Torrance

East Torrance is a dynamic area that balances residential charm with commercial vitality. According to Erika Edwards, a Realtor with COMPASS, Torrance attracts those who might prefer it over locations like the Westside of Los Angeles. "You get more for your money, the traffic is significantly less, and the schools are excellent," she says. This area also is notable for the historic downtown, Old Torrance. Here, restored buildings hearken back to the city's early days. Prior to breaking ground in 1912, developer James Sidney Torrance touted it as a "planned modern industrial city" that would combine housing with industry. That heritage lives on with the business and residential mix in East Torrance. Housing options in East Torrance include a range of apartments and early-to-mid 20th Century single-family homes. Options for around $500,000 are typically limited to one-bedroom condo units. A two- to four-bedroom townhouse or single-family home typically goes for $650,000 to $900,000. Like most of Torrance, midcentury architecture is prevalent throughout the neighborhood, but in the historical section there's a preponderance of early 20th-century designs. A three-bedroom Craftsman or Spanish-style home dating to the 1920s might go for $800,000 to over $1 million. Residents take pride in beautifying their yards with plants and flowers. Palms, trees and succulents along the sidewalks add to the attractive surroundings. The Torrance Unified School District is a deciding factor for families buying a home here. GreatSchools rates 90% of Torrance schools above average and none below. Torrance Elementary School, with a B grade from Niche, has a Spanish dual language immersion program fostering bilingualism. J. H. Hull Middle earned a B+ and offers students an Astrocamp program and the opportunity to visit Catalina Island Marine Institute. Niche deems Torrance High School among the state’s top 300 public high schools and an A+. The campus has been featured in movies and TV shows, including 90s favorites Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Beverly Hills, 90210. After school, take the kids on a jaunt to 44-acre Charles H. Wilson Park, which boasts a fully equipped sports complex, walking paths and splash pad. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the park hosts one of the prime farmers markets in the South Bay. "Everyone in the neighborhood goes to the market," Garrison Comstock, owner of Garrison Team Real Estate, says. "It's really central to the community." About a mile west of Wilson Park, locals can enjoy more of a nature-infused experience at the Madrona Marsh Preserve, a peaceful wetland sanctuary with winding boardwalks from which one can observe native wildlife. For seaside sensations, it's as simple as driving about 5 miles to Torrance Beach, just south of Redondo. A section of shore here goes by the nickname "RAT Beach," for "right after Torrance" or "Redondo and Torrance Beach." A day of sand and surf can work up an appetite, and Torrance's dining digs will delight. The diverse establishments throughout the city reflect the community's rich culture. Options in East Torrance include the flavors of Hachi Japanese Izakaya’s seasonally savvy dishes. Or, for mouth-watering Oaxacan fare, visit Madre!, which boasts an impressive selection of smoky mezcals. Craft beer lovers have moved to the right city: local breweries in East Torrance include Smog City Brewing, Monkish Brewing Co. and more. There are a wide assortment of retailers in the neighborhood, from grocers to national chains and smaller stores. Eastgate Plaza is home to Daiso Japan, a popular shop for all manner of goods. For an all-day retail excursion, nearby Del Amo Fashion Center is one of the largest malls in the country. North of Del Amo Boulevard there are many industrial businesses and large companies, making for a very quick commute. East Torrance offers the suburban comforts of home within a historical city setting. East Torrance, a neighborhood in Torrance, CA, is a dynamic area that balances residential charm with commercial vitality. This part of Torrance is known for its active community life, attention to safety, and excellent transportation links, which enhance the living experience for its residents. The Torrance Cultural Arts Center is a hub for cultural activities, including performances, art classes, and seasonal festivals that attract participants from across Torrance, including East Torrance. Annual events such as the Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival celebrate the area’s diversity and the city’s connection to its sister city, Kashiwa, Japan. Major roads such as Crenshaw Boulevard and Torrance Boulevard provide easy access to various parts of Torrance and neighboring cities. Public transportation is robust, with services offered by Torrance Transit that connect residents to significant areas, including shopping centers, schools, and employment hubs. The proximity of the Harbor Freeway also provides residents with convenient options for commuting to Los Angeles and other parts of the South Bay area.

