The Bronx, New York, and Long Beach, California, are diverse urban areas within America, each offering distinctive experiences to live in or visit. Comparatively, the Bronx is known for its rich cultural heritage and gritty environment amplified by hustle-bustle, while Long Beach offers a relaxed beach atmosphere coupled with a thriving economy. In terms of safety, weather, economy, infrastructure, culture, and many other aspects, they present a contrasting lifestyle.
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Bronx's population is larger by 203%. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.
Population | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,383,871 | 456,062 |
Female / male percentage | 53.5% / 46.5%
|
51.3% / 48.7%
|
In comparing both destinations, the Bronx has a higher crime rate than Long Beach. Although efforts have been made to reduce crime in the Bronx, it remains a significant concern for both residents and tourists. On the other hand, Long Beach has experienced a decrease in crime rates over the years, making it comparatively safer. That said, as in any large city, crime rates can greatly differ from one neighborhood to another.
Broadly speaking, the cost of living in the Bronx is noticeably lower than in Long Beach. This applies to rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. However, wages may also be lower in the Bronx. For those considering relocating, it would be important to factor this into their decision-making.
The Bronx residents pay New York City’s local income tax, which ranges from 2.907% to 3.876% in addition to New York State's. However, California, where Long Beach is located, has a significantly higher state income tax rate that ranges from 1% to 13.3% depending on income.
The property tax rate in the Bronx, as part of New York City, is about 0.90%, while it is much lower in Long Beach, at approximately 0.72%. This, coupled with significantly higher property values in Long Beach, can make home ownership more expensive in Long Beach.
New York City has a 4.5% city sales tax while New York State adds another 4%, totaling 8.5%. Meanwhile, Long Beach has a 9.5% sales tax, which includes state, county, and city tax.
Income | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Estimated median household income | $43,011 | $73,905 |
Estimated per capita income | $23,354 | $37,217 |
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) | 172.8 | 142 |
If you make $50,000 in Long Beach, you will have to make $60,845 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
The Bronx is an urban jungle, part of the continuously built urban area that is New York City. Its rivers and parks bring some nature into the city life. In contrast, Long Beach offers beachfront living, with palm trees, ocean views, and a slew of outdoor activities. The geography of both places significantly influences the lifestyle of its residents, with Long Beach emphasizing a more outdoorsy, beach-influenced life.
Geographical information | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Land area | 42 sq. miles | 50.4 sq. miles |
Population density | 32,928 people per sq. mile | 9,041.5 people per sq. mile |
Elevation | 120 feet | 29 feet |
Both cities boast an array of quality educational institutions. The Bronx, part of the massive New York City school system, offers a wide array of public, charter, and private schools. Long Beach, on the other hand, has an equally admirable school system and hosts the second largest university in California, offering residents and students a wealth of educational opportunities.
Education level (25-year-olds and older) | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 37% |
Graduate or professional degree | 5.9% | 13.1% |
High school or higher | 62.3% | 83.6% |
The economy in the Bronx is largely driven by health care, education, and retail trade, while Long Beach has a more diversified economy with strong sectors in health care, education, trade, and manufacturing. Consequently, Long Beach provides more job opportunities and has a lower unemployment rate compared to the Bronx.
The Bronx's largest employers are in the healthcare and education sectors. Notably, Montefiore Medical Center and Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center provide an abundance of jobs. Long Beach's largest employers include Long Beach Unified School District, the City of Long Beach, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, and Boeing.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
The Bronx experiences a temperate seasonal climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Some visitors and potential residents may find the hot and humid summers uncomfortable. On the other hand, Long Beach has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, making it more favorable for outdoor activities year-round.
Weather and climate | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Temperature - Average | 54.7°F | 65.3°F |
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity | 67.2% | 70.4% |
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity | 26.4% | 27% |
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 75.6% | 79% |
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 49.2% | 52% |
Precipitation - Yearly average | 47 in | 13.1 in |
Snowfall - Yearly average | 54.5 in | 0 in |
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds | 16.5% | 26.4% |
Sunshine amount - Average | 60.2% | 78.4% |
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year | 20% | 22% |
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly | 64% | 85% |
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly | 44% | 63% |
Wind speed - Average | 10.7 mph | 6.1 mph |
Natural disasters | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average | 58.3% | 18.3% |
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average | 31% | 6,875.1% |
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average | 14% | 57% |
The Bronx, part of New York City, benefits from an extensive public transportation system – making commuting relatively easy. Long Beach also has a well-developed public transit system, with buses, a metro rail, and bike share programs, but the reliance on cars is more notable in Long Beach, reflecting the wider Los Angeles area preference.
