Tiny and Mighty, With Million Dollar Views - Signal Hill



Signal Hill oil fields in 1923 (photo from aerography)

The small city of Signal Hill, just 2.19 square miles and with a population of 11,332 citizens, is surrounded by the City of Long Beach.  While it does share school districts and some services with the City of Long Beach, Signal Hills has its own Police Department, its own stellar Parks & Recreation Commission and a Community Foundation that sponsored the Unity Monument and Bricks on the Hill.  For a tiny town, it has mighty financial backing with a strong tax base from the many retail outlets, including Costco, Long Beach BMW and a couple other warehouse stores.

10 Fun Facts about Signal Hill

1.  It once had 3 different zip codes, all shared with Long Beach.  Signal Hill got its own zip code, 90755, in 2002.
2. It was incorporated in 1924.
3. Signal Hill is 365 feet high.
4. Balboa Studios used 11 acres in Signal Hill for outdoor locations while shooting films 1913-1923.
5. Oil was discovered on June 23, 1921, when Shell Oil Company's Alamitos #1 well erupted.
6. At one time more than 100 oil wells covered the hill.
7. Signal Hill's first mayor, Jessie Nelson, was California first female mayor.
8. The city's largest employer is Office Depot with 551 employees.
9. There are 2 Home Depot stores in Signal Hill, none in Long Beach.
10. There are 10 parks in Signal Hill, ranging from Signal Hill Park at 10 acres to "pocket parks" of less than half an acre.

 Signal Hill Real Estate

Similar to Long Beach real estate, the real estate in Signal Hill has a wide range of prices.  The variety of homes run from low income housing in some of the flatter areas to homes in gated communities, with 200 degree views, for over $1 million.  These gated communities offer community pools and amenities, with homes built in the 21st century.  Here's a view from the north side of the hill, during the day

Overlooking the Long Beach airport from Signal Hill

And the same view at night

Long Beach at night, from Signal Hill, looking north



Living in Signal Hill isn't living in Long Beach, as residents from either city will assure you.  Do you like airplanes?  Maybe you'd like living on the north side of Signal Hill:  a north facing view is an airplane spotter's delight.  Not only is there commercial traffic at the Long Beach Airport, but the adjacent Boeing facility means cool aircraft like C-17 transport planes, the Super Guppy and F/A 18 Hornets visit, too.

Fitness in Signal Hill

With many walking trails and some 25% grade climbs, the city is a great place for fitness.  Long Beach Boot Camp meets here.  The local chapter of the Sierra Club hikes here.  All strenuous walks are rewarded with those spectacular views.

More Information and Something Free

If you would like more information about buying or selling a home in the Signal Hill and Long Beach areas, please contact me at katielarson@kw.com.  I work mostly by referral but would love to help you with a free, complimentary home valuation if you're thinking about selling your home; a free consultation if you're thinking of buying.

What other areas of Long Beach would you like to read about?  Any questions about area history, culture, real estate, dining?  Favorite spots?

Holiday events around Long Beach and Orange County in December

Happy December!

Last month I touched on some of the things going on in the Long Beach area in November.  Now that the calendar has turned to December, celebrations and events really ramp up.  What is there to do in Long Beach and the area this month?

The Christmas trees in Alamitos Bay were turned on Thanksgiving night.  Have you seen them yet?

Credit to "Living Long Beach" for photo

(Unless otherwise noted, these events are in Long Beach)

December 5:  Seal Beach Christmas Parade

December 6:  Belmont Shore Christmas Parade

December 6-7:  Holiday Treats for the Animals, Aquarium of the Pacific

December 7:  Old Time Christmas Festival, Rancho Los Cerritos

December 13:  Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade

December 13:  Parade of 1,000 Lights, Shoreline Marina

December 13:  Daisy Avenue Christmas Parade

December 13-14:  Huntington Harbour Holiday Boat Parade

December 13-14:  Nutcracker, Long Beach Ballet at Terrace Theater

December 12-14: Holiday Shopping in the Shore, carolers, Santa photos, 2 hours free parking

December 16:  Menorah Lighting, Fashion Island Newport Beach

December 17-23: Newport Harbor Boat Parade, 6-10p nightly

December 17-23: Philharmonic Cruise of Lights, Huntington Harbour

December 20-21:  Nutcracker, Long Beach Ballet at Terrace Theater

December 20-21: Holiday Shopping in the Shore, carolers, Santa photos, 2 hours free parking

December 21: Shul By The Shore Menorah Lighting in the Citibank parking lot, 5354 E. 2nd Street

December 31: New Year's Eve Aboard the Queen Mary

Which ones will you attend? 

