Torrance Real Estate Market Intelligence
Torrance is a prominent city in California's South Bay region, known for its blend of residential neighborhoods and commercial centers. The city's housing market reflects its desirability, with a median home value of $828,668. The average home size is reported at 1,125 square feet, indicating a market with a mix of housing types. The homeownership rate stands at 48.9%, while the renter-occupied rate is slightly higher at 51.1%, showing a fairly balanced split between owners and renters. The median gross rent is $1,991 per month.
The local mortgage market is active, with a total of 26,904 HMDA loan originations. Conventional loans dominate this activity, accounting for 24,474 of these originations. Government-backed lending also plays a role, with 1,919 FHA originations and 511 VA loan originations. Key postal areas for the city include 90501 and 90503. The median household income in Torrance is $93,253, providing context for the area's purchasing power and housing costs.
Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 61 neighborhoods in Torrance.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $828,668 |
| Median Gross Rent | $1,991/mo |
| Median Household Income | $93,253 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 59 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $779 |
| Average Home Size | 1,125 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 48.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.1% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 31.1% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 3.4% |
| Inventory Level | Moderate |
| Market Type | Balanced |
History
Torrance was founded in 1911 by Jared Sidney Torrance as a planned industrial garden city, modeled on the City Beautiful movement, with initial designs by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
The city was a major site for oil discovery and production in the 1920s, with the iconic Torrance Oil Field shaping its early economic growth and landscape.
During World War II, Torrance became a critical center for defense manufacturing, hosting industries that produced aircraft parts and other materials, which diversified its industrial base beyond oil.
Life in Torrance
Torrance boasts a uniquely blended culture, heavily influenced by its large Japanese American community and its industrial roots. This is most deliciously experienced in the sprawling Mitsuwa Marketplace and the numerous authentic Japanese restaurants and bakeries throughout the city. The community calendar is filled with events like the Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade, one of the nation's largest, and the lively Torrance Cultural Arts Center provides a hub for performances. Dining ranges from classic American fare at old school diners to exceptional Korean BBQ and Hawaiian plate lunches, reflecting its diverse population. The lifestyle is active yet relaxed, with residents utilizing over 30 parks, the extensive trail system along the former Red Car railway, and easy beach access at Torrance Beach and the Strand.
Buyer Profile
The typical Torrance homebuyer is often a employed professional or a dual income household, frequently drawn by stable jobs in the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, or engineering sectors prevalent in the South Bay. Many are young families or established couples prioritizing the city's highly regarded Torrance Unified School District and the safety of its neighborhoods. Their motivation is frequently a desire for a true community feel with top tier amenities, but without the extreme premium of neighboring coastal cities like Redondo or Hermosa Beach. They are looking for well maintained, single family homes, often post war builds or newer developments, valuing functional layouts and outdoor space within the average 1,125 square foot footprint. A significant segment are also local renters, who after experiencing the lifestyle, decide to transition to homeownership, competing in a market where nearly half of the units are owner occupied.
Market Trends
The Torrance market is currently in a balanced state, a notable shift from the severe seller's markets of recent years. The moderate inventory level and 59 day average market time suggest a more measured pace, giving buyers a reasonable window to make decisions. While the median home price sits at $908,000, the price per square foot of $779 indicates that value is carefully scrutinized. The rental market remains tight, with a low vacancy rate of 3.35% and a median rent of $1,990, which contributes to the rent to income ratio of 31.1%. This competitive rental environment continues to push financially capable renters toward purchasing, supporting stable demand. The balanced market type means neither buyers nor sellers have a decisive upper hand, leading to more normalized negotiations and contingent offers becoming feasible again.
Local Insider Tip
Beyond the popular Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance hides a network of exceptional neighborhood parks and nature preserves that feel worlds away from the city. The Madrona Marsh Preserve, a 44 acre freshwater wetland in the heart of the city, is a serene spot for birdwatching and walking trails, offering a quiet, natural escape that most outsiders would never expect to find in such an industrially robust city.
