Things to Know Before Moving to Torrance, CA

Torrance, California, is a lively city in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. It has about 145,000 people and is a mix of urban and suburban life. It’s known for its diverse community and great weather all year. Many people say it’s one of California’s best places to live. If you’re considering moving to Torrance, CA, relocating to Torrance, or residing in Torrance, you should know a few things first.

Torrance has top-notch public schools, many things for families to enjoy, and many restaurants and places to go at night. This makes for an excellent lifestyle for people who live there. If you’re considering moving to Torrance, CA, this guide is for you. It will help you learn what you need to know to decide if it’s right for you.

What is Torrance, CA, Like?

Torrance, CA, sits by the beautiful Pacific. It’s a mix of city and suburbia that’s perfect for many types of people. This includes those just starting their careers, families, and even older folks.

Urban-Suburban Mix with Diverse Community

In Torrance, there are well-planned areas and busy shopping spots. The city is packed, with 7,039 folks squeezing into each square mile. The many big companies here, like Toyota and Honda, make it feel full of life.

It’s a place where 59.2% White, 28.6% Asian. The city shines with different cultures. It has the second-largest group of Japanese-Americans in the whole country, just after Honolulu.

Excellent Weather and Outdoor Activities

The weather in Torrance is just amazing. It’s mostly sunny and not too hot or cold, making it perfect for outdoor fun. Think beach days, hikes in the hills, and playing in the many parks.

Life in Torrance is excellent. It scores 78 out of 100 for overall comfort and ranks 79 in California for quality of life. But living here isn’t cheap. The average home cost is $796,800, which could be challenging for some.

Best Neighborhoods in Torrance

Torrance is a lively city in SoCal known for its colorful neighborhoods. The city’s west and south are among the top picks for living. These areas boast pricey homes, ocean views, and a quiet, upscale suburban vibe.

West and South Torrance

In Torrance’s west and south, life is both luxurious and laid-back. Homes here can surpass $1 million, showing their high status. But, residents also cherish the beach access and tight-knit community. Plus, they have top-notch schools, parks, and stores close by.

Old Town Torrance

Old Town is Torrance’s gem, with a bustling downtown. It’s a hit with professionals and families for its shops and eateries. House prices often top $1 million in this vibrant area.

From the luxury of West and South Torrance to the charm of Old Town, Torrance has it all. It’s a city that beautifully mixes quiet living with city life. Anyone looking for the perfect suburban-urban combo will adore this part of California.

Housing and Cost of Living

In Torrance, California, housing and the cost of living are higher than in some places. The median home value is about $962,300, which is much higher than the national median of $281,900. Rent in Torrance is also high, with a median of $2,132 per month.

Torrance’s Living costs are higher than in many parts of the country. This is because of its excellent location and great features. Things like housing, getting around, and using utilities cost more. For example, a pound of chicken filets costs about $7.43 but can go as low as $2.99 or as high as $10.00.

Median Home Value and Rent Prices

The housing market in Torrance calls for a big financial step. The median home value is $962,300 here. For renting, the median price is $2,132 per month. So, people moving to Torrance need to plan to spend more on where they live.

The cost of living in Torrance is about 70% higher than the US average. The biggest jumps are in Transportation, Food, and Housing. Despite this, Torrance offers an excellent living spot with nice weather and many amenities. It’s perfect for those who can afford the higher costs.

Comparing Torrance to other big cities shows that it’s pricier. For example, living in Torrance costs 48.1% less than in San Francisco, CA, but it’s +31.4% more than in Dallas, TX.

Public Schools in Torrance

Torrance, California, is famous for its top public schools. These schools are funded well and have great teachers. This gives students a quality education in Torrance.

Torrance Unified School District has seen fewer students lately. In the past seven years, about 8% fewer students have attended. This is part of a trend across California. The state has the lowest public school enrollment in 20 years. Department of Education data supports this.

Looking at the students in Torrance Unified, Latino or Hispanic students makeup almost 33% of the total. About 28% are Asian American, and 20% are White. The district wants to bring more diversity to its teachers. It has a teacher-in-residence program to help.

