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8 Best Cars for California

January 5, 2018/in Cars /by admin

California is the third largest and the most populous state in the USA. It is the beautiful scenery which makes driving through it a pleasure.

If you are moving or recently moved to California, you’ll want to make sure you find a vehicle that fits the local climate and follows local fashion trends, especially in Long Beach area where the image is of great importance. Here are 8 great cars for California that are not only convenient but will also help you to fit right in.

The most popular brands in California

Californians do have a good taste for cars, which may differ slightly from the rest of the Americans. The evidence from different surveys such as preferred car brand in California or the top best-selling cars reveals that they are five makes that dominate the market in this state: Honda, Toyota, Ford, Nissan and Chevrolet.

Chevrolet Silverado – this is the preferred pickup truck for Californians. It is imperative for those who take care of big houses and yards and those who live in the suburbs and drive a lot. In a nutshell, this is a full-sized V8-powered pickup that is light on the wallet at the pump. It is a do-it-all vehicle that has been part of top 10 best-sellers for California for quite a while.
Honda Accord – this vehicle comes packed with lots of extras at a very reasonable price to make driving round Long Beach, LA and other busy areas a pleasure. It is perfect for the tech savvy who has to spend a lot of time in the car, and comes equipped with Bluetooth audio streaming, hands-free calling and other features at a lower cost than expected. No wonder Honda Accord was the best selling vehicle for California just three years ago.
Chevrolet Corvette – an iconic car that combines image with power and brilliant handling. If you are an experienced driver, you surely deserve to drive around Long Beach in this vehicle.
Toyota Camry – the vehicle is perfect for those who need to use it just to get from point A to point B. It can be used both by young singles and families and you can trust that it will behave well on the roads of California, especially in areas with high traffic.
Ford F-150 – yet another bestselling truck for the entire USA and one of the top 10 vehicles for California. It is a great choice for commuters who take care of houses with yards in the suburbs. It is the best when it comes to heavy-duty work.
Fiat 500 Cabriolet – the best small car for Long Beach area with an old-school roll-back top that opens up almost the entire roof. You can enjoy a scenic ride and the fair weather, without worrying about the cost, since the car is fuel-efficient. It also comes at quite affordable price – just over $20K, which makes this compact quite attractive.
Mazda MX-5 Miata – this is another small car that is easy on the eyes and easy to park. It is relatively inexpensive and fuel efficient and is fun to drive. It can be compared to the Fiat 500 but it has a less retro-look and moves faster (even its roof opens quicker). If you love spending time driving on scenic roads around California, then this is the car you need to own.

What to look for this year when driving in California

Taking into account the heavy traffic in Long Beach area and in other parts of California, we recommend two types of cars that you should be looking for in general:

Any hybrid – if you want to save gas (and money) the hybrid is the perfect car for you. Despite the initially higher investment, this type of vehicle is truly the answer for anyone who drives a lot around California. The battery comes with a ten-year warranty, so you can even save money by buying a used hybrid. You will enjoy a comfortable ride and take pride in protecting the environment at the same time.
Anything with start/stop button – in a densely populated state as California traffic jams are quite common especially in large metropolitan areas such as Long Beach. When you are stuck and moving just a few inches per hour, you are wasting gas and playing bad on your engine. A start/stop system, however, can solve this problem for you. It has been introduced in the United States fairly recently, so you need to consider cars manufactured after 2010.

The ultimate car to drive in California

Whether you live in Long Beach area or elsewhere in California, there is this one car that you simply need to drive – the Tesla Model S. This is the ultimate car for the Golden State as it has it all – from the ultimate in gas savings to the perfection in both image and comfort. It is true that Tesla launched newer and more expensive models recently, but the Model S is still the one you want to own if you want to make a statement. The ultimate sports car, loved by all Americans, the Tesla Model S deserves to top the list of the cars you should drive in California.

We know that choosing a car can be overwhelming. Hopefully, our list of the best 8 cars to drive in California has given you some useful insights. Already drive one of the cars we recommended? Let us know in the comments!

Best Neighborhoods in Long Beach, CA

December 15, 2017/in Long Beach /by admin

Long Beach CA is everything you want to find in a city – easy commute to neighboring cities, beautiful and clean beaches, nice and affordable houses, good infrastructure, countless job opportunities, active nightlife, decent schools, and more.

