Living in Torrance Beach offers residents a beautiful slice of coastal SoCal life in a community that blends scenic charm with rich history. Torrance Beach is part of the city of Torrance, which was incorporated in 1921. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, safe neighborhoods, and highly rated schools, Torrance is often considered a great place to live. The city is famous for its 1.5 miles of serene coastline known as RAT Beach, which offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded nearby beaches. Torrance itself was named after Jared Sidney Torrance, a real estate developer who envisioned a well-planned industrial-residential city. While it doesn’t have an official motto, Torrance is known for its balance of industry, nature, and community.
Where Is Torrance Beach?
Torrance Beach is in Los Angeles County and is located in the South Bay area of Southern California. It sits on the Pacific Ocean and is part of the Greater Los Angeles metro area. As part of the city of Torrance, Torrance Beach is considered a suburb of Los Angeles and borders the cities of Redondo Beach to the north and Palos Verdes Estates to the south.
The beach itself is nestled at the base of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, offering a scenic coastal stretch with a view of nearby bluffs. From Torrance Beach to Long Beach, CA is about 16 miles.
Torrance Beach Population & Demographics
As Torrance Beach is part of the larger city of Torrance, these population and demographic figures reflect those of Torrance. According to the 2020 U.S. census, the population of Torrance is 147,067–it has grown 1.1% since the 2010 census. The population density of Torrance is 7,200 per square mile. Torrance is a wonderfully diverse area of the South Bay with a large Asian population. Interestingly, it is home to one of the largest populations of individuals of Japanese descent living outside of Japan.
There are many famous people from Torrance, but some of the more notable individuals include Olympic figure skater and two-time Olympic medalist, Michelle Kwan; TV host and actor, Jason “Wee Man” Acuña; and actor and Karate expert Chuck Norris.
Demographics
- 51% men vs 49% women
- Median age: 43.7 years
- The racial and ethnic composition of people living in Torrance Beach is 38% White (35% white, non-Hispanic), Black or African American 4%, Asian 38%, and two or more races 6%
- Foreign-born population living in Torrance Beach: 30.1%
- Median household income: $109,019 -- about 34.14% higher than the state of California median income, which is $95,521
- Educational attainment: High school grads: 94.7% and Bachelor's degree or higher: 52.9%
Torrance Beach Crime Rate
Here, we are basing the crime rate in Torrance Beach on the city of Torrance crime rate. Is Torrance Beach, CA safe? In terms of violent crime, Torrance Beach is quite safe. However, what skews the crime rate are the instances of property crime in the city.
According to the FBI, the overall crime rate in Torrance Beach is 2.2% higher than the California crime rate. The overall Torrance Beach crime rate is 2,905 per 100,000 people, making it 22% higher than the national average. Your chances of being a victim of a crime in the state of California are 2,843 per 100,000.
The violent crime rate in Torrance Beach is 82.5% lower than the rest of the state and 28.3% lower than the rest of the country.
Occurrences of property crime are where Torrance Beach’s crime rates increase. Instances of property crime in Torrance Beach are 12.7% higher than the state property crime rate, and 35.1% higher than the country. If you’re considering living in Torrance Beach, this is good information to have, as it can help you prepare for keeping your property safe.
To help prevent becoming a victim of property crime, always ensure your car and home doors are locked. Bring valuables like bicycles inside, and don’t leave items exposed out in your car. Also, consider installing security or small cameras around your home to monitor activity.
For more information about safety when moving to Torrance Beach or living in Torrance Beach, visit the City of Torrance Beach police department website. When visiting the website, you can learn more about the 180 police officers working to keep the community safe.
Cost of Living in Torrance Beach
Is Torrance Beach expensive? Yes, it’s very expensive. The average cost of living in Torrance Beach is close to 50% more than the national average.
Based on the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator, a family of four would need to bring in around $134,902 a year to afford living in Torrance Beach. To get a better idea of what everyday essentials in Torrance Beach cost, let’s look at some numbers.
