“Working-class haven” is how one resident described North Long Beach. Today, we will explore this underappreciated section of Long Beach. North Long Beach, also known as North Town or Northside, sits north of Bixby Knolls. It is south of Compton and Paramount.
North Long Beach began as open pastures. Asparagus, sugar beets, and dairy farms covered the landscape in the early 20th century. Truck drivers, shipyard employees, and factory workers populated the area for much of the 20th century.
North Long Beach is now one of Southern California’s most diverse neighborhoods. African-Americans, Cambodians, and Latinos all call it home. The current population hovers just under 95,000. Census figures show about 54% are Hispanic. Around 21% are Black, and 11% are Asian. About 8.7% are non-Hispanic white. There is also a sizable Samoan and Tongan population.
The neighborhood presents a patchwork landscape. Well-kept houses line quiet, tree-lined streets. A block over, you might find small apartments, pawn shops, and liquor stores.
Marcella Carlson lived most of her early life in North Long Beach. She remembers a time when much of North Long Beach was open space. The landscape wasn’t as packed with houses.
During the 1950s and into the ’60s, the population increased. The 710 and 91 freeways cut through the area. More homes and apartment buildings went up. Working-class whites from Midwestern states like Arkansas and Oklahoma populated the area for many years. As surrounding areas like Compton became more African-American in the 1970s, North Long Beach gradually followed suit.
Reverend Leon Wood notes the neighborhood is now “in transition.” He connects different groups in North Long Beach. Wood feels the Samoan and Tongan population are his “forgotten people.” Though they have a significant presence, they aren’t as politically visible as other groups.
Sarah Tatro, an educator and poet, grew up in North Long Beach. She recalls it was the first place she lived long enough to feel like home. Tatro spent a lot of time riding her bike and walking her dog in Deforest Park. She also wandered up on the riverbed.
Prach Ly, a Cambodian activist and hip-hop artist, spent most of his childhood in North Long Beach. He credits his love of hip-hop to growing up there. Ly recalls playing outside a lot before the days of iPads and Xboxes. Games included hide-n-seek and kick the can. Growing up in North Long Beach during the late 1980s and early 1990s was intense for Ly.
Despite the trauma, Ly remains upbeat. He feels a lot of things have changed for the better in North Long Beach. It’s cleaner and safer now.
North Long Beach wasn’t always seen in a positive light. But things are changing. Since 1996, $193 million has been spent on redevelopment projects in North Long Beach. An improved economy and tougher law enforcement have contributed to a decline in crime.
North Long Beach is a soulful, diverse area with a bright future. A large group of committed citizens work hard to improve their district. North Long Beach continues to evolve. It preserves its rich history while embracing a promising future.