Wilmington, Long Beach: Walkable Urban Living on a South Bay Budget
Additionally, A dense, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Long Beach offering lower home prices and everyday convenience without sacrificing walkability.
About Wilmington in Long Beach
Wilmington delivers rare value in the Long Beach real estate market: a neighborhood with a walk score of 92, meaning daily errands are genuinely walkable, paired with a median home price of $535,790 that sits significantly below Long Beach's citywide average of $709,700. The community is densely populated at 12,916 residents per square mile, with 40.6 percent of households including children, creating a family-oriented atmosphere. Honest trade-offs exist: transit options are moderate rather than robust, and median household income here runs at $43,587 compared to Long Beach's $78,995, reflecting a working-class character that draws first-time buyers and families seeking accessibility.
Real Estate Market in Wilmington
| Median home price | $535.8k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Data not available |
| Price per sq ft | Estimated $300-$400 |
| Median rent | $1,319 |
| Typical days on market | 18-25 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 92 |
| Transit Score | 42 |
| Bike Score | 88 |
The neighborhood's median home price of $535,790 reflects strong affordability relative to Long Beach overall. Rental inventory averages $1,319 per month, making it accessible for renters as well.
Additionally, the neighborhood's affordability and high walkability draw steady buyer interest. Offers at or slightly above list tend to perform well; cash offers and quick closings add competitive advantage given the working-class buyer base actively relocating to the area.
Who Thrives in Wilmington
Wilmington's median price of $535k and high walkability appeal directly to first-time purchasers seeking entry into the Long Beach market without commute penalties.
Additionally, with 40.6 percent of households containing children and schools including Gulf Avenue Elementary and Phineas Banning Senior High nearby, families find affordable housing and established community services.
Additionally, the 14.3 percent owner-occupied rate and accessible entry pricing create rental income opportunities, though property appreciation upside is modest.
Additionally, high walkability offsets modest internet infrastructure; work-from-home rates run at 4.4 percent, suggesting limited digital-native density in the area.
Additionally, walkability and proximity to the Wilmington Senior Center offer lifestyle appeal, though transit options are moderate and median age is just 31.7 years.
Property Types in Wilmington
Majority stock; older construction typical, some with deferred maintenance requiring inspection.
Increasing supply; lower maintenance appeal for first-time and investor buyers.
2-4 unit buildings common; solid rental yield potential given $1,319 median rent.
Living in Wilmington, Long Beach
Daily life in Wilmington revolves around walkable main streets where El Pollo Loco, Maya Mexican Restaurant, and Wingstop anchor food culture, while Food 4 Less and Northgate Gonzalez Market handle grocery needs without a car. The neighborhood's 92 walk score means parks like Wilmington Town Square Park and John Mendez Baseball Park feel accessible by foot, and recreational facilities including Banning's Landing Community Center serve families year-round. The median age of 31.7 years skews younger, creating an active, family-oriented community feel despite lower median household income than the city overall.
- Wingstop · 2 min walk
- Maya Mexican Restaurant · 10 min walk
- Domino's · 19 min walk
- El Taco Loco · 19 min walk
- El Pollo Loco · 19 min walk
- Wilmington Town Square Park · 2 min walk
- John Mendez Baseball Park · 9 min walk
- Drum Barracks · 11 min walk
- Wilhall Park · 15 min walk
- Banning Park · 19 min walk
- Food 4 Less · 5 min walk
- Northgate Gonzalez Market · 22 min walk
- Numero Uno 113 · 39 min walk
- Wilmington Senior Center · 22 min walk
- Banning’s Landing Community Center · 24 min walk
- Banning Residence Museum · 19 min walk
Annual events: Wilmington hosts neighborhood-level family events at Wilmington Town Square Park; the historic Banning Residence Museum offers periodic community gatherings and exhibitions tied to the neighborhood's 19th-century maritime heritage.
