Carolyn Argento: Long Beach in the summer | Herald Community Newspapers

For many residents of Long Island, summer officially begins the moment they cross the bridge into Long Beach.

The oceanfront city, known for its beaches, boardwalk and vibrant community atmosphere, transforms each year into one of the region’s most sought-after destinations. But for those who call Long Beach home, the season is about more than sun and surf.

“There’s a reason people wait all year for summer here,” said Carolyn Argento, branch manager of Douglas Elliman’s Long Beach office.

That seasonal excitement is easy to understand. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, Long Beach offers residents a rare combination of beachfront living, walkability, recreation and accessibility to New York City. During the warmer months, the city’s boardwalk becomes the center of daily life, from sunrise to sunset.

For Argento, the appeal is personal as well as professional.

“My daughter and her family spend many warm nights riding bikes to the boardwalk, watching volleyball games, and ending the night with well-deserved ice cream,” she said.

Summer activity extends well beyond the beach. The city hosts a packed calendar of seasonal events that create a sense of energy and connection throughout the community.

The seasonal farmers market has become a destination for residents looking to support local vendors while enjoying fresh food and specialty products.

“I make sure to go there first for my dinner shopping,” Argento said. “I get ravioli, fresh Italian bread, mozzarella and my grandkids love the pickles. Even my dog, Chase, gets treats there.”

For Jonathan Gottesmann, a Douglas Elliman realtor and Long Beach resident since 2008, the city’s active lifestyle and strong sense of community make summers stand out.

“Summer in Long Beach is special to me,” he said. “There are lots of activities during the summer, concerts and movies on the beach. There are volleyball leagues, which I play in two different days, that are a ton of fun.”

Gottesmann says the local sports leagues help foster relationships among residents.

“There’s a very strong community here,” he said. “You kind of get to know everybody once you’ve been here for a little while.”

Originally from Brooklyn, Gottesmann said Long Beach offered something different from traditional suburban communities.

“I feel like it’s different than the rest of Long Island,” he said. “Here it’s a little bit more of a beachy vibe and community. My wife and I didn’t want the suburban feel, and we were coming out here during the summer all the time; we figured, why not move here?”

That distinctive atmosphere has become a major draw for homebuyers seeking a coastal lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to Manhattan. Long Beach’s location allows residents to enjoy oceanfront living while remaining connected to the city through the Long Island Rail Road.

“It’s waterfront property that attracts people,” Gottesmann said. “It’s a different feel. You don’t get that anywhere else, unless you go further out East. Long Beach is unique and that’s why I love it so much.”

Accessibility remains one of the city’s strongest selling points. Residents can spend time at the beach and still commute into Manhattan.

“You could be on the beach in the morning and work in the city in the afternoon,” Gottesmann said. “It takes about 50 minutes to get into the city.”

Long Beach’s walkability also distinguishes it from many neighboring communities. Restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and recreational activities are accessible by foot or bicycle, reducing the need for daily driving.

“Everything here is a bike ride away or very walkable,” Gottesmann said. “You don’t need to get into your car most days to take advantage of everything.”

The city’s dining scene enhances its summer appeal. Popular corridors such as West Beech Street and Park Avenue feature outdoor dining and casual eateries that stay busy well into the evening. Residents and visitors gather after beach days to enjoy everything from seafood and cocktails to ice cream and live music.

The city’s geography also creates distinct neighborhood personalities. The West End, known for its concentration of restaurants, bars and nightlife, attracts younger residents and seasonal renters. The East End offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere while remaining close to the action.

“If you don’t want to be at the party, but still live in Long Beach, the East End is a great place to call home,” Gottesmann said. “The neighborhoods are just minutes apart.”

Real estate professionals say Long Beach continues to attract a diverse mix of buyers, including young professionals, families, empty nesters and second-home purchasers. Gottesmann believes demographic trends have shifted in recent years as younger buyers discover the city.

“I feel like we are starting to get more young people,” he said. “More urban professionals are deciding, ‘Let’s get out of the city, out of the boroughs and still live somewhere with a good commute.’”

Despite the influx of seasonal visitors, residents say Long Beach maintains a strong year-round identity.

“My favorite time of year is October and November, when the weather’s still good and the bulk of the tourists have left,” Gottesmann said with a laugh. “I really feel like there is a strong year-round crowd here, though.”

That combination of oceanfront recreation, community engagement, walkability and accessibility helps explain why Long Beach remains one of Long Island’s most distinctive coastal markets. For residents, summer may be the season that showcases the city at its best, but the lifestyle that draws people here lasts all year.

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