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California Heights

California Heights

Neighborhood in Long Beach, California

Los Angeles County 90807

$934,782 Average Value
$644 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Historic architecture and a strong community

Historic and tight-knit, California Heights stands out among North Long Beach neighborhoods. Cal Heights, as it is known to locals, features the largest of the city’s 18 historic districts. Established in 1990 and expanded in 2000, the district includes nearly 1,500 homes. “I grew up in Cal Heights starting in 1947,” says Alan Fasnacht of Team Fasnacht Realty. “Sunset Magazine has named it the No. 1 historic neighborhood in the country several times. It has a really strong neighborhood association and is known as extremely walkable.” The neighborhood balances historic residential blocks with a growing roster of locally-owned shops and restaurants centered around Atlantic Avenue.

You can tell homes are historic by the plaques out front in California Heights Long Beach.
You can tell homes are historic by the plaques out front in California Heights Long Beach.
There are many unique homes in the neighborhood including this French Farmhouse inspired beauty.
There are many unique homes in the neighborhood including this French Farmhouse inspired beauty.
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Historic Spanish homes

Previously part of the Bixby Ranch, which once covered much of Long Beach, development of Cal Heights began in 1924 after it was determined that the land held no oil. Most of the neighborhood’s existing homes were built between 1924 and 1950. Cal Heights is known for its abundance of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, with an array of homes featuring distinct white facades and bright terra cotta roofs dotting its tree-lined streets. Other historic homes feature the steep roofs and decorative timbering of the Tudor style while inviting Craftsman bungalows are prominent as well. Fasnacht says that this architectural diversity is attracting buyers. “People want to buy these homes, and their value has been cemented by the efforts of the neighborhood association.” The neighborhood also includes its share of minimal traditional homes that are common among Long Beach’s established neighborhoods. Single-family homes typically list between $800,000 and $1.3 million. Condos can be found on the west side of the neighborhood for $350,000 to $600,000, making it one of the more budget-friendly neighborhoods in Long Beach. “We’re getting a lot of buyers from the west side of Los Angeles who are looking for high quality of life in a walkable neighborhood,” says Fasnacht. “That has made Cal Heights really quite desirable.”

Homes in California Heig often feature 'curb appeal' and thoughtful landscaping.
Homes in California Heig often feature 'curb appeal' and thoughtful landscaping.
Here is an example of a beautifu restored Spanish Colonial home in California Heights Long Beach
Here is an example of a beautifu restored Spanish Colonial home in California Heights Long Beach
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Reservoir Park

Green space in the neighborhood is limited, but Reservoir Park is a popular spot for playground play dates, while the Pickleball Badminton Center on the east side of the neighborhood is regularly packed with racquet sport enthusiasts. The neighborhood is also a great landing spot for golfers: there are three popular courses within 2 miles of Cal Heights.

Reservoir Park is a popular park with parents and kids alike.
Reservoir Park is a popular park with parents and kids alike.
Reservoir Park playground was refurbished recently.
Reservoir Park playground was refurbished recently.
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Atlantic Avenue dining

Atlantic Avenue, which bisects the neighborhood, is home to a growing number of North Long Beach’s most popular restaurants. The pie and quiche specialists at Jongewaard’s Bake n’ Broil have been serving the neighborhood since 1965, while Steelcraft Long Beach features a rotating roster of food vendors and craft brewers. Just north along the corridor are a concentration of shops and restaurants in Bixby Knolls, whose First Fridays event attracts thousands for late-night shopping accompanied by art and music. Residents can stock up on essentials and other items at the Bixby Knolls shopping center and a Target roughly a mile south in neighboring Signal Hill.

Steelhead Coffee at Steelcraft in Bixby Knolls for a coffee break.
Steelhead Coffee at Steelcraft in Bixby Knolls for a coffee break.
Bake 'N Broil has been an institution in the neighborhood since 1965.
Bake 'N Broil has been an institution in the neighborhood since 1965.
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Cal Heights public schools

The neighborhood’s public schools are overseen by the Long Beach Unified School District, which offers school choice to all students within the district. Default options for the neighborhood include Birney Elementary School, which has a B grade on Niche, and Hughes Middle School, which has a B-plus. Long Beach Polytechnic High, known locally as Poly, has a rare A-plus rating and is known for its impressive roster of famous alums, which includes Snoop Dogg, Billie Jean King and Cameron Diaz among myriad others.

