When you actually look into living in Long Beach, California, opinions vary on whether it's truly a good place to live.

In my opinion, the biggest advantage of Long Beach is the ability to enjoy both beach and urban living.

It takes about 30 to 40 minutes by car to downtown Los Angeles, and it's close to Orange County.

For Koreans, while it doesn't have a large Korean community like Cerritos or Buena Park, it is considered quite nice for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle.

Particularly, areas like Belmont Shore, Belmont Heights, Bixby Knolls, and Cal Heights feature single-family homes, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant café culture, contributing to a high level of resident satisfaction.

For convenience, driving to Cerritos or Lakewood allows easy access to H Mart and various Korean restaurants.

The port, logistics industry, healthcare, education, and aviation-related jobs are also relatively stable, so there are quite a few people who choose Long Beach for work.

However, Long Beach is not a perfect city for everyone. But for those it suits, it can be a fantastic place to live.

Do you prefer being outside in the sun and sweating rather than staying at home?

If so, Long Beach could be a paradise for you. The endless Long Beach shoreline, the lush El Dorado Regional Park, bike paths along the ocean, and a lively waterfront provide plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy.

If you have adopted cycling or morning jogging as part of your lifestyle, the natural environment in Long Beach is definitely a cheat code that can elevate your quality of life.

For those who say, "I can't afford the high housing prices in LA or Santa Monica," Long Beach is a very realistic and attractive alternative.

Compared to hot spots like Koreatown in LA, Santa Monica, or West LA, you can definitely find larger and more comfortable homes in Long Beach for the same budget. This is a huge advantage for families with children or those who need more rooms for remote work. The 710 freeway connects well, making travel convenient. However, it is known for heavy truck traffic, and you will have to deal with the notorious traffic jams during rush hours.

Also, keep in mind that there is no public transportation here, so daily life can be very inconvenient without a vehicle.

Additionally, the safety in Long Beach varies significantly by neighborhood. The North Long Beach area has a relatively high crime rate and can feel unsafe at night. In contrast, neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Los Altos are well-established communities and are considered relatively safe.

As you might expect, safe and clean neighborhoods come with higher rent and housing prices.

Therefore, if you are considering moving to Long Beach, I recommend visiting the neighborhoods during both day and night to get a feel for the atmosphere.

In short, Long Beach is a city that suits Koreans who want to live close to the ocean but prefer a slightly more relaxed lifestyle than in downtown LA.

On the other hand, if you prioritize Korean businesses, educational institutions, and churches, Cerritos or Buena Park may feel more convenient.