Why People Move to Torrance
Access to top rated public schools within the Torrance Unified School District, consistently ranked among the best in the state.
A major employment center with corporate headquarters and industrial hubs, providing exceptional job stability and short commutes for residents.
A rich, diverse cultural and dining scene, particularly renowned for its authentic Japanese markets, restaurants, and cultural influences.
A perfect blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience, featuring extensive parks, recreation facilities, and easy freeway access to both Los Angeles and Orange County.
Selected Real Estate Professionals (12)
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 12 agents serving Torrance who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 12 Agents
- Ashish Himat Bhagat (5 stars, 270+ reviews, listed)
- Harn-Chir Hsiao (5 stars, 130+ reviews, listed)
- A Kathrina Mc Elhinnie (5 stars, 90+ reviews, listed)
- Ana Glunts (5 stars, 90+ reviews, listed)
- Alfredo Banuelos (5 stars, 70+ reviews, listed)
- Alyssa Nagasako (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Guido Jenniges (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Gordon Choi (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Alice J Rodriguez (4.9 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Amitkumar Suratchandra Bhagat (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Aylwin Akio Agena (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Anne Elizabeth Rivas (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
Contact
Phone: (310) 753-7016
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.propertycove.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/The%20Bhagat%20Group
20+ years experience
380+ career transactions[2]
20+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $115K to $5.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his active community development and mentorship roles, combined with a perfect 5-star rating from 287 reviews. His 20-year career is distinguished by an analytical engineering approach and international market expertise.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
mentor at Real Estate Industry[6]
Notable Achievements
5-Star Rating Achievement
287 Five-Star Reviews
19 Years of Real Estate Experience
Engineering Background
Global Career Experience
Verified Specialties
Property Management, residential real estate, buyers, sellers, property valuation, negotiation, luxury properties, investment analysis, innovative marketing, first-time buyers, international clients[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (310) 720-7933
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://kimberlydoner.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Kimberly%20Doner
16+ years experience
220+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $525K to $3.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his perfect 5-star rating across 143 reviews and 235 transactions, averaging $1.3M. His 16-year expertise in the premium market and recognition by GCAAR and Real Trends demonstrate consistent top-tier performance.
Notable Achievements
235 Career Transactions
27 Transactions in Past 12 Months
Perfect Review Rating
Premium Market Specialist
Verified Specialties
Relocation[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (310) 525-7653
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.leveluprealtyllc.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Tiffany%20McGuinness
33+ years experience
240+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $400K to $2.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her exceptional community involvement and leadership, combined with a perfect 5-star rating across 104 reviews. Her unique perspective and dedicated client advocacy further distinguish her professional service.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Committee Member at South Bay Association of Realtors[6]
Volunteer at Local Homelessness or Housing Charity[6]
Member at Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce[6]
Mentor at Level Up Realty LLC or Local Realty Association[6]
Notable Achievements
Five-Star Client Rating
5-star client rating
Exceptional Client Satisfaction
Extreme Sports Achievement
Verified Specialties
Relocation, client empathy, personalized service, human-centered approach, client-centered approach, relationship building, empathetic guidance, relationship-focused service, Client-focused service, Transaction guidance[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (424) 903-9319
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.joshuacolt.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Realtybyjosh
20+ years experience
230+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $436K to $2.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement and support of local causes, Ana Glunts combines this with a perfect 5-star rating from over 100 reviews and notable industry credentials.
Notable Achievements
Years Active
Nearly Two Decades of Experience
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS)
5-Star Reviews
Five-Star Rating Achievement
Press Mentions
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, residential real estate, first-time buyers, life transitions, Luxury homes, High-value transactions, buyers, sellers, real estate investments[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (323) 833-9824
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.eversellingla.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/EverBanuelos
22+ years experience
110+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $168K to $1.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his two decades of market expertise and exceptional 5-star rating across 89 reviews, demonstrating consistent client satisfaction. His professional insights are recognized by leading industry publications.