Let me know if you have any family visiting that fall in love with the area and are interest in moving to Long Beach or Orange County.  I'd be happy to find them a home and they can watch Christmas parades with boats while wearing flip flops for many holidays to come.




Alamitos Bay in winter



Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday Events in Long Beach and Orange County in November

Living in Long Beach and Southern California, we have the best of all worlds with the mountains and the sea.  At the holidays, we can look at snowy peaks while sitting under a palm tree or end a day of skiing with a cocktail by the bay.  Not bad!

Here are some holiday events this month to start the Christmas season:

Anaheim:  Disneyland puts on their Holiday Parade from November 13-January 6

Newport Beach:  Fashion Island Tree Lighting nightly at 5p November 14-January 4

Long Beach:  CHILL Frozen Holiday adventure at the Queen Mary November 21-January 11

 

Buena Park:  Knotts Berry Farm becomes Knotts Merry Farm November 22-January 4

 

Seal Beach:  1st Tree lighting November 29th at Eisenhower Park

 

 

December events, such as tree lightings and boat parades in my next post.  Want to be sure you get all these posts?  Subscribe to my blog or send me an email at katielarson@kw.com.  I'll make sure you get the links.

 





What to Do in Long Beach: El Dorado Nature Center

On the eastern edge of Long Beach, in the middle of El Dorado Regional Park is the El Dorado Nature Center.  Trails through forests, bridges over streams, benches in serene locations all welcome you to this slice of the wild in the middle of our urban landscape.

There are trails ranging from .25 miles to 2 miles.  The shorter trail is paved, perfect for strollers and wheelchairs.  No bicycles, skates, skate boards, scooters or jogging is allowed in the Nature Center, keeping it quiet and the pace as slow as you would like. 

Turtles, birds and squirrels are commonly visible in the ponds and woods.  Who knows what else you might spot.  Open Tuesday through Sunday from 8a-5p, closed on July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.  There is also a small museum with information about the flora and fauna.

The only cost is parking, which ranges from $5-$7, depending on the day of the week.  Annual passes are available for $60, only $35 if you're 50 years or older.  Pedestrians and bicyclists enter the park for free. 



Enjoy these pictures from my stroll through the El Dorado Nature Center on November 19th...

A quiet grove

The squirrels must be very smart if they can read!

 

Spring Street isn't very far away.  This is the only spot in the center you can see it

 

Long Beach, it will surprise you.



Contact me for more information on living in Long Beach:  katielarson@kw.com 562.673.5335.

First Time Home Buyers - Choosing a Real Estate Agent

First time buyers may have already hit the Internet for their search, but how do they know who should be their real estate agent in what may be the most important financial transaction of their lives thus far?

Whose name is on that card?

THE AGENT YOU KNOW

Many first time, as well as repeat, buyers use the real estate agent in the family, the uncle, the cousin, the neighbor or their friend.  Having someone you know and trust is a great place to start.  If they can back it up with experience, area knowledge, and expertise, you probably don't need to look any further. 

Even if you know the agent, though, have a professional conversation with them.  This is a new relationship.  You're not just swapping travel stories, you're about to put your future in their hands.  Do they understand what you want?  What you'll accept, what your priorities are?  Do you have faith in their experience and knowledge?  Can they get you into that home in a multiple bid situation?  Ask them to tell you about situations they've handled that have been similar to yours. 

THE AGENT YOU WANT TO KNOW

This is where you turn on your reticular activator.  All of a sudden, you will notice real estate agents are everywhere!  Not just their face on the notepads they drop off on your porch or the bus bench ads or those banners on the school yard fence.  They really are everywhere. 

Do some online searches about the neighborhood you want to live in, the city you're considering and you'll see agents come up.  Click on their ads, their websites.  You won't get email or information from them unless you click a little further and sign up.  Who looks like someone you might want to talk to in that Trulia or Zillow sidebar? Does one name keep coming up?

Yelp reviews are marginal in trying to find a Realtor.  They really haven't taken off except for those real estate agents who are pushing their clients to write reviews.  It will get there, but don't depend on them just yet. 

