Torrance, California, is truly a special place. Located in Los Angeles County on the desirable Santa Monica Bay, Torrance is sandwiched squarely between the pricier neighborhoods of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach and the vibrant Long Beach. The proximity to all sorts of varying neighborhood types and the comparatively lower rents makes Torrance a great place for practically everybody. Even you, because we know you’re special, too. There's an apartment in Torrance that's right for you.
We've established that Torrance looks great
Torrance, California, is truly a special place. Located in Los Angeles County on the desirable Santa Monica Bay, Torrance is sandwiched squarely between the pricier neighborhoods of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach and the vibrant Long Beach. The proximity to all sorts of varying neighborhood types and the comparatively lower rents makes Torrance a great place for practically everybody. Even you, because we know you’re special, too. There's an apartment in Torrance that's right for you.
We've established that Torrance looks great. So what? There are a lot of things in Los Angeles that look great, but don't have much else going for them. Well, like we said before, Torrance is truly a special place. The city operates 30 parks, including the Mardona Marsh Wildlife Preserve and Nature Center, a rare wetlands park with many species of native plants, hiking trails and nature classes.
Neighborhoods
Like most Los Angeles County cities, Torrance's neighborhoods are subject to the prices of the surrounding areas, and the closer you are to the beach, the more expensive your rent is going to be.
West Torrance
So, let's start with West Torrance, which is generally considered to be The Torrance Area. Walk to the beach, bike to Santa Monica, live the dream. Though rental types vary from new construction to older rental homes, the cost of beach proximity jacks up rental prices from anywhere between $1400 to $1700 for a two bedroom. If you're dead set on beach living on budget, be prepared to make major sacrifices when it comes to budget and space in West Torrance.
North Torrance
It has close proximity to Redondo and Hermosa Beach. Expect to pay between $1500 and $2000 for a two bedroom in this area.
South and East Torrance
South and east Torrance border on Long Beach. The area has slightly cheaper rents. A large number of new constructions around Anza and Lomita Boulevards provide living options for a reasonable price, too. Two bedrooms in this area generally range from $1100 to $1400.
Rentals: Types and Tips
Speaking of recent construction, the new buildings popping up have made Torrance's apartment scene variable. Once dominated by outdated 70s style rentals, new construction of larger and more modern condos and apartment complexes have diversified the market. Newer rentals have more interesting floor plans and more amenities, including swimming pools and on-site laundry.
These newer and larger apartment complexes are generally listed with realtors, which charge slightly more in credit check fees and have a more rigorous application process than private owners. Smaller, older units, as well as private rental houses can generally be found without the aid of a realtor on apartment websites (cough, apartmentlist, cough), as well as in Torrance's local paper, which is adorably named The Daily Breeze.
The wide variety of apartments also means that the rental market is less competitive than the surrounding areas. That said, you can’t just waltz into the area and expect to find a place the same day. Make sure you start your apartment search about 30 to 60 days before your move-in date in order to guarantee your beach pad before you relocate.
Public Transport
Torrance is serviced by both its own small-scale intercity bus company -- which operates locally and into Redondo and Long Beach -- and Los Angeles' LACMTA Metro bus that can get Torrance residents to downtown LA.
Good luck out there!
