Torrance

About Torrance

Torrance is a large city situated in a desirable location between the San Pedro harbor and the city of Los Angeles. With a number of shopping centers, entertainment options and excellent restaurants, Torrance is a popular choice for many families and young professionals. The community is a mix of residential neighborhoods and high-tech industries, and its low crime rate makes it one of the safest places to live in the county.

The History of Torrance

Thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers, the area belonged to the Tongva Native American tribe. In 1785, the Spanish king granted 75,000 acres of land to Juan Jose Dominguez, a Spanish soldier. His family controlled the land for several generations, and even today they still support a portion of the historical Dominguez Rancho.

In 1910, Jared Sidney Torrance decided it was time to use some of the land in the area to create a workingman's paradise. He bought 3,522 acres of the land owned by the Dominguez family and set about making his vision come to life. The city of Torrance was incorporated in 1921 and had a housing boom in the 1940s. It welcomed a number of immigrants from all over the world, with large housing developments constructed through the mid-20th century to accommodate the quickly-growing city.

Things to Do in Torrance

There's no shortage of things to do in Torrance, whether you enjoy the great outdoors, shopping and dining, or arts and culture. Its close proximity to Los Angeles means that big-city entertainment and amenities are just a short drive away, though there's plenty to do within Torrance city limits as well.

Thanks to its coastal location, Torrance offers a generous portion of scenic beaches to enjoy. Torrance Beach is the community's primary beach, home to a small cove nicknamed RAT Beach. Here, you can enjoy the Southern California sunshine and warm weather, as well as a variety of water sports, like swimming and paddle boarding. The city's scenic locations aren't limited to its coastline; the Madrona Marsh is a rare, preserved urban wetlands in Torrance and is home to a number of native plants and wildlife.

The city hosts a number of special events and gatherings, like summer movies in the park and coastal clean up efforts. Two holiday events known and loved by locals are the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot and the Halloween Carnival. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the rich Asian culture of many Torrance residents and features cultural performances, art and activities.

Torrance Schools

The Torrance Unified School District manages the public schools of Torrance. There are a few private high schools located in the city, and you can choose from both faith-based and secular campuses.

Just outside the city limits, you'll find El Camino College, a campus of the El Camino Community College District. Here, you can pursue two-year degrees in a variety of fields.

Resources for Moving to Torrance

Here's some helpful information for planning your move to Torrance:

• Utilities: The Torrance Water Department facilitates public water services in the city. Southern California Edison is the area's primary energy provider.
• Garbage and Recycling: You can expect curbside collection of trash and recyclables in most residential neighborhoods in Torrance. The city also provides large item pick-up for free.
• Transportation: The city manages a local transit system that provides access to major points in the city via a network of public bus routes.

Torrance Housing

The median home price in Torrance is significantly higher than in other communities in Los Angeles, likely due in part to its beachfront location. However, the city is large enough to provide a wide selection of housing options, so you can find something that fits your needs.