Long Beach has distinct atmospheres in different areas such as Belmont Shore, Downtown, and North Long Beach. These regional differences are clearly reflected in the rental price charts.

Currently, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Long Beach is around $2,400 per month. There is a significant gap between coastal and inland areas, with some units starting as low as the low $2,000s and others exceeding $2,900.

Belmont Shore and Belmont Heights are close to the beach and within walking distance of cafes and shopping areas, leading to steady demand for 2-bedrooms. However, many older low-rise buildings have lower maintenance costs compared to new constructions, so the actual living expenses are not as different as the surface rent prices suggest.

In Downtown and East Village, the trend of new high-rise buildings in recent years has pushed 2-bedroom rents upward. Units with ocean views can approach $3,000.

Naples Island is considered one of the quietest and safest residential areas in Long Beach, often attracting families looking for long-term 2-bedroom rentals. Due to its unique canal-based layout, there are not many listings, so vacancies tend to fill quickly.

The area between California Heights and Belmont Heights has relatively lower rent prices, which seems to be attracting more young renters looking to share costs with roommates.

The differences in rent by area ultimately stem from a combination of beach access and the age of the buildings. Even for the same 2-bedroom unit, there can be a nearly $300 difference between those within a 10-minute walk to the beach and those over 20 minutes away.

Recent trends over the past year indicate that the overall rent increase in Long Beach is becoming more gradual. With an increase in new supply near the port, there are signs that tenant negotiations may become more favorable in some areas.

If Korean families are considering settling in Long Beach, it's important to note that the concentration of Koreans in Long Beach is not as high as in LA or Irvine. Instead, it is advisable to also consider the commuting distance to Korean communities in Orange County or Torrance when evaluating living satisfaction.