Long Beach is one of Southern California’s most dynamic commercial real estate markets, anchored by the Port of Long Beach (the second-busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere) and supported by a diversifying economy that extends well beyond logistics. With over 34 million square feet of industrial space, a growing downtown office market, and significant investment activity, Long Beach offers opportunities that differ sharply from the Westside markets Lee & Associates typically covers.
That’s exactly why we cover it. Our clients’ businesses don’t stop at the 405, and neither does our expertise.
Long Beach’s Commercial Real Estate Market
Long Beach’s commercial market is shaped by its geography and infrastructure. The port and its surrounding industrial corridors drive the industrial and logistics sector, while downtown Long Beach and the waterfront have emerged as an increasingly attractive office and mixed-use market.
The port-adjacent industrial corridors (along the 710 freeway, Anaheim Street, and the Terminal Island area) represent the core of Long Beach’s industrial market. Warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and cold storage operations cluster here, benefiting from direct port access, rail infrastructure, and freeway connectivity.
Downtown Long Beach has experienced a renaissance in recent years. Office space along Ocean Boulevard, the Shoreline Village area, and the revitalized downtown core attracts a mix of corporate tenants, professional services firms, and growing businesses that want an urban waterfront environment at a fraction of Westside pricing.
The Bixby Knolls and North Long Beach corridors offer a mix of flex, small-format industrial, and office space at price points well below the core. These areas have attracted e-commerce operators, small manufacturers, and professional services firms looking for functional space with good freeway access.
The Traffic Circle and East Side provide neighborhood retail and smaller commercial opportunities that serve the city’s residential base.
Who Leases Commercial Space in Long Beach
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Long Beach’s tenant base is more diversified than most people expect. Logistics and distribution companies are the anchor tenants, driven by port proximity and 710 freeway access. E-commerce fulfillment operations have grown significantly as last-mile delivery demands have increased. Aerospace and defense contractors (Boeing has a major presence in Long Beach) lease both office and industrial space. Healthcare and education institutions are major occupiers, anchored by Long Beach Memorial and Cal State Long Beach. Professional services firms, startups, and creative businesses are increasingly drawn to the downtown waterfront. And energy sector tenants, including those involved in offshore operations, maintain a presence in the port area.
Property Types in Long Beach
Industrial and warehouse space is the dominant asset class. Typical industrial space in Long Beach ranges from 5,000 SF multi-tenant units to 500,000+ SF distribution centers. Specs include 24-32 foot clear heights, dock-high and grade-level loading, trailer parking, and heavy power. Port-adjacent locations command premiums but offer unmatched logistics efficiency.
Office space in downtown Long Beach offers a compelling value proposition. Class A waterfront office runs significantly below comparable space in Santa Monica or El Segundo, making it attractive to businesses that don’t need a Westside address but want quality space in an urban setting.
Flex and R&D space is available in the central and north corridors. These spaces serve businesses that need a combination of office, lab, workshop, and warehouse functions under one roof.
Investment properties are an active category. Long Beach’s combination of port-driven demand, limited industrial supply, and a growing downtown tenant base creates strong fundamentals for income-producing commercial properties.
Lease Terms and Pricing in Long Beach
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Long Beach offers some of the most competitive commercial real estate pricing in the greater LA market.
- Industrial and warehouse space typically ranges from $1.00 to $1.75/SF NNN, depending on clear height, loading, and proximity to the port. Premium logistics space with direct port/rail access can push higher.
- Downtown office ranges from $2.00 to $3.50/SF full service, representing a significant discount to Westside markets while delivering a high-quality work environment.
- Flex space ranges from $1.25 to $2.00/SF depending on the office-to-warehouse ratio and location.
Industrial leases in Long Beach tend to run 5-10 years with built-in escalations. Office leases typically run 3-5 years. In the industrial sector especially, the negotiation dynamics are complex: understanding port-related infrastructure, environmental considerations, and freight-related requirements is essential to getting the right deal done.
Why Work with Lee & Associates West LA in Long Beach
Lee & Associates is one of the largest commercial real estate firms in North America, and Long Beach sits within a broader market we know deeply. While Lee West LA is headquartered in Santa Monica, our network across the Lee & Associates platform gives us access to deal flow, comps, and relationships throughout the Long Beach market.
Our services in Long Beach include tenant representation for industrial, office, and flex leases. Landlord representation and property marketing. Investment sales and advisory for industrial and commercial assets. Site selection for businesses expanding operations or distribution footprints into the Long Beach port area. And fair market value analysis and lease renewal negotiation.
Whether you’re a logistics company that needs 200,000 SF near the port or a professional services firm looking at downtown waterfront office space, we bring the same analytical, broker-led approach to every deal.
Ready to Explore Commercial Real Estate in Long Beach?
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Talk to a Lee West LA broker who understands the Long Beach market. We’ll brief you on current availability, pricing, and where the opportunities align with your business needs.
Contact us:
Phone: +1.310.899.2700
Email: [email protected]
Office: 1508 17th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404