Torrance’s Riviera neighborhood is one of the few places in LA County where locals can enjoy the SoCal holy trinity: great schools, great shopping and great beaches. It’s among the quieter of the coastal neighborhoods lining Santa Monica Bay, which most residents would agree is a good thing. “There are people in South Bay who don’t even know Torrance has a beach,” says local Realtor Matt Tilley, “which is great for locals because they can almost always find some open sand for sunbathing or an open wave to surf.” The hardest part of moving to Riviera is finding a house to move to; residents generally don’t leave the neighborhood unless it’s absolutely necessary, and when properties do come on the market they tend to get snapped up pretty quickly. Perched between the California coastline and the eclectic South Bay community, Riviera offers residents a SoCal spin on the American Dream. Besides top-rated schools, beaches and general quality of life, "when most people think of Riviera, they think of the pleasant, inviting people you meet there," says Steve, owner of the local TNT Aloha Cafe. With a "great mix of mom-and-pop-type places," diverse walkable retail options, and daily views of the sunset over the Pacific, a new adventure is always waiting in Riviera. With an average sales price just shy of $2 million dollars, "Homes in Riviera are highly desirable," says Tilley. Whether right next to the beach or up the hill near Los Arboles Rocketship Park, everywhere in Riviera is considered prime real estate. Homes include a number of coastal condos with sea views, as well as a pleasant suburban mix of mid-century ranch-style homes and larger Mission Revival and Craftsman-style houses. And it wouldn’t be a Cali beach neighborhood without a few mansions along the bluffs. Throughout the neighborhood, winding, hilly streets offer glimpses of the ocean, and old-growth trees — hard to find in most of LA County — shade well-maintained sidewalks, ample yards and native plant gardens. All this beauty and comfort comes at a premium, of course. Home prices are typical of a Santa Monica Bay-adjacent neighborhood: you might be able to find a one-bedroom condo for under a million if you’re lucky, but a modest ranch-style home or three-bedroom townhouse in Riviera is unlikely to go for less than $1.5 million. Houses larger than 2,000 square feet rarely spend long on the market, and typically go for anywhere from $2 million to 3.5 million, while oceanside properties rarely sell for under $5 million. Like the rest of Torrance Unified School District, Riviera’s schools are top-notch. At Riviera Elementary, which receives an A-rating from Niche, students learn to be involved in their community through a variety of volunteer-powered extracurricular programming, from book fairs to bike rodeos. Older students attend Richardson Middle and South High, both of which also receive A ratings from Niche. South High has numerous highly decorated student programs, from its state-championship-winning marching band to a national-level dance team. Community life in Riviera centers around Torrance County Beach, which extends from the southern edge of better-known Redondo Beach all the way down to the majestic palisades of the Palos Verdes peninsula. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, scuba diving and spearfishing, but not so popular that it’s swarmed with tourists from May through October like some more northerly bayside beaches. Mature trees and sunbaked streets form the backdrop for life up in the hills, and, whether from their backyards or just walking through the neighborhood, residents are presented with excellent views looking across the city. To get outdoors, residents can visit or Los Arboles Rocketship Park, which has an on-theme, rocket-shaped playground, or there’s always lovely and lush Miramar Park, which overlooks the beach and is the perfect place for a pleasant, picturesque picnic. When in the mood for some food, one of Riviera's special qualities is its abundance of locally-owned restaurants. One neighborhood favorite for tropical eats is TNT Aloha Cafe, which has been serving Japanese and Hawaiian fusion meals since 2001. Patrons can order online for takeout or dine order classic meals like spam musubi or a rice bowl paired with in-house, hand-made sausage and an ice-cold can of Hawaiian Sun. For most shopping and dining, however, residents often head down to Riviera Village. This walkable shopping district is located just a block from the coast, so visitors can hear the ocean waves crashing as they peruse a diverse mix of local shops and restaurants. Residents can also pick up groceries while in the area, either at Trader Joe's or Vons. When in the mood to relax or meet a friend, head to Yellow Vase Cafe and enjoy a nice drink and pastry or hit up Friends of the Vine wine bar for an after-work drink. For dinner, residents can take their pick of the Village’s many tasteful options, from the popular Italian joint Bettolino Kitchen to vegetarian restaurants like The Green Temple. Located just south of Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1), Riviera residents have no problem getting around town. To get almost anywhere in the greater LA area, residents can hop on the highway and be there in under an hour, although this always depends on traffic. People traveling out of state can head about 12 miles north on Route 1 to find Los Angeles International Airport, while, to get downtown, commuters and daytrippers alike head the other way on Route 1 and then take Harbor Freeway (I-110) about 25 miles north. The closest hospital, Kindred Hospital South Bay, is located about 11 miles northeast along Prairie Avenue. Those not driving can also take advantage of L.A.'s public bus system, which has routes passing right through the neighborhood.

