Westside Long Beach - Long Beach, CA

The West Side was created in the early 1900s around the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles: two of the busiest harbors in the United States that generate more than $100 billion in trade between them. With this global hub in their backyard, it's no surprise that the West Side boasts a vibrant, multiethnic community contained in just a few square miles.

West Long Beach was created to be a mixed industrial and residential area. Today you'll still find Spanish style homes dating from the 1920s and 1930s next to new homes and apartment buildings occupied by young families living side by side with families who've lived on the West Side for generations.

Long Beach prides itself on its art scene. While galleries and the monthly Art Walk take place on the east side of town, many West Side artists are represented over the river.

In addition to the world-class restaurants just a few minutes away on the other side of the Los Angeles River, hungry residents have their choice of excellent family dining in a wide range of styles right in their own backyard. Get some of the freshest seafood you've ever tasted at Mariscos Las Islitas, where diners rave about the shrimp empanadas, the oysters, and the fish tacos. You'll want to linger over your aguachiles in the brilliant dining room that's been done up in bold shades with hand-painted murals of sea life on every booth.

Or satisfy your curry craving at Thai Diner BBQ, a local favorite that serves up generous portions of pad see ew, basil fried rice, and ribs drizzled with teriyaki sauce. The mixed BBQ plate with chicken, short ribs, and sides costs less than $10.00. For authentic Mexican food, join the line of appreciative eaters picking up their tacos and burritos from Casa Perez. This family owned restaurant makes their own tortillas daily and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get a taste of the old country at Santa Fe Importers, an Italian deli that's been serving up meatball subs and hearty pastas to hungry longshoremen since 1947. All its lunch meats are made in the next-door factory.

If you're looking for late night entertainment, grab a beer and make a new friend at Tailgate Bar, where a DJ spins live every Friday and Saturday night. Or, head down to dive bar extraordinaire Fabulous West, where the jukebox plays oldies and country, the drinks are strong and cheap, and up-and-coming music acts play the stage on the weekends.

West Long Beach is primarily served by vehicle. With the 405 and the 710 cutting through the area, most residents own a car or use the local Long Beach Transit system to get around town. LB Transit encompasses traditional bus service, aqua bus service along the waterfront, and dial-a-ride service available to any Long Beach resident that is mobility impaired. Fares range from $1.25 to $5, depending on which service you use. The bus routes connect with the Metro light rail, which takes commuters all the way up to Downtown Los Angeles.

Many residents do walk or bike for their local shopping or travel. Sidewalks and streets are kept clean and well lit. Taxis, both traditional and newer models such as Uber or Lyft, are generally available in the residential part of town, though you may have to wait a little longer for your ride if you call from the industrial section. The West Side is particularly noted for its plentiful free public parking.

As a major shipping hub, Long Beach also has its own major airport with domestic flights across the country. Or make a short jaunt west into San Pedro to reach the World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles, which sees over a million recreational passengers a year.

The West Side is home to three major parks. Admiral Kidd Park, right across the street from the high school, boasts a new playground, a new soccer field, a basketball court, and programming for youth recreation. Admiral Kidd is also home to the West Side's weekly farmers market, where you can grab veggies and fruits freshly picked from local California growers.

Just to the west is Hudson Park, an expansive 13 acres. Join a pick up game of softball or soccer on one of the lighted fields, or claim a patch of land for your own in the 1.5-acre community garden.

And last but not least to the north is Silverado Park and Community Center, one of the most active parks in the greater Los Angeles area. Kids of all ages flock here for after school homework help and summer day camps of all kinds. Seniors can choose from exercise programs, day trips, and creative activities, and working parents can find affordable child care.

Annual events such fireworks displays, performances by the Long Beach Ballet Company, and events in the Long Beach Convention Center are just five minutes away over the Los Angeles River.

The West Side, despite being only a short distance from the booming economy of Downtown Long Beach, still boasts very low property costs. With an average rental rate of $718 for a one-bedroom apartment, it's hard to find a better deal on property in the greater Los Angeles area.

Locally, expect to pay rock bottom prices for your groceries and sundries. Beers in a local bar will cost you three or four bucks, and a general plate of food at a mom-and-pop restaurant will go for $8.99. Gas prices hover around 15 percent higher than the national average. Metro transit will cost you up to $9.50 a day for a round trip to Downtown Los Angeles and back.

The West Side is bursting with small, quaint groceries selling specialty items and prepared foods. Find Mexican foods, Vietnamese delicacies and even house-made horchata in local stores, or make the short hop over the river to find chain grocery stores of all kinds.

Take a walk along Willow or along Santa Fe to browse the offerings from local vendors. Pick up some treats for the kids and some world-class lumpia for yourself at Gemmae Bake Shop, or find some new threads at a great price at Naty Karly Fashion Shop.

Further north lies the spacious Bonita Nursery and Florists, which draws bargain hunting gardeners all the way down from the valley. Purchase vibrant, healthy trees and plants that will thrive in your home or garden, and pay only a fraction of what you would at a big box store.

Head south to the industrial area to find everything you need to fix up your home, your car, or most other belonging. From boat repair to racing fuel for your dune buggy, you'll find it here.