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Torrance, CA

Frequently asked questions

Torrance, CA

Torrance is a coastal city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, located in southwest Los Angeles County, California, United States. The city is part of what is known as the South Bay region of the metropolitan area. A small section of the city, 1.5 miles (2.4 km), abuts the Pacific Ocean. Torrance has a moderate year-round climate with an average rainfall of 12 inches (300 mm) per year. Torrance was incorporated in 1921, and at the 2020 census had a population of 147,067 residents. Torrance has a beachfront and has 30 parks located around the city. It is also the birthplace of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

Torrance is a coastal community in southwestern Los Angeles County sharing the climate and geographical features common to the Greater Los Angeles area. Its boundaries are Redondo Beach Boulevard and the cities of Lawndale and Gardena to the north; Western Avenue and the Harbor Gateway neighborhood of Los Angeles to the east; the Palos Verdes Hills with the cities of Lomita, Rolling Hills Estates, and Palos Verdes Estates on the south; and the Pacific Ocean and the cities of Redondo Beach and Carson to the west.

The western portion of Torrance is in ZIP Code 90277 which is a city of Redondo Beach postal address. It is about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Downtown Los Angeles.

Torrance Beach lies between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove on Santa Monica Bay. The southernmost stretch of Torrance Beach, on a cove at the northern end of the Palos Verdes peninsula, is known to locals as Rat Beach (Right After Torrance).

An urban wetland, the Madrona Marsh is a nature preserve on land once set for oil production and saved from development, with restoration projects enhancing the vital habitat for birds, wildlife, and native plants.

For thousands of years, the area where Torrance is located was part of the Tongva Native American homeland. The land that is now part of the City of Torrance and much of the modern South Bay was part of the extensive marshlands.

In 1784, the Spanish Crown deeded Rancho San Pedro (including present-day Torrance), a tract of over 75,000 acres (300 km2) in the province of Las Californias of New Spain, to soldier Juan José Domínguez. It was later divided in 1846, with Governor Pío Pico granting Rancho de los Palos Verdes to José Loreto and Juan Capistrano Sepulveda in the Alta California territory of independent Mexico. 

Torrance focuses on health and wellness. There are two major hospitals in Torrance: Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Little Company of Mary Hospital. A third hospital, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, lies just outside the city limits (in unincorporated West Carson). The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Torrance Health Center in Harbor Gateway, Los Angeles. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the City of Torrance's Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include YMCA Torrance-South Bay, Planet Fitness, and UFC Gym. Discover the walking and hiking trails in and around Torrance, such as the Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve and the South Coast Botanic Garden. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Torrance, CA are Torrance Art Museum, Western Museum of Flight, and Charles H. Wilson Park.

Population: 139,576 (2024). ZIP codes: 90501–90510. Area codes: 310, 424. Elevation: 89 ft (27 m). Area: 21 square miles (12,312 acres).

FAQs

Is Torrance, CA a Good Place to Live?

Torrance is in Los Angeles County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Torrance offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Torrance, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Torrance and residents tend to be liberal. 

Is Torrance, CA cheap to live in?

Torrance, California's cost of living is 70% higher than the national average. Torrance's housing expenses are 211% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 11% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 28% higher than the national average.

Is Torrance, CA considered Los Angeles?

Torrance is a coastal city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, located in southwest Los Angeles County, California, United States. The city is part of what is known as the South Bay region of the metropolitan area. A small section of the city, 1.5 miles (2.4 km), abuts the Pacific Ocean.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Torrance

Los Angeles County

Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Little Company of Mary Hospital

Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

Los Angeles County Department of Health Services

Torrance's Parks and Recreation Department

YMCA Torrance-South Bay

Planet Fitness 

UFC Gym

Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve

South Coast Botanic Garden

Torrance Art Museum

Western Museum of Flight

Charles H. Wilson Park

Niche

Payscale

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