Torrance Unified is adding new programs to attract more students. These include a dual-immersion Spanish program and sports at middle schools. They also have an Early College program with El Camino College, which lets successful students start college early. The district also focuses on caring for students’ mental health. It has more therapists and counselors on campus and mental health and wellness centers.

School Metrics	Data
Median Home Value	$962,300
Median Rent	$2,132
Median Household Income	$109,554
Public Schools Grade	A+
Crime & Safety Grade	C+
Housing Grade	C-

Torrance’s public schools provide a top-notch education. They value diversity, new ideas, and student health. The district works hard to keep students and families happy. This makes it a great option for those in the area.

Crime and Safety Considerations

Torrance is a relatively safe city overall. Yet, it’s wise to know where crime rates are a bit higher. The eastern parts of Torrance, especially near industrial areas, see more crime. This is when compared to wealthier areas in the west and south.

According to the latest reports, Torrance saw a total of 4,160 crimes in a year, including 382 violent crimes and 3,778 property crimes. For every 1,000 people in Torrance, roughly 2.71 face violent crimes, and about 26.77 face property crimes. These rates are higher than the state’s average. The odds of being a crime victim here are 1 in 34.

Torrance High Crime Areas to Avoid

Areas near industrial and manufacturing zones in the city’s east have more crime.
There’s a 1 in 191 chance of your car being stolen in Torrance, so be sure to protect your vehicles.
Even though Torrance’s crime rate is low, both new and old residents should check on specific areas. Taking safety steps is key.

Anyone considering moving to Torrance should look into each area’s crime stats and safety information. Knowing about high-crime spots can help people choose a safer place to live. This way, they can take the proper steps to stay safe and protect their belongings.

Moving to Torrance, CA: Job Opportunities

Torrance, CA, has many job options, including healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, and technology. It is a great place to live if you want a job.

It is close to places like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is suitable for companies that need to move products. The city has good roads, which help businesses move things quickly.

In Torrance, you can find both big and small companies. Large ones like Honda, Sam’s Club and JCPenney are here. As are big names like Walmart, Home Depot, and Target. These businesses need all kinds of people to work for them.

Many new businesses are also starting up. They are helping the city grow and offering new job opportunities, making it a great place to have ideas for a new business.

So, if you are looking for a job, Torrance is a good place. It has a mix of big and small companies with different jobs. It’s a nice city with many chances for work.

Dining and Nightlife Scene

Torrance, California, has a lively dining and nightlife scene. It caters to many tastes and preferences. You can find anything from Japanese sushi bars to chic cafes and more. This variety welcomes both locals and visitors.

Diverse Culinary Options

Torrance is known for its excellent Japanese food at Mitsuwa Marketplace and Miyabi Uni. They serve real sushi and ramen, which people love. You can also enjoy Mexican, Mediterranean, and American comfort dishes. Torrance truly has something for everyone.

One great spot is The Depot. It offers many dishes, including vegan options and a few specialties. For a unique meal, try their Bowtie Pasta or Creme Brulee. King’s Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant is loved by locals. They’re famous for their Hawaiian bread and French toast.

Vibrant Downtown Area

The downtown area of Torrance is full of life. It has plenty of bars, restaurants, and fun spots. This area is excellent for socializing and enjoying cultural events. Places like “The Hula Hula Room” and “The Wicked Wolf” are top picks for a great time.

Even with the pandemic challenges, Torrance’s food and fun scene keeps growing. Since 2021, more than 50 new places have opened. You can now visit spots like Polanco, known for great Mexican food, and Sauced BBQ & Spirits. This BBQ joint even has a spot for axe-throwing.

Torrance is now a top spot for dining and fun in the South Bay of Los Angeles. You’ll find it here for a real Japanese meal or a fun night out. This city has it all for food and entertainment lovers.

Transportation and Commute

Torrance, California, lives near big ways of getting around and highways. It is close to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and the 110, 405, and 91 freeways are great. This is perfect for folks traveling daily to and from the larger LA area.

The city of Torrance has a lot of different ways to get around. You can use buses, bike shares, or apps like Metro Micro. If you’re going to USC, it may take 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your way of travel and traffic.

Proximity to LAX and Major Highways

Torrance is set up to make going to LAX easy and quick, about 30 minutes. This is good for work or fun trips. It’s also easy to go all over LA, whether to downtown, the South Bay, or further, because of the nearby 110, 405, and 91 freeways.

