Hey folks, I'm single, late 30s, and The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $113,105 in Torrance. Homes are going for about $1,036,600 on average. Median household income is $113,105, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
44 upvotes
29 Replies
indygirl2023
glad someone said it
40 upvotes
Wesley Martin
+1
40 upvotes
river_amelia17
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Genesis Miller
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
39 upvotes
Harper Stewart
Bought a house here in 2015 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
37 upvotes
Ariana Harris
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
local_hudson2
same here
35 upvotes
Elena R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Everett
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Alexa James
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Arianna B.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Aria L.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Houston it's solid.
26 upvotes
Cora
facts
26 upvotes
Sadie Garcia
Used to live on the South side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
26 upvotes
philly_jack
seconding this
20 upvotes
Amelia Gray
great question, following
20 upvotes
Clara R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Highland schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Genesis Lee
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The walkability is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Brielle
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to walkability but Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Ezra Thomas
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Sofia James
Moved here from New York about 12 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to job market but Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Ethan Stewart
honestly same experience here
13 upvotes
Lily Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 15 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are tough. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Lucas Cook
facts
9 upvotes
Roman Walker
Saving this thread
5 upvotes
Luke Martin
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
3 upvotes
Leo
great question, following
2 upvotes
Silas Ruiz
interesting, hadn't considered that
2 upvotes
Aurora Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Nashville about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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