We all know Venice is great. It is a truly unique beach community unlike anywhere else in the world. However this eclectic atmosphere does come with its drawbacks. There are a lot of homeless people in the city and a lot of transients who come in for their kicks. It’s not like you want to change the character of the city, but if you want a change of pace there are other beach communities near Venice you can explore. Whether you live in Venice or love to come but want to find near beach communities, these cities offer amazing coastline and their own cultures.
Long Beach
Long Beach is another city that is rugged but beautiful. It has its own vibe completely outside of Greater Los Angeles. It is a city somewhere in between LA and northern Orange County. Although technically in Los Angeles County, Long Beach remains its own community. While it has been known for gangs and danger, the city continues to change. Crime is going down. It has become more hip and vibrant, gentrifying with artistic and eclectic newcomers. It’s where artists come for cheap rent and a diverse atmosphere. If you want somewhere like Venice but uniquely its own, try Long Beach.
Huntington Beach
Going south from Long Beach, Huntington Beach is another beach community. While it is definitely different from both Venice and Long Beach, the beaches are great and the people are diverse to say the least. There’s a lot of political distress in Huntington, but if you stay out of it you can find a place to spend time on the beach or take advantage of the many bars and restaurants the city has to offer. You can have a great time in Huntington. It may or may not be the place you’d like to move—it’s not for everyone—but you can find parts of it you really enjoy.
Newport Beach
Even further south is Newport Beach. It has a beach culture that’s very different from Venice. If you live in Venice and want something completely different, Newport might be your option. It is much more conservative and quite expensive. But if you can afford it and want to make your own world, it is possible in Newport Beach. If you love Venice you might not love Newport Beach, but if you want a complete change maybe you’ll enjoy it. To get a good price on a new place in the city, look up Newport Beach Realtors.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is an eclectic, artistic, and vibrant beach community that is both liberal and upscale. If you want a bohemian environment but less riff-raff than Venice, Laguna is where it’s at. However, it isn’t cheap to live there. But if you can afford to live in Laguna Beach or simply want to come visit a place that is pleasant and open-minded, overall it’s a pretty special place. It depends on who you are and what you want, but most people gravitate towards Laguna Beach. Not only is the atmosphere pleasant, there are plenty of things to do in the city.
Santa Monica
Just north of Venice and a world away, Santa Monica is an upscale beach town that keeps out a lot of the seedier elements of Venice. If you want to keep the beach area and change the culture, you try out Santa Monica. While people who live in Venice might not want the vibe change of Santa Monica, if you’re sick of the culture in Venice a move over to Santa Monica might be just what you need.
Southern California is full of great beaches and unique beach communities. Whether you want one that is bohemian or conservative, there is a place for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to move or simply find a new place to explore, there are plenty of options. Venice is fantastic, but it can get a little overwhelming sometimes. Especially in these times of physical distancing and a deadly virus, it might be time to get away from the rugged environment of Venice. Luckily keeping an eclectic, artistic vibe in a vibrant beach city is possible. Venice will always be here for you.
Ryan Beitler is a writer, journalist, and blogger who lives in Southern California. He has worked for the Slovenia Times, Paste Magazine, numerous travel sites, and many more.