Having many ways to get around and being near key hubs and highways makes Torrance a great place. Its transport choices are great for working, traveling, or seeing LA. Torrance’s set-up helps make going places smooth and fast.

Transportation Mode	Commute Time from Torrance to USC	Approximate Cost
Public Bus (Metro 344 or Torrance 1 to Metro Silver Line)	50 minutes to 1 hour	$2 to $2.90
Driving	40 minutes	Varies based on fuel costs
Metro Bike Share	Depends on trip distance and duration	$5 monthly pass
Metro Micro On-Demand Rideshare	Depends on trip distance and traffic	Varies based on distance and time

Family-Friendly Activities

Torrance is loved for its family-friendly vibe. It has many parks, playgrounds, and places for fun. People of all ages can enjoy outdoor fun and community events, making Torrance a place where families come together and stay healthy.

Parks and Recreational Facilities

Torrance has many parks and fun spaces for families. For nature lovers, there’s the vast South Coast Botanic Garden, which has 2,500 plants to see. At Madrona Marsh Preserve, 300 bird species await. This is great for those who love the outdoors.

The Wilson Park Annenberg Treehouse is a special spot, too. It’s the first treehouse everyone can enjoy in California. Here, you’ll find a mix of creativity and fun.

Los Arboles Park has a cool rocket ship for kids’ play. It’s perfect for kids and also has beautiful ocean views. Torrance Beach is another great choice. It’s peaceful for beach games and water fun. This means it’s perfect for families!

Torrance has sports leagues, market days, and special events for more organized fun. The local Farmers’ Market has fresh goodies from 60 farms. Kids can enjoy themed hunts at the Garden’s Kids Club. These are just some of the many family-friendly adventures here.

Torrance is the place for fun family times. Its parks and events bring people together. Here, families can enjoy nature, sports, and culture together. Torrance helps families make special memories while feeling part of a strong community.

Healthcare and Fitness Options

Torrance, California, offers its people many healthcare and fitness choices. It has top medical places like the Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, which offers great Torrance healthcare.

The city is packed with options for staying fit. There are many fitness places, yoga spots, and parks, so people can easily care for their health. A strong love for outdoor activities like biking and group fitness shows how active the community is.

Comprehensive Medical Care

The Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is the heart of Torrance’s health system. It handles everything from emergencies to special surgeries. Torrance also has many private clinics and health spots for everyone’s needs.

Diverse Fitness Offerings

The Bartlett Center’s Mini Fitness Center has exercises and classes for seniors.
OLEF has unique fitness classes to keep older adults active.
There’s a Walking Club for seniors at the Bartlett Center for fun group walks.
The city’s Services Department has a Senior Golf Club where people can play and socialize.

Torrance cares for its older citizens. The Commission on Aging ensures they get the help they need, and there are programs and awards to honor the city’s older residents.

Torrance’s mix of Torrance Healthcare and Torrance Fitness generally serves everyone well. It offers good medical care and many ways to be healthy and active.

Shopping and Entertainment

Torrance, CA, bustles with shopping and fun activities, mainly around the famous Del Amo Fashion Center. This huge mall covers over 2.6 million square feet and has shops, eateries, and fun activities. It attracts folks from all over the area and beyond.

The Del Amo Fashion Center is perfect for those who love shopping. It has over 250 stores and 60+ places to eat. You can find everything from luxury fashion to unique local shops. And if you need a shopping break, the AMC Del Amo 18 cinema has all the latest movies. There are also special events like the SoCal Etsy Guild Market and Winter Vibes Outdoor Soiree for a unique shopping experience all year round.

Thriving Local Shopping Scene

Torrance also has a lively local shopping scene. Around the city, you can explore boutiques, specialty shops, and independent stores. These offer handmade crafts, unique goods, and special finds you can’t get in a regular mall.

The Del Amo Fashion Center’s California Welcome Center provides visitors with information and tips about Torrance. It’s a great place to learn about what to do in the area. Events like Shop Small Bizz show support for the local business community.

