how is Long beach ? (Orange, Compton: sales, to rent, condo)

[Cais Arts]

Hi Everyone... I'll move in Los angeles for work in April .... and I was looking for House to rent .
I saw many rent on Long beach but ...how is ? is a danger zone ? area in LA (not too expensive) that are safe ? or is better looking in Orange County ?
Thanks so much
Dany

[Mr_Geek]

It is.....um big.

Depending on the area it could be a total dump or really nice.

Need a more specific location in LB.

[coltoncity]

I am looking for the same thing you are. I know it is huge like mr geek said but the nice area are supposed to be fine. Look up crime in long beach and there is a very good couple of sites that will highlight neighborhoods. they will be color coded to how much crime they have. I am looking to buy a little home and am totally clueless as to where to go. :?

[JohnG72]

Long Beach is a large city with a population near 500K and a TON of industry and commercial locations.

Generally, anything to the south and east of Lakewood Bl is fine. Theres other pockets too.

I'm dumbfounded as to how someone from Colton can't simply drive there, look around, visit the police stations in the area.

If you are looking at Wrigley(the area north of PCH to the east of the 710 and to the west of LBB) or the area north of Bixby Knolls, which I suspect you are as there are many recent home sales in the $350-400K range....well thats something you will have to determine for yourself. There historically has been elevated property crimes in Wrigley due to its location near PCH. While things have cleaned up amazingly over the past 15 years or so, theres still elevated crime there and the closer to PCH you are, the more likely you'll find condoms on your sidewalk in the mornings from the few remaining crack ho's in the area. As to the area north of Bixby, you'll be on the border of North Long Beach and Paramount, and not far from Compton. So yes there is spillover crime in that area.

OTOH, the areas south and east of Lakewood Bl in Long Beach are quite nice and have little crime. This also goes for most of Lakewood, and parts of Bellflower as well.

[coltoncity]

well thank you for the info. Lol I actually am going to drive there in a couple weeks. I was hoping for a some info to direct me to area that would be more in my price range and suit my needs. And you are very correct. Those areas seem to be in my price range. I will take your info and head to LB and thank you for your patience and help.

[Tlaneloli]

I think it's a cool city, from what I've seen it's Downtown is pretty lame though, shame, it's a pretty big city. The de facto downtown of Huntington Park is better than Long Beach's in my opinion.

[Chowhound]

Long Beach has a lot going for it. That being said there are parts that are pretty bad, pretty ghetto. I think if you stay south and more toward the eastern parts is where it's nicer.

North Long Beach a long time a ago used to be pretty nice. Way back in the day when Dooley hardware store was..... LOL.... that's dating me a bit, anyone who is familiar with that part of town. Used to be a bowling alley across from the 3 large buildings that made up Dooley's.

[Dave Osborn LA]

Originally Posted by Chowhound

Long Beach has a lot going for it.

Yeah I would certainly agree with that. And like some of the other posters have said, it is quite large. I would also just add if you have the opportunity for a "scouting-it-out" trip before you move; to maybe go walk around the university area and certainly check out the Aquarium. Somewhat "touristy" stuff to do if you're looking to make a long-term move there but still, shows you some of the overall "feel" of what you get down there.

I think it's got lot's of good qualities personally. But OC is nice too. Good luck in your decision!