Notable Achievements
Over 20 Years Experience
89 Five-Star Reviews
Client Satisfaction
21 Years Real Estate Experience
Founded EB Group
Industry Recognition
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Property Management, Investment Properties, home selling, home buying, residential real estate, family homeownership, residential sales, market analysis, family home transactions, buyer representation, seller representation, real estate advisory services[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (310) 241-3038
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/itooriogroup
14+ years experience
350+ career transactions[2]
20+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $415K to $8.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community leadership with AAPCHO and board service. She demonstrates exceptional client results with 63 five-star reviews and over 13 years of recognized expertise.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
board member at AAPCHO (Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations)[6]
Notable Achievements
5-Star Rating
5-Star Client Rating
13+ Years Experience
63 Client Reviews
Five-Star Client Reviews
13+ Years Real Estate Experience
Verified Specialties
Property Management, Buyer Specialist, Purchase transactions, Buyer representation[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (310) 874-6872
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Guido%20Jenniges
35+ years experience
130+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $590K to $1.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his 35-year career of deep community involvement and leadership roles. He maintains a perfect 5-star rating across 63 reviews and has completed 143 transactions, with recent sales averaging $861,000.
Notable Achievements
Century 21 Hall of Fame
14x Centurion Agent
Top 1% Nationally - Century 21 System
35 Years Real Estate Experience
143 Total Transactions
#1 Associate at Century 21 Amber
Perfect 5-Star Rating
Degree in City Administration and Marketing
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Foreclosure, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (310) 927-1115
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://tinachoi.kw.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/tinachoi16
25+ years experience
30+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $149K to $886K[4]
Why selected: Selected for their dedicated community involvement in the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles Area, combined with a strong track record as a certified negotiator and market analyst.
Verified Specialties
Property Management[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (310) 738-2511
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://arod.kw.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Alice%20Rodriguez
20+ years experience
140+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $115K to $1.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her nearly 20-year tenure, 4.9-star average from 28 reviews, and consistent client success. She stands out through deep market expertise, smooth transaction management, and active professional community involvement.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Director at Childrens Home Society Of California & Affiliated Chapters[6]
Director at Childrens Home Society Of California[6]
Notable Achievements
Real Estate Experience
Client Satisfaction Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Commercial Properties, Property Management, client service, buyer representation, seller representation, elevated service, client care, success-oriented approach[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (424) 404-8478
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.propertycove.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/surbhi%20bhagat
9+ years experience
60+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $415K to $2.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his strong community connections and dedication to mentoring emerging professionals, Amitkumar Bhagat also delivers a perfect 5-star rating across 26 reviews. His 20-year career combines a unique global perspective with technical expertise.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
mentor at Real Estate Industry[6]
Notable Achievements
Perfect 5-Star Rating
Nearly 20 Years Experience
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Foreclosure, Property Management, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Military/Veterans, Luxury Homes, Senior Communities, innovative marketing strategies, engineering background, global market experience, client-first approach, luxury properties, first-time buyers[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (310) 370-4010
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.southbayhomesforyou.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/TheATeamRealtors
51+ years experience
230+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $15K to $2.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his 50 years of experience and deep community roots, which carry the highest weight in our ranking. He maintains a perfect 5-star rating across 25 reviews, demonstrating exceptional client service.
Notable Achievements
50 Years Real Estate Experience
Perfect 5-Star Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, Investment Properties, residential sales, seller representation, family team approach, experienced broker, family team, full-service real estate[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (310) 621-1033
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.annarivasrealty.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AnnaRivasRealty
7+ years experience
10+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $304K to $1.8M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her active community engagement and leadership roles, combined with a perfect 5-star rating across 23 client reviews. Her strategic, corporate background further distinguishes her professional service.
Notable Achievements
5-Star Client Rating
Verified Specialties
New Construction, buyers, sellers, market analysis, client education, relationship management[4]
Cities Served
Torrance, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).