Long Beach is a large city in California with a significant population, so it is not a neighborhood completely free of crime.

However, that doesn't mean the entire city is dangerous. One of the most common questions asked by Korean residents when looking for a home is, "Is it safe there?" In my opinion, Long Beach is a city where the safety depends on which neighborhood you live in, making it easier to understand.

Starting with homicide cases, according to statistics from the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), there have been about 20 to 40 cases annually in recent years. While this is somewhat higher compared to the national average, a closer look reveals that many of these incidents are gang-related or occur in specific areas. In particular, there tends to be a concentration in North Long Beach and some central areas, while neighborhoods with higher residential preferences, like Belmont Shore, Naples, and the eastern region, experience these incidents relatively infrequently.

What Koreans should actually be more cautious about are vehicle-related crimes. In Long Beach, car theft and theft of items from vehicles occur more frequently than one might expect. Especially in recent years, there has been a significant increase in thefts targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles, leading the police to recommend the use of steering wheel locks (Clubs). It is advisable to park in well-lit areas at night and, if possible, keep your car in a garage or behind a gate.

Another common crime is the smash-and-grab, where thieves break car windows to steal items. Some people think, "I'll just be a minute while I run into the store, it should be fine," and leave laptops or bags on the back seat, but in the U.S., this is a big no-no. The best prevention is to ensure nothing is visible inside the car. Even a few coins or a charging cable can tempt someone to break a window, so it's best to make it a habit to keep things out of sight.

Residential burglary does occur occasionally, but most cases can be prevented with basic security measures like locking doors and windows. In the U.S., it is a common practice to always lock the front door, even when someone is home. This may feel a bit strange for newcomers, but they quickly get used to it.

One unique aspect of Long Beach is that it is a port logistics city. Being one of the largest ports in the U.S., cargo theft incidents are also included in the statistics. However, this is more related to logistics companies or the transportation industry, so it is not a major concern for the average household.

What I always emphasize is that in the U.S., you should choose based on neighborhoods rather than the city as a whole. Even within Long Beach, areas like Naples, Belmont Shore, and Bixby Knolls have very different atmospheres, and the perceived level of safety can vary significantly.

Ultimately, Long Beach is neither an entirely dangerous city nor a place where you can live without any worries. By maintaining basic security habits and carefully examining neighborhoods when looking for a home, you can live quite safely. The saying that choosing a good neighborhood is the best crime prevention system in the U.S. is not without reason.