8 Things to Know Before Moving to Torrance, CA
Torrance is a beautiful California beach town in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. It is a diversified, close-knit, and safe suburb of Los Angeles, located about 30 minutes south of downtown and directly north of the famous Palos Verdes Peninsula. Torrance, in contrast to other California communities, has a more relaxed atmosphere that attracts many visitors and residents alike.
When compared to Los Angeles, Torrance offers a more relaxed pace of life, lower crime rates, and less traffic and noise pollution.
Are you thinking of moving to Torrance? Keep reading as we talk about eight things to know before moving to Torrance, CA!
1. Enjoy favorable weather even in hot months
The climate in Torrance may be different from what you’re used to, depending on where you’re coming from. Despite its location in Southern California, Torrance rarely sees temperatures higher than 77 degrees, even in the hottest months. In the fall and winter, precipitation is normal, and temperatures can drop into the forties.
The morning fog in California, especially in May and June, can be a shock to visitors who aren’t used to the state’s climate. Torrance residents can breathe easily knowing that the morning fog typically lifts around lunchtime.
2. You’ll need to get a car
Newcomers to Torrance from cities like New York or Chicago, where car ownership is less common, may be surprised to learn that they will need their own vehicle to get around.
Nonetheless, Torrance Transit and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority provide some but limited access to public transportation. Despite this, the vast majority of locals opt to have their own vehicles.
3. Get a job in the automobile industry
While Torrance’s 3.9% unemployment rate is slightly greater than the national average, the city’s projected job growth is better than the U.S. average, and there are still enough jobs available to those who relocate there.
Companies such as American Honda Motor Co., Robinson Helicopter Co., Saatchi & Saatchi, Edelbrock, L-3 Technologies, and Phenomenex rank among the most popular places to work. The automobile industry is a thriving one in the area.
4. Enjoy the outdoors at the South Coast Botanical Garden or the Wilson Park Annenberg TreeHouse
In addition to the Pacific Ocean with its long sandy beaches, Torrance is home to more than 30 city parks, so residents never have to worry about running out of green space.
Torrance has a mile and a half of a gorgeous coastline, and it’s home to great places for outdoor recreation and water sports, like the South Coast Botanical Garden, the Wilson Park Annenberg TreeHouse, and the Madrona Marsh.
5. The city has lots of great schools to choose from
There are a total of 20 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 9 high schools that make up the Torrance Unified School District. Private schools are also abundant in the area, ranging from South Bay Junior Academy and Nativity Catholic School to Ambassador High School and Riviera Hall Lutheran School.
El Camino College is a top choice for those who are serious about furthering their education. Loyola Marymount academic in Los Angeles, Marymount California University in Rancho Palos Verdes, and California State University, Carson, are all within driving distance if a university environment is more to your liking.
6. Living here costs 44% more than the national average
While the job market is looking up, the cost of living in Torrance can definitely be a challenge. Living in California can be pretty pricey, as the cost of living here is 9.8% higher than the state average and a whopping 44% higher than the national average! So if you don’t have a good-paying job, it can definitely put a dent in your wallet.
The city’s median home price is a whopping $1,094,308, almost triple the national average. Living in this city would most likely put a strain on your finances if you’re moving from a cheaper place.
7. Visit the Del Amo Fashion Center or the Torrance Cultural Arts Center
There are a lot of things to see and do in this city. Torrance is home to the massive Del Amo Fashion Center, which is in the top ten retail malls in the entire country. The James R. Armstrong Theatre, as well as studios for the creative and performing arts, can all be found at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.
The Western Museum of Flight is a must-see for every aviation enthusiast. The Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market is open every week from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, year-round, and features a wide variety of deliciously fresh California vegetables.
8. The city has a low crime rate
The property crime rate in Torrance is 30.5, as reported by bestplaces.net. The national average is 35.4, and the state of California average is 37.1; therefore, this rate is significantly lower and is true to how safer the city feels than many other towns in California.
When compared to the national average of 22.7 and the state average of 25.2, the rate of violent crime in this region is astonishingly low, at 9.3. Your safety is guaranteed in this city.
To Sum it All Up
Torrance is a great city to call home if you value having access to a wide variety of recreational opportunities and a mild climate throughout the year. The city also has great schools and a low crime rate. However, the city’s high cost of living should be considered before moving here.
