Moving from Aurora
to Long Beach

Here is the ultimate moving guide for relocating from Aurora, Colorado, to Long Beach, California.

The Ultimate Moving Guide: Aurora, CO to Long Beach, CA

Congratulations on making the decision to move from the high plains of Aurora to the coastal shores of Long Beach. This is not just a change of address; it is a fundamental shift in lifestyle, climate, and economics. You are moving from a landlocked, mountain-adjacent city to one of the most unique coastal communities in Southern California.

As a relocation expert, I have broken this down into the essential pillars of your move. We will compare the two cities honestly, look at the data, and help you prepare for the logistics of crossing state lines.

1. The Vibe Shift: From High Desert to Harbor City

The Culture
Aurora is a sprawling, diverse suburb that serves as a bedroom community for Denver. It is grounded, practical, and deeply connected to the outdoors. The culture here is often described as "active but relaxed"—think hiking in the Rockies on a Saturday or visiting the Aurora Reservoir.

Long Beach is a true coastal metropolis. It is a port city with a gritty, artistic edge and a laid-back beach culture. While Aurora feels like it is in the shadow of the mountains, Long Beach lives in the shadow of the massive Port of Los Angeles and the oil refineries of Wilmington. It is a city of contrasts: historic Victorian homes sit blocks away from massive shipping containers; surfers share the water with cargo ships.

The People
In Aurora, you are likely used to a mix of military personnel (due to Buckley Space Force Base), young families, and long-time residents. The social scene is quieter, more family-oriented, and often revolves around school events or outdoor activities.

Long Beach is younger, more eclectic, and significantly more transient. It is a college town (California State University, Long Beach is one of the largest in the state) and a haven for artists, musicians, and service industry workers. The population is incredibly diverse—Long Beach has one of the largest Cambodian populations outside of Southeast Asia, alongside significant Latino, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities. The social vibe is more vibrant, louder, and centered around the waterfront.

The Pace
Aurora moves at a suburban pace. Traffic is a nuisance, but generally, you can get from one side of the city to the other in 30 minutes. Long Beach is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan machine. The pace is faster, the streets are busier, and the energy is higher. However, once you are in a specific neighborhood or on the beach path, the city has pockets of slow, meditative stillness that Aurora’s high plains heat doesn't quite offer.

2. Cost of Living: The Wallet Shock

This is the most critical section of this guide. You need to prepare for a significant increase in your cost of living. While Colorado has become more expensive, California remains in a league of its own.

Housing
In Aurora, the median home price hovers around $460,000, and the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is roughly $1,600.

In Long Beach, the market is vastly different. The median home price is approximately $750,000, and that will likely get you a smaller, older property than what you are used to. Renting is equally challenging. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Long Beach is currently $2,200 to $2,500. You will be paying a premium for proximity to the ocean and the Los Angeles job market.

Taxes: The Critical Difference
The most significant financial shock will not be the rent, but the taxes.

• Colorado: Flat income tax rate of 4.4%.
• California: Progressive income tax. If you are a middle-to-upper-middle-income earner, you will likely pay between 9.3% and 12.3% state income tax.

Additionally, California has the highest gas prices in the nation (often $1.50-$2.00 higher per gallon than Colorado), and sales tax in Long Beach is 10.25% (compared to Aurora’s 8.5%). You must adjust your budget to accommodate a roughly 20-30% increase in overall living expenses.

Utilities
You will likely see a decrease in heating costs but a potential increase in electricity due to air conditioning usage. Long Beach has a "marine layer" (fog) that keeps temperatures moderate, but heatwaves do occur. Internet and cell service costs are comparable.

3. Logistics: The Move Itself

The Route
You are traveling approximately 1,050 miles via I-70 W and I-15 S. This is a drive that takes about 15 to 17 hours without stops. It is a grueling drive that cuts through the Utah desert and the Mojave National Preserve.

Moving Options: DIY vs. Professionals

• DIY (Rental Truck): For a 2-3 bedroom home, a U-Haul will cost roughly $1,200 - $1,800 for the truck plus fuel. This is the budget-friendly option, but be warned: driving a large truck through the winding mountains of Colorado and the steep grades of the Cajon Pass in California is exhausting.
• Professional Movers: For a full-service move, expect to pay $5,000 - $8,000. Given the distance and the physical demands of moving into multi-story apartments common in Long Beach, hiring professionals is highly recommended if your budget allows.

