Let the numbers do the talking.
Long Beach, CA vs San Francisco, CA
Long Beach, CA vs San Francisco, CA: What the data shows
Long Beach, CA is in Long Beach, CA while San Francisco, CA is in San Francisco, CA — both in the same state. On home prices, Long Beach, CA is the more affordable option at $521,800 median — $517,200 less than San Francisco, CA's $1,039,000. WYLT rates Long Beach, CA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and San Francisco, CA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Long Beach, CA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Long Beach, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. San Francisco, CA has Moderate violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Long Beach, CA has Low flood risk and San Francisco, CA has Low flood risk.
San Francisco, CA is the more walkable neighborhood. Long Beach, CA scores 74/100 (very walkable) versus San Francisco, CA's 97/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, San Francisco, CA has the higher school rating — Long Beach, CA rates N/A and San Francisco, CA rates 5/10.
| Category | Long Beach, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $522K ✓ Lower price | $1.04M |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $70K ✓ Higher income | $62K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 74/100 | 97/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 71/100 | 100/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 54/100 | 76/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 36 min | 4 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | N/A | 5/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | young professionalssingle residentsrenters | Young professionalsRemote workersFoodies |
Bottom line
If you're a young professional who prioritizes city access, a low-key lifestyle, and affordability, Long Beach 90802 might be a better fit than the pricey neighborhoods of San Francisco. However, if you value the ultimate urban experience, excellent schools, and are willing to sacrifice affordability, San Francisco might suit you better. Ultimately, consider factors like budget and personal priorities when choosing between these two Think Twice neighborhoods.
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