Typical Torrance Beach Living Expenses
According to Numbeo, these are the prices you will pay for various everyday items while living in Torrance Beach. Also included is the average cost of utilities, which, according to Doxo, is 74% higher when living in Torrance Beach than the national average.
- Cappuccino (regular): $5.81
- One dozen eggs: $7.05
- One gallon of milk: $4.46
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle): $2.58
- Average Torrance Beach utilities per month: $644
Torrance Home Prices
According to Redfin, the Torrance housing market is very competitive. The average home price in Torrance Beach is $1.3M, making it 191% higher than the national average! Homes in Torrance typically receive three offers and sell within 32 days, at about 1% above the list price. “Hot” homes sell at about 3% above list price. Median sale price per square foot is $761.
If you’re considering living in Torrance Beach, there are some beautiful homes to choose from–but act fast if you see something that catches your eye, it may be gone quickly due to the area’s popularity. Take a look at homes for sale in Torrance Beach, CA.
Average Rent in Torrance Beach
According to RentCafe, the average rent when living in Torrance Beach is $2,494, and the average apartment size is 845 sq. ft. Be sure to browse some apartments for rent Torrance, CA, and make sure you follow this apartment moving checklist.
Best Neighborhoods in Torrance Beach
Torrance Beach is part of the larger city of Torrance, so while there are technically no neighborhoods in Torrance Beach, you’ll find some wonderful neighborhoods surrounding it.
West Torrance - Family-friendly, mid-century modern homes, walkable
A quiet and family-friendly neighborhood, West Torrance is known for its clean, tree-lined streets and mid-century, single-family homes. It is close to many great schools and within walking distance of some fabulous shopping and restaurants. Residents enjoy nearby parks and the overall feel of safety and security that West Torrance provides.
Hollywood Riviera - Family-friendly, nearby shopping, and restaurants
Hollywood Riviera falls in both Torrance and Redondo Beach. Here, there is a mix of single-family homes alongside older homes. There are also plenty of newly constructed homes with modern amenities. Many Hollywood Riviera homes have ocean views and are within walking distance of shops and restaurants in the Riviera Village.
Central/Plaza Del Amo - Highly desirable, safe, well-kept, close to schools, restaurants, shopping
Centrally located and known for its various gated communities, which include townhomes and condos, as well as single-family detached homes. The environment is quiet and friendly, with easy access to the best shopping and restaurants in the area, as well as the best schools. Conveniently located near the Del Amo Fashion Center.
Torrance Beach Weather & Climate
One of the best parts of living in Torrance Beach is undeniably the weather. Torrance Beach has a warm summer Mediterranean climate, bordering a semi-arid climate. The rainy season in Torrance Beach falls between November and March, and summers tend to be warm but dry.
The average summer temperature in Torrance Beach falls between 70 and 90°F, with lows in the 60s at night. Torrance Beach winters are mild, with temperatures in the 50s during the day and the 40s at night.
Torrance Beach annual rainfall is about 12” and it does not snow in Torrance. While weather is arguably nice year round in Torrance Beach, the best times to visit are August, July, and September for sunny days without rain.
Things to Do in Torrance Beach
There are plenty of things to do in Torrance, especially since it is so close to the beach and has nice weather year round. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities to do in Torrance Beach or things for adults to do in Torrance, we’re sure you’ll enjoy yourself.
Starting with shopping, the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance is a top shopping destination. Shop for the latest trending outfits, enjoy dinner at restaurants like Din Tai Fung Torrance, then catch a movie at the AMC Del Amo 18. Other great places to shop in Torrance Beach include Village Del Amo and the Torrance Crossroads Shopping Center.
This year-round farmers market is held at the very popular Wilson Park. Here you can find fresh local produce, baked goods, flowers, various plants, and more. Visitors say the prices are reasonable and vendors are friendly; they also say that the market gets crowded quickly, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds. The market is currently open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501, 310-781-7520
Described as a “hidden gem” in Torrance, the Western Museum of Flight is located at Zamperini Field. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of aerospace in Southern California. It holds an excellent collection of rare and historically significant aircrafts and even prototypes. This museum is a family-friendly activity in Torrance, as there is a children’s play and hands-on exploration area. Entry is affordable, and parking is free.
