Andi Grant's Blog - Everyday Real Estate with a Twist

 SOUTH LONG BEACH, CA - Get Up, Get Out and Start Beach Living!

There is something that you'll notice when visiting or buying a home in the South Long Beach, CA coastal areas of Belmont Heights, Bluff Heights, Bluff Park, Naples and Belmont Shore.  The residents do not merely exist in South Long Beach, they LIVE!  They live life and they live it to the fullest!

GET UP - Enjoy the Sunshine

As with other beach towns, there is a strong sense of outdoor living.  In South Long Beach it is very common to see people walking their dogs, cycling, jogging, skating down the bike path or zipping down Ocean Blvd on a vespa.  A visiting friend said (South) Long Beach is very reminiscent of many popular European destinations where people spend more time outdoors than in.  It wasn't until she mentioned it that it occurred to me how many people living in other cities are missing out!  Most of their "down" time is probably spent indoors.  We're in sunny CA where there is year-round mild weather, so get up, get out and start beach living folks! 

GET OUT - Know They Neighbor

Living entails growing in your relationships.  It is fairly easy to get to know your neighbors in South Long Beach because of the daily, monthly or yearly community events that take place.  For instance, Bluff Heights has a great annual block party for Bluff Heights residents that I look forward to participating in year after year.  It's a great opportunity to reacquaint yourself or welcome new neighbors while reinforcing a stong sense of community! 

There are also beach clean-ups sponsored by our local philanthropist and dog-lover, Justin Rudd that help South Long Beach residents to make new friends and build community pride.  Belmont Shore has an annual Stroll and Savor event sponsored by over 30 area restaurants that also brings residents together to sample local restaurant fare.  Of course there's our very popular annual Sea Festival event that draws thousands into South Long Beach throughout the summer months.  Getting up, getting out and living can be something as simple as walking your dog and catching up with acquaintances.  Don't be surprised to overhear people discussing current events in-between stories about the unidentifiable object their terrier dug up.

Even for the few homebodies to be found in South Long Beach, they still manage to take advantage of the outdoors when they share their backyards, courtyards or patios with close friends, family and neighbors.  There's nothing like the smell of mesquite in the air to bring everyone together.  

 Start Beach Living Now!  - Life is Too Short Not to Love Where You Live!  If you would love to get up, get out and start beach living or need a Home Value Quote on your current home, do not hesitate to call me at 310-508-4354 or visit my website at www.AndiGrant.com. 

SOUTH LONG BEACH CA FAMILY EVENTS- Home is Where the Water Is!

This is a childhood photo of me when I was 4 or 5. How could you not buy a house from that face?!   I am very blessed to say that I had a wonderful childhood! Well here in South Long Beach, CA, many families have a great opportunity to experience the very same thing!

SOUTH LONG BEACH, CA - Creating Great Childhood Memories

My fondest memories, whether it was learning to swim in our backyard pool here in sunny CA, intertubing down creeks in Idaho or beating my brother in a fishing competition with our great uncle at Lake Elsinore, CA (won't he be pleased to read that) I have to say being outdoors with family near and around the water is where my most cherished childhood memories occurred. Here in South Long Beach CA, you too can create great childhood memories for your little ones by participating in many of the beach, lagoon and marina activities offered throughout the year.

 SOUTH LONG BEACH CA: FAMILY INDOOR ACTIVITIES

     Aquarium of the Pacific - offers Birthday party, youth group and Family Sleepovers! 

• Saturday Family Fun Educational Events for 4-6 year olds
• Aqua Tots Events for 2-3 year olds
• Sleepovers for entire families, youth groups or birthday parties.  Minimum and Maximum parties and certain dates apply!  Talk about creating a unique experience and childhood memory!
  

SOUTH LONG BEACH CA:  FAMILY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

     These are just a few upcoming events:

• Dia Del Nino Festival (Children's Day Festival) at the Aquarium of the Pacific located in South Long Beach (May 1 and 2nd, 2010) from 9am - 5pm.  This festival for kids is celebrating kids of every culture.  The festival will include dancing, storytelling, interactive performances from Mexico, Africa, Hawaii and so much more! 
• Harbor Breeze Cruises/Whale Watching and Dolphin Sightings - see gray, fin, blue and humpback whales and dolphins during this well-reviewed tour! In this season alone,  there have been hundreds of sightings! 
  
• Pacific Islander Festival (June 5 - 6th, 2010) located at Aquarium of the Pacific in south Long Beach is featuring great ethnic cuisine, costuming, dancing performances, ancient Hawaiian games.
• Moonlight Movie Series - (July 3, 2010 - August 26, 2010) is featuring family classics right on the sand of 3 local beaches every Tues, Wed and Thursday night. Bring a chair or blanket and bundle up. FREE movie, FREE popcorn, FREE parking.
• Long Beach Bayou Festival (June 26 - 27, 2010) - mix of authentic Louisiana music, creole food Weekend of music, dancing and fun.  One of the most celebrated festivals in Long Beach!
• 4th of July Party on the Pier (July 4, 2010) - Fun, Food and Fireworks! Board a boat and have the fireworks burst in brilliant light right above you!
  
• Kid's Fishing Rodeo - (July 30, 2010 8am - 12pm) located at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier in South Long Beach.  Boys and girls 16 and under are provided with free bait, snacks and and fishing instructions.
  
• Dragon Boat Festival (July 31-August 1, 2010) - largest and most popular dragon boat competition in California!  Featuring Chinese traditional art demonstrations, Chinese Acrobats, traditional dance, music and martial arts performances.  Fun, food and excitement!
• Crawfish Festival (August 7-8, 2010) - The best Cajun, Zydeco, and New Orleans sounds of music, cuisine served by authentic Cajun chefs, giant food court and Childrens Fun Area. 
  
• Sand Castle Sculpture Contest  (August 14-15, 2010) - This South Long Beach, CA tradition is over 70 years old and is located at Granada launch.  BBQ from Alredo's beach Club and featuring a popular Kid's Zone.
• Tiki Beach Festival (August 21, 22, 2010) - Canoe Rides, Fire Walk, Tiki Carving, Island Music, Food and Dance.

CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT KIND OF WORLD WE WOULD LIVE IN IF EVERY CHILD HAD A HAPPY CHILDHOOD?

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Thinking about moving to South Long Beach neighborhoods of Belmont Heights, Bluff Heights, Naples, Alamitos Beach or their surrounding communities?  Be sure to visit www.AndiGrant.com for all Long Beach Homes for Sale.