Traffic Circle offers a variety of housing options, including large apartment buildings, smaller apartments, duplexes, and single detached homes, many with one or two bedrooms. Residents have convenient access to numerous nearby businesses, cafes, general and specialty grocery stores, making daily errands straightforward. The neighborhood features several accessible green spaces that provide comfortable outdoor environments to spend time. Public transportation includes several bus lines with stops typically close to residences. Although bicycling infrastructure is limited due to elevation changes, easy access to highways makes driving a convenient choice. Traffic Circle provides a balanced urban experience with accessible services and pleasant surroundings.
Despite the somewhat busy feel, there are a lot of green spaces to enjoy in Traffic Circle. Green spaces, including Recreation Park and Stearns Park, are very well-distributed and there are around 10 of them close by for residents to discover, which makes it easy to access them. This neighborhood is a very good neighborhood for those who aren't bothered by a little noise, as during busier hours of the day, traffic can occasionally be bothersome, although there are still several quieter pockets.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
The iconic Traffic Circle, also known as Los Alamitos Circle, is a unique roundabout that functions as a vital junction connecting major thoroughfares — Pacific Coast Highway, Lakewood Boulevard, and Los Coyotes Diagonal — making it a centerpiece of the neighborhood’s character and flow.
Located near the Traffic Circle, Hof's Hut is a beloved local diner that's been serving homestyle American classics for decades, offering residents and travelers a retro, comforting dining experience right by this busy intersection.
Just off Hathaway Avenue, Hartman Park features a community center, playgrounds, basketball courts, and grassy picnic areas, serving as a hub for neighborhood events and active families.
Positioned adjacent to the Traffic Circle, this retail hub is known for its convenient mix of big-box stores, small shops, and services, making it a go-to for shopping essentials and quick errands in the neighborhood.
Right on East Anaheim Street near the Circle, Portfolio Coffeehouse Satellite offers coffee and creative energy, drawing locals for meetings, study sessions, and artful gatherings in a cozy, neighborhood-oriented space.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This free, family-friendly Long Beach festival is an easy downtown outing from Traffic Circle, with community altars, cultural performances, music, food, and activities honoring loved ones. Residents can combine the celebration with a waterfront walk or visit to nearby Shoreline Village and the Aquarium area.
View event details →Located at CSULB, this peaceful seasonal event is especially convenient for Traffic Circle residents and offers a quieter alternative to larger festivals. Visitors can enjoy the garden’s fall transformation, arts and crafts, live programming, and the chance to purchase chrysanthemums in a beautiful campus setting.
View event details →This multicultural family festival near east Long Beach features music, food, crafts, local vendors, games, a fairy village, archery, climbing activities, and a communal drum circle. It is a worthwhile neighborhood-style outing for Traffic Circle families looking for hands-on activities and early holiday shopping.
View event details →Ballast Point’s waterfront taproom offers a nearby weekend option for adults and families, with special beer releases, pirate entertainment, live music, food, and themed activities. Saturday is geared more toward adults, while Sunday adds face painting, balloon artists, a treasure hunt, and children’s contests.
View event details →A convenient downtown Long Beach destination from Traffic Circle, the Aquarium’s Autumn Festival combines marine exhibits with Asian and Asian American cultural programming. Families can watch taiko, dance, lion dancing, storytelling, and craft demonstrations while enjoying a full day at one of the city’s signature attractions.
View event details →This pet- and bike-friendly maker festival is a strong local option for Traffic Circle residents who enjoy shopping small and spending time outdoors. The waterfront event includes local makers, junior artists, live music, artisan food, food trucks, DIY crafts, and activities for a relaxed post-Thanksgiving afternoon.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Traffic Circle
Local characteristics and demographics for Traffic Circle
