This time, I want to talk honestly about safety in Long Beach.

Many people ask, "Is Long Beach safe?" and I always give the same answer.

"It completely depends on the neighborhood." This is the most accurate answer.

Long Beach is a city where the atmosphere varies greatly by neighborhood, similar to LA, so judging by the overall city average can lead to misunderstandings.

Looking at the numbers alone, the overall crime rate in Long Beach is higher than the California average and the national average. It is classified as a city with a high rate of property crime. Incidents such as vehicle theft, breaking car windows to steal items, and bicycle theft occur consistently. According to FBI statistics and data from the Long Beach Police Department, the crime rate per 100,000 people is also above the national average.

However, there is something important here. If you conclude from these numbers that "Long Beach is a dangerous city," that is only half the story.

In reality, the areas where crime occurs frequently are somewhat defined. North Long Beach, particularly the areas north of Atlantic Avenue and Cherry Avenue, tends to have higher rates of violent and property crimes compared to other areas. Additionally, certain parts of Central Long Beach are also advisable to be more cautious in at night. Downtown, with its many restaurants and bars, often sees crimes like vehicle theft or theft from cars occurring late at night.

On the other hand, the areas where many Korean residents are looking for homes have a quite different atmosphere. Naples, Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, Los Altos, and the northeastern school district areas are considered relatively safe within Long Beach. Many residents take evening walks, and there are families that have lived there for a long time.

Another interesting place is Signal Hill. Although it appears to be in the middle of Long Beach on the map, it is a separate city. It has its own police department, the Signal Hill Police Department, which contributes to a high level of safety satisfaction, and it is an area that many Korean residents are quietly interested in.

What I have felt while living in the U.S. is that in America, the address is more important than the city itself. Even within Long Beach, there are places where the atmosphere changes just by crossing a street. Therefore, I recommend visiting the area during the day, in the evening, and on weekends before signing a lease.

These days, it's not hard to check information. By entering an address on the Long Beach Police Department's website or sites like CrimeMapping, you can see what incidents have occurred nearby. I always make sure to check at least once when I am moving.

The conclusion is this: Long Beach is not necessarily a dangerous city, but it is also not a city where you can live without any worries. By choosing a good neighborhood and maintaining basic safety practices, you can live here quite satisfactorily. Especially if you are planning to move with your family, don't just look at housing prices; also compare school districts, hospitals, and safety. Ultimately, the most satisfying choice, as I have seen around me, is to choose a safe neighborhood, even if it is a bit more expensive.