By Costanza Genoese Zerbi | Long Beach Real Estate Agent | March 2026

I get asked about Wrigley a lot.

It's usually from first-time buyers who've done their research, realized that most of Long Beach is well above $800,000, and then discovered Wrigley — a neighborhood where you can still find a real single-family home with a yard, architectural character, and a genuine community around you, without paying the price premium of Bixby Knolls or Belmont Heights.

So is Wrigley still a good buy in 2026? Let me give you the honest answer — with the actual numbers.

The 2026 Wrigley Market Update

The Long Beach market has had an interesting 12 months. After a period of softening in late 2024 and early 2025, prices have been climbing again. The citywide median hit $825,000 in February 2026, up 6.4% year-over-year. The broader market has turned a corner, and Wrigley is no exception.

Here's what the data shows for Wrigley right now:

Median sale price: ~$920,000 (up ~1% year-over-year per Redfin) Price per square foot: ~$677 (up 35% year-over-year — a significant jump) Average days on market: 40–45 days Competition score: Very competitive — many homes receive multiple offers

A note on those numbers: Wrigley covers a large area and the data can vary significantly between North Wrigley, South Wrigley, and Wrigley Heights. North Wrigley median is tracking around $835,000. South Wrigley has been the hottest sub-market, with a median closer to $950,000 and homes averaging just 28–32 days on market.

The price-per-square-foot jump of 35% year-over-year is the number I'd flag. That's not a rounding error — that reflects genuine demand compression as buyers get priced out of pricier neighborhoods and look to Wrigley as their entry point. This is a neighborhood in motion.

What Does Your Money Actually Buy in Wrigley Right Now?

This is always the most important question, so let me be direct.

In the $700,000–$800,000 range, you're looking at 2–3 bedroom single-family homes, likely needing some updating. Craftsman bungalows, Spanish-style homes, traditional ranch-style properties on lots of 4,500–6,500 sq ft. These are real homes with real character — not condos, not townhomes.

In the $800,000–$950,000 range, you start seeing updated homes — remodeled kitchens, renovated bathrooms, new roofs and electrical. Some will have ADU potential or existing ADU structures, which is increasingly valuable.

Above $950,000, you're typically looking at larger homes, corner lots, significant renovations, or properties with income potential (duplex or ADU already in place).

The best value in Wrigley right now? The overlooked fixer in the $720,000–$780,000 range on a good block. Those still exist here, and they don't in most of Long Beach.

Why Buyers Are Choosing Wrigley in 2026

It's One of Long Beach's Last True Entry Points for Single-Family Homes

When the overall Long Beach median is $825,000, a neighborhood where you can still find single-family homes in the $700s is genuinely rare. That's the core of Wrigley's appeal right now — and it's why demand is rising.

The ADU Opportunity Is Real

California's ADU laws have made it easier than ever to add a rental unit to a qualifying lot. Many Wrigley lots are large enough to support an ADU, and for first-time buyers, the math on an ADU can be transformative — rental income of $1,500–$2,200/month can meaningfully offset a mortgage payment. I work through this analysis with buyers on specific Wrigley properties regularly.

It's a Commuter's Neighborhood

Wrigley sits at the intersection of the 405 and 710 freeways and has A-Line (Blue Line) Metro access. For buyers who work in LA, the South Bay, or Orange County, this is a genuine lifestyle advantage — not a consolation prize.

The Community Is Real

The Wrigley Neighborhood Association hosts regular events — including the beloved "Taste of Wrigley" — and the area has been attracting long-term homeowners rather than pure investors. That shift in ownership profile is one of the signals I watch as an indicator of neighborhood trajectory. Wrigley's is pointing in the right direction.

What First-Time Buyers Should Know Before Shopping in Wrigley

Not all blocks are equal. Wrigley is a large neighborhood and conditions vary significantly by street. I know which blocks I'd focus on and which ones I'd steer clients away from. This is exactly why working with an agent who knows the neighborhood matters.

Move fast on well-priced listings. The 28–45 day average DOM hides the fact that well-priced, well-presented homes in Wrigley are moving in under 2 weeks, often with multiple offers. If you see something you like, waiting a week to think about it is a real risk.

Get underwritten, not just pre-approved. In a competitive market, a TBD underwritten approval signals to sellers that your financing is as close to cash as a financed offer gets. I covered this in detail in my home buying budget guide — it matters here.

Budget for the full cost of ownership. Property taxes in California run approximately 1.1–1.25% annually. On an $800,000 home that's roughly $740–$830/month. Add insurance and maintenance and your true monthly cost is meaningfully higher than the mortgage alone.

Is Wrigley a Good Buy in 2026?

Yes — with eyes open.

The window where Wrigley was dramatically underpriced relative to the rest of Long Beach is narrowing. The price-per-square-foot data makes that clear. Buyers who get in now are still getting one of Long Beach's best value propositions. Buyers who wait another 12–18 months may find that the gap between Wrigley and its pricier neighbors has closed considerably.

The best time to buy in Wrigley was three years ago. The second best time is now.

Ready to Talk About Buying in Wrigley?

I've helped hundreds of buyers navigate Long Beach's neighborhoods, and Wrigley is one I genuinely love helping people discover. If you're thinking about making a move in 2026, let's have a real conversation about your budget, your timeline, and whether Wrigley is the right fit.

👉 Search current Wrigley listings: [link] 👉 Read my complete Wrigley neighborhood guide: [link] 👉 Book a free buyer consultation: [link]

Costanza Genoese Zerbi is Long Beach's #1 real estate agent by sales volume, RealTrends Verified. With 575+ homes sold and $485M+ in lifetime sales. 📞 (562) 221-4527 | costanza@costanzagz.com | costanzagz.com

Published March 2026 | Long Beach, CA