When buying a home, walking through open floor plans and admiring curb appeal are only part of the story. Some of the greatest impacts on property values—and your lifestyle—come from what’s happening nearby. As a real estate expert in Long Beach and the South Bay, I always remind buyers: you aren’t just buying a house—you’re buying into a neighborhood’s future.

Below are two transformative projects shaping the region’s livability and long-term value:

Example 1: The Alamitos Heights Open Channel Project (Colorado Lagoon Restoration)

What’s Going On

Located in Alamitos Heights, the Colorado Lagoon—an 18-acre saltwater lagoon that’s one of the few remaining coastal marshes on the West Coast—is undergoing a major overhaul. The long-stalled Open Channel Project will replace the undersized underground culvert with a natural tidal waterway connecting the Lagoon to Marine Stadium and Alamitos Bay (Long Beach City, Long Beach Legistar, Wikipedia).

Benefits and Features

• Improved Water Quality & Habitat Restoration: Reopening full tidal flow restores natural water circulation, improving water quality and enabling the regrowth of eelgrass and other vital habitats (Long Beach City, Long Beach Post, Long Beach Legistar).

• New Amenities: The redesign includes new pedestrian and bike paths, a public viewing area, recreational fields, benches, native landscaping, and improved access across the Lagoon via bridges at Eliot and Colorado streets (Long Beach Post).

• Strategic Funding & Timeline: The $32–33 million project is funded largely through mitigation credits purchased by the Port of Long Beach, with city contributions as part of the Tidelands Fund. Groundbreaking occurred in late 2022; full completion is expected between late 2024 and spring 2025 (Long Beach City, Long Beach Post, Dixie Contractor).

• Construction Insights: Work includes demolition of the old culvert, installation of new sewer siphons, and careful staging to maintain pedestrian access throughout (Dixie Contractor, Long Beach Legistar, CEQAnet).

What This Means for Home Buyers

Alamitos Heights stands to benefit profoundly. Homes near Colorado Lagoon will overlook revitalized coastal wetlands, enhanced pathways, and ecological restoration—all contributing to livability and long-term value.

Example 2: South Bay – Redondo Beach Power Plant Elimination

In Redondo Beach, the decommissioning of the AES power plant opens doors for waterfront transformation. Plans for open spaces, parks, and potentially mixed-use developments along the coast signal a significant shift in the neighborhood’s character—turning industrial zones into vibrant community assets.

Why These Regional Projects Affect Your Buying Decision

Whether you’re looking at listings in Long Beach, Alamitos Heights, Redondo Beach, or anywhere in the South Bay, here’s what to keep in mind:

What's ChangingWhy It MattersAlamitos Heights Open ChannelCreates healthier ecosystems, improves recreational infrastructure, and boosts neighborhood appealSouth Bay Power Plant RemovalOpens up land for redevelopment toward parks, housing, and improved public accessOverall Infrastructure ActivitySignals long-term investment—neighborhoods with evolving infrastructure often see value appreciation

As your local real estate advisor, I help you:

• Research upcoming city and environmental projects

• Understand both short-term disruptions and long-term gains

• Position your purchase or sale for maximum affordability and growth

Final Thoughts

Your home is more than square footage—it’s a future. In Long Beach, the Colorado Lagoon Open Channel is a game changer for water quality, park improvements, and community pride. In the South Bay, eliminating old power plants paves the way to revitalized waterfront living.

Ready to explore homes near these dynamic growth areas? I’ll help you find neighborhoods with both current charm and future potential.