Tourism, Tides, and Taxes: What’s Driving Long Beach’s Local Economy?

Long Beach isn’t just another beach town—it’s Long Island’s coastal wildcard. Where surfboards meet city planning and Boardwalk joggers are just as likely to gripe about real estate taxes as they are to rave about the waves. In 2025, the economy here is riding a fascinating mix of high tides and higher stakes. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about sunscreen and sunsets anymore.

The Power of Seasonal Surge

Tourism is still the economic MVP in Long Beach, with summer weekends looking more like Times Square in flip-flops. The 2025 season is projected to bring in over $100 million in visitor-driven revenue, thanks to a stacked events calendar, increased LIRR service, and a beach that somehow manages to attract influencers, paddleboarders, and barefoot toddlers all at once. Businesses on West Beech Street? They're praying for sun and prepping for swarms. But here’s the rub: winter hits, and suddenly those same storefronts are emptier than a January boardwalk. Long Beach needs more than frozen yogurt to weather the off-season.

The Boardwalk Isn’t Just for Strolling

It’s also a revenue machine. Long Beach’s $42 million capital budget for 2025 includes ongoing maintenance for the iconic boardwalk—because broken planks don’t make for Instagrammable moments. Kiosks and pop-ups along the beach have jumped 12% year-over-year, turning tan lines into taxable income. Translation: the city’s literal planks are pulling economic weight. Now if only every boardwalk jogger paid rent.

Property Values—Wavy, But Rising

Let’s talk about home prices. Long Beach real estate is up 6.8% over last year, with the median home value floating around $795K. Beachfronts? Well into the seven-figure club. But it’s not just ocean lovers making moves—buyers are eyeing mid-block properties for their elevation and lower flood insurance premiums. With new FEMA maps on the horizon, let’s just say some folks are checking elevations more than they check Zillow.

Taxes and Infrastructure: The Balancing Act

Ah yes, Nassau County’s favorite pastime: taxes. Long Beach residents are shelling out $13K–$16K a year in property taxes—and somehow still asking if the sewers have been fixed yet. But credit where it's due: the city’s reinvesting in storm hardening, infrastructure repairs, and beach erosion control. Because when you live one Nor’easter away from the Atlantic moving into your living room, "resiliency" isn't just a buzzword—it’s your Plan A.

Who’s Moving In—and Who’s Moving On

From Brooklynites seeking sand and sanity to retirees ditching the boroughs for boardwalks, Long Beach is welcoming all types. Young professionals love the vibe, multigenerational families love the layout. But rising flood insurance premiums and year-round cost-of-living climbs are nudging some locals inland. Call it the high-tide hustle: you stay for the view, but you pay for the privilege.

The Year-Round Business Shift

Gone are the days when Long Beach was just T-shirts and tacos. Local entrepreneurs are diversifying. We’re seeing wellness studios, co-working spaces, and off-season pop-ups enter the chat. And why not? Winter beach walks are oddly popular now that half the workforce is on Zoom calls. These newer business models are giving the economy a much-needed 12-month boost—and saving locals from another candle store opening where the pizza joint used to be.

Public Safety and Environmental Planning

Economic growth is forcing Long Beach to upgrade not just buildings but blueprints. FEMA flood zone updates, building code tweaks, and sustainability planning are all part of the 2025 playbook. Because here’s the truth: beachfront charm doesn’t mean much if your basement turns into a koi pond every time it rains sideways. Thankfully, the city seems to be paying attention—and spending wisely.

Commuter Life & Connectivity

Long Beach may be all surf and sunsets on the surface, but it’s also a commuter’s playground. The improved LIRR schedules are shortening the ride to Penn and Grand Central, making it feasible for city workers to live where the ocean sounds drown out sirens. Add in improved bike lanes, EV charging stations, and ferry service feasibility talks—and you’ve got a town that’s not just thinking about movement, but moving smartly.

Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy

Beyond the beach umbrellas lies a vibrant arts community. Murals, live music events, and public art installations are adding real value—economic and aesthetic—to Long Beach. The city’s bet on culture as commerce is paying off, pulling in both grant money and curious weekenders. A strong cultural vibe helps keep younger buyers interested—and gives local businesses more than waves to ride.

Ready to plant your flag in the sand—without drowning in decision fatigue?

Long Beach in 2025 is a cocktail of coastlines, capital, and cautious optimism. It’s not your grandma’s seaside village—it’s a high-functioning beach machine with an economy driven by sand, sweat, and surprisingly high taxes. Whether you’re investing, relocating, or just popping by for a lobster roll, you’re walking into a place that knows how to evolve without losing the vibe.

I’m Dean Miller, Long Island’s only AI-certified real estate agent.
Thinking about catching the wave or wondering if it’s about to crash? Let’s talk before someone else nabs your beach chair.

📍Because on Long Island, if you're not three steps ahead of the tide, you're underwater. Literally.