California Heights

Long Beach, CA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1,025,000 (mid-2025 estimate)
Median Home Price
70–75 (Very walkable for daily errands, but some amenities require short drive)
Walkability Score
Highly rated public schools (8–9/10 GreatSchools); strong parent involvement.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

East side of Gaviota Ave, west side of Lime Ave, south side of Bixby Rd, alley north of Wardlow Rd; expanded to include Gaviota, Rose, and Gardenia Avenues.

Zip Codes

90807

Market Data Summary

Price Range$900,000–$1,200,000 for most single-family homes; premium renovations or larger lots can exceed $1.25M
Price per Sq Ft$700–$800/sq ft (2025)
Inventory LevelsTight; typically 8–12 active listings at any time, with turnover concentrated in spring/summer.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homes (predominant)Some duplexes (rare)

Architectural Styles

Spanish Colonial RevivalTudor RevivalNorman RevivalNeo-Traditional (1938–1949)California Bungalow

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes4,500–6,500 sq ft
Home Age RangeBuilt 1920–1950, with some homes moved in from other areas in the 1920s–30s
Construction QualityHigh; many homes retain original details, hardwood floors, built-ins, and have been sensitively updated.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Primarily established professionals, families, and retirees; diverse, with a strong sense of local pride and historic preservation.

Community Vibe

Quiet, residential, historic, close-knit, pride of ownership evident.

Typical Residents

  • Families with children
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Heritage enthusiasts

Family Friendly

Very; tree-lined streets, low traffic, active neighborhood association, frequent community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Los Cerritos Park (adjacent)
  • Wardlow Park
  • Bike-friendly streets

Dining Options

  • Rasselbock Kitchen & Beer Garden
  • The Pan
  • Philz Coffee (nearby Bixby Knolls)

Shopping Centers

  • Bixby Knolls Shopping District
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Target (nearby)

Local Businesses

  • Steelhead Coffee
  • Blackbird Cafe
  • Local boutiques and salons

Education & Schools

Highly rated public schools (8–9/10 GreatSchools); strong parent involvement.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Longfellow Elementary
  • Los Cerritos Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Hughes Middle School

High Schools

  • Long Beach Polytechnic High School

Private Schools

  • St. Barnabas School
  • Oakwood Academy

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Long Beach Transit bus lines on Wardlow, Bixby, and Atlantic

Major Roads

  • Wardlow Rd
  • Bixby Rd
  • Atlantic Ave

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–25 minutes to Downtown Long Beach; 35–45 minutes to Downtown LA (off-peak)
WalkabilityGood for local errands; excellent for recreation and neighborhood strolls.
ParkingMostly driveway and street parking; generally sufficient except during events.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Heritage home enthusiasts
  • Young families
  • Move-up buyers from urban condos
  • Remote workers seeking home offices

Key Selling Points

  • Largest historic district in Long Beach
  • Tree-lined streets and strong community
  • Top-rated schools
  • Architectural character and pride of ownership

Pricing Considerations

Homes with sensitive renovations and modern amenities command a premium; overpricing leads to longer days on market.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may require more maintenance.

Response Strategy:

Highlight recent upgrades, quality of original construction, and availability of local contractors experienced with historic properties.

Objection: Historic district restrictions limit remodeling options.

Response Strategy:

Explain the value preservation brings, and provide resources for navigating the city’s historic guidelines.

Objection: Limited inventory and competition make it hard to buy.

Response Strategy:

Advise on pre-approval, flexible terms, and readiness to act quickly; emphasize long-term value.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong; historic designation and limited supply drive steady value growth.

Rental Demand

Moderate; most homes are owner-occupied, but renovated properties attract quality tenants.

Buyer Competition

High, especially for move-in-ready and historically intact homes.

Best For

  • Owner-occupants seeking historic charm
  • Long-term investors
  • Families valuing schools and community

Potential Concerns

  • Historic preservation restrictions
  • Limited new construction
  • Higher maintenance costs for older homes

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on historic preservation guidelines and benefits.

2

Network with local contractors and preservation specialists.

3

Stage homes to highlight both period charm and modern updates.

4

Leverage community events and local business partnerships in marketing.

5

Prepare buyers for competitive offers and fast-moving market.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Bixby Knolls
  • Belmont Heights
  • Bluff Heights

Market Positioning

Premium historic neighborhood with strong community and family appeal.

Competitive Advantages

  • Largest historic district in Long Beach
  • More affordable than Belmont Heights or Bluff Park
  • Stronger community association and events

Price Comparison

Slightly lower median prices than Belmont Heights, but higher than most non-historic Long Beach neighborhoods.

Investment Metrics

3.5–4% (2025, for well-maintained rentals)
Cap Rates
3–3.5% gross yield
Rental Yields
22–25 (owner-occupant market dominates)
Price-to-Rent
Modest; best for appreciation and quality tenants, not high cash flow.
Cash Flow
4–6% annual appreciation projected through 2027.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to price point, but possible with strong financing; historic charm appeals to those seeking unique homes.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal for buyers upgrading from condos or smaller homes; space, character, and schools are draws.

Downsizers

Attractive for those seeking single-level living and walkable amenities, but lot/home sizes may be larger than needed.

Investors

Best suited for long-term appreciation; rental market is stable but not high-yield.

Relocators

Popular with buyers moving from LA or OC seeking community and value.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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