Long Beach CA has something to offer to all types of people – whether you are single, a newlywed couple, are young with a big family or happily retired, — there is a neighborhood for you! There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when choosing a neighborhood, like graduation rate, crime rates, house prices, population and parks. Proximity to some popular attractions such as the Art Theatre of Long Beach CA, the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Japanese Garden may also affect your decision.

Here are 7 most attractive neighborhoods in the area.

BIXBY KNOLLS

Most of the residents in this neighborhood are wealthy families who want to escape the big city. The neighborhood is safe with a low crime rate; population is approximately 4,400, unemployment rate is only 4.4% and an average house costs about $730,000. Bixby Knolls offers its residents a variety of social events, art exhibitions, live music concerts, festivals, green parks, good nightlife, nice and clean beach trails. If you are energetic and outgoing, you will not go wrong if you choose this neighborhood.

BELMONT HEIGHTS

Most residents here are married or engaged couples in their mid 30s and 40s. Crime rate is very low in this beautiful neighborhood despite population being high – there are approximately 11,320 people here. Unemployment rate is only 5.0% and house prices are about $650,000. This is a fun neighborhood, too, with a variety of spas, internet cafes, restaurants, shops, malls, parks, bars and more. If you are bird lover you will love the colorful parrots resting on the palm trees.

NAPLES-MARINA AREA

This top neighborhood in Long Beach CA deserves the nickname “Venice in America.” It is located on three mesmerizing islands with a population of approximately 8,400 people and house prices around $830,000. It is a middle class, artsy neighborhood with very low unemployment and drop-out rates. One can easily walk in the streets of this neighborhood at night – it is very safe. There are a lot of picnic and barbecue areas, volleyball courts, sandy beaches, boats, nice cafes and restaurants, shopping centers, parks, and more.

EL DORADO PARK

This neighborhood offers so many parks, shops, attractions, and restaurants! There are approximately 560,000 people living there, yet the unemployment rate is only about 4.7% and house prices are approximately $600,000. El Dorado Regional Park has basketball and volleyball courts, softball and soccer fields, a skate park, picnic sites, disc golf course, tennis center, golf course, duck ponds, barbecue areas, roller hockey court, fishing lakes, and fishing pond.

The housing market is stable, the weather is relatively sunny and there are a lot of things to do in the neighborhood and a lot of places to visit like El Doro East Regional Park, El Doro Nature Center, San Gabriel River, El Doro Park West, El Doro Park Golf Course and Lilly Park.

THE PLAZA

Population here is not very dense: only 23,000 and the home price is quite reasonable – approximately $500,000. Unemployment rate is low – 4.2% and as you might have already guessed this neighborhood is very peaceful and family-friendly. There is a lot to do in this neighborhood thanks to the variety of places you can visit: shops, cafes, restaurants, golf fields, parks, and shopping centers. There are also a number of high schools in the neighborhood.

LAKEWOOD VILLAGE

This neighborhood offers beautiful houses like townhomes, duplexes, condominiums, modern and Victorian houses. Population here is around 7,500. One of the issues, however, is the unemployment rate which is slightly high – 7%. Nevertheless, there are a lot of job positions for those who seek a new career, as well as enough entertainment sources for those who have more spare time. On the plus side, house prices are quite reasonable – approximately $600,000. Lakewood Village offers a lot of shops, malls, restaurants, cafes, parks, gyms, libraries, and decent schools.

EAST VILLAGE

The majority of the people you will see in this neighborhood won’t be families or newly married couples but rather young singles. Crime rates are low here, job can be easily found and schools are quite decent. Since mainly young people live in this neighborhood one can find a lot of social and cultural events, antique shops, cafes, shopping centers, entertainment programs, clubs and bars.

What you need to know before moving to Long Beach CA

December 11, 2017/in Long Beach /by admin

Long Beach CA is growing and attracts more and more newcomers. Not just from the US, but from the whole world. If you are looking for a new place to call home, then Long Beach CA might be that place.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you make your decision.

It’s a really big city

Did you know that Long Beach CA is the 36^th largest (most populous) city in the US? Impressive, right? Here you can expect to find everything that’s common in large US cities – a vast variety of places to eat, vivid nightlife, art events for every taste, and busy street traffic. And then, there are those things that make this place unique and distinguish it from any other in the USA.

