California Heights, Long Beach, CA
California Heights at a Glance
California Heights is ranked #21 of 42 neighborhoods in Long Beach with an overall score of 3.3/5. Its standout factors are nearby merchants (4.6/5) and curb appeal (4.5/5). It ranks 18th of 42 in Long Beach for safety. The trade-off is schools (3.0/5).
California Heights Reviews & Questions
California Heights is the largest historic district in Long Beach, roughly 1,500 homes laid out in the 1920s as the oil boom on nearby Signal Hill sent buyers north from the old downtown. The signature look is Spanish Colonial Revival, block after block of tile roofs and arched porches, with Tudor, Craftsman, and period-revival homes mixed in on consistent, planted setbacks. Many houses qualify for Mills Act contracts, which can meaningfully reduce property taxes in exchange for preservation, a real draw for buyers of historic homes. The neighborhood centers on Orange Avenue and runs between Atlantic and Cherry, with the commercial life on those bordering avenues rather than inside the quiet interior. It is car-oriented for errands and some edges meet busier streets. But for architectural consistency, mature trees, and a genuine sense of period, Cal Heights is one of the most cohesive neighborhoods in the city.
Top Neighborhoods in Long Beach, CA
California Heights Amenities
Near good merchants4.6
Public Spaces3.7
Curb Appeal4.5
Overall Amenities score: 4.2
California Heights Weather
California Heights Photos
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Schools Serving California Heights
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birney Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Bobbie Smith Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Signal Hill Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Jessie Nelson Academy | Middle | 6-8 | |
| Hughes Middle | Middle | 6-8 | |
| Polytechnic High | High | 9-12 |
Click links for school listing
info at GreatSchools.org
Houseberry School Score Data
from CA Dept. of Education
Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.
California Heights FAQs
8 answers
Is California Heights a good place to live?
California Heights ranks 21st of 42 neighborhoods in Long Beach with an overall Houseberry score of 3.3 out of 5. Its strongest factors are nearby merchants (4.6/5) and curb appeal (4.5/5). The trade-off is schools (3.0/5).
Is California Heights safe?
California Heights, Long Beach scores 3.6 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 18th of 42 neighborhoods in Long Beach.
Which schools serve California Heights?
Schools serving California Heights, Long Beach include Birney Elementary (2.7/5), Bobbie Smith Elementary (2.3/5), Signal Hill Elementary (3.1/5), Jessie Nelson Academy (2.7/5) and Hughes Middle (3.5/5). 1 more school is listed in the Schools section on this page.
What is the weather like in California Heights?
California Heights, Long Beach receives 80% of its possible sunshine, 40th of 98 in Long Beach. Summer days run 63° to 79°F and winter days 48° to 67°F, August is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 12 inches a year.
Is California Heights walkable to shops and restaurants?
California Heights, Long Beach scores 4.6 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.7 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 4.2 out of 5, 6th of 42 in Long Beach.
What is California Heights known for?
California Heights, Long Beach is associated with Spanish Revival, Historic District and Mills Act. Its highest-scoring factors are nearby merchants (4.6/5) and curb appeal (4.5/5).
How does California Heights compare to other Long Beach neighborhoods?
California Heights ranks 21st of 42 neighborhoods in Long Beach. It ranks 18th of 42 in Long Beach for safety (3.6/5) and scores lowest on schools (3.0/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in Long Beach are Bixby Hill and Plaza.
What are the downsides of living in California Heights?
California Heights, Long Beach scores lowest on schools (3.0/5).
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