South Torrance brings together all the best parts of South Bay living. The neighborhood offers residents great schools, easy beach access and ample shopping opportunities, not to mention a reasonable commute to most South Bay employers. "It's just a nice place to live," according to local Realtor Matt Tilley. "A really, really nice place. The schools are great, of course, and the homes are lovely, but what sets it apart from the rest of West Torrance is its convenience. You've got Highway 1 and 107 right there, so getting around town is a cinch." The neighborhood is especially popular with workers at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, the largest employer in town, which is located less than half a mile away. South Torrance is the type of under-the-radar neighborhood that might not stand out to those who don't live there. Those who do live there, on the other hand, understand what a special place it really is. The local housing inventory is typical for the South Bay. There are a few pleasantly updated condos and townhouses to the north, but most of the neighborhood's residential blocks are lined with mid-century ranch-style homes and new traditional two-story homes. Driving along its quiet streets, you'll see restful shade trees and stately palms, well-maintained yards and a variety of both native plant and flower gardens. This suburban dreamscape comes at a cost, of course. While home prices in the neighborhood don't hit the highs seen closer to the coast, it's still rare for single-family homes to sell for less than a million. If you're looking for something with more than 2,000 square feet of floor space, expect to pay somewhere between $1.5 and $2 million. Despite the beautiful nearby parks and beaches and convenient shopping, if you ask a South Torrance resident what the neighborhood's biggest draw is, there's a good chance they'll point to the highly-rated local public schools. Seaside Elementary and Calle Mayor Middle School both have an 8-out-of-10 rating on GreatSchools, while South Torrance's own South High School has a rare 10-out-of-10 rating on the site. Locals looking to get outside typically head westward to Torrance County Beach or south to the expansive green spaces of the Palo Verde Peninsula. But when they feel like sticking closer to home, they have the spacious and well-manicured Lago Seco Park, home to a playground, athletic courts and fields, and the Torrance Community Garden. Those looking for a bit of indoor fun can check out the lanes or the laser tag at popular old-school bowling alley Gable House Bowl — or they can head a couple of blocks up the road to Del Amo Fashion Center, the 6th largest mall in the US, and spend an afternoon window shopping. While South Torrance's interior is almost exclusively residential, the roads that border it are home to a wealth of retail and dining options. When it's time to get groceries, locals have their pick of supermarkets: for everyday ingredients, there's a Ralph's; for organic fare, there's a Sprouts, and if you're in search of specialty items, there's even an outpost of beloved Korean grocer H Mart. Restaurant options run the gamut from the authentic yakitori hut Koshiji to well-loved Korean eatery Cho Dang Tofu, to the classic Cali-Mex at El Torito. After dinner, it's not uncommon for locals to swing by Torrance Tavern for a drink and maybe some trivia or karaoke. South Torrance is served by several major roadways, including Hawthorne Boulevard, which is one of the main arterial roads providing residents with direct access to shopping centers, schools, and medical facilities. Public transportation is readily available through Torrance Transit, which offers reliable bus services connecting the neighborhood to key destinations across Torrance and neighboring cities. For those commuting to employment hubs in Los Angeles or Long Beach, the proximity to the I-405 freeway is a significant advantage, reducing travel time and connecting residents to a broader transportation network.