How long an agent has been in business can be a criteria, but have they been in business 10 years, only as a part time agent?  A full time agent who has been in business less than 5 years might be a better bet if they are fully immersed in the business of the business, actively working transactions, and keeping up with the market.  Agents with many years of experience who keep up with the market and the constant changes are invaluable.

THE AGENT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Referrals are the lifeblood of any small business and it is especially true when it comes to trusting your life dreams and investments.  ASK your family, friends and colleagues.  Who have they used?  What was their experience?  Was the agent on top of the transaction, receptive to feedback, responsive to requests?  Did they listen?  Did they communicate?

 

 

Real estate agents thrive on referrals as they want to work with buyers and sellers that their clients know, too.  The trust is more quickly established on both sides.

 

 

THE AGENT QUESTIONS

 

Do a search on how to find an agent and you will find a variety of questions to ask a Realtor before you hire them.  The questions recommended depend on who wrote the article!  This post is no different.  Beyond the basics of assuring they are licensed and do not have any licensing violations, beyond asking "How long have you been in business?","How many transactions have you closed?", and "Have you won any awards?" is the personal connection: 

 

• What geographic area do you cover?
• What types of properties do you handle?
• How will you communicate with me and how often?
• What tools will you put in place to locate a home that fits my criteria?
• Do you work with a lender who has first time buyer assistance?
• Why should I work with you?
• May I have some references?

 

If you are comfortable with the answers, if they fit your needs, then go with your gut feeling.  Which agent is going to be there for you when things go sideways?  Who is going to toast with you when the deal goes smoothly?  Who is going to be a long term resource for you and someone you're going to refer to other buyers, as well as to sellers?

 

I'm happy to answer any questions about the agent search, as well as refer you to qualified agents in your specific geographic area.  You may contact me by phone or text at 562.673.5335 or by email at katielarson@kw.com.  If you'd like more information or to start a home search, check out my website: http://www.katiekimbelllarson.com/listing/listingsearch.aspx



Long Beach Freedom: What to do in Long Beach that is Free and Fun

Free is good, right?  Well, what is there to do in Long Beach that's free?  A lot of things!  Here's a short list to start, a sample of some of the fun and free things to do in Long Beach, year 'round.  I'll add to this list in future posts.

PARKS

Recreation Park - 211 acres in the middle of east Long Beach, it has two golf courses (fee), the Billie Jean King Tennis Center and Blair Field, in addition to a lawn bowling green, a dog park, casting pond and playground.  That little stage in the middle was home to many of my make-believe plays when I was a kid.  Great picnic areas, too.

Hill Top Park in Signal Hill - incredible views from Orange County to the Santa Monica mountains, to downtown L.A. to the San Gabriel mountains.  There are picnic areas and bathrooms and it's great for walking and jogging, giving you a good workout with the steep incline.

Gum Grove Park - Los Cerritos Wetlands nature walk.  See owls, herons, egrets, woodpeckers, coyotes, lizards, hawks, frogs, maybe even a gopher snake, and more.

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at Long Beach State - open Tuesday through Friday, 8a-3:30p and Sundays 12-4p.  A peaceful 1.3 acre oasis with a large koi pond where you can purchase koi pellets to feed the fish; sand gardens and bridges.

CULTURE

Long Beach Museum of Art - It's free on Fridays, usually $7 admission.

Rancho Los Alamitos Rancho and Gardens - open Wednesday through Sunday, from 1-5p.  Guided tours are available every 30 minutes from the docents.  The 7.5 acres are a microcosm of the regional story, granted in 1790 by the Spanish Crown, but also home to the original natives of the Los Angeles Basin and a sacred place.

Rancho Los Cerritos - open Wednesday through Sunday, from 1-5p.  Built in 1844, it is an historic site with an adobe home, research library and historic gardens.  The home is furnished to reflect the lifestyle of the occupants from 1860-1880.

HOLIDAYS

Well, you'll have to come back for those tips!  You can subscribe to my blog to make sure you get the latest entry.  They are focused on Long Beach and on real estate, sometimes even in the same entry.  If you'd like to receive my monthly e-newsletter or have any questions about real estate, you may reach me at katielarson@kw.com or by phone/text 562.673.5335. 

I'd love to hear what your favorite FREE things are to do in Long Beach!