Schools Near Wilmington, Long Beach
School quality varies in Wilmington, requiring careful review before purchase if children are part of your family plan. The most-cited elementary option, Gulf Avenue Elementary, holds a score of 39, while Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy at the high school level stands at 91, indicating strong variance across grade levels.
Elementary Schools
School Score 39 with 38% math and 40% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 38.5 with 37% math and 40% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 31.5 with 31% math and 32% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 31.5 with 28% math and 35% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 54 with 52% math and 56% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 31.5 with 30% math and 33% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 91 with 87% math and 95% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 41.5 with 25% math and 58% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 20 with 20% math and 20% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Ss Peter & Paul Elementary School (KG-8) — 11-minute walk
- Vermont Christian School (1-12) — 24-minute walk
- Pacific Harbor Christian School (PK-11) — 31-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students typically feed from Gulf Avenue or Broad Avenue Elementary through Harry Bridges Span middle school (score 54) to either Phineas Banning Senior High (41.5) or Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy (91), with Harbor requiring application.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Wilmington
Commuting from Wilmington depends heavily on destination and mode. The neighborhood's 73.8 percent drive rate reflects car-centric infrastructure, while transit connectivity remains moderate despite the Metro 202 serving the area.
Additionally, metro 202 serves the neighborhood with stops at Anaheim & Avalon and Anaheim & Fries, offering connections throughout Long Beach and South Bay areas, though frequencies are lower than citywide averages.
Neighborhoods Near Wilmington
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wilmington
What is the average home price in Wilmington, Long Beach?
The median home price in Wilmington is $535,790, substantially lower than Long Beach's citywide median of $709,700. This pricing reflects the neighborhood's working-class character and dense population. Homes range from $350k for smaller condos to $700k for larger single-family properties, making entry-level purchases accessible for first-time buyers and investors alike.
Is Wilmington a good place to live?
Wilmington excels for buyers prioritizing walkability and affordability. Additionally, the 92 walk score ranks among Long Beach's highest, meaning grocery shopping, dining, and recreation require no car. The tradeoff is moderate transit access and lower median household income ($43,587 vs. Long Beach's $78,995), creating a working-class, family-oriented feel. Honest assessment: excellent for walkable-first lifestyles, fair for those requiring extensive public transit or seeking higher-income community demographics.
Which schools serve Wilmington, Long Beach?
Elementary schools include Gulf Avenue Elementary (score 39) and Broad Avenue Elementary (38.5). Additionally, harry Bridges Span serves as the middle school feeder (score 54). Moreover, at the high school level, Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy stands out with a score of 91, though it requires application. Phineas Banning Senior High (41.5) serves the general enrollment population. Families should review individual school websites and test scores before committing, as quality varies significantly.
Is Wilmington safe?
Safety data shows mixed signals. The neighborhood's 29.7 percent poverty rate is elevated relative to Long Beach overall, and crime statistics warrant careful neighborhood-level review beyond city averages. Additionally, walkability and family presence suggest well-traveled streets during daytime hours. Prospective buyers should visit multiple times, consult local crime maps, and speak with current residents before purchase.
Who is Wilmington best suited for?
Wilmington is ideal for first-time buyers, young families, and investors seeking affordable entry into Long Beach real estate. Additionally, the 40.6 percent households-with-children rate confirms family prevalence. Remote workers and retirees should consider that internet infrastructure remains basic and transit options are moderate. Most suitable for walk-score-prioritizing buyers who own or plan to own a car.
What dining and shopping options are available in Wilmington?
The neighborhood offers diverse food options including El Pollo Loco, Maya Mexican Restaurant, Wingstop, and El Taco Loco, reflecting the community's Latino heritage. Additionally, grocery shopping centers on Food 4 Less, Northgate Gonzalez Market, and Numero Uno 113. Quick-stop retailers like 99 Cents Only Stores, Family Dollar, and 7-Eleven dot main streets, supporting the neighborhood's car-light lifestyle for routine errands.
Where this Wilmington data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, 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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