Ranked the No. 2 best neighborhood in Torrance on Niche, Seaside offers a tranquil setting — nicknamed "Sleepy Hollow" — only 2 miles from the beach. Although it’s inland, it's close enough to the beach to smell the salt in the air and take a quick bike ride to the shore. What it lacks in beach views, it makes up for with its wholesome, community-oriented atmosphere and excellent schools, making it an ideal place to put down roots. "It's easily the most sought-after family neighborhood in Torrance," according to local Realtor Matt Tilley, who works with First Team Real Estate and has over a decade of experience in the area. "You're close enough to the beach that you can go whenever you want, but you don't have to deal with the crowds. It's a much more relaxing place to live." For many, the neighborhood's standout feature is its schools, administered by Torrance Unified School District and among the strongest in LA County. The district has an A rating according to Niche. Schools include Seaside Elementary, known for its STEAM programming with popular math and chess clubs and a well-regarded before- and after-care program through the local YMCA. Calle Mayor Middle is a Gold Ribbon School, and South High's marching band and dance team are championship winners. The elementary and high schools both have A ratings on Niche, while the middle school has a B-minus grade. All three are California Distinguished Schools. There aren't many apartments or condos in Seaside, which gives the hilly, tree-shaded streets a classic suburban feel that can be hard to find elsewhere in the South Bay area. Residents can expect their neighbors’ yards to be well-groomed and stylishly landscaped due to the Seaside Neighborhood Association's Green Thumb Awards, earned by a household every spring, summer and fall. As expected of an in-demand neighborhood, houses in Seaside rarely hit the market. Midcentury modern homes can range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, while ranch-style houses often start from $1 million and go up to $2 million. Apart from its close-knit community and excellent schools, Seaside's biggest draw is the South Bay Coast. It's a bike ride — or a very short drive — from the neighborhood to Torrance County Beach, where residents can surf, swim, sunbathe or go for a bike ride up the coast. It’s at a more low-key, less crowded destination than nearby Redondo Beach or Manhattan Beach. For those into hiking, there are miles of trails lining the bluffs and canyons of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, just south of Seaside. The neighborhood is also home to popular pitch and putt Sea-Aire Golf Course, which has nine holes and a playground for an afternoon spent with the kids. The neighborhood carries on kid-friendly traditions like the Torrance Candy Cane Lane. "If you live in Seaside, you better put up holiday lights," says Tilley. "It's a real big thing over there. People come from all over the place to see the decorations." Residents and visitors alike can expect to stroll through many streets of festive homes in Seaside, complete with refreshments like hot chocolate and cookies. Shopping and dining are concentrated along Highway 1 on the southern side of the neighborhood. Residents can pick up groceries at Ralph's or eat out at local restaurants. Riera's Place, a no-frills deli, is known for its pastrami sandwiches, while Jiayuan Dumpling House offers a selection of authentic Chinese dishes in a homey atmosphere. Those who want dinner and a show can visit bar and grill Texas Loosey's, which hosts regularly scheduled live music and karaoke. Located 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, residents can commute via Interstate 110, which can take an hour or longer during rush hour. For public transportation, there are a few Metro bus stops in the area. The closest hospital is Torrance Memorial Medical Center, and the nearest major airport is the Los Angeles International Airport.

