Alamitos Heights, Long Beach, CA

Alamitos Heights is the east Long Beach neighborhood that runs from Pacific Coast Highway down to Colorado Lagoon, between Park Avenue and Bellflower Boulevard. It takes its name from Alamitos Bay rather than Alamitos Beach, and the lagoon on its western edge is what locals point to first. Homes are mostly single-family, a mix of mid-century ranch houses and older traditional styles on gently rising streets, with mature trees and roomy front yards. Many have been updated, and some blocks near the lagoon have seen larger rebuilds. Park Estates lies to the north and University Park Estates to the east. Colorado Lagoon is the daily outdoor space. Marina Vista Park on Eliot Street is the neighborhood's sports field, and the city has been cutting an open channel across it to link the lagoon with Marine Stadium. Food runs along Pacific Coast Highway. 49rs Tavern is the neighborhood bar and grill, The Burger Den and Banda Burrito share a strip at 5570, and Earthly Juices handles smoothies. For a longer menu, Cafe Lorel is a short drive up the highway in Park Estates, and Belmont Heights' Broadway restaurants are about ten minutes west. Errands take a car for most people. The Whole Foods and Trader Joe's near Second Street and Pacific Coast Highway are close, and the Traffic Circle shopping is a few minutes north. 7th Street cuts through the middle and carries commuters toward Cal State Long Beach and the 22 freeway. That 7th Street traffic is the main drawback, and blocks right along it hear it. Away from it, Alamitos Heights is quiet, and a summer evening means a walk down to the lagoon to watch paddlers and model boats on the water.