Spanish Revival style homes built in the 1920s  and 1930s sit side by side with Craftsman bungalows in historic California Heights.

From oil boom town to Historic District -- the Long Beach neighborhood of California Heights has come a long way!  In 1921 oil gushers were discovered on Bixby Ranch grazing land and shortly thereafter 830 lots were sold -- including oil rights.  "Buy a Lot.  Become a Millionaire" was the sales pitch.  By 1923 the new owners discovered that there was almost no oil under their lots, so they began to build homes in a new community: California Heights.  Locally, it it known as "Cal Heights".

Many of the homes have been brought back to original condition and the neighborhood association keeps a careful eye on restorations of these charming homes.  The exterior color of this home is more in keeping with contemporary color choices.  No doubt, the exterior was originally white or off-white.

Today California Heights is Long Beach's largest Historic District filled with charming 1920s and 1930s Spanish revival style homes.  

Most of the homes in Cal Heights are single story, but there are some two story homes.

You will also see a few Tudor revival and California Craftsman bungalows in this neighborhood east of Atlantic and to the south of Bixby Road adjacent to upscale Bixby Knolls.  

IMPORTANT:  Some homes in Cal Heights are entitled to special tax benefits under the Mills Act that can reduce property taxes by a significant amount.  If you plan to buy a home in this Historic District, be sure to ask about it.