For those looking to settle down in a South Bay neighborhood of Los Angeles with top-rated schools and appealing price points, Southwood might be the right choice. The neighborhood is a very short drive to some of the best beaches in the area and comes with coastal breezes. Timothy Braue, a Realtor with Call Realty, says, "You're also close enough to the beach. Redondo Beach Pier- an international destination- and more are all a quick drive away." Plus, Southwood is part of Torrance, which is known for its eclectic shopping and dining and superb school district, so it's no wonder homes here are in demand. Braue estimates Southwood homes are 10 to 20 percent less expensive than homes nearer to the shore, explaining that "The prices in Southwood are slightly lower since it's a bit more inland than places right by the ocean, but it's only a five-minute drive away." Southwood is also known for its welcoming, inclusive community. People here are often out and about, enjoying time outdoors in nearby parks or the beach, so "People can really get to know their neighbors and contribute to the community here," says Braue. Southwood has an active homeowner's association, which meets regularly and has a social media presence and a community newsletter. On a sunny California morning, whether getting up to head off to work or just relaxing at home for the day, take a moment to smell the salty air, listen for the pleasant sounds of neighbors greeting one another outside and spend some time feeling why so many L.A. residents call Southwood home. Exploring Southwood's residential streets, homebuyers will find well-kept lawns and shady live oaks, cottonwoods and sycamores. Passing by individual lots, many are set apart either by decorative fencing or attractive walls, while some are festooned with flowering plants. Mountain vistas are a distant backdrop, and though residents can't see the ocean, the fresh coastal breezes refresh the air and seagulls can often be seen flying by. In terms of homes, there is a sizable selection of midcentury houses, many with wood or stone detailing, that sell from about $950,000 to $1 million dollars. Larger remodeled homes have gone for over $3 million, while a limited number of spacious 2,600 to 3,000-square-foot homes built in recent decades have sold for $1.5 million to about $2.5 million. For those 55 and up, Village Court condominiums offer maintenance-free living, with one- to three-bedroom units ranging from $550,000 to $719,000. Braue shares that Southwood appeals to seniors looking for standalone homes as well. "Most of the homes are single-level, and you'll be close to medical facilities." The Torrance Unified School District is one of the top reasons families buy a home here. "The school district is one of the best in Southern California," Braue says. Anza Elementary receives an A grade from Niche and is also a California Distinguished and National Exemplary school. Jefferson Middle is a Gold Ribbon and California Distinguished School and also receives an A rating from Niche. At Jefferson, the Million Word Campaign challenges each student to read a million words each year- which is approximately 25 books. Nearby, West High School is one of the top 100 best public high schools in the state according to Niche, which gives it an A+ rating overall. Right by the elementary school, Paradise Park is a quiet place to relax featuring about about five acres of green space. Residents can invite a neighbor for a tennis match on the courts or a stroll along the walkway adorned with handmade mosaics. Kids will enjoy the playground, including some fanciful climbing structures resembling Saturn, a submarine and a train. Redondo Beach is also right next door with plenty of nightlife, ocean waves and a bustling fishing pier that's always good for some people watching. Residents will also find a good assortment of retail close to home, mainly to the east along Hawthorne Boulevard. There are a few restaurants on Sepulveda Boulevard, like Maui Chicken, a local chain of Hawaiian restaurants that serves up poke plates and katsu bowls. Next door, residents can also try Snax. The home of the original Super Burger started in the area in 1954 and has expanded its menu over the years to serve breakfast and Mexican food as well. For more shopping options, residents can also head to Village del Amo, a large shopping mall with a diverse array of options to choose from. In addition to plenty of clothing stores and a movie theater, the mall also features Mitsuwa Marketplace, a Japanese grocery and home goods store with its own food court. Located right by Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH or Route 1), Southwood residents have a convenient location for getting around the greater Los Angeles area. Whether hopping on the 405 (San Diego Freeway) or heading downtown on I-110 (Harbor Freeway), "You have a straight shot to most places from here," says Braue. In addition to a developed highway system, Southwood also has plenty of bus routes for residents who aren't driving. When traveling out of state, Los Angeles International Airport is just 11 miles north. The closest hospital, Kindred Hospital South Bay, is about seven miles northeast of Southwood near Gardena.