Torrance for family of 4 (Hawthorne, Lomita: sales, rent, loan)

[feebs811]

I need to know the how realistic it is for me, my husband, and my 2 daughters (age 5 and 6), and 2 dogs to purchase a home in Torrance for under $500,000. From what I can tell by looking at the California school performance map, most of the schools there seem ok, and that is my top priority. My husband will be working in the Hawthorne area, so the commute also seems fine. I am most worried about the type of neighborhood in Torrance we can afford. It seems like most of the homes in my price range are in the vicinity of Western Ave, and from reading other posts on this site, I know that is an area I want to avoid. I guess what I am really looking for is a realistic perspective of Torrance homes in that price range, and if the schools in Torrance are as good as the map leads me to believe.

Thanks for taking the time to help me out.

[bhcompy]

Torrance does have good school and good neighborhoods, but as far as your price I cant tell you for sure.

[ferretkona]

In this market you may find a home for the $500,000 but getting a loan might be tougher.
Also comparable is Los Alamitos and Rossmoor. Great schools near the beach.

[MtnSurfer]

You definately want to avoid living too close to Western. And if something is close but you are not sure it is good to drive by to check things out.

There some deals occuring in this market. The prices have dropped and the average sale is just below $500K. See this RE chart which shows the trend:DQNews - California Home Sale Price Medians by County and City.

Take a look at the nicer parts of Lomita. There some better deals there though I am not sure if the schools are as good as Torrance. If I was working in Hawthorne I would rent in Torrance until I find a goos deal. Note that that most economists are forecasting 30% drop state wide in 2009. So waiting may be good at this time.

Derek

Derek

[JTGJR]

That's not an "average price." It's a median price. Here are the Dataquick numbers for each Torrance zip code. Please take note of the price per square foot. Divide this into the median price and it will give you an idea of the house you can get for that price.

Median(,000) Price per sqft.
Torrance 90501 $435 $307
Torrance 90502 $322 $307
Torrance 90503 $600 $471
Torrance 90504 $450 $317
Torrance 90505 $613 $425

[Charles]

Originally Posted by JTGJR

That's not an "average price." It's a median price. Here are the Dataquick numbers for each Torrance zip code. Please take note of the price per square foot. Divide this into the median price and it will give you an idea of the house you can get for that price.

Median(,000) Price per sqft.
Torrance 90501 $435 $307
Torrance 90502 $322 $307
Torrance 90503 $600 $471
Torrance 90504 $450 $317
Torrance 90505 $613 $425

Recommend checking out redfin which provides tabulated recent sales data. You can even pop it into excel.

[feebs811]

What would the approximate commute from Los Alamitos or Rossmoor to Hawthorne?

[bhcompy]

probably 45min to an hour. i havent made that commute in a long time though. early or late commutes would be beneficial of course, and could be accomplished in 30min i guess.

also, if the work location is near the 105, there is a metro(green line i believe) that runs from norwalk(105 fwy and 605 fwy interchange) through hawthorne and that is only 10min from los alamitos