Culturally rich Torrance, incorporated in 1921, is the 4^th largest city in Los Angeles County and the 12^th largest city in California.  On the west side is 1.5 miles of beach at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.  It is located halfway between Los Angeles County and Orange County, 11 miles south of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 17 miles southwest of downtown LA.  Because of location and accessibility to all these areas, as well as excellent city services, affordable housing and an outstanding school system, major corporations are attracted to the beautiful City of Torrance.  Torrance is a diverse community where residential, business and industry enjoy balance and harmony unequalled in Southern California.

Because of the warm temperatures, sea breezes and low humidity Torrance´s temperate climate attracts sunbathers, surfers, cyclists, skaters, and joggers year-round.  The county beachfront path stretches from Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach over 20 miles all the way to Santa Monica, which can be traveled by foot or by wheels with bicycles, skates or skateboards being the main choices. 

You can enjoy the magnificent Pacific sunset as you stroll on the cliffs of the Esplanade, which has a view of the Santa Monica Bay from Palos Verdes to Malibu.   When it comes to entertainment, it´s all there-theatre, movies, music, dancing, athletics and the Pacific Ocean. 

The James R. Armstrong Theatre seats 502 and features superior acoustics, plush seating, flexible lighting, sound and stage.  This theatre hosts a variety of professional and community productions, as well as meetings and seminars.  You can´t miss with this one--there is not a bad seat in the house.   

For you shoppers, Torrance has it all with 7 major shopping centers in Torrance and the neighboring communities, Del Amo Shopping Mall being one of the largest in the country with over 350 shops, boutiques, department stores, smaller vendors, dining and movie theatres.  The Torrance Promenade is another large shopping mall favorite just a short distance due north.  Various other shopping areas include Torrance Cross Roads, Rolling Hills Plaza, Costco, Sam´s, the South Bay Galleria, Manhattan Village Shopping Center, The Avenue at Palos Verdes and many other smaller venues to choose from. 

The prestigious designation of California Distinguished Schools has been consistently awarded to the Torrance Unified School District.  Torrance students´ test scores are among the highest in the state.  The city is focused on community services with 6 public libraries and 46 parks and recreation amenities with planned activities for young and old.