Transport | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Amtrak stations | 0 | 1 |
Amtrak stations nearby | 3 | 3 |
FAA registered aircraft | 39 | 312 |
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers | 0 | 29 |
Real estate prices in Long Beach are substantially higher than in the Bronx, reflecting California's generally high property values. However, both cities offer a range of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes, suitable for different income levels.
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. The Bronx is known for neighborhoods like Riverdale, offering city panoramas, and Belmont, home to the famous Arthur Avenue, New York's real Little Italy. Long Beach is known for neighborhoods like Belmont Shore, known for its beachfront, and Bixby Knolls, recognized for its historic homes and growing arts scene.
Houses and residents | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Houses | 490,659 | 179,856 |
Average household size (people) | 2.8 | 2.8 |
Houses occupied | 463,212 (94.4%) | 172,599 (96%) |
Houses occupied by owners | 90,522 (19.5%) | 69,470 (40.2%) |
Houses occupied by renters | 372,690 (80.5%) | 103,129 (59.8%) |
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units | $1,273 | $1,057 |
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos | $708,992 | $520,992 |
Estimated median house or condo value | $465,000 | $693,600 |
Median number of rooms in apartments | 3.7 | 3.6 |
Median number of rooms in houses and condos | 5.1 | 5.5 |
Renting percentage | 80.7% | 58.4% |
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) | 11,675 | 3,565.7 |
Household income disparities | 50.2% | 44.7% |
Housing units without a mortgage | 12,021 (34%) | 394 (0.8%) |
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan | 105 (0.3%) | 3,069 (6.2%) |
Housing units with a mortgage | 23,339 (66%) | 49,321 (99.2%) |
Housing units with a home equity loan | 2,053 (5.8%) | 48 (0.1%) |
Housing units with a second mortgage | 2,159 (6.1%) | 3,709 (7.5%) |
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities | 1.4% | 2.6% |
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities | 1.7% | 0.4% |
Healthcare, retail trade, and education are the largest industries in the Bronx. In Long Beach, the largest industries are healthcare, retail trade, manufacturing, and educational services. The most common occupations in the Bronx are office and administrative support roles, while in Long Beach, management roles are more prevalent.
The healthcare facilities in the Bronx are extensive, with several renowned hospitals and clinics. Long Beach also offers excellent health care services featuring a mix of hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities. Health care access is generally good in both cities, but it is dependent on health insurance, as it is throughout the United States.
Health (county statistics) | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) | 3.2 | 3.5 |
Average weight of females (lbs) | 160 lbs | 154.6 lbs |
Average weight of males (lbs) | 188.8 lbs | 185 lbs |
Residents visited a dentist within the past year | 67% | 68.1% |
Residents exercised in the past month | 67.5% | 74.7% |
Residents keep firearms around their homes | 2.6% | 12.9% |
Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days | 73.2% | 69.2% |
Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives | 39.6% | 37.8% |
Both cities have developed infrastructures, albeit different in style. The Bronx, like much of New York City, has an old-world charm with historic buildings, while Long Beach offers a mix of modern and retro architecture. In terms of infrastructure readiness, both cities are equipped to handle the daily needs of their populations but with different challenges in terms of maintenance and improvement.
Infrastructure | ||
Type | Bronx | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Hospitals | 57 | 17 |
TV stations | 30 | 5 |
Bank branches located here | 118 | 67 |
Bank institutions located here | 24 | 18 |
Main business address for public companies | 2 | 11 |
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past | 1 | 2 |
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past | 4 | 1 |
The Bronx boasts a rich cultural diversity with many ethnic restaurants, the famous Yankee Stadium, and the Bronx Zoo. It's home to significant Italian and Latin American communities, reflecting in its culinary landscape. Long Beach, similarly diverse, offers a strong beach culture, Art Deco architecture, and a variety of food options reflecting its mix of residents – from seafood to Mexican, and everything in between. Plus, its proximity to Los Angeles brings a more widespread influence of cultures.
As part of New York City, The Bronx is home to the world-renowned New York Yankees. On the other hand, Long Beach does not have any major league sports teams itself, but it's not far from Los Angeles, home to teams such as the Lakers (NBA), Dodgers (MLB), and Rams (NFL).