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Real Estate & Homes in Torrance - Torrance Information
Torrance
Torrance History
When Southern California was still owned by the Spanish, the region now known, as Torrance was included in a larger area called Rancho San Pedro. The region did not take the name Torrance until 1912. That year, a man named Jared Sidney Torrance purchased about 2,800 acres of land from the Dominguez Estate Company. He established the community of Torrance with the vision of creating a welcoming living environment for industrial workers. Torrance was incorporated in 1921 when the population was roughly 1,800. The city charter was approved and filed with the state in 1947. Torrance's development from a small town to one of the largest cities in the county was helped along by a few significant events: the discovery of oil in the 1890s, a planned industrial expansion, and land annexations.
About Torrance
Today, Torrance is the center of economic activity in the region known as the South Bay. The local economy is dominated by the automotive industry, aerospace and oil production. The large Exxon Mobile refinery in Torrance is a major supplier of Southern California's gasoline needs. Several global companies are headquartered in Torrance, including Toyota Motor Sales, USA, American Honda Motor Company, Epson America Incorporated, and Kubota Tractor Corporation. Despite the strong industrial presence, Torrance still fosters a sense of community through extensive public facilities, year-round community events, and a strong respect for cultural diversity and interaction. Of note is the city's relationship with Kashiwa, Japan. Torrance and Kashiwa have a Sister City agreement that fosters continued education and understanding of each community's culture. The relationship has led to student exchange programs, information exchange between libraries of the two cities and pen pal programs.
As well, Torrance hosts several cultural festivals each year. These events celebrate German, Greek and Italian foods and traditions. Because of Torrance's location, stretching from the Pacific Ocean almost to the intersection of Interstates 110 and 405, the city is diverse in its layout and atmosphere. City limits incorporate a stretch of beach, an oil refinery, one of the largest malls in the country, corporate office space and a variety of housing options. Housing development in Torrance hit its peak in the 1950s, but continued strongly through the 1980s. As in many large cities, neighborhoods vary in styles and values. Midrange homes are located closer to Interstate 405 in original tract neighborhoods. More exclusive properties are closer to the ocean, and many of these are custom designed and built.
Activities
The main, free-time activities in Torrance are centered on the outstanding public facilities, the beach, a thriving arts community, and year-round community events. In addition, Torrance is within driving distance to many other arts, educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities throughout Southern California. Torrance has 24 parks, covering approximately 300 acres. The largest facilities are Wilson Park at 44 acres and Columbia Park at 52 acres. The entire park system provides courts and fields for many sports, plus ample open space and playgrounds for kids. Recreational classes managed by the city are held in the meeting rooms at parks throughout the city; the weekend and playground activity at Wilson Park was awarded the South Bay's Best designation by Copley Newspapers. A public golf course and swimming pool are available at Columbia Park.
Another natural site to see is the Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Preserve. Madrona is a vernal marsh, the last remaining in Los Angeles County, meaning that it is fed by storm run-off. The marsh dries up each year mid-summer, only to be flooded again once the rainy season starts. The marsh creates a unique environment for many species of birds, insects and reptiles. Torrance State Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of sand that always has a summer crowd. The beach, located just north of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, marks the beginning of the strand bike path that runs north through Redondo and Manhattan Beach. There are also hiking trails, which wind towards the cliffs of the peninsula. Beach visitors have to park on a hill and walk down to the sand; this separation from the street provides a relaxing atmosphere of seclusion. With great waves and beachfront coves, Torrance State Beach is popular with both surfers and families.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the many groups and venues that cater to the fine and performing arts. South Bay Center for the Arts, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, South Bay Conservatory and the Palos Verdes Players are all based in Torrance. South Bay Center for the Arts is located at El Camino College and host’s performances by the college's theatre, dance, band, and choral groups. The Torrance Cultural Center features a community meeting hall, the Ken Miller Recreation Center, Torino Festival Plaza, the relaxing Pine Wind Japanese Garden, and a fine arts gallery. For a taste of European culture, Torrance residents can peruse the shops and restaurants of Alpine Village. It is called "The Little City from the Alps" for its themed buildings, boutique shops, dining and entertainment. Alpine Village is also home to one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the world. Other celebrations in Torrance include the Friendship Festival, Wine Tasting and Gourmet Food Festival, the Daily Breeze International Surf Festival and the very popular Armed Forces Day Observance. Shopping in Torrance is plentiful. Numerous outdoor shopping centers provide space for national and independent retailers and grocery stores. The Del Amo Fashion Center, a multi-level, indoor complex, is one of the largest malls in the country. The facility was once two separate malls that were merged together in the 1970s. A major modernization is currently underway, promising to make the Del Amo Fashion Center a preferred Torrance destination in the future.
Schools
Torrance has an excellent reputation for public education. Students consistently produce above average scores on standardized testing, and several of Torrance's schools have been designated California Exemplary Schools. Public education in Torrance is provided by Torrance and Los Angeles unified school districts. The Torrance district manages 30 of the 33 campuses in the city, and serves almost 25,000 students. The three remaining campuses outside of the Torrance district are Halldale Elementary, Meyler Street Elementary, and Van Deene Avenue Elementary; these schools are under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles Unified School District. Also of note is Torrance High School's popularity with the entertainment industry. The facility was used as the backdrop for Beverly Hills 90210, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and She's All That. Torrance is home to several vocational training schools and El Camino College. El Camino has a full-time enrollment of about 13,000. Other nearby options for higher education include University of Southern California, Los Angeles Harbor College, Los Angeles Southwest College, and California State University at Dominguez Hills.
Torrance Fast Facts
Location: Torrance is located in Los Angeles County, about halfway between Long Beach and Manhattan Beach. Los Angeles International Airport is about 10 miles north of Torrance. The city's proximity to Interstates 110 and 405 makes travel throughout Los Angeles and Orange County's relatively convenient.
Total area*: 20.5 square miles
Population*: 137,946
Housing units*: 55,967
Average annual rainfall: 14.1 inches
Average temperatures: summer, 70; winter, 57
*Information provided by 2000 Census
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