Avoid Moving to Torrance California Unless You Can Handle These 7 Things

Summary

In this video, local Los Angeles realtor Shira Adato shares seven crucial reasons why you might want to reconsider moving to Torrance, California. While Torrance boasts many benefits, it also has significant downsides, such as a lack of walkability, poor air quality due to nearby industrial plants, heavy traffic, and a high cost of living. The city’s weather can be gloomy during certain months, and while earthquakes are a constant concern in California, Torrance is no exception. Additionally, Torrance's suburban vibe lacks the character and charm of other California cities. Shira offers insights based on personal experience to help viewers make an informed decision.

Takeaways

• 😀 Torrance lacks walkability, with wide streets and busy intersections making it challenging to walk around, though Old Torrance is more walkable.
• 😀 Torrance's air quality is impacted by nearby industrial facilities like oil refineries and chemical plants, though efforts are being made to improve it.
• 😀 Traffic congestion is a major issue in Torrance, both within the city and on major freeways, particularly around the 405 and 110 freeway entrances.
• 😀 The weather in Torrance is mild but lacks distinct seasons, with phenomena like May Gray and June Gloom bringing gloomy mornings.
• 😀 Earthquakes are a risk in Torrance, with occasional tremors that can be unsettling, but earthquake insurance is costly with high deductibles.
• 😀 Torrance has a higher cost of living than the national average, with housing prices often exceeding a million dollars for modest homes.
• 😀 Despite being more affordable than some neighboring cities, Torrance's cost of living remains higher, including expenses for utilities, groceries, and healthcare.
• 😀 Torrance’s public schools are highly rated compared to LAUSD, saving families the cost of private schooling.
• 😀 Torrance is often described as lacking character and architectural charm, with a mid-century suburban aesthetic and a lack of distinctive landmarks.
• 😀 Old Torrance is the exception, offering historic charm with tree-lined streets, Craftsman homes, and a quaint downtown area.
• 😀 While Torrance offers great amenities and a laid-back lifestyle, these factors should be weighed against the drawbacks when considering moving here.

Q & A

What is the main reason Shira Adato recommends watching this video before moving to Torrance?

Shira emphasizes the importance of understanding the drawbacks of living in Torrance before making a move, especially highlighting reasons that are often overlooked by others, with a specific focus on a concern not frequently discussed in other resources.

What is Torrance's walkability like?

Torrance is not considered a highly walkable city due to its wide streets and busy intersections, making it challenging for pedestrians. Although Old Torrance has some walkability, most areas require a car to get around.

How does Torrance's air quality compare to other areas?

Torrance's air quality has been a concern due to the presence of industrial facilities like oil refineries and chemical plants, leading to higher levels of pollutants. Areas closer to the beach tend to have better air quality, but the city is working on improving the situation.

What is the traffic situation like in Torrance?

Traffic in Torrance can be quite congested, both on freeways and local roads. Major streets like Hawthorne Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway, and Torrance Boulevard often experience heavy traffic, with bottlenecks even outside typical rush hours.

What are the weather challenges in Torrance?

While Southern California generally enjoys pleasant weather, Torrance experiences periods of overcast skies, especially during May and June, due to a phenomenon known as 'May Gray' and 'June Gloom.' Additionally, residents do not experience true seasons like fall or winter, which may be disappointing to those used to a more varied climate.

How does Torrance handle the risk of earthquakes?

Torrance, like many parts of California, is at risk of earthquakes. While the area hasn't experienced a major disaster recently, residents have felt tremors. Earthquake insurance is available but is expensive, with high deductibles, leading some people to skip coverage.

How does the cost of living in Torrance compare to other areas?

The cost of living in Torrance is higher than the national average and more expensive than most cities in California. Housing prices typically start around a million dollars for a modest home. However, neighborhoods like North Torrance and Southeast Torrance offer more affordable options.

What are the benefits of Torrance's public schools?

Torrance is known for its highly-rated public schools, which offer an alternative to expensive private schools, providing an advantage for families moving to the area.

What makes Old Torrance a notable area in the city?

Old Torrance is the historic heart of the city, featuring charming tree-lined streets and a downtown area with bakeries, coffee shops, and antique stores. It offers a more walkable environment and historical charm compared to other parts of the city.

What is the general architectural style and feel of Torrance?

Torrance has a mid-century suburban feel with a lack of distinctive architectural character. It is often described as bland, with many strip malls and little to no iconic or charming features found in other Californian cities like San Francisco or Santa Barbara.