Torrance, California
Torrance is situated in southwestern Los Angeles County, in an area commonly referred to as the South Bay, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. It is bordered by the cities of Lawndale and Gardena to the north; the Harbor Gateway district of the city of Los Angeles to the east; the cities of Lomita, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the south; and the the city of Redondo Beach and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The population of the city of Torrance was 145,438 during the 2010 census and is currently estimated at 147,478, making the city the 8th largest municipality in Los Angeles County.
Climate
Torrance enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and a rainy season November through March. Annual precipitation averages 14.7 inches. Due to the city’s location near the Pacific Ocean, a coastal microclimate creates temperature gradients of more than one degree per mile from the coast extending inland. As a result, Torrance can be notably cooler than areas to the east of the city during the summer, and warmer during the winter. Torrance is also subject to a coastal weather phenomenon called “May Gray” or “June Gloom” by locals, which frequently causes overcast or foggy skies and cool temperatures in the morning followed by bright sunshine and noticeably warmer temperatures by by mid-day. The warmest month is August, with an average high temperature of 79 degrees, and the coldest month is January, with an average high of 66 degrees.
Economy and amenities
Torrance is home to several major employers in the automotive, aerospace, medical, energy, and technology sectors. The city features an extensive selection of public parks and private recreational facilities. The city also offers one of the nation’s largest shopping malls — the 2.5 million sq. ft. Del Amo Fashion Center, which is currently undergoing major refurbishment and expansion.
Torrance real estate
Torrance encompasses a diverse assortment of neighborhoods and housing, with homes for sale ranging from relatively affordable condos and townhomes, to luxury homes exceeding $2 million. The current median sale price is $628,000 — slightly above the median sale price for greater Los Angeles.