Off-Campus Housing Guide: Cal State Long Beach

Cal State Long Beach is one of the largest universities in California, with over 37,000 students and a sprawling campus in the heart of Long Beach. Known for its engineering, business, and design programs, CSULB attracts students from across Southern California. The campus has a strong commuter culture, but a growing number of students are choosing to live off campus nearby.

Off-campus housing near CSULB is more affordable than what you'd find near USC or UCLA, and there's a solid range of options — from single rooms in shared houses to newer apartment complexes. This guide covers the neighborhoods to look at, what student life is like off campus, and the local spots that matter.

Off-Campus Housing Guide: Best Neighborhoods Near CSULB

Bixby Knolls and the areas directly north of campus along Bellflower Blvd are the most popular for students who want to be close to class. Streets like E 49th Street and E 52nd Street have dense student housing, mostly older apartment complexes and shared houses at reasonable prices.

Belmont Heights and Belmont Shore are slightly further east toward the water and offer a more upscale living experience. The walkable strip along 2nd Street is one of the best dining and nightlife corridors in Long Beach. Students who don't mind a short drive or bus ride to campus often prefer this area for its energy and walkability.

North Long Beach offers the most budget-friendly housing options and is well-connected to campus via the Metro A Line and local bus routes. It's a practical choice for students prioritizing affordability over proximity.

Off-Campus Student Life at CSULB

Long Beach is a genuinely fun city to be a student in. The downtown area along Pine Avenue and the waterfront has bars, restaurants, and events throughout the year. The beach is close — Belmont Shore and Alamitos Beach are a short drive from most student neighborhoods.

Transit is solid in Long Beach — the Metro A Line connects students to downtown LA, and local buses cover most of the city. Many students also bike, especially given how flat most of the city is. The campus itself has good biking infrastructure that connects to surrounding neighborhoods.

Nearby Spots Worth Knowing

• 2nd Street in Belmont Shore — one of the best restaurant and bar strips in Long Beach, popular with CSULB students on weekends.

• Alamitos Beach — the closest beach to campus, a go-to for students on warm afternoons.

• Metro A Line — the key transit connection from Long Beach neighborhoods to campus and into downtown LA.

• Ralphs and Trader Joe's on 2nd Street — the primary grocery options for students living in the Belmont Shore area.

Ready to find off-campus housing near CSULB? Browse listings at Off-Campus Universe — filter by neighborhood, price range, and move-in date.

This article is provided by an independent housing resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by California State University, Long Beach.