It’s close to the ocean

That’s probably not a surprise to anyone. Long Beach is located right on the ocean shore, stretching 10 miles along the coastline. What people often miss about this fact is that there is a constant ocean breeze, which keeps the temperatures relatively low. Even though Long Beach is about 22 miles south of Los Angeles, normally it is 10 degrees cooler than in LA. Most of the time, you don’t have to worry about the exhausting heat that LA residents face. In addition, the summer season is marked by frequent morning fogs, that sometimes don’t go away until noon. Don’t expect any rains before winter, though.

It is not a good place for surfing

Yes, the waves break about a mile before reaching the shore, which makes Long Beach CA a bad surfing spot. Surfing aside, Long Beach has 10 miles worth of amazing, sandy beaches where you can have a wonderful time with your friends and family, or by yourself. Virtually any water sport is being offered here – including sailing (the Congressional Cap in April), diving, water skiing (Catalina Ski Race in July), water polo, and many more. You can often witness people playing beach volleyball, or practicing yoga in groups of hundreds. And of course, the most popular thing to do on the beach is laid down on the sand and enjoy life.

At The Rosie’s Dog Beach you can let your dog run free

And that’s the only beach in the county where this is allowed, so if you’re a dog lover you are going to appreciate it a lot. The best thing is that everyone knows that this is the beach for dogs. What you will find here is plenty of like-minded people, and plenty of dogs for yours to play with. What you won’t find is people who frown upon your dog for throwing sand on their towel or scaring their 3-year-old kid. The beach is open all day long – from 6 in the morning till 8 in the evening. Don’t forget to bring your pet’s license. Needless to say, aggressive dogs are not welcome.

You don’t have to get yourself wet if you don’t want to

There is much going on outside of the water and away from the beach. Long Beach has a lot of park and recreation areas to offer, where you won’t get your shoes filled with sand. Basketball, baseball, football, volleyball, are probably the most practiced. (Running? Everybody is running here.)

The most popular sporting event is the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and that is the single largest event here. It takes place in April and if you are a fan, you most definitely want to see it. If you’re not a fan, you should stay away from downtown LB. It gets unimaginably crowded and there is no chance you’d find a parking spot.

The Long Beach Marathon is held in October and attracts about 50,000 participants. Like we said, everybody is running.

Your mind and soul will be happy, too

It’s not just your body. You can easily satisfy the needs of your mind and soul. May be because Long Beach CA attracts people from all walks of life, the arts, music, and culture scene are diverse and unique.

If you are interested in fine arts, there are plenty of art museums where you can spend your time. The Long Beach Museum of Art, the University Art Museum, the Museum of Latin American Art, The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum, and many more. There is a whole district here called “the East Village Arts District” where dozens of art shops and galleries give an opportunity for local and foreign artists to exhibit their work. Street art is taken to a very high level – the city has its own Mural and Cultural Arts Program to support that type of art.

If you have a sophisticated taste in music you’d be happy to learn that Long Beach is not all about Snoop Dogg. (No disrespect for Snoop Dogg). But no matter what your taste in music is, LB got you covered. There is a school of music named Bob Cole Conservatory of Music organizing classical, jazz, and world music concerts every year. Then we have the Long Beach Symphony, playing classical and pop concerts at the terrace theatre several times a year. There is, of course, an Opera House. And various music festivals are hosted in the city throughout the year. You can hear local bands playing live in many pubs around the city.

It’s not all rainbows and unicorns

Water and air pollution here is a serious problem. The city is one of the most polluted in all of the United States. Partly, this is because it is located between two large ports – the one of Long Beach and the one of Los Angeles. Ships and the trucks serving them are to blame for huge amounts of diesel exhaust and then the wind brings the toxic gasses right to the city. Water quality mostly suffers during the wet season (winter), when heavy rains pollute the Los Angeles River, which discharges in San Pedro Bay. Beaches here often get D or F grades for water quality during those periods. Each year, there are several days when beaches are closed for swimming because of water pollution.

