Belmont Heights - Long Beach, CA

Belmont Heights took shape during the first decade of the 20th century, though some homes here date earlier than 1905. This city was incorporated in 1908, and was annexed to Long Beach in 1909. Prior to this annexation, Belmont Heights was a dry town that didn't sell alcohol. To overcome this restriction, Belmont Heights became a part of Long Beach.

Belmont Heights has a vibrant arts scene with the presence of the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Museum of Latin American Art. Both these art galleries display works by local artists that depict different facets of life in this region. Fun festivals happen year round too, with some of the popular ones being Long Beach Street Food Fest, Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts Festival and the most-anticipated Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival.

Most restaurants are located on Broadway, though many Belmont Heights residents prefer to travel an extra few miles to enjoy fine dining experience at Long Beach.

A small and warm place to eat is Restauration located on 4th Street in Long Beach. This restaurant pays tribute to the typical American cuisine, and serves it with modern fare to exceed the expectations of Americans of all ages and walks of life. Popular dishes for lunch or brunch include Roasted Butternut Squash Chowder, Seared Pacific Albacore, Fried White Shrimp and Quinoa Salad. Some of the must-try dishes include Sas-Squash Pizza, Sunrise on 4th Street, Blat, Pizza Pacifica and 4th Street Burger. The Other Burger made of bacon, fiscalini white cheddar, house pickles, caramelized onions and garlic aioli is a favorite among locals.

Want to try some Asian dishes? Head to Manaow, a Thai restaurant located on East Broadway. Known as one of the best Thai restaurants in this region, Manaow prepares mouth-watering dishes cooked perfectly with a range of spices. Signature dishes include Chicken Wrapped in Pandan, Grilled Shrimp and Green Mango, Green Mean Chili, Shrimp with Chinese Kale and Pad Thai. Make sure you check the spice level with the waiter before ordering as some dishes can bring tears to your eyes. Overall, great food served in a warm ambiance.

Asian and American cuisines come together at SeoulMate on E 7th Street in Long Beach. Try the perfectly cooked Bulgogi Plate, Grilled Kalbi Plate, Fresh Off the Burger, The Old Boy, Kelli Cookies and Spicy Pork Burrito to get a feel of how Korea blends into America. Chef Michael Martinez and Owner Jason Kang cook personalized dishes too, so ask for what you want.

Belmont Heights and the surrounding Long Beach area abounds with pubs and dance bars to provide a vibrant nightlife for residents. If you love hookah, head to Xscape on Redondo Avenue in Long Beach. With well-packed Shishas, smooth hookah in a clean environment, locals love to hangout here with their friends on any day of the week. Friendly staff, good vibes and affordable prices add to the popularity of this place.

Want to learn Salsa or Bachata? Love to listen to great live performances? Then stop by PCH Club on Pacific Coast Highway. This vibrant place plays great Latino music that is sure to get you shaking your leg. Professional Salsa and Bachata lessons make you a pro on the dance floor. A great DJ plays a mix of old and new songs. Friendly people, great drinks, amazing bartenders and yummy food add to your night's fun.

Though a metro bus service runs through Belmont Heights, most people prefer to use their cars. The good number of paid and free public parking options and beautiful landscape add to car usage. There are no major Interstates within Belmont Heights, but it is fairly close to I-405 and I-110. People prefer to walk or bike in designated trails, and not as a means of commute. If you want to take a break from driving, try Uber and other taxi services that are available throughout Belmont Heights.

To get beautiful views of Long Beach while walking or running, stop by Shoreline Park on Long Beach. Located on a grassy region outside the aquarium, you can walk around or just sit back and enjoy the shoreline and lighthouse. Alternately, have a picnic with your kids at Livingston Drive Park on Livingston drive that has a nice playground for kids and a good walking trail for adults.

The cost of living in Belmont Heights is 63 percent higher than the national average. This high cost reflects across all aspects of living, as a single bedroom apartment rents for about $1,190 while a pint of beer comes in at an average of $5.15 at the local pub. A gallon of gas sits at about 18.95 percent above the national average.

Belmont Heights and the Long Beach area boast of many shopping malls to suit your buying preferences. Marina Pacifica Mall on East Pacific Coast Highway houses many retail stores and provides beautiful views of the ocean. You can also watch movies or eat dinner here. Locals come to Pike at Rainbow Harbor on Pine Avenue to ride the carousel and Ferris wheel and to shop at their favorite retail stores. Cheese lovers head to Cheese Addiction on Claremont Avenue. Pick up your favorite cheese here, or let the manager recommend some popular choices. Pair your cheeses with charcuterie and a nice bottle of wine, and enjoy an intimate evening at home. This shop also offers customized baskets if you need a nice gift for someone.

Twig and Willow on East Fourth Street sells beautiful women's clothing, accessories and jewelry for every occasion. Friendly customer service and wide choices make both of these places local favorites.

For groceries, visit Vons or Ralphs, and to get fresh produce, go to Long Beach Southeast Farmer's Market, East Village Farmer's market or the Local Harvest Farmers Market.