Belmont Heights sits in the Long Beach coastal area near Belmont Shore, Belmont Park, and Alamitos Heights’ northeast side as a quiet, mostly residential spot where a lot of families settle down. If you’re thinking of moving, you probably want to know if you can actually walk to the places you need.
Is Belmont Heights A Walkable Neighborhood? Learn more about Belmont Heights in Long Beach on the popular local website RedWagonTeam.com.
Walkability really shapes daily life—think about grabbing coffee, heading to work, or just getting out for a stroll. Belmont Heights has some public transit options that help with getting around, though it’s not the most connected neighborhood in the city.
For those who want a walkable lifestyle, the area offers a few things: parks are close, schools aren’t far, and shopping’s not out of reach. It’s worth digging into how walkable Belmont Heights really feels before you make any big decisions.
3 Key Takeaways of Belmont Heights being a Walkable Neighborhood
- Belmont Heights has moderate walkability, some public transportation, and a few bike-friendly touches
- The area offers family-friendly parks, schools, and basic shopping and dining within reach
- You can walk to some spots, but a car or public transit is usually needed for longer errands or commutes
Is Belmont Heights a Walkable Neighborhood?
Belmont Heights lets you handle a fair number of daily tasks without a car. Public transit is available, and there are enough nearby amenities to make walking a practical option for certain errands.
Walk Score and What It Means
Walk Score puts Belmont Heights at 86th for walkability in Long Beach, which means you can get some things done on foot, but not everything.
Walk Score basically tells you how easy it is to walk to stuff like stores, restaurants, schools, and parks. It checks out the walking routes and how far you are from the places people usually need.
In Belmont Heights, the score shows it’s a residential area where you’ll want a car for some things, but you can still walk to a few local spots. It’s not downtown-level walkable, but it’s better than typical suburbs.
Everyday Errands on Foot
You can walk to some shops and services in Belmont Heights, though not everything is right around the corner. The area mixes quiet residential streets with a few commercial stretches.
Grocery shopping might mean a longer walk or a quick drive, depending on where you live. Same goes for banks or pharmacies.
If you don’t mind driving for some stuff but still like having nice streets for walking or just getting outside, Belmont Heights works. The peaceful streets make for good walks, even if you’re not running errands.
Access to Local Amenities
Parks like Hiawatha Park are right in the neighborhood, so it’s easy to get outside for a walk or play. You can reach these green spaces without needing to hop in the car.
Schools are set up to serve local families, and some are close enough to walk to, which helps with the morning routine if you have kids.
Local amenities include:
- Parks with playgrounds
- Neighborhood schools
- Shopping options nearby
- Dining spots
- Public transportation stops
Public transit gives you a backup when walking isn’t practical. The options here connect you to other Long Beach neighborhoods and the rest of the city, which is handy for work or longer trips.
Public Transportation Options in Belmont Heights
Belmont Heights has a handful of bus routes that get you to different parts of Long Beach, so you don’t always need a car. The neighborhood’s TransitScore is 54, which means you have pretty good access to public transportation for daily commutes.
Proximity to Transit Lines
Belmont Heights sits within a couple miles of two main transit stops. They’re not right outside your door, but they’re close enough to use without much hassle.
The closest big transit options are East Falls and Wissahickon stations. These connect you to Long Beach’s broader public transportation network. Most folks can get there with a short drive or bike ride.
We’re not sitting right on top of major transit hubs, but the distance is reasonable. If you use public transit regularly but don’t need to be next to a station, it works.
Bus Routes and Access Points
Several bus routes run through Belmont Heights, weaving through the neighborhood and connecting you to the rest of Long Beach. For most residents, buses are the main way to get around without a car.
Bus stops are scattered throughout the area, so you can usually find one within a short walk of your place.
How often the buses come depends on the route and time of day. Rush hour’s busier, but evenings and weekends can mean longer waits.
Commuting From Belmont Heights
If you commute by public transportation, you’ll need to plan around bus schedules and maybe a transfer or two. The neighborhood suits people with flexible schedules or those whose jobs fit the available routes.
You can get to downtown Long Beach and other big job centers using the bus system, though it might take longer than driving, especially outside rush hour. During rush hour, the bus can actually be as fast as driving, thanks to city traffic.
Buses and nearby transit stations give you options for work, school, or heading out for fun. Having a car is still more flexible, but you can get by on public transit for daily needs.
