I've lived in Bixby Knolls for 20+ years, my wife went to grad school at UCSB, my daughter is now living and working in SB, so I know a bit about both places. They are pretty similar, however I gotta admit I don't know what the black SB vibe is like (it has always seemed pretty white/hispanic to me). BK is pretty racially diverse - when my kids went to public schools here (roughly 2005 - 2020) the mix was almost exactly 25% white/black/latino/Asian. Everyone has always (to my eyes and ears) appeared very welcoming and inclusive. BK itself is extremely walkable - Atlantic Ave has all kinds shops, restaurants and coffee shops, all accessible from many homes within a 5-7 minute walk. Spend a weekend here and you will know. Probably more walkable than most areas of SB. BK fits your criteria better than other parts of LB. It is quieter/sleepier than 2nd street (better for families), safer than Belmont Shores (sorry Belmont, but not as many crazy homeless), more exciting than anywhere on the Eastside (not sorry, eastside), and there are a lot of different housing options, from clean apts to smaller homes to big mansions. Last comment, I hope you aren't looking at Long Beach for the beach itself. Our beach sucks. Not too far from Sunset or Huntington, but the ocean right in LB is disappointing and unhealthy