North Wrigley's elementary school is Birney Elementary.
North Wrigley's elementary school is Birney Elementary.
Long Beach Poly athletic fields in Long Beach.
Long Beach Poly athletic fields in Long Beach.
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Manicured gardens and community tours

The work of the very active California Heights Neighborhood Association was a big part of Cal Heights being named Neighborhood of the Year by Neighborhoods, USA in 2012. Not much has changed since then, thanks to the CHNA, whose efforts remain focused on preserving the community’s historic charm and character. The CHNA publishes a monthly online newsletter, and its programs have been locally and nationally recognized. The Lamppost Restoration Project is well known in Long Beach, and the annual Home and Garden Tour was cited by NUSA in awarding Cal Heights its highest honor. That tour, which features docents leading neighbors through the homes and gardens of selected residents, resumed in May 2024 after a five-year hiatus. For new and prospective homeowners, the association’s website includes guidelines for owning one of the neighborhood’s historic homes as well as contacts for restorations.

Many homes have blooming flowers in the front yards in California Heights.
Many homes have blooming flowers in the front yards in California Heights.
The many Spanish-style homes in Bixby Knolls usually feature white walls and a red roof.
The many Spanish-style homes in Bixby Knolls usually feature white walls and a red roof.
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Getting around North Long Beach

Interstate 405 passes just south of the neighborhood, providing easy access for work commutes and general travel throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Multiple bus routes run along neighborhood thoroughfares Atlantic and Orange Avenue, connecting Cal Heights to Downtown Long Beach and Central Los Angeles. Just east of the neighborhood, Long Beach Airport offers direct flights to over 20 U.S. locations. While limited aircraft noise is occasionally audible in the northeast corner of Cal Heights, the orientation of the airport's runway means planes pass well north of the neighborhood during takeoff and landing.

Andrew Moreno
Written By
Andrew Moreno
Michael Rutt
Photography Contributed By
Michael Rutt
Tyler Belile
Video By
Tyler Belile

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to John Binder, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Long Beach (Daugherty Field)

3 min drive

Bus

Atlantic & Wardlow NE

Bus

L.B. Blvd. & Wardlow NE

Bus

Orange & Wardlow NE

Bus

Atlantic & 36th NE

Bus

Orange & 37th SW

Bus

Orange & 37th NE

Bus

Wardlow & California NE

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime California Heights US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$960,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,085,000
Median Townhouse Price
$965,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$486,400
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$383,750
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$644
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
185
Months of Supply
0.60
Median List Price
$974,990
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
15%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,038
Median Year Built
1939
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,503
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,129
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
994
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
687
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 4pm

    3561 Olive Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807

    $799,999

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,145 Sq Ft
    • 3561 Olive Ave

    Welcome to the heart of historic California Heights, one of Long Beach’s most cherished neighborhoods known for its tree-lined streets, timeless architecture, and vibrant community spirit. This Original Traditional-Style Home is brimming with potential—a true diamond in the rough awaiting your creative vision to transform it into your personalized forever home. Located in a highly sought-after

    Agent Photo
    Keven Stirdivant
    Kase Real Estate
    (562) 534-4339
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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 4pm

    1400 E 37th St, Long Beach, CA 90807

    $1,125,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,687 Sq Ft
    • 1400 E 37th St
    • New 21 days ago

    Welcome to this charming and sun-filled remodeled home, nestled on a corner lot on a tree-lined street in the prime California Heights neighborhood. It offers access to award winning schools, parks, shops, and restaurants. Step inside, and you're greeted by a formal entryway opening up to a bright and spacious living room, and character-filled dining area with bay windows and crown molding. The

    Chloe Misisco Pardee Properties

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  • Friday, Apr 25
    12 - 3pm

    3656 Walnut Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807

    $1,179,888

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,568 Sq Ft
    • 3656 Walnut Ave

    ***GORGOEOUS RECENTLY REMODELED HISTORICAL HOME***New layer of shingles, New Plumbing and drains and sewer line to outside of the house, New gas lines running through the property, New HVAC system, New Bathrooms, New texture and paint throughout, New remodel kitchen, New sod and sprinkler system, New 200 amp electrical panel and re-wire throughout entire house, Tankless water Heater, New Recessed

    KRISTI GREENLEE Champions Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to John Binder, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,926
Median Age
44
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$88,015
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$114,910

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.6%
College Graduates
47.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

65 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

84 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

48 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
California Heights
John Binder
ReMax Tiffany Real Estate
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