Less than 30 minutes from Los Angeles, Torrance touts tons of sand and surf along the Pacific Ocean, where locals love to ride the waves. The Southern California community is an ideal spot to live, with businesses, schools and activity on almost every corner. And if that isn't enough, locals commute to L.A. when they want more diverse jobs, nationally recognized education and red carpet entertainment.
Also surrounded by Redondo and Manhattan Beach, Torrance's close relationship with its neighboring communities extend its roots across regional lines, offering locals so much to do right next door. If you are interested in living in Southern California, consider Torrance. With so much happening in and around the area, you are sure to find yourself attracted to the many possibilities the province offers.
Torrance Climate
Dry summers keep locals dipping in the Pacific Ocean from June to August, when temperatures average between 61 and 77 degrees. Come fall, residents get wet from the rain, with light showers predominant between November and March. While it rains in the fall and winter, temperatures average between 68 and 71 degrees at the highest and 49 degrees at the lowest. June Gloom or May Gray are popular names for the California climate since the two months bring fog in the morning and sunny skies in the afternoon, when the morning glare breaks through by noon.
Torrance Neighborhoods
The south Los Angeles County sector is a mix of industrial and residential properties created by Jared Sidney Torrance in the early 1900's, hence the town name. With an old Spanish land grant and the talent of architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. , Torrance turned the 20 square mile town into dozens of quaint neighborhoods that still exist today. Located directly on the ocean, and nestled between Palos Verdes and Redondo Beach, the Southern California community has many waterfront properties that overlook the Pacific.
Inland is where you will find locals living among businesses, with the Downtown Torrance Market Place right outside residents' front doors. West Carson neighborhood is the most densely populated province within Torrance, with more than 64,000 locals living among one another, and Crenshaw Boulevard is the least populated, with only a little more than 3,000 residents in the area. With so many marvelous areas to choose from, it is hard to pick a neighborhood, but with a little research and a long visit to the area you are sure to find the sweetest spot for you and your family.
Registering Your Car
The California Division of Motor Vehicles mandates that you have 10 days to maintain a license if you relocate to Stockton. You are considered a state resident if you register to vote, pay school tuition or file property taxes. Along with completing an application, new residents must provide proof of name, address and birth date, as well as a Social Security card to get a California license. You must also take a vision test and pay a $39 fee for the permit. Registering your car and receiving California plates is easy. With the necessary paperwork and proof of insurance, you can register your car in the Golden State for $46 dollars. After your car is registered, you will receive new license plates to signify you are truly a citizen.
Torrance Schools
Established in 1947 and amalgamated in 1948, the Torrance Unified School District is made up of 17 elementary, 8 middle and 4 high schools. The system also has a continuation, alternative and 2 adult schools. Dedicated to "maximizing individual potential and developing lifelong learners," according to the district mission statement, Torrance teachers strive to see each student excel in their education. After deciding what school is best for your student, help your child adjust to their new school after you move into the area.
The town of Torrance is also home to many private schools, including St. James Catholic School and Pacific Lutheran High School, where students are offered both religious and specialized training. After graduation, students often move onto El Camino College, a two-year school located on the Torrance border. However, if students are looking to attend a four-year program, they can choose from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Long Beach and East Los Angeles Colleges, which are all only 25 miles outside of own.
Torrance Employment
Torrance touts a 5.1 percent unemployment rate, almost three points down from the national average of 7.9 percent. With top employers like Toyota Motor Sales and American Honda, collectively employing more than 5,000 laborers, the automotive industry is strong in the city. The past economy was dominated by major oil manufacturers, and the ExxonMobil Refinery still stands today, employing more than 600 workers.
Other major employers include Honeywell, 1,164 employees, Robinson Helicopter, 1,107 laborers and Hi Shear Corporation, 1,000 workers. Between the areas affluent employers, several staffing agencies and the local classifieds, finding a job in Torrance is not hard at all. On the contrary, it is one of the easiest areas to start a California career in.
Living Costs in the City
Though the unemployment rate is low, the cost of living in Torrance is not. With a 9.8 percent higher cost of living than the state and a 44 percent greater cost of living than the national average, the California community can cost you big time if you are not employed. CNN Money reports a median family income at $82,245 and a median home price at $550,000, showing that there is money to be made in municipality, however, housing can be a pit pricey. If purchasing property is not in your budget, consider renting a house, condo or apartment to avoid state, county and town taxes on your home.
Torrance Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Torrance, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Torrance. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Torrance Transportation
Torrance Transit is the most local and convenient way to get around town for residents who choose to use public transportation. With many bus routes and schedules and a the Senior Dial-A-Taxi Program, the agency caters to locals of all ages. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, LACMTA, is also available for Torrance citizens to travel, offering them both buses and a rail system to ride.
For motorists who do most of the driving themselves, heavily traveled highways I-110 and I-405 or SR 91 and SR 107 are frequented. As far as flying is concerned, there is only a general aviation airport in Torrance. If locals are looking to get out of the area via air, they must fly out of the Los Angeles International Airport or the Long Beach Airport, both within 20 minutes out of Torrance.
Culture & Contemporary Life
With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop and 30 city parks, Torrance culture consists of locals enjoying outdoor activities all year through in the Mediterranean climate. Walking paths, jogging trails and cross county running race courses in the parks keep residents in pristine shape, making fitness and fun a daily way of life.
When residents want to enjoy time inside, they visit the Del Amo Fashion Center, a 2.5 million square foot mall, named as the 5th largest in the United States. After shopping till they drop, locals love to be entertained at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, which holds several annual events for residents of all ages. For food, locals choose from dozens of choice eateries including the King Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant, Musha, Aristo Cafe and Santouka Ramen Torrance.
While you are getting familiar with Torrance, get that new home feel by spending some time decorating your new place. Then invite the neighbors over and make new friends, who will be more than happy to show you all the happening spots in town.
Torrance Relocation Tips
- The City of Torrance website is a great place to research the local government and services available to you if you decide to move to the district.
- Make Torrance your home by finding bistros and bars that you will enjoy relaxing in after a long day's work at your new job.
- Talk to your friends and employer about your relocation before moving to the municipality. Advice from your loved ones and boss can help ease any doubts you have about living in a brand new region.