143,219
Population
Sunny Days: 279
90100 Affordability
100100 Schools
100100 Diversity
100100 Safety
Living in Torrance, California
Rat Beach
Torrance Beach at Winter
Torrance at Dusk
Torrance Beach (Rat Beach)
Torrance Farmers' Market
LookyLOO Review of Torrance
“A Balanced City” with Beachside Roots and Urban Diversity
Torrance is a bright and lesser-known gem in the South Bay. It melds coastal charm, city-style amenities, and a growing, diverse community. With just over 147,000 residents, it's the eighth-largest city in Los Angeles County.
The weather is very steady, mild, and sunny, with a mere 12″ of annual rain—perfect for a year-round outdoor lifestyle.
The Housing market in Torrance is hot and competitive, with a median sale price of ~$1.2M (not bad for California). Homes range from mid-century ranches and Tudors to contemporary infill, often with garages and yards, underscoring the city's balanced vibe of suburban and urban character.
Lifestyle of Torrance
Life in Torrance is refreshingly balanced. You’ve got a 1.5-mile stretch of beach (Torrance/Rat Beach), over 30 public parks (like Columbia Park with its baseball diamonds and community gardens), and city-run rec centers like Ken Miller Recreation Center
At the same time, Torrance has smart urban infrastructure: major employers (Toyota HQ, Torrance Memorial), a massive retail hub (Del Amo Fashion Center), and ethnic enclaves driving a savory dining scene—from Japan-inspired food halls to Korean BBQ and Filipino bakeries.
Schools in Torrance
Schools are served by Torrance Unified School District (TUSD), rated A+ on niche.com, with about 22,500 students, 36 elementary, 8 middle, and 5 high schools, most of which are at the top of the regional and statewide ranks.
Torrance High School, in particular, built in 1917, is noted for its stunning, historic campus and high academic performance.
Interview local families, and you'll hear plenty say that they moved to Torrance for the quality of the schools.
Why Move To Torrance Now
Torrance offers a rare synergy of beach access, top-tier schools, and cultural diversity, without the crazed prices of Malibu or Santa Monica. It’s perfect for families, professionals, and empty nesters seeking a really nice mix of stability and variety in one tight, livable city.
Reviews of Torrance from Locals
LibraryVolunteer
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉
There aren’t t really unsafe parts of Torrance except maybe way over to the east where it butts up against Harbor Gateway. I’m a resident of North Torrance, which is a little more diverse and has families who’ve lived here for generations as well as lots of young families, but West and South Torrance are also very nice. Old Torrance has the most character and the cutest houses. All the schools range from good to exceptional, and you can’t go too far without hitting a park. I think you’ll like it here!
For more reviews of what living in Cambridge is like from locals, check out The Reviews.
Want to give Torrance a shot?
Use our friends at VRBO and Expedia to help get you going!
Living in Torrance
Neighborhoods in Torrance
View All
Old Town Torrance
Families & Empty Nesters
The Vibe:
This is where Torrance’s heart beats strongest. Anchored by the historic downtown district near Torrance High, Old Town features tree-lined streets and homes from the 1920s–1950s. Quaint storefronts, annual community festivals, and regular farmer's markets give it a strong sense of identity. Residents love having top-rated schools, parks, and quaint local cafés all within walking distance.
Zoned Schools:
-Torrance Unified School District
-Elementary: Torrance Elementary or Edison -Elementary
-Middle School: Jefferson Middle or Casimir Middle
-High School: Torrance High School
Median Home Price: ~$935k
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Central Torrance
-Westchester (L.A.)
-Oak Park (city)