California Heights, Signal Hill, CA: What Buyers Should Know
A walkable, affluent neighborhood near Long Beach known for top-rated schools and engaged families.
About California Heights in Signal Hill
California Heights stands out as one of Signal Hill's most desirable residential neighborhoods, combining above-average walkability with an affluent, education-focused demographic. Additionally, the area attracts established families and professionals: median household income reaches $118,697, nearly 53% of adults hold bachelor's degrees, and over half of residents are married couples. Home prices center around $852,000, reflecting strong demand driven by top-rated schools like Los Cerritos Elementary (score 73) and convenient access to parks, coffee shops, and local services.
Real Estate Market in California Heights
| Median home price | $852k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Not available |
| Price per sq ft | Not specified |
| Median rent | $1,931 |
| Typical days on market | Not specified |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 78 |
| Transit Score | 47 |
| Bike Score | 76 |
Additionally, California Heights reflects the broader Southern California real estate market: steady demand from families seeking walkable, school-rich neighborhoods. Inventory moves briskly given the neighborhood's profile.
Homes in California Heights typically attract multiple offers during spring and early summer. Expect to move quickly if you find a property that meets your criteria; pre-approval and flexibility on inspection timelines can strengthen your position.
Who Thrives in California Heights
California Heights offers a gentle entry into the premium Southern California market, with walkable streets and neighborhood stability that appeal to buyers building equity for the first time.
Additionally, top schools, parks like Somerset Park and Reservoir Park, and a 26% share of households with children make this an ideal base for families prioritizing education and community.
Additionally, the neighborhood's rental yield ($1,931 median monthly) and affluent, stable demographic provide reliable tenant demand for investor-owned properties.
Additionally, with a 78 walk score, 76 bike score, and 19% of workers already in home-based roles, remote workers gain neighborhood amenities without reliance on commute speed.
Additionally, the neighborhood's low poverty rate (5.5%), mature median age (42.2 years), and established medical services (MedPost Urgent Care, Eye Treatment Center) appeal to downsizers seeking a stable, service-rich community.
Property Types in California Heights
The dominant stock, ranging from mid-century classics to renovated Craftsman-style properties with modest yards.
Lower-maintenance options appealing to downsizers and investors seeking entry-level premium pricing.
Occasional teardown or infill opportunities attract builders and patient investors in this established neighborhood.
Living in California Heights, Signal Hill
Daily life in California Heights centers on suburban comfort with urban walkability. Morning commutes are rarely stressful; 71% of residents drive, but 19% work from home, and the neighborhood's 78 walk score means errands like coffee at Tierra Mia Coffee, groceries at Trader Joe's or Ralphs, and fitness at LA Fitness are accessible on foot or short bike rides. Parents rely on the neighborhood's school reputation, while retirees and empty-nesters appreciate the tree-canopied streets and low crime environment.
- Dave's Burgers · 9 min walk
- Me Pete's Burgers · 11 min walk
- Golden Bowl · 12 min walk
- Carl's Jr. · 12 min walk
- Arby's · 14 min walk
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf · 16 min walk
- Tierra Mia Coffee · 17 min walk
- Bixby Joe Coffee & Tea · 18 min walk
- Angel Food Donuts · 19 min walk
- Starbucks · 21 min walk
- Somerset Park · 11 min walk
- Reservoir Park · 15 min walk
- Bixby Knolls National Park · 20 min walk
- Bixby Knolls Park · 25 min walk
- Orange Park · 26 min walk
- Donut Island · 18 min walk
- Ralphs · 19 min walk
- The Merchant · 22 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 24 min walk
- Vons · 28 min walk
- LA Fitness · 17 min walk
- KUBO Theatre and Community Center · 21 min walk
- Cal Bowl · 22 min walk
Annual events: Signal Hill community festivals, neighborhood block parties, school fundraisers at Longfellow Elementary and Los Cerritos Elementary
Schools Near California Heights, Signal Hill
California Heights is prized for its school quality. Los Cerritos Elementary (score 73, KG-5) and Longfellow Elementary (score 62.5, KG-5) serve as primary feeders, while the neighborhood's median education attainment (52.6% with bachelor's degrees) reflects families' commitment to academics.
