From its roots as a resort for the affluent New York vacationers, Long Beach has evolved over the decades into a unique residential and beach community just 45 minutes by passenger rail from New York City.  Often called the "Gold Coast," Long Beach is actually a barrier island on the south shore of Long Island. One of only two cities in Nassau County, it boasts five miles of white sand beaches and an impressive 2.5 mile boardwalk.  Homes are never more than a few hundred yards from the ocean, since the city is only a half-mile wide at the widest point.  The bay side is lined with single family homes and private docks, although waterfront homes also hug the canals that connect Long Beach with the bay. The real heyday of Long Beach dates back to the 1920s, but much of the city is undergoing a renaissance and housing options are diverse.