Neighborhood Spotlight: Old Torrance
Neighborhood Spotlight: Old Torrance
Old Torrance is the perfect match,whether you are young or old! Have you ever wanted to go back in time? A place where friends can come and hang out at their favorite bakery or restaurant. A neighborhood that still has historical buildings which tell the story of the founders. Come to OLD TORRANCE!
Old Torrance began as an industrial town; born in 1912. Pasadena businessman J. Sidney Torrance envisioned the settlement as a model industrial town. But Mr Torrance also thought about the people and the lifestyle that would make OLD TORRANCE a family-friendly neighborhood. Mr Torrance said ” “It is not charity, but mighty good business. See how it works. The man who has clean air to breath, who has a good home and pleasant surroundings comes to work in the morning in better condition to do the labor required of him. It is mental as well as physical health that must be offered him.” So the migration from Los Angeles to Torrance began when Torrance hired landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., to develop the town plan. Olmsted — the son of the famed Central Park designer and later the co-author of influential reports on Southern California’s parks and roadways — came to the project with a reputation for integrating natural elements into urban spaces.
Torrance High School has been a popular movie and TV location. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the cast of “Beverly Hills 90201” all “attended” Torrance High School! Attending students were able to be in the “crowd”. One of the most famous alumni was World War II Prisoner of War, Louie Zamperini . He was on the Torrance High School track team and an Olympic distance runner in the 1936 Olympics.
Old Torrance is home to many wonderful restaurants. Starting with old favorites Eat at Rudy’s, to one of the many Torrance Breweries, Red Car Brewery as well as one of the brand new additions, Kitchen Restoration and Wine, you can enjoy many different ethnic flavors.
On one Sunday each month, stroll through the Torrance Antique Street Faire. Find that one unique item among the many vendors selling glassware, jewelry, books, antique & vintage furniture and more!
For great nightlife, come out to The Torrance Theater Company at 1316 Cabrillo Ave. This intimate theater seats 50…so it’s an “upclose & personal view” of some of the finest actors in Southern California. For Tickets go to the Torrance Theatre Company website. The best entertainment for just $30!
So why do families move to OLD TORRANCE ? For the highly rated SCHOOLS !! Such as Torrance Elementary and Madrona Middle School!
El Prado Park, a green belt parkway surrounded by eucalyptus trees on El Prado Ave with vintage homes on either side of the park. Bring a book or picnic and enjoy the warm breezes on almost any day.
As I mentioned, Vintage homes, many of the homes in OLD TORRANCE were built in the early 1900’s. Post Ave is known for some of the mini-mansions of that time. If you love craftsman style homes or Mediterranean designed, this is the neighborhood for you! It’s time to go home shopping!
Click to View Old Torrance Homes for Sale
So whether you are first time buyer, considering a home with a 2nd unit or looking to move-up to a large classic home, you have many choices here. Call Carol Gilles at 310-864-9738 for a private showing.