Elementary Schools
School Score 73 with 71% math and 75% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 62.5 with 59% math and 66% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 62 with 62% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 35 with 29% math and 41% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 68 with 59% math and 77% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 57 with 53% math and 61% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 17.5 with 20% math and 15% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Barnabas Parish School (PK-8) — 8-minute walk
- Parkridge Private School (KG-12) — 20-minute walk
- Pacific Baptist School (PK-12) — 34-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Most residents feed into Hughes Middle (score 57, 6-8), with options including Intellectual Virtues Academy for families seeking independent or charter pathways.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from California Heights
Additionally, California Heights offers moderate commute flexibility. Though transit is limited (47 transit score, 9/10 on transit access relative to the neighborhood), the 78 walk score and 76 bike score reduce dependence on vehicles for daily needs.
Additionally, metro bus service via Orange & Bixby, Orange & 37th, and Orange & Roosevelt stops provides baseline connectivity; car ownership remains practical for most residents.
Neighborhoods Near California Heights
Not sure California Heights is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about California Heights
What is the average home price in California Heights, Signal Hill?
The median home price in California Heights stands at approximately $852,000, with single-family homes typically ranging from $750,000 to $1.2 million depending on lot size, condition, and recent updates. Condos and townhomes trend lower, between $600,000 and $950,000. These prices reflect the neighborhood's school quality, walkability, and affluent demographic profile relative to Signal Hill's overall median of $685,000.
Is California Heights a good place to live?
California Heights delivers strong fundamentals for most buyer types. Additionally, the neighborhood combines a 78 walk score with excellent schools (Los Cerritos Elementary scores 73), affluent and educated residents (median income $118,697, 53% bachelor's degree or higher), and low crime (5.5% poverty rate). The tradeoff is modest public transit (47 transit score); most residents drive, though working from home (19% of the neighborhood) and walkable amenities limit commute stress for many.
Which schools serve California Heights, and are they highly rated?
Los Cerritos Elementary (score 73, KG-5) and Longfellow Elementary (score 62.5, KG-5) are the primary elementary options, with Los Cerritos notably strong. Middle school feeders include Hughes Middle (score 57, 6-8) and Intellectual Virtues Academy (score 68, 6-8), offering both traditional and independent pathways. Parents also consider private options like St. Barnabas Parish School and Parkridge Private School.
Is California Heights safe?
Yes. Additionally, the neighborhood's 5.5% poverty rate and 52.6% married-household composition reflect a stable, established community with strong neighborhood cohesion. Moreover, low crime is a consistent hallmark. The median age of 42 years and owner-occupancy rate of 63% further support a secure, invested resident base.
Who is California Heights best suited for?
Families with school-age children and remote workers thrive here. The 26% of households with children and 78 walk score make daily life manageable without constant driving. First-time buyers and empty-nesters also find appeal in the neighborhood's stability and walkable access to amenities like Somerset Park, Reservoir Park, and local restaurants such as Dave's Burgers and Me Pete's Burgers.
What amenities and services are nearby in California Heights?
The neighborhood offers solid walkable services: Trader Joe's and Ralphs for groceries, Tierra Mia Coffee and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for daily coffee, LA Fitness for exercise, and MedPost Urgent Care and the Eye Treatment Center for healthcare. Additionally, parks include Somerset Park and Reservoir Park for recreation. Shopping and entertainment options range from Target to Cal Bowl for casual outings.
Where this California Heights data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in California Heights
Additionally, explore available homes in this walkable, school-rich Signal Hill neighborhood and connect with a local agent who knows the market.
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