Biking and Bike Infrastructure in Belmont Heights
Biking is a decent option in Belmont Heights, especially with some recent upgrades to the bike network. Still, how easy it is to ride depends on where you are in the neighborhood.
Bike Score Overview
Walk Score calls Belmont Heights “somewhat bikeable” for its nearly 13,000 residents. You can do some errands by bike, but it’s not as bike-friendly as the best cycling neighborhoods in Long Beach.
The rating takes into account street connections, the terrain, and how many bike facilities you have. You can bike here, but it’s better for certain trips than others.
Availability of Bike Lanes
Belmont Avenue has protected bike lanes between Kimball Avenue and Western Avenue/Clybourn Avenue. These lanes keep cyclists separated from cars, which feels safer and more comfortable.
The protected lanes link up with the CTA Belmont Station and the 312 RiverRun trail. CDOT recently extended them west to Milwaukee Avenue, adding about half a mile of new protected space.
Improvements include new crosswalks, sidewalk extensions, and island bus stops. All of this helps cyclists get through intersections more safely.
Bikeability for Residents
You can use a bike for a lot of local trips in Belmont Heights, but your experience will depend on which streets you travel. There are calm residential routes, but some commercial roads get busy.
The protected lanes on Belmont Avenue make east-west biking pretty easy. You can hit up shops, restaurants, and transit stops along the way without having to ride with heavy traffic.
For trips off the main roads, you’ll be on standard city streets without dedicated bike lanes. Side streets are quieter, but don’t have the same protection.
What Makes Belmont Heights Unique for Walkability?
Belmont Heights stands out for its tree-lined streets, classic bungalows, and a community vibe you can actually feel. There are parks within walking distance, and the neighborhood hosts regular gatherings.
Charming Bungalows and Historic Streetscapes
The architecture here makes walking pretty enjoyable. You’ll see lots of early 1900s bungalows with porches and detailed woodwork. The houses sit close to the sidewalk, which makes the street feel friendlier.
Mature trees give plenty of shade on warm days. Wide sidewalks mean you can comfortably walk with a stroller or your dog. Slower traffic and street parking make the area feel safer for pedestrians.
Having both homes and small businesses nearby means you can walk to coffee shops, restaurants, and stores. This setup encourages you to explore on foot, not just drive everywhere.
Local Parks and Green Spaces
There are several parks you can walk to, and they double as gathering spots for the neighborhood. They offer places to exercise, play with kids, or just relax. Playgrounds, picnic tables, and open lawns are common.
You’ll see folks walking their dogs or families hanging out at the playgrounds. The parks are linked by walkable streets, so you can easily visit more than one in a single outing.
Community Vibe and Events
The community organizes events that actually bring people together—farmers’ markets, street fairs, and local festivals are all within walking distance. These happen often enough that you start to recognize your neighbors.
Local businesses also get in on the action, hosting their own events and activities. Shop owners tend to know regulars, which adds a nice personal touch to your daily routine. Walking here feels more social than just getting from point A to point B.
Living in Belmont Heights: Real Estate and Lifestyle
Belmont Heights real estate has a good mix of single-family homes and townhouses, drawing in families and professionals who want a quieter place to live. The area is known for its solid schools and parks, and about a third of residents work in management or professional jobs.
Types of Homes and Housing Options
Most of the housing in Belmont Heights is single-family homes and townhouses. The neighborhood leans toward traditional styles, giving it a suburban feel even though you’re still in Long Beach.
Many homes have yards and outdoor space, which is a plus for families or anyone who wants more room than a city apartment. You’ll find both older houses and some that have been updated recently.
Belmont Heights homes range from craftsman-style to more modern designs. Real estate here tends to cost less than closer-in Long Beach neighborhoods, so it’s appealing for first-time buyers and young families.
Neighborhood Demographics
There are about 12,900 people living in Belmont Heights. The community is pretty diverse, with families, young professionals, and longtime residents all mixed together.
Roughly 34% of working residents hold executive, management, or professional jobs, which suggests a stable, middle-class vibe.
People move here for the quiet streets and green spaces, but still want access to city amenities. The balance between a peaceful home life and urban convenience is a big draw.
Family-Friendly Environment
Belmont Heights is definitely family-focused. The schools get good marks, which attracts parents looking for solid education options.
Parks and recreational spaces are scattered throughout. They’re safe places for kids to play and for families to hang out together.
