Long Beach earned its nickname "The Friendly City" for good reason. Originally known as the "Radish Capital of the World" in the early 1900s, this Gulf Coast community has evolved from its agricultural roots into a charming coastal town. Located between Gulfport and Pass Christian along the Gulf of Mexico, Long Beach offers renters a relaxed coastal lifestyle with average rental prices below the national average — a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,062 per month.

Rental options in Long Beach include small apartment communities and single-family homes, many rebuilt or renovated following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The city continues to develop with new construction while maintaining its small-town atmosphere. With just over 16,000 residents spread across 11 square miles, the community offers a more intimate setting than neighboring Gulfport. The median household income of $67,602 reflects the established nature of the community, which has an average resident age of 42.

Long Beach is home to the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park campus, which offers over 50 academic programs and serves as the only four-year public institution on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The seven-mile stretch of white sand beach features a seawall walking path with stunning views of the Mississippi Sound. Established neighborhoods like Magnolia Heights and Pine Park offer tree-lined streets near the beach, while the Harper McCaughan area provides proximity to downtown shops. Commuters appreciate the straightforward access to larger employment centers in Gulfport and Biloxi via Highway 90 and Interstate 10. The city's ongoing recovery and development since Hurricane Katrina showcases both historic architecture and new construction throughout this coastal Mississippi community.