach, CA | GreatSchools

Download a map that shows the location of all the elementary schools in Long Beach, as well as additional information
Long Beach Schools - Schools: LBUSD School Finder

Schools in Long Beach that offer Dual Immersion.
Long Beach Schools - Curriculum: World Language: Two-Way Dual Immersion / Heritage Language

It has always seemed to me that 3 bedroom apartments are kinda hard to find. Though I've seen some nice homes for the price you quoted. The usual property management places I refer people to are more on the low end and I found only two listed. That doesn't mean there aren't more available and that there won't be more next year when you move out. I need to update my list of rental places I guess.