Firstly why Torrance, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Torrance
• State: California
• Population: 147,478 people
• Torrance’s quick summary would be Recognized for its beautiful beaches and the annual Torrance Flower Festival.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 20,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 4,000
• Number of Homeless people: 800

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features good schools and family-friendly amenities attracting families

Perk #1: Torrance Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 52%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $85,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Torrance is $90,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $5000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Torrance’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 150 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,377
• Property Tax %: 1.16%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,800
• Rent for an average house: $2,900
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Torrance
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Torrance, Redondo-Beach, Hermosa-Beach, Lawndale, and probably could include Lomita
• Avg. Age of Homes in Torrance: 55 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Torrance’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Torrance are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology
• Torrance Job Scene: healthy job market focused on aerospace and retail
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech ecosystem with focus on automotive technology and advanced manufacturing , ,
• Torrance Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Torrance: 10.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 220 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 23

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Torrance

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $170 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-405 creates rapid access to Torrance from Los Angeles
• Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on Hawthorne Boulevard
• Transportation Score: 50 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Torrance: 95,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 7 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Torrance: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
• Local Airport: Los Angeles International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Torrance’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Torrance is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and warm dry summers with occasional fog
• Winter Weather in Torrance i’d describe as mild with sunny weather
• Spring Weather in Torrance can be described as mild and coastal
• Summer’s in Torrance are mostly mild with coastal breezes
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Torrance is usually mild with ocean breezes
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 0 days in summer
• Days in a row in Torrance below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 15 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by local traffic
• Torrance Winter Air average air quality affected by industrial emissions

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Torrance Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Torrance 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Torrances’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Torrance Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Torrance Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Torrance only Doctors is about 150
• Local Hospitals here is  9
• Full-time Torrance only Police Officers is about 370
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Torrance’s Monthly utility bill average is $190
• Torrance’s Monthly Gym Membership: $70
• Torrance’s Water Quality Score: 80

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Torrance

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburban city with a family-friendly atmosphere and beaches
• You might enjoy shows at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Torrance  features a friendly nightlife with local eateries and bars catering to families and friends alike

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Torrance

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a variety of restaurants with a focus on Japanese cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Torrance
• The Popular Sports Team is Torrance High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Torrance can be described as politically moderate with a focus on local business and community
• Torrance’s Longer standing religious establishment is Torrance United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Torrance Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Torrance has 37 Parks?
• Wilson Park is Torrance’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Torrance Farmers Market normally open Tuesday 3pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, hiking, and cycling

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Torrance Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Torrance can be described as moderately paced suburban community with a focus on shopping
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Torrance visiting beaches picnicking at parks attending concerts
• The Cities people commute to from Torrance are Los-Angeles 19 miles away Carson 9 miles away Redondo-Beach 6 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Torrance or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on Hawthorne Boulevard. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Torrance’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Torrance is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Torrance are Los-Angeles 19 miles away Carson 9 miles away Redondo-Beach 6 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Torrance has 0 days in a row below freezing and 0 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Torrance people have an average (positive or negative) $5000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   800 homeless people living in Torrance. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically moderate with a focus on local business and community could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Torrance.

Retiree & Senior Life in Torrance

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can obtain income tax relief focusing on retirement benefits
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Lighthouse
• Torrance Senior Center features meals health resources and a variety of social programs

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Torrance, California?

If Torrance, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Torrance, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!