Still, it is a great place to be. Education, healthcare, infrastructure – everything to meet your needs. Far enough from LA to allow for a much more relaxed lifestyle. And close enough to go there on a day trip. Give it a try. You would love it!

10 Amazing Restaurants in Long Beach CA you should try this weekend

December 1, 2017/in Long Beach /by admin

Long Beach has a number of great places to eat. If you’re planning on eating out this weekend, we have a few suggestions for restaurants you won’t want to miss.

10. Beer Belly

If you are a beer person and value a glass of high-quality brew, you should definitely stop by Beer Belly. You probably heard about them after their success in Koreatown, and now they have opened an amazing restaurant in Long Beach, too. They will impress you with a wide selection of hyper-local craft beers. Here you’re likely to find the moistest turkey burger you’ve ever had, or delicious duck fat fries. The location is great, the service is excellent and there is no reason why you shouldn’t give this place a try.

9. Plunge

Now, this is mostly about the beach view. It is just marvelous. If you are the type of person who appreciates the opportunity to admire beautiful scenery while having their dinner, by all means visit Plunge. This Long Beach restaurant offers classic American cuisine. It is located inside an old apartment building, so it may seem a bit hidden. Sort of an “underground” place. The food is great (we recommend the pulled pork tacos!) and the service is good. But be warned the it is a bit pricey.

8. Beachwood BBQ & Brewing

As the name implies, this is a place where you can get barbeque and craft beer. Beachwood pride themselves with the many award-winning beers they brew and serve, so if you decide to come here, make sure it is for the super-fresh, tasty beer. The food is good, but don’t expect anything too fancy. You can enjoy the outdoor seating and sometimes they have live music. The place has a light, happy feeling and maybe that’s why it is popular with newcomers and travelers.

7. Bo Beau Kitchen + Roof Tap

This one is like two restaurants in one. The place has a top floor which is a bit more casual and you can have a quick bite and drink, while the first floor is the real restaurant area, where you can get a whole meal. The food is great and we particularly like the pretzels. The menu features a wide selection of beers, and also wine. The wooden décor sets a very unique, chic atmosphere. Prices are reasonable, given that it’s located in the heart of downtown Long Beach.

6. The Attic

When you open the menu at The Attic you will be amazed. To say that it is creative would be a very vague description. You get to choose from a large variety of dishes which look so delicious in pictures, but we can assure you that they taste just as good. Prices are high, but portions are big. Unfortunately, being so good, makes this place very popular and crowded. You may need to wait quite a while before you get a table, unless you make a reservation in advance.

5. BUONO’S Authentic Pizzeria

If you’re craving some tasty pizza, this Long Beach Pizzeria won’t disappoint you. It has that neighborhood feeling to it. It’s cozy, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere really lets you relax and enjoy the food. Of course, it’s not just pizza. You can order pasta, sandwiches, and they have a decent salad bar, too. Portions are quite big, so you might want to split it with someone. And keep in mind – this is authentic Italian cuisine!

4. Pier 76 Fish Grill

Long Beach is known to offer supreme seafood. There are many fish restaurants here. And Pier 76 Fish Grill just happens to be one of the best. The fish is always fresh and well-prepared. The lobster roll tastes heavenly! One of the reasons people like this place so much it that the supreme food comes at a very reasonable price. A big portion of grilled salmon would cost you less than $15. A proof of the quality are the long lines, but they move quickly. Definitely worth it if you are a fan of seafood.

3. 4th and Olive

This Long Beach restaurant is relatively new but it’s already very popular and it seems it is going to stay so in the foreseeable future. The secret might be that they are very picky about their stuff, ensuring outstanding quality of food and service. Being new, the restaurant has a very modern, very clean interior, with a very relaxing ambiance. The menu is a combination of French/German/Belgian cuisine, giving you the opportunity to try the most authentic German sausage in the Long Beach area. They have a great wine and beer selection to go with the tasty meals. One thing that makes this place unique is the fact that the owner hires veterans and disabled servicemen and women. Just come and see, you’re going to love the place!

2. 123 Pho

If you like pho, you should come to 123 Pho in Long Beach. The restaurant’s name, 123Pho, stands for its approach to the dish. One, you choose your noodle thickness – thick or thin. Two, you choose protein – mushrooms and tofu, rare beef flank, beef brisket, chicken, meatballs, shrimp. And three, choose your broth – chicken, beef or vegetarian. This simple process allows for everyone to get the pho they like the best. No wonder why this place has been so successful. A bowl of pho will cost you $10, but that’s expected in downtown Long Beach. And there is free parking nearby.

