So, I'm a remote worker and You can expect to pay around $2,214 for rent here. Homes are going for about $1,036,600 on average. Crime rate is something to consider — Torrance sits at 192.9 per 100K. With a population of 143K, Torrance is a mid-size city. The median home value here is around $1,036,600, which is pretty steep. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Diverse community
- Strong sense of community
- Plenty of shopping options
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Limited nightlife
- Boring for young people
- Limited cultural events
Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks in advance! The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
22 upvotes
21 Replies
Kaylee M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Addison Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 30, moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Downtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
36 upvotes
Ethan Williams
I'm a sales manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Quinn Hernandez
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much established but now it's tough.
32 upvotes
Madeline Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 14 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Joe R.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The dating scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Ellie P.
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Ian Foster
this is the way
27 upvotes
phoenix_ruby
noted, appreciate it
27 upvotes
Cheryl M.
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
26 upvotes
Evelyn Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Hailey B.
noted, appreciate it
22 upvotes
Isabelle T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Seattle about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Theodore Diaz
wish I knew this sooner
21 upvotes
Ezra Jimenez
I've lived in South for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The weather scene is decent
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Victoria Kelly
been saying this for years
17 upvotes
sdwalker2021
Moved here from Chicago about 9 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Jonathan Wilson
great question, following
8 upvotes
Emilia Nelson
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in North area are decent. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Jace Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 1 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Sophie White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 42, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Greenfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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