Thursday, October 1, 2026
As warmer weather approaches, rental demand in Long Beach begins to climb.
“Demand is being driven by seasonality and the lifestyle that we have in Long Beach,” said Tamta Gigilashvili, head of the rental division at Tripodi/Shemtov team at Douglas Elliman.
Gigilashvili said activity typically starts to increase in March, with more inquiries, showings and listings receiving multiple applications within days. Many renters are coming from New York City, looking for more space while remaining within commuting distance.
For Kathleen Sarge, a Douglas Elliman real estate salesperson who has lived in Long Beach for more than two decades, that combination of access and environment sets the city apart.
“It’s the proximity into Manhattan,” Sarge said. “You’re close to the train, and it’s the last stop. Then you have the beach, the boardwalk, it’s a fun feel.”
A beach lifestyle that extends beyond summer
Both agents pointed to lifestyle as a central reason renters choose Long Beach over other South Shore communities.
“It’s being near the boardwalk, being so close to the beach,” Gigilashvili said. “You feel like you’re on a vacation during the summertime here.”
Sarge said the appeal extends throughout the year, with residents continuing to use the beach and boardwalk even in colder months. “The boardwalk’s key,” she said. “People are always biking, walking. There’s always something going on.”
That year-round activity often turns short-term renters into long-term residents. “They end up falling in love with Long Beach,” Sarge said. “Then they want to stay for a full year.”
West End draws renters seeking walkability and nightlife
Neighborhood differences play a major role in how renters choose where to live in Long Beach.
The West End is known for its walkability and concentration of restaurants, bars and beach access. “The West End attracts renters looking for a more vibrant, walkable lifestyle,” Gigilashvili said.
Sarge said many younger renters are drawn to the area for that reason. “You can walk the whole West End in 20 minutes,” she said. “It’s like living in the city.”
However, that accessibility can come with tradeoffs, particularly parking challenges and higher levels of activity during the summer.
East End offers quieter, more residential living
In contrast, the East End tends to appeal to renters looking for a quieter setting.
“The East End tends to appeal to those looking for more residential living,” Gigilashvili said.
Sarge noted that the area includes more buildings and amenities, along with less congestion. “You’re more spread out,” she said. “It’s quieter at night.”
For many renters, the East End provides a balance offering a calmer environment while remaining close to busier areas.
“You can always go out and then come back to peace,” Sarge said.
Central Long Beach balances access and convenience
Central Long Beach offers a middle ground between the two neighborhoods, with proximity to transportation and other local amenities.
“You are right in the middle,” Gigilashvili said. “You are walking distance to the train station, which is great for most tenants who work outside of Long Beach.”
That accessibility continues to attract commuters who want both proximity to the beach and a manageable daily routine.
What renters prioritize in a competitive market
Across all areas, certain features consistently drive demand.
“Beach blocks and ocean-view properties move the fastest,” Gigilashvili said, especially when paired with parking or outdoor space.
Parking is a key concern, particularly during peak season. “Parking in Long Beach is a little bit of a headache,” she said.
Sarge said renters often focus on essentials like parking and laundry, but the pace of the market requires quick decisions. “You can’t think on things too long,” she said. “The minute you walk out, someone else is coming to see it.”
Gigilashvili said waiting can often work against renters. “The best properties go quickly,” she said. “Waiting often means missing out.”
Community and lifestyle keep renters in Long Beach
Beyond housing features, both agents pointed to Long Beach’s sense of community as a defining factor.
“It’s a wonderful community,” Sarge said. “Everyone’s very neighborly.” She described residents staying connected and helping one another, contributing to the area’s appeal.
That environment, combined with the coastal setting, continues to draw a wide mix of renters.
“You have all different people,” Sarge said. “That’s what makes Long Beach, Long Beach.”
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