Moving to Long Beach CA for Retirement (2026 Guide)

For active retirees who want coastal living, world-class healthcare, walkability, and year-round sunshine, Long Beach can be an exceptional place to retire. But it is not the right fit for everyone.

The truth is simple:

Long Beach is affordable compared to Santa Monica or Newport Beach — but still expensive.
Some neighborhoods feel peaceful and walkable, while others have higher crime or more urban activity.
And the lifestyle you choose will determine whether this is your best retirement move or an expensive mistake.

This guide gives you the real, hyper-local insights you won’t find on generic retirement sites. If you want support choosing the safest and most retirement-friendly neighborhoods, you can reach me anytime.

What Retirement in Long Beach Is Really Like

Long Beach offers a rare blend of coastal lifestyle, cultural richness, and excellent healthcare at a lower price point than the most elite Southern California beach cities. With roughly 460,000 residents, five miles of coastline, a major university, walkable neighborhoods, and an expanding transit network, retirees find it easy to stay active and engaged.

Success, however, depends on the neighborhood you choose. Safety, walkability, noise levels, and pricing vary dramatically from one zip code to the next. Retirees who work with a local expert tend to find the neighborhoods that perfectly match their lifestyle, mobility needs, and budget.

Pros of Retiring in Long Beach

1. Top-Ranked Healthcare Within Minutes

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center consistently ranks among California’s best hospitals and appears on Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list. Specialized institutes for cancer, stroke, orthopedics, and neurology make advanced care easily accessible.

2. Senior Programs That Support Healthy Aging

With multiple senior centers, subsidized meals, fitness classes, and enrichment programs, retirees can stay active, connected, and supported year-round.

3. Lifelong Learning Through Cal State Long Beach

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers 50–80 non-credit classes per term — a major perk for intellectually curious retirees.

4. Walkable, Bike-Friendly Coastal Living

The Shoreline Bike Path, waterfront parks, flat terrain, and beach access support daily activity without needing a car.

5. Vibrant Social and Cultural Life

Concerts, museums, festivals, food events, and neighborhood gatherings create constant opportunities for meeting people and staying socially engaged.

Cons of Retiring in Long Beach

1. High Housing and Living Costs

Home prices typically range from $700K–$1.5M+ depending on the neighborhood. Condos offer more affordability ($400K–$800K) but often include HOA fees.

2. Neighborhood-Dependent Safety

Safety varies significantly across the city. East-side neighborhoods and coastal pockets tend to be safer and more retirement-friendly.

3. California Taxes Most Retirement Income

Social Security is exempt, but pensions, IRA withdrawals, and investment income are taxed at state rates. Tax planning is essential.

4. Urban Density, Noise, and Air Quality

The port contributes to periodic noise and air quality challenges. Retirees who prefer quieter suburban environments may gravitate toward East Long Beach or park-adjacent neighborhoods.

Best Long Beach Neighborhoods for Retirees

Belmont Shore & Belmont Heights

Walkability, beach access, restaurants, and an active social scene. Ideal for retirees who want an energetic coastal environment.

Naples Island

Canal-side walking paths, quiet streets, and high safety ratings. One of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Long Beach.

Marina Pacifica

Gated waterfront condos with amenities, security, and low-maintenance living. Perfect for lock-and-leave lifestyles.

East Long Beach (Los Altos, Lakewood Village, The Plaza)

Suburban layouts, single-story homes, quieter streets, and strong perceived safety. Excellent for aging in place.

Bixby Knolls

Character homes, a walkable village feel, community events, and a vibrant dining scene.

Cost of Living for Retirees

General Monthly Budgets

Singles: $4,000–$6,000/month
Couples: $6,500–$9,000/month

Housing, healthcare premiums, utilities, groceries, and transportation make up most of the budget. Walkable areas and senior transit discounts can lower costs.

How to Know Whether Long Beach Is the Right Retirement Fit

The best way to avoid an expensive mistake is to speak with someone who understands the block-by-block differences in safety, pricing, walkability, transit, and lifestyle.

I help retirees compare neighborhoods, evaluate downsizing math, understand tax implications, and build a retirement housing plan that feels stable, safe, and enjoyable long-term.

About Rick J. Lee

Rick is a Southern California real estate expert specializing in Long Beach, Seal Beach, Belmont Shore, Naples Island, Bixby Knolls, and East Long Beach. With deep hyper-local knowledge and a background in multimedia marketing, Rick helps retirees, downsizers, and families choose the right neighborhood and protect their equity.

If you’re exploring a retirement move, I’d be honored to help you compare neighborhoods and build a plan that fits your long-term goals.