Inside Long Beach’s Iconic Cliff May Ranchos

Long Beach is full of vibrant, one-of-a-kind neighborhoods—but few are as instantly recognizable (or as deeply loved) as the Cliff May Ranchos. These mid-century modern homes, designed by visionary architect Cliff May, are famous for their warmth, simplicity, and that effortless indoor-outdoor living Southern California does best.

As a longtime Rancho resident, I’ve had the privilege of living here, working here, and building meaningful relationships here. And what makes the Ranchos special isn’t just the architecture—it’s the feeling you get when you’re walking the streets: connected, creative, and truly at home.

Mid-century modern magic—where design and community come together.

A mid-century icon in Long Beach

The Cliff May Ranchos aren’t “big” homes in the traditional sense. You don’t move here for extra storage or maximum square footage. You move here because you’re drawn to a lifestyle—sunlight, flow, and connection to the outdoors—and you’re willing to care for it.

These homes are beloved because they feel timeless… but still work beautifully for modern life.

Who was Cliff May?

Cliff May is often recognized as a pioneer of the California ranch-style home, known for designs that blend inside and outside seamlessly. His work emphasized:

• Natural light

• Functional, livable floor plans

• Warm, organic materials

• A strong relationship between home and outdoor space

Those qualities are exactly what make the Ranchos feel so special today.

Signature home features people love

Even if you’ve never heard the name “Cliff May,” you’ve probably seen the style. Inside the Ranchos, you’ll often find:

• Post-and-beam ceilings

• Clerestory windows (that gorgeous high light)

• Open floor plans that feel airy and welcoming

• A design that encourages you to move between indoors and outdoors with ease

It’s the kind of architecture that feels calm, grounded, and intentional.

Post-and-beam + natural light = the Cliff May signature.

More than homes: a way of life

The Ranchos are known for something you can’t easily measure: community.

This is the kind of neighborhood where:

• Kids play freely

• Neighbors actually know each other

• Block parties, dinners, and celebrations happen naturally

• People show up for each other

It’s close-knit in a way that surprises people—especially those who assume LA County can’t feel like a true neighborhood.

Real client stories, real relationships

Over the years, I’ve represented several clients buying and selling in the Ranchos. And one of my favorite parts of working here is that the relationships last.

Some clients become friends. Some become neighbors. Referrals happen not because of marketing—but because of trust, camaraderie, and shared love for this special place.

Preserving Cliff May’s vision

Many Rancho homes have been updated over the decades—sometimes in ways that drift away from the original charm. Restoration, when it’s done thoughtfully, is truly a labor of love.

Residents who preserve the Cliff May integrity often do things like:

• Source vintage doors and windows

• Work with specialized artisans

• Restore materials and details that honor the original design

The care people put into these homes is inspiring—and it’s one reason the neighborhood continues to hold its value and its identity.

The details matter—and they tell the story.

A thriving, creative community

Today, the Cliff May Ranchos are thriving with young families, creatives, and professionals who appreciate architecture and community. Longtime residents often say the neighborhood is buzzing again—like history repeating itself—in the best way.

One of the most consistent things I hear from visitors is simple:

“I wish I lived in your neighborhood.”

And honestly? I get it.

Why people choose the Ranchos

People don’t fall in love with the Ranchos because they’re perfect on paper.

They fall in love because:

• The design is emotionally compelling

• The indoor-outdoor lifestyle feels joyful

• The neighborhood connection is rare

• It feels like belonging

In a world where so much housing feels copy-paste, the Ranchos feel like personality.

Thinking about buying or selling in the Cliff May Ranchos?

Whether you’re a mid-century modern lover, a Long Beach local, or someone who just wants a neighborhood that feels like home—I’m always happy to talk Ranchos.

If you’re looking to buy, restore, or sell a Cliff May home, reach out. I’d love to help you navigate the neighborhood, the architecture, and what makes each home unique.