When people think of Long Beach, well-known attractions like The Queen Mary, the Port of Long Beach, Rosie’s Dog Beach, or Belmont Shore often first come to mind. However, while most visitors head towards these popular tourist attractions for entertainment, many locals and residents head towards the city’s north side, typically referred to as “Uptown” Long Beach.

According to KCET, this section of the city is divided into two regions, known as Bixby Knolls and California Heights. If you’re a homebuyer interested in Bixby Knolls, here’s what makes this Long Beach neighborhood unique.

Pedestrian-Friendly Community

Bixby Knolls is a bike friendly neighborhood

Home to many working professionals, families, entrepreneurs, and retirees, Bixby Knolls has a rather diverse and affluent community of residents. Thanks to the community’s high walkability and bike lanes, Bixby Knolls is an absolute haven for pedestrians and cyclists. 

In fact, the community-friendly suburb is notorious for its “Beach Streets” events, which regularly attract people who prefer to take a break from their vehicles. Beach Streets is an event that clears the streets of automobiles in Bixby Knolls, allowing pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, and scooterists to freely roam the boulevards.

Architectural Styles

Home in Bixby Knolls

Like its residents, many of the homes in this suburb are diverse, ranging in architectural style from Spanish, Tudor, and Craftsman to midcentury and Southern Colonial. Many local architects have designed residences in Bixby Knolls, such as the modern architect Hugh Davies, the master midcentury architect Kenneth S. Wing, and the Long Beach-born modern architect Paul Tay. Edward Killingsworth was also one of the most notable architects in Long Beach, designing modernist homes throughout Bixby Knolls. 

Even when it comes to the architecture styles of business fronts in the community, it’s easy to admire the varied stucco and brick styles of store moldings, signage, awnings, and rooftops. Many businesses along Atlantic Avenue have rounded corners with canopies draped over the sidewalk. These unique and charming architectural styles add to the quaint, suburban vibe of the community.

Homes and Prices

Home in Bixby Knolls

Most of the homes in Bixby Knolls are single-family houses with multiple bedrooms and a driveway or garage. However, there are also condominium and attached home options for prospective homebuyers. These structures could be older, dating back as far as the 1890s, but there are also many contemporary-style homes constructed as recently as this year.

Many homes feature attractive landscaping and eye-catching architecture. Compared to living in Los Angeles, properties in Long Beach are either on par with LA or more affordable. For many Angelenos who feel like they’re being priced out of the city, living in Bixby Knolls, which is adjacent to LA, is a popular option.

The median sale price of homes in this suburban community is in the low $600s, while prices currently range from the mid $200s to just over $3.2 million.

Amenities

Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach

Located approximately four miles from Downtown Long Beach, Bixby Knolls is a historic neighborhood towards the city’s northeastern region. It’s considered one of the best communities to live in Long Beach, and it gives residents the opportunity to live, work, and play all in one place. Bixby Knolls features several upscale residential areas, and the core of its amenities can be found along two of the city’s major thoroughfares: Atlantic Avenue and Long Beach Avenue.

There’s always something to do in Bixby Knolls. Simply head towards Atlantic Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard, and you’ll find a range of great options such as art galleries, specialty shops, diverse restaurants, and cozy cafes. Residents can accomplish daily errands on foot, whether grocery shopping or just a convenience store run.

Despite the rather extensive list of amenities though, Bixby Knolls is famous for its community events, which are family-friendly. These events include First Friday, Knights of the Round Table, Supper Club, Kidical Mass, and as mentioned earlier—Beach Streets. 

Schools

Park in Bixby Knolls

Bixby Knolls is served by the Long Beach Unified School District, which is regarded as one of the nation’s most reputable school districts. According to The Global Education Study, a study conducted by the nonprofit organization Battelle for Kids, Long Beach Unified School District was among five of the world’s highest performing school systems.

The district has also been recognized as one of the country’s best high school districts by The Washington Post. Similarly, the school district was also revered for having several of the nation’s top high school programs by U.S. News and World Report.

A Local’s Perspective

Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach

Over a decade ago, locals living in Bixby Knolls were longtime residents who admired the neighborhood’s historic appeal and welcoming community events, according to LA Times. While these are still cornerstone characteristics of the community, many locals also take huge pride in the quality education system, emerging new businesses, and ever-changing culture.

“It’s a diverse and thriving community with great neighborhoods that feed into our small business corridors. The future is bright,” said 8th District Councilmember Al Austin, according to the Long Beach Business Journal. “Bixby Knolls is a community that embraces arts, culture and innovation. As long as we continue to do that, we will evolve as a place where people want to come with their families and have a good time.”