When investors and families look at Long Beach real estate in 2026, two neighborhoods dominate the conversation: Belmont Shore (90803) and Bixby Knolls (90807).

As a RealTrends Verified top-producing agent in Long Beach, I see the internal data that doesn't always hit the headlines. If you are looking to park capital for the next five years, the choice between "Coastal Prestige" and "Suburban Appreciation" has never been more distinct.

2026 Market Snapshot: By the Numbers

• Median Sale Price

  • Bixby Knolls (90807): Approximately $1,255,000, offering a more accessible entry point for luxury-seeking families.

  • Belmont Shore (90803): Approximately $1,510,000, reflecting the high demand for coastal proximity.

• Price Per Square Foot

  • Bixby Knolls: $550—this is where the "value play" lives, allowing for much larger floor plans at a lower cost.

  • Belmont Shore: $1,090—you are paying a significant premium for the "sand-and-strand" location.

• Average Lot Size

  • Bixby Knolls: 6,200 Sq. Ft.—ideal for those prioritizing backyard space, ADU potential, or private gardens.

  • Belmont Shore: 2,400 Sq. Ft.—traditional "beach cottage" lots where density and walkability are the trade-offs for yard space.

• Inventory & Velocity (Days on Market)

  • Bixby Knolls: 45–60 Days—a healthier, more balanced inventory that gives buyers slightly more room to negotiate.

  • Belmont Shore: 12–38 Days—an extremely fast-moving market where the "RealTrends Verified" edge is required to win in multiple-offer scenarios.

• Primary Lifestyle Draw

  • Bixby Knolls: Known for its tree-lined streets, historical Spanish Revival architecture, top-rated schools, and the vibrant "First Fridays" community events.

  • Belmont Shore: Famous for the 2nd Street dining and shopping corridor, immediate beach access, and a high-energy, walkable coastal lifestyle.

Belmont Shore remains the "moat" of Long Beach. With the 2028 Olympics approaching and the constant demand for the 2nd Street corridor, property values here are insulated by scarcity.

• Why it wins: Low vacancy rates and high prestige.

• The 5-Year Outlook: Stable, 3-5% annual appreciation with premium rental yields for short-term furnished rentals.

The Case for Bixby Knolls: The Appreciation Engine

Bixby Knolls is currently experiencing a "secondary gentrification" wave. Buyers who are priced out of coastal Orange County are finding that their dollar goes twice as far in the 90807 zip code.

• Why it wins: Larger lots and "First Fridays" culture. You are buying square footage that simply doesn't exist in the Shore.

• The 5-Year Outlook: High potential for forced equity. Renovating a classic Bixby estate currently yields a higher ROI than similar projects in the Shore due to the lower entry price point.

Expert Verdict

If your priority is wealth preservation, choose Belmont Shore. If your priority is equity growth, Bixby Knolls is the smarter play for 2026.