Old Torrance Neighborhood Apartments for Rent

The pleasant Old Torrance Neighborhood is a mix of old and new. From its historical roots to its modern day “green” attitude, Old Torrance is a wonderful place to live. Bordered by Crenshaw Boulevard, Western, Dominguez, and Plaza del Amo, these original boundaries were set by the architectural firm headed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

A number of strong neighborhood groups champion the area, including the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association (OTNA), the Torrance Historical Society and Museum, and the Community Development Department. Seeking to preserve and capitalize on the historic nature of this neighborhood, these groups not only work on renovation and preservation projects, but sponsor great community activities like “Cruise Night,” which features antique cars from the 1950s.

Many of the neighborhood’s homes date to the community’s founding in 1912, and reflect the distinctive architectural style developed by Architect Irving Gill, which joined the forces of modernism with Mission Revival. Torrance became an official city nine years later, in 1921.

Despite its age, The Old Torrance neighborhood, is fully contemporary when it comes to forward thinking. The City of Los Angeles, for example, recently awarded the neighborhood association with its Green Leadership Award for its many programs, from swapping out old Christmas lights with LEDs to its 10 hybrid buses, designed to reduce carbon emissions. From planned bike paths to neighborhood recycling, the community is proactive in the environment.

One important community asset for Old Torrance residents is Wilson Park. The park offers great recreational amenities like tennis courts, baseball diamonds, a roller hockey rink, playground equipment, and a pond, and it’s also the site of the twice-weekly Farmers Market. Other features at Wilson Park include batting cages, a skateboard park, and free train rides on the Southern California Live Steamers Miniature Railroad.