When considering places to live in California, many Koreans first think of traditional Korean-populated areas like LA's Koreatown, Fullerton, or Irvine. However, recently, Long Beach has gained attention as a new settlement area that offers a view of the open Pacific Ocean while still retaining access to LA's infrastructure.

Located at the southern tip of LA County, the beautiful port city of Long Beach has a Korean population that is not overwhelmingly large, but we will thoroughly explore the 'real reasons' why Koreans choose this place, along with a detailed analysis of the cost of living index (COL).

More Affordable than LA, but Not Cheap (Cost of Living Index 145)

The cost of living index in Long Beach is 145. When the national average is set at 100, this is about 45% higher, which can be quite shocking at first glance. However, when compared to neighboring cities in Southern California, the true 'value for money' of Long Beach begins to emerge.

• Santa Monica (Index 178)

• Downtown LA (Index 163)

• Long Beach (Index 145)

• Downey / Anaheim (Index 142-145)

Compared to famous coastal cities like Santa Monica or the busy downtown LA, Long Beach is a much more economical choice. The first attractive point is that you can enjoy 'ocean life' at a cost similar to that of nearby inland cities like Anaheim or Downey.

Reasons Koreans Are Satisfied with Long Beach's Housing Environment

The largest portion of living expenses in Long Beach is, of course, housing costs (rent). Currently, the average rent prices in Long Beach are approximately as follows:

• 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,100 - $2,700 per month

• 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,700 - $3,400 per month

Of course, prime locations right by the beach, like Belmont Shore or Visitor Row, come with a premium and have very high rents.

Koreans living in Long Beach often choose to live slightly inland or in the outskirts rather than insisting on being right by the beach. The rent difference between the coast and inland areas is significant, so with just a little compromise on budget, you can secure a much larger living space with better parking options for the same price.

The grocery costs in Long Beach are about 20-30% higher than the national average. For a family of four cooking at home, monthly grocery expenses are expected to be around $1,100 - $1,500. Major grocery stores like Ralphs, Vons, and Trader Joe's are conveniently located, making shopping very easy.

So how do you handle Korean ingredients? While there are no large Korean supermarkets within Long Beach, a 15-20 minute drive will take you to Cerritos or Garden Grove in Orange County. You can use large H-Marts or Zion Market in these areas, so the inconvenience in terms of food is virtually zero.

If you drive in Long Beach, you should expect to spend around $550 - $750 per month on car payments, insurance, and gas.

However, Long Beach has a strong advantage: the LA Metro A Line (formerly the Blue Line) connects deep into downtown Long Beach. It is one of the few cities in Southern California where you can reach downtown LA via public transportation without experiencing the hellish traffic during rush hours. The internal transportation system, Long Beach Transit (LBT), is excellent, making it suitable for students without cars.

Inland California's summer electricity bills can be exorbitant. However, Long Beach is different.

• Electricity Bill (SCE): $130 - $210 per month

• Gas Bill: $50 - $80 per month

As a coastal city, Long Beach has noticeably lower summer temperatures than inland cities.

The cool Pacific sea breeze constantly blows in, allowing for many days in the summer where you can simply open the windows for 'natural cooling' without needing to turn on the air conditioning. This significantly reduces summer utility bills compared to inland areas, easing the overall cost of living burden.

For Korean families with children or students, education costs are a crucial consideration. The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) operates a solid public school system, which can help reduce additional education expenses. (Of course, sending kids to preschool or private schools can cost $1,500 - $2,500 or more per month.)

Particularly, Long Beach is home to the prestigious California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). It offers a high-quality education at a much lower cost compared to private universities, providing excellent educational infrastructure for families with college-age children or Korean students aiming for a degree.

A cost of living index of 145 is certainly not low. Careful budget planning (allocation of rent, transportation, and food expenses) is essential.

Nevertheless, the reasons Koreans choose to live in Long Beach are clear.

It is a unique buffer zone where you can maintain 100% of the vast infrastructure and connectivity of the Korean community in LA while escaping the complex and frustrating city noise to enjoy a relaxed and exotic 'coastal lifestyle' at the same time.

If you dream of walking along the open beach promenade enjoying California's sunsets and having a warm bowl of seolleongtang in nearby Cerritos on the weekends, Long Beach is the perfect choice.