Alamitos Beach (Long Beach, California)

 neighborhood, residential neighborhood

A historic, mostly-residential neighborhood in Southwest Long Beach, separated from Downtown by Alamitos Ave. The boundaries of the area are considered to be Alamitos Ave on the West, Junipero Ave. on the East, 4th Street on the North, and the section of beach to the South.

The area has a "beach" neighborhood layout and feel to it, being block after block of narrow, one-way streets densely packed with single-family and apartment homes built mostly between the 1910's and 1960's. Like many of Long Beach's other old neighborhoods, it has undergone its own cycles of decline and gentrification over the decades.

Despite being immediately East of Downtown Long Beach, the area has a much more quiet, residential feel to it. It is densely populated, but seems to have more of a feeling of quiet residential life. At all hours of day and night, you will see many people walking dogs, biking, strolling the streets, and generally enjoying the neighborhood. There are many small bars, restaurants, and neighborhood businesses in the area, a welcome change from the more suburban areas and cities of Southern California.

The neighborhood also has the distinction of historically being the section of Long Beach frequented by Long Beach's gay and lesbian community, long referred to as Long Beach's "Gayborhood" or "Gay Ghetto". The area features many gay and lesbian-oriented bars, restaurants and businesses. Rainbow flags can be seen flying from many businesses and residences throughout the year, especially during Long Beach Pride, a big event held at the beginning of every Summer.

The neighborhood is home to many college students, gay and lesbian residents of all ages, families, and many other walks of life. It is undoubtedly one of Long Beach's "coolest" neighborhoods, and a great place to live. The boundaries also contain the historic, over-a-century-old Bixby Park, contained in the very Southeast corner of the neighborhood.