Torrance Shopping and Entertainment Highlights

Del Amo Fashion Center: 2.6 million square feet, 250+ stores, 60+ eateries
AMC Del Amo 18 cinema for the latest movies
SoCal Etsy Guild Market and Winter Vibes Outdoor Soiree events
California Welcome Center for visitor information and recommendations
Vibrant local shopping scene with boutiques, specialty shops, and independent businesses
Shop Small Bizz event celebrating Torrance’s small business community

If you’re up for shopping, eating out, or just having fun, there’s plenty to do in Torrance. Enjoy the many shops and activities at the Del Amo Fashion Center. Or discover the city’s charming stores and events. Torrance’s shopping and entertainment choices will charm both visitors and locals.

Environmental Factors

Torrance, California, is a nice, well-planned city. However, it has several refineries and industrial sites, mostly in the east. These places can cause problems with air quality and smell, so people considering moving there need to be aware of this.

Proximity to Refineries and Industrial Areas

Torrance faces a big risk of drought. About 16% of its buildings could flood, showing a big risk. And about 3% might face wildfires, which is lower. Over half the weeks since 2000, the area had some drought. Around a quarter of those weeks, it was an extreme drought.

People who own property in Torrance might see more hot days by 2050. Days over 87.1°F could go from 7 days in 1990 to 21 days in 2050. Also, the city is getting more rain and heavy bursts. In 1990, 71.0% of rain was in downpours over 0.5 inches. By 2050, that might go up to 75.0%.

In Torrance, some areas are at high risk of floods and fires. Two parts of the city have over half their buildings at flood risk. And three places also have over a quarter of their buildings facing a high fire risk.

Environmental Concern	Risk Level in Torrance
Drought	Extreme
Flooding	Significant (16% of buildings)
Wildfires	Relatively Low (3% of buildings)
High Tide Flooding	Significant (2 tracts with over 50% of buildings at risk)
Fire Risk	Significant (3 tracts with over 25% of buildings at high risk)

The Torrance Refining Company is a big source of air pollution. In 2018, they put out 323,546.4 pounds of SOx, way more than their goal of 54,800 pounds. The Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports make 100 tons of smog daily. Though they’ve reduced SOx, NOx, and pollution since 2005.

Torrance has tried to deal with these problems. They started a plan in 2008 to help. But the area is still near many factories and refineries. So, anyone moving to Torrance should look into these issues and consider how to deal with them.

Diversity and Community Feel

Torrance, CA, is known for its mix of people from different places. It has many events that showcase its culture, making the city feel like home to everyone who lives there.

About 145,438 people call Torrance home. It’s filled with Japanese-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and those from the Middle East. They have celebrations like Japan Fest and Dia de los Muertos each year. These events share the community’s customs and skills.

Torrance was named an “All-American City” in 1956 for its love of diversity and community work.
The city provides lots of outdoor fun with over 30 parks and 90,000 trees.
Home to the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Torrance is big on family and community.

Torrance’s diversity shines in its food, too. There are many international restaurants where you can find everything from Japanese meals to Middle Eastern flavors. Torrance truly is a global food hub.

Although the cost of homes in Torrance has increased lately, it’s still a great place for families. People like Chris say it’s wonderful for kids because of its schools and diverse, united community.

Torrance’s blend of cultures and community heart make it stand out in LA. Whether you love its cultural events, green spaces, or friendly neighborhoods, Torrance welcomes everyone.

Conclusion

Moving to Torrance, California, means getting the best of both worlds – a city vibe with a touch of suburbs. It has a mix of people, great weather, and lots to do. Living here costs more than in some places, but it has good schools and a friendly community, which is worth it. Plus, it’s a great place to find jobs.

No matter your stage in life, Torrance has something for you. Its downtown is lively, the food is diverse, and many outdoor activities exist. This city mixes city and suburban life well, has a strong sense of community and is close to big attractions. It offers a complete Californian lifestyle.

If you’re considering moving to Torrance or just curious about it, know it’s a great choice. Torrance offers unique benefits in a lovely Californian setting, from activities to community events. It’s perfect for those wanting to enjoy life in a lively California city with suburban charm. Simplify your move with SecureSpace! Our top-notch storage services ensure a hassle-free experience. Trust our expert team to handle your belongings with care. Visit SecureSpace today and discover the ultimate convenience and peace of mind. Make your move smart and secure!

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