3315 Airport Dr, Torrance, CA 90505, 310-326-9544
A beautiful center that hosts many classes, performances, festivals, and cultural events for all ages throughout the year. Guests love the authentic Pine Wind Japanese Garden and say that the entire center is clean and safe. The center can be booked for weddings, meetings, and other events.
3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503, 310-781-7150
Additional Attractions in Torrance Beach
The amount of fun things to do in Torrance don’t stop here. Take a minute and visit the Parks & Rec department website. And be the first to know about local happenings in Torrance Beach with the city of Torrance events calendar.
Restaurants in Torrance Beach
Southern California is known for its diverse food offerings because it is a melting pot of cultures, so you can find almost any type of food you crave while living in Torrance Beach. And since Torrance Beach is right on the Pacific coast, you can also indulge in some of the freshest seafood available.
You won’t find sushi at Kagura Torrance, but you will find plenty of delicious, hearty Japanese cooking. Enjoy crispy tonkatsu, curry, various types of noodles, and risotto dishes. There is even a sake bar with plenty of sophisticated sake options. Diners praise the friendly staff, as well as the freshness of the food and the presentation. The restaurant parking lot is small, so you may have to look for street parking.
1652 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance, CA 90501, 310-787-0227
A world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant known for its soup dumplings, called xiao long bao, and handcrafted noodles. Food is served family style in an elegant setting, and diners can observe cooks making the dumplings by hand through open kitchen windows. Service is always top-notch at Din Tai Fung, and diners rave about the chocolate dumplings and chocolate mochi.
21540 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503, 310-214-1175
A bar and eatery serving American cuisine. The Local Kitchen is a busy local spot that has a sports room in the back and plenty of televisions all around, so diners can watch games while they eat and enjoy a beer or two. Guests love the meatloaf, chicken & waffles, and the tri-tip. If you’re looking to enjoy some comfort food in a laid-back environment, then the Local Kitchen is the place to be.
1321 Sartori Ave, Torrance, CA 90501, 424-337-1321
Jobs in Torrance Beach
According to PayScale, the average salary in Torrance Beach is $91,000, and the average hourly wage is $28 per hour. Top employers in Torrance Beach include Torrance Memorial Medical Center, American Honda Motor Company, and The Boeing Company.
If you’re looking for Torrance Beach jobs, be sure to search the job market on Indeed for employment opportunities. You can also find City of Torrance jobs on the City of Torrance website.
Torrance Schools
The Torrance Unified School District manages 34 public schools in Torrance Beach. Torrance Unified School District serves around 22,150 students living in Torrance Beach, in grades preschool through 12th grade. The school district boasts a 96.6% graduation rate, and many Torrance schools have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools and California Gold Ribbon Schools.
Universities and Private Schools in Torrance Beach
Private schools in Torrance include South Bay Christian School and Ambassador Christian School, which is a middle school and high school. El Camino College, a community college, is located in Torrance. Nearby universities include California State University, Dominguez Hills, and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
The Torrance Public Library offers access, via several different locations, to many wonderful resources to people living in Torrance Beach.
Torrance Statistics & Information
- County: Los Angeles County
- Torrance area: 20.53 square miles
- Torrance zip code: 90277, 90278, 90248, 90501, 90503–90510
- Torrance area code: 310, 424
- Torrance elevation: 89 ft.
- Torrance time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -6 and -7)
- Closest airport to Torrance: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 11 miles from Torrance Beach.
Torrance Map
There are numerous activities to enjoy while living in Torrance Beach. If you’re considering moving to Torrance Beach, be sure to check out this map to find more top restaurants, fun things to do, and much more.
Moving to Torrance Beach? Let Us Do the Heavy Lifting
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