1. Art & Craft Eatery

This Long Beach Restaurant is ranked number 1 in YELP and there is a good reason for that – the extremely delicious food. It is located in the North Long Beach area and ever since it opened doors it’s been a total hit. If you have the chance to visit it, expect attentive service, more than pleasant ambiance, and a fulfilling choice of meals and beverages. It is like you’re entering a 5-star restaurant in LA. This is definitely the place for food lovers and people who are only happy with the best!

5 Free Kids activities in the Long Beach CA Area

November 27, 2017/in Long Beach /by admin

Long Beach CA is one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in Southern California. Living in Long Beach CA area gives you the opportunity to experience the unique weather and fun attractions of the whole region and of Long Beach CA in particular. Here you can expect to find everything that’s common in large US cities – a vast variety of places to eat, vivid nightlife, art events for every taste, children activities, and busy street traffic. And then, there are those things that make this place unique and distinguish it from any other in the USA. While many attractions require a fee, there is also a great variety of free options.

If you decide to spend a nice weekend in the city of Long Beach CA without blowing your whole budget, we can help you with a few ideas.

5 Free Activities in Long Beach CA for Younger Children

If you have small kids, you need some place where they can run for free or do some outdoor activities while learning something new. You always have the option to go on a picnic in any of the city parks which is a great way to spend the day in the nature with your family. If you are looking for some more interesting ideas though, check out these five suggestions:

Take your kids skateboarding. Southern California is famous for its skateboarding parks. So naturally you can find them in Long Beach area as well. Michael Green Skate Park & El Dorado Regional Park West in the city welcome enthusiasts from dawn till 10 PM everyday. You are required to wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and a shirt.

Go roller skating on Saturdays. If you wanted to teach your kids roller skating, you have the opportunity to attend free roller skate lessons every Saturday at the Moxie Skate Shop. The fun part is that the shop can transform almost any shoe or boot into roller skates and they also do custom colors.

Biking is another free fun activity for families. One of the most scenic trails is the 28-mile San Gabriel River Bike Trail. Enter at El Dorado Park and ride along the river to enjoy the beauty, peace and silence of the natural surroundings. At the end of the day, you will be pleasantly tired and in a great state of mind, and the kids will have enjoyed a great day outdoors.

Simply take a walk. Walking round Long Beach is also a nice way to spend the day. Especially if you choose the 3.1-mile Beach Pedestrian Bike Path. It is a nice stretch for both pedestrians and bicyclists that starts at the lighthouse in Shoreline Aquatic Park and winds back to the beach.

Experience community life every first Friday of the month. There is an event that you can attend with your whole family on this day. Visit Atlantic Ave from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm to support local business and enjoy live music and artists. This is the so-called County Fair, where you can see local art, music, games, and animals.

All of these options offer a great opportunity to spend your day with the kids doing funny free activities that will help you get rid of the stress and energize your little ones.

3 More Attractions for Bigger Kids

If you have more grown-up children, in addition to the above five suggestions, you can also consider the following three attractions in Long Beach:

Enjoy street performances at the Art Walk. The event is held in downtown Long Beach the second Saturday of each month. You can listen to good live music and look at different sculptures, paintings, photography, and crafts. It is a nice way to spend the day away from home and relax with the family.
Watch a movie on the beach. Mom’s and Grenada Beach offers free moonlight movies that include some classic masterpieces, which are usually family friendly. You can enjoy an evening out June – September. The best thing is that you also get a free parking in the lot. There is the option to buy dinner, snacks or popcorn to complete the night out with your family.
Observe the sharks for free on Fridays. The Aquarium of the Pacific offers Shark Lagoon nights that are wonderful way to spend some time with your family or friends. Have a close look at these amazing ocean predators while listening to live bands (on select nights). There is the option to purchase coffee, hot chocolate, beer, wine, desserts, and snacks. Your kids will love the experience!

So, if you live in Long Beach area, make sure to take advantage of these wonderful free kids activities whenever you have the opportunity.