Why Buyers Love Belmont Heights, Long Beach, California
A walkable, established neighborhood with strong schools and coastal proximity near downtown Long Beach.
About Belmont Heights in Long Beach
Belmont Heights stands out as one of Long Beach's most desirable neighborhoods, combining high walkability with an educated, affluent resident base that values both neighborhood stability and urban convenience. The median home value of $1.025M reflects strong demand, and the Walk Score of 87 means most errands can be completed on foot or by bike. Moreover, 55.4% of residents hold bachelor's degrees, and the median household income of $116,372 significantly exceeds Long Beach's city average of $78,995, attracting discerning homebuyers who prize quality schools and established character.
Real Estate Market in Belmont Heights
| Median home price | $1.025M |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +4.2% |
| Price per sq ft | $685 |
| Median rent | $1,861 |
| Typical days on market | 22 |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 87 |
| Transit Score | 41 |
| Bike Score | 78 |
The neighborhood commands premium pricing relative to Long Beach citywide, driven by superior walkability, top-tier schools, and a stable, affluent demographic. Inventory moves briskly, particularly for well-maintained single-family homes with modern updates.
Homes in move-in condition and those in the Naples Elementary attendance area typically see multiple offers within the first week. Overpricing by more than 2-3% relative to recent comps risks extended marketing time; strategic pricing and strong listing presentation are critical.
Who Thrives in Belmont Heights
Strong schools and walkability appeal, but median pricing at $1.025M requires substantial down payment or qualifying income for first-time homebuyers.
Naples Elementary (87 API score) and Rogers Middle anchor a highly sought-after school feeder pattern; 13.4% of residents have children, and family-oriented amenities like Trolley Park and Colorado Lagoon Park are core draws.
Rental demand remains steady at median $1,861/month; the educated tenant base and school reputation support stable, long-term appreciation and lower vacancy risk.
Walk Score of 87 and 18.8% work-from-home rate among residents mean excellent local cafes, parks, and services; Steelhead Coffee and The Library offer reliable workspaces and community.
Median resident age of 41.7 years reflects a mature, stable community; walkability reduces car dependency, and proximity to parks and coastal recreation supports active aging.
Property Types in Belmont Heights
Predominant stock; vintage Craftsman and mid-century bungalows command premiums when updated.
Attractive entry point for downsizers and investors; lower HOA fees common in older conversions.
Limited supply; smart infill and major renovations command 8-12% premiums over comparable comps.
Living in Belmont Heights, Long Beach
Daily life in Belmont Heights revolves around walkable commerce, quality schools, and easy coastal access. Residents frequent Steelhead Coffee and The Library for morning routines, shop at Olives Gourmet Grocer and San and Wolves for prepared foods and provisions, and spend weekend afternoons at Trolley Park or Colorado Lagoon Park. <h3>Recreation and Culture</h3> The Long Beach Greenbelt and Bluff Park offer hiking and scenic views; the Red Car Greenbelt supports community events. Additionally, Wilson High School's athletic programs and Music Theatre West cultural events draw neighborhood participation. Meanwhile, the 71% car-commute rate reflects Southern California norms, though local transit connections to downtown and regional job centers via Broadway & Termino and Broadway & Grand continue to improve.
- 3636 Club · 5 min walk
- Starling Diner · 5 min walk
- Manaow · 6 min walk
- Loma Liquor · 6 min walk
- Olives Gourmet Grocer · 7 min walk
- The Library · 8 min walk
- Steelhead Coffee · 9 min walk
- Viento y Agua · 10 min walk
- Sheldrake Coffee Roasting · 14 min walk
- Babette's Feast · 14 min walk
- Trolley Park · 9 min walk
- Livingston Drive Park · 16 min walk
- Long Beach Greenbelt · 17 min walk
- Colorado Lagoon Park · 22 min walk
- Bluff Park · 22 min walk
- San and Wolves · 9 min walk
- Vons · 12 min walk
- Smart & Final Extra! · 16 min walk
- Ralphs · 18 min walk
- Sweet Jill's Bakery · 18 min walk
- The Belmont Athletic Club · 18 min walk
- Anytime Fitness · 29 min walk
- Bixby Park Community Center · 30 min walk
- Total Fitness · 31 min walk
- Freeman Community Center · 31 min walk
- Iguana Import Gallery · 8 min walk
- Red Car Greenbelt · 17 min walk
- Musical Theatre West (office) · 17 min walk
- Bruin Stadium · 20 min walk
- Amphitheatre · 24 min walk
Annual events: Long Beach Lobster Festival, Taste of Belmont, Bluff Park summer concerts, community art walks
Schools Near Belmont Heights, Long Beach
Schools are the neighborhood's strongest draw, with Naples Elementary posting an 87 API score and Lowell Elementary at 78.5, both well above state averages. Rogers Middle (71) feeds into Wilson High, creating a predictable, investment-grade K-12 pathway that justifies the neighborhood's premium positioning.
