Since the 1980s, Long Beach has been a sunny gay mecca that boasts a variety of LGBTQ resources for people of all shapes and sizes. This is, in part, due to the high level of pro-equality policies and trans-inclusive programs. If you’re thinking about relocating to this oceanside city, here are a few things you should know about the breezy region:
Long Beach is the 39th most populous city in the United States and was incorporated in 1897. Prior to that, indigenous people had lived on the land for thousands of years. In 1843, a man from New England named Jonathan Temple bought Rancho Los Cerritos.
He built what is known as the "Los Cerritos Ranch House,” a still-standing adobe which is now a National Historic Landmark. Temple created a thriving cattle ranch and became the wealthiest man in Los Angeles.
The city is now known for waterfront attractions including the permanently docked RMS Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Here are some more fun facts about Long Beach.
The Center is a gay and lesbian organization in Long Beach that engages, empowers, and advocates for the LGBTQ community. The goal is to achieve a more equitable society and foster a greater way of life.
Offering the best networking opportunities in town for the LGBTQ community, the Chamber of Commerce is committed to gay business owners and supporting gay-owned organizations. Started in 1992, the Chamber of Commerce continues to expand throughout the greater Long Beach area.
As you may have guessed, Long Beach is very sunny. It’s California, after all. The region has a Mediterranean climate with semi-arid characteristics. The city features hot summers and mild winters with occasional rainfall. During summer months, low clouds and fog happen frequently. It never snows.
Hosted by the LGBTQ Center, the Black and White Ball is held every spring in the Pacific Ballroom at the Long Beach Convention Center. It’s a sought after and ticketed charity event that celebrates the LGBTQ community’s many achievements.
A two-day LGBTQ event in the city that features live music, food, drinks, and community programming. The festival is all-inclusive and promotes an environment that is free from bias and prejudice.
Long Beach is basically one large gayborhood but there are some enclaves that are particularly LGBTQ oriented. It hosts six areas that have the highest concentration of female couples in Los Angeles. Here are a few to consider:
A quintessential California neighborhood, Belmont Shore is a vibrant community that is home to many boutiques, restaurants, and business offices. It even includes Naples Island on the east. The business district in the area is represented by the Belmont Shore Business Association (BSBA) and the residents by the Friends of Belmont Shore and the Belmont Shore Residents Association (BSRA).
The median home value in Belmont Shore is $1,250,000 with values having risen by 2% in the past year. The average price per square foot is $691 and the neighborhood typically has an average of 21 homes for sale.
Homes in the area are Spanish-style, built in the 1920s and 1930s with older properties remodeled into contemporary styles. The neighborhood also has sections of multi-family apartments and housing.
Carson Park is a neighborhood that is surrounded by all green and the city’s biggest recreational area, Heartwell Park. It’s a quaint region that contains shops, sports bars, and cafes.
The median home value in Carson Park is $750,000 with values having risen by 1.9% in the past year. The average price per square foot is $420 and the neighborhood typically has an average of 18 homes for sale.
Heartwell Park runs four city blocks and offers all sorts of activities like a fishing pond, bike path, baseball field, volleyball court, and fitness course.
Also referred to as “East Long Beach,” this area is comprised of bike-friendly streets, plentiful parks, and local businesses of all kinds. El Dorado Park is in East Side and has a variety of amenities, trails, and recreational facilities.
The median home value in East Side is $400,000 and the average price per square foot is $465. The neighborhood typically has an average of 19 homes for sale.
The community consists of single-family homes with high-rated schools. The neighborhood also has diverse shopping centers and delectable local eateries.
The Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine is a system of over 170 parks with 26 different community centers. Long Beach has one of the busiest municipal golf systems in the country, hosting five separate courses. It also features 6 miles of beaches and the Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau.
Located on Ocean Boulevard, the Long Beach Museum of Art has a permanent collection that includes over 3,000 paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects.
This cash-only bar has crafty cocktails, games, and theme nights with an all-inclusive crowd.
A gay nightclub known for its large library of music and comedy videos. Plus, they have a killer karaoke night!
An LGBTQ club with a chic lounge, it features weekly drag shows, karaoke, and pool.
Long Beach is a sunny gay paradise that has a long history of fighting for LGBTQ rights. Even better than Los Angeles, residents enjoy the ocean, sunshine, and lively events all year round.