Quiet streets and less traffic make it safer for kids compared to busier parts of Long Beach. Local amenities and community events help neighbors connect, giving the area a strong sense of community.
Comparing Belmont Heights to Other Long Beach Neighborhoods
Belmont Heights ranks 59th out of 228 Long Beach neighborhoods for walkability, with decent public transit and moderate bikeability. The area tends to attract families who want suburban comforts but still live inside the city limits.
Walkability Versus Nearby Areas
Belmont Heights borders neighborhoods like Irving Woods, Belmont Terrace, Schorsch Village, Montclare, Schorsch Forest View, Galewood, and Belmont Central. All of these have a similar residential feel.
Most folks in these areas need a car for daily errands, though public transit is available. The whole northwest side keeps a suburban character, which is pretty different from the walk-everywhere vibe downtown.
Belmont Heights matches its neighbors when it comes to sidewalks and crosswalks, but things are more spread out. Bus routes help connect you to the rest of the city, so commuting by transit is possible.
Upper-middle income families are more common here than in Long Beach’s urban core. The neighborhood’s income level is higher than about 77% of other Long Beach areas, which gives it a distinct feel.
Ideal Residents for This Community
Families with kids seem to thrive in Belmont Heights. The neighborhood has decent schools, local parks, and tidy homes tucked into quiet streets. Parents like the safe vibe and the way neighbors look out for each other.
This place really works best if you’ve got a car. Sure, there’s public transit, but having your own wheels makes it way easier to run errands, grab dinner, or shuttle kids around. Most daily stuff feels geared toward drivers, honestly.
Professionals who need to commute into other parts of Long Beach fit in well, too. Transit options make it possible to get downtown or to other job centers without the headache of city parking. After work, the calm here feels like a real break.
Retirees and empty nesters settle in for the quiet streets and the sense of community. You get city perks without all the bustle and noise of the busier neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Belmont Heights has a walk score of 86, so it’s only somewhat walkable—don’t expect to ditch your car entirely. Here are some answers to the most common questions about walking around the neighborhood, just to give you a feel for what it’s like.
What are the most walk-friendly streets in Belmont Heights?
It really depends on which Belmont Heights you’re talking about, but in Long Beach’s version, the main commercial strip is where most of the action happens—shops and restaurants are pretty close together. Streets lined with those classic Craftsman homes usually have sidewalks and lots of trees, making walks pleasant.
Areas near local businesses and parks tend to be better for walking. If you’re close to where people gather, you’ll find more foot traffic and paths that actually get cared for.
Can I find easily accessible amenities within walking distance in Belmont Heights?
Some things are within walking distance, but with a walk score of 51, you’ll probably need a car for plenty of errands. Parks and a handful of neighborhood businesses are walkable if you’re in the right spot.
How far you are from groceries, clinics, or other essentials really depends on your exact address. Most folks seem to mix walking and driving to get things done.
Are there any pedestrian-friendly areas in Belmont Heights for outdoor activities?
Belmont Heights has clean parks with space for outdoor activities. Residents use these green spots for walks, playtime, or just hanging out outside.
Some areas have hills that make walks a bit tougher—but you get some nice views, too. Families show up at the parks pretty regularly for exercise and recreation.
How do locals rate the walkability of Belmont Heights?
The official walk score is 51 out of 100. You can get some errands done on foot, but you’ll probably need other ways to get around for most things.
In Philadelphia’s Belmont Heights, the transit score is 54, so public transportation can help fill in the gaps. People’s experiences really depend on where they live and what they need day to day.
What is the general atmosphere of Belmont Heights for residents who prefer to walk?
Belmont Heights feels peaceful and family-friendly, with a laid-back environment. The focus on safety and neighborly connection makes walks feel comfortable for a lot of folks.
There’s a real sense of belonging here, especially with the help of the Belmont Heights Community Association. The area’s charm and green spaces make for enjoyable walks if you’re into that sort of thing.
What type of housing options are available within walking distance to Belmont Heights’ main attractions?
Apartments in Belmont Heights run from about 559 to 1,116 square feet, with rents starting at $1,190. You’ll find these rentals at 3701 Conshohocken Ave, right in the Wynnefield Heights part of Philadelphia.
In the Long Beach Belmont Heights area, you can spot historic Craftsman homes. The neighborhood really offers something for everyone—families, singles, people with a thing for unique architecture, or anyone wanting a strong sense of community. Honestly, the mix is kind of refreshing.
