The Torrance We Love: 20 Facts That Make Our City Special
- sharon4torrance
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Torrance is more than just a place on the map. It’s a community built on history, beauty, and the people who call it home. From our beautiful coastline and vibrant local businesses to our parks, schools, and cultural traditions, there are countless reasons residents are proud to live here and businesses call it home.
As I meet neighbors across our city, I’m constantly reminded of how special this community truly is. The Torrance we love is shaped by its past, strengthened by its people, and full of opportunity for the future. Here are 20 facts that highlight what makes our city such a remarkable place to call home.
20 Facts About The Torrance We Love in California
Torrance was founded in 1912 by real estate developer Jared Sidney Torrance as a planned industrial and residential community. As a "Modern Industrial City," it was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Olmsted’s other notable projects were working on the White House Grounds and the Jefferson Memorial.
Torrance is one of the largest cities in Los Angeles County, home to about 143,000 residents. During the workweek, the population rises to over 250,000 people as employees commute into the city each day.
Del Amo Fashion Center is one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, attracting visitors from across Southern California. It is the largest in the Western United States
Torrance has more than 30 public parks, providing green space for sports, walking, recreation, and family gatherings.
Wilson Park is one of the city’s most beloved gathering spaces, hosting community events, sports leagues, and the farmers market. Wilson Park spans over 44 acres, making it one of the largest parks in the city. While Columbia Park is larger, Wilson Park is the most visited.
Torrance is known for its cultural diversity, with vibrant Japanese, Korean, and other international communities that contribute to the city’s character.
Torrance is the birthplace of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).
The Madrona Marsh Preserve is one of the last remaining natural wetlands in the South Bay, providing an important habitat for wildlife and a peaceful place for residents to explore. Madrona Marsh Preserve is a rare vernal wetland ecosystem, meaning its pools fill seasonally with rainwater and support unique plant and animal life.
The Torrance Rose Float Association has proudly represented the city in the Rose Parade, showcasing community creativity and volunteer spirit. The Torrance Rose Float has won multiple awards in the Rose Parade, including the Princess Award for its float in the 2026 Rose Parade. 2026 was the 70th year that Torrance participated in the parade.
Torrance enjoys an average of about 279 sunny days per year, one of the many reasons residents love calling it home. The average high 71.4 degrees and the average low is 53.6 degrees.
Torrance was one of the first master-planned communities in Southern California, designed to integrate residential neighborhoods with industry and commerce.
Torrance is a big film destination for movies. Key movies filmed there include She’s All That, Jackie Brown, Bad Santa, Bruce Almighty, The Dark Knight Rises, Not Another Teen Movie, Gone in 60 Seconds (1974), and Scarface.
Many scenes from the TV show Beverly Hills, 90210 were filmed at Torrance High School, including the school’s iconic front entrance. Torrance High School is also famous for She's All That, Not Another Teen Movie, Whatever It Takes, Wild Things 3, and Cursed.
Torrance is home to one of the largest Japanese American populations, which has helped shape the city’s food, culture, and community events.
Torrance has more than 90 miles of sidewalks and walking paths, helping residents stay active and connected to their neighborhoods.
The city’s original founders envisioned Torrance as a “model industrial city,” with planned neighborhoods and thoughtful infrastructure.
The Annual Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot Fun Run has been a tradition in Torrance for almost 50 years. This three-mile fun run is each Thanksgiving morning, and is a wonderful community event.
The Torrance Antique Street Faire attracts collectors and visitors several times a year, celebrating the charm of Old Torrance. Usually, this is the 4th weekend of every month.
Torrance beach serves as the southern starting point of the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand. There are 1.5 beautiful miles of coastline.
Perhaps the most important fact: Torrance’s greatest strength is its people—residents who care deeply about their neighborhoods, schools, and future.
Torrance has a remarkable story, one shaped by innovation, community pride, and generations of residents who have built something special here. As I meet people across our city, I’m reminded that what truly makes Torrance extraordinary isn’t just its history or its landmarks. It’s the people who call it home.
FAQs About Torrance, CA
Where is Torrance, CA located?
Torrance is located ~20 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles.
What is the demographic makeup of Torrance? The city has a diverse population, with significant Asian (approx. 37%) and Caucasian (approx. 36%) populations. It also has one of the largest populations of Japanese-Americans in the U.S.
When is the Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration in Torrance?
This annual event in Torrance, California, is the Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration, held every third Saturday in May. Founded in 1960. This is the longest- running Department of Defense-sanctioned municipal procession in the country.
What is Torrance, California close to?
6 miles to Dignity Health Sports Park
8 miles to SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome and Kia Forum
9 miles for LAX
11 miles for Santa Monica Pier
20 miles to Crypto.Com Arena
21 Miles to Dodger Stadium
28 Miles to Disneyland
29 Miles to Universal Studios
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