What to Get Rid Of (The Purge List)

• Heavy Winter Gear: You will not need heavy-duty snow boots, parkas, or ice scrapers. Keep a light jacket for the "June Gloom" (the marine layer), but donate the heavy wool.
• Gas Lawn Mower/Snow Blower: If you are moving to an apartment or condo, you won't need these. If you are moving to a house with a small yard, electric tools are preferred in California due to noise ordinances and emissions laws.
• Large Furniture: Measure twice. Long Beach housing (especially older Victorians and apartments) often has narrow doorways and steep, narrow staircases. That massive sectional sofa from Colorado may not fit up the stairs in a Belmont Shore rental.

4. Neighborhoods to Target

Long Beach is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Here is how to translate your Aurora preferences to Long Beach.

If you liked Aurora’s "City Center" (Downtown/Southlands):
You prefer walkability, a mix of residential and commercial, and a central location.

• Target: Downtown Long Beach.
  • Why: It’s the urban core. You have the Promenade for dining, the Long Beach Convention Center, and easy access to the Blue Line light rail (similar to the RTD in Denver). It’s gritty, lively, and walkable. It lacks the manicured suburban feel of Southlands but offers the urban energy you might be craving.

If you liked Aurora’s "Suburban Family" vibe (e.g., Saddle Rock/Green Valley):
You want good schools, parks, and a quiet street.

• Target: Los Altos or Bixby Knolls.
  • Why: These are the quintessential family neighborhoods of Long Beach. Los Altos is inland, flat, and features mid-century homes with yards. Bixby Knolls (north of 4th Street) is slightly trendier but very community-focused with a great local business scene. It’s the closest you’ll get to that suburban comfort, though you will still hear the distant hum of the 405 freeway.

If you liked Aurora’s "Active/Outdoor" vibe (near parks/reservoirs):
You want access to green space and trails.

• Target: Belmont Shore / Naples.
  • Why: While expensive, this area is built around the water. You trade mountain trails for the Alamitos Bay and the "Looff Viaduct" walking path. It is incredibly active—people run, bike, and paddleboard year-round. However, parking is a nightmare, and the cost of living here is at the top of the scale.

If you liked the "Arts & Culture" scene (near the Aurora History Museum/Performing Arts):

• Target: Rose Park or Alamitos Beach.
  • Why: These neighborhoods are adjacent to Downtown but have a distinct, artistic charm. Rose Park is historic and quiet, while Alamitos Beach is eclectic and very LGBTQ+ friendly. You are close to the art galleries on 4th Street and the theaters downtown.

5. Verdict: Why Make This Move?

Moving from Aurora to Long Beach is a move from stability to possibility.

You will gain:

• Climate: You gain the ocean. You trade snow and dry cold for a moderate, marine climate where the temperature rarely freezes and rarely exceeds 85°F. The humidity is real, but it’s a trade-off for the lack of extreme winter.
• Career Opportunities: Being in the Los Angeles metro area opens doors in entertainment, aerospace (Boeing is nearby), shipping/logistics, and tech that don't exist in the Denver metro area.
• Cultural Diversity: You are moving to a global city. The food, the festivals, and the sheer variety of people are unmatched.
• The Ocean: There is a psychological benefit to living near the water. The ability to drive 10 minutes and sit on the sand or watch a sunset over the Pacific is a luxury that Aurora cannot offer.

You will miss:

• The Mountains: The Rockies are majestic. While you can see them from Long Beach on a very clear day, they are a distant silhouette. You will miss the easy access to hiking, skiing, and the crisp, thin air.
• Space: Colorado feels open. Long Beach feels dense. You will deal with traffic, noise, and neighbors much closer to your property line.
• Cost Efficiency: You will miss the purchasing power you had in Colorado. Your dollar simply does not stretch as far here.

The Final Verdict:
Make this move if you are seeking a career change, crave the ocean, and are ready to embrace a denser, more culturally vibrant lifestyle. If you prioritize square footage, silence, and mountain views, Long Beach will feel like a downgrade. But if you are ready to trade the Rockies for the Pacific, Long Beach offers a gritty, beautiful, and uniquely Californian home.