Elementary Schools
School Score 87 with 87% math and 87% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 78.5 with 75% math and 82% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 76 with 72% math and 80% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 54.5 with 52% math and 57% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 71 with 66% math and 76% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 46 with 38% math and 54% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 44 with 25% math and 63% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Maple Village Waldorf School (PK-8) — 14-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Naples Elementary attendance boundaries define the highest-demand micromarket; homes in this zone command 5-8% premiums and sell fastest.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Belmont Heights
Belmont Heights offers balanced commute options for Long Beach-based workers and those venturing to regional job centers. The neighborhood's Transit Score of 41 is moderate for Los Angeles; car ownership remains practical and common.
Long Beach Transit Lines serve Broadway & Termino and Broadway & Loma; however, regional rail to LA County is limited, making car commuting the default for most residents.
Neighborhoods Near Belmont Heights
Not sure Belmont Heights is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Belmont Heights
What is the average home price in Belmont Heights, Long Beach?
The median home value is $1.025M, reflecting strong demand and premium positioning relative to Long Beach's citywide median of $709,700. Single-family homes typically range from $895k to $1.4M, while condos and townhomes offer entry points around $675k to $950k. Pricing has appreciated 4.2% year-over-year, and homes sell in an average of 22 days, indicating brisk market activity and buyer competition.
Is Belmont Heights a good place to live?
Yes, for buyers prioritizing walkability, excellent schools, and an established, educated community. The neighborhood combines an 87 Walk Score with top-rated elementary and middle schools, a median resident age of 41.7 years, and 55.4% of residents holding bachelor's degrees. However, the high median home price ($1.025M) and moderate car dependency (71% drive to work) mean it suits affluent, established households better than budget-conscious first-time buyers or those seeking urban density comparable to downtown Long Beach.
Which schools serve Belmont Heights, Long Beach?
Naples Elementary (87 API score) is the neighborhood's flagship and most sought-after school, with Lowell Elementary (78.5) and Fremont Elementary (76) also serving the area. Rogers Middle School (71) feeds students to Wilson High School, creating a stable K-12 pipeline. The combination of high API scores and engaged families makes the Naples Elementary attendance zone the most competitive micromarket within the neighborhood.
Is Belmont Heights safe?
The neighborhood maintains a low poverty rate of 8.4% and high median income of $116,372, both indicators of neighborhood stability and lower crime risk relative to Long Beach overall. The median resident age of 41.7 and 39% married-household rate reflect an established, family-oriented community with strong neighborhood watch presence and community investment. As always, verify current crime maps with the Long Beach Police Department for block-level detail.
Who should move to Belmont Heights?
Families with school-age children and affluent professionals are the core fit. Retirees attracted to walkability and established character, remote workers who value cafe culture and parks, and long-term rental investors seeking stable, educated tenants all find strong value here. First-time buyers with substantial down-payment savings may qualify, but the $1.025M median price and competitive market require financial confidence.
What are the best coffee shops and dining options in Belmont Heights?
Steelhead Coffee and The Library are neighborhood staples for morning routines and remote work; both offer excellent espresso and community atmosphere. For dining, Starling Diner delivers classic American comfort, while Manaow offers Thai cuisine and Olives Gourmet Grocer stocks prepared foods and artisanal goods. The established commercial corridors along Broadway and 32nd Street support independent cafes and restaurants that reflect the neighborhood's walkable, quality-focused character.
Where this Belmont Heights data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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