Month: July 2019

55+ Options: Torrance

The city of Torrance offers the bulk of opportunities for senior housing in the South Bay. We’ve identified 10 distinct locations with homes exclusively for those 55 years of age and older. They cover a wide variety of living styles, building ages, community sizes, purchase prices and monthly costs.

The available homes change constantly, much faster than this summary of 55+ facilities is updated.  If you have an interest, contact us.  We’re more than happy to go over the differences between different facilities, and the differences between living in a 55+ project and an SFR.  More importantly, we can provide you with up to the minute information about what specific properties are available, and how the cost parameters fit with your personal needs.

NEW HORIZONS
Nadine Circle – Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90505

Built in 1963-64, New Horizons has ~600 units, some in two story apartment style buildings, with a handful of bungalow style in four unit groups. The recreational facilities include a club house with lounge, billiard room, ballroom with a large kitchen, 9 hole golf course, and pool. Additional amenities include the sports facility, with a modern gym, his & her saunas, Jacuzzi, a second pool, lighted tennis court, both ceramic & wood shops plus a ping pong room.

THE MERIDIAN
2742 Cabrillo, Torrance, CA 90501

Built in 2006 around a central courtyard, the Meridian features forty-four luxury condominiums. Ten are two bedroom / two bath units, with the remainder being one bed / one bath. The complex offers a gated subterranean garage with one parking space per bedroom. Other amenities include bubbling fountains, a community room with fireplace, kitchen, big screen TV and lots of room to relax. To keep your senior body in good shape there’s a modern, upscale fitness center. All levels of the building are accessible by elevator.

PARKVIEW COURT
2367 Jefferson, Torrance, CA 90501

Parkview Court is another of the newer senior condo communities. Located in Torrance adjacent to Wilson Park, it was built in 2007-2008. Fifty-nine tastefully appointed residences, with 29 being two bedroom / two bath and the balance being one bedroom / one bath. This gated community features a large courtyard with a recreation center and fitness center.

THE GABLES
3550 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503

The Gables was built in 2006-2007 and offers 38 newer one bedroom units, and 22 studios. In-unit amenities include washer/dryer hookups, A/C and comtemporary styling. The complex also has a community room, with a large screen TV, free internet access, library facilities and more.

VILLAGE COURT
21345 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503

Built in 2006, Village Court is five stories high, with parking on the first floor and residences on the top four floors.  There are a total of 112 units: 12 – 3 bed / 2 bath, 68 – 2 bed / 2 bath, and 32 – 1 bed / 1 bath.  Residents enjoy an inviting outside pool, spa and BBQ area. Amenities include an exercise room, large recreation room with kitchen, TV, pool table and reading area. Shopping, restaurants and movie theatres abound, or drive only 1.5 miles to the ocean.

So far this year one 2 bed / 2 bath unit has sold for $540K.  Two more units are currently in escrow.  One is a 2 bed / 2 bath unit, and the other a 1 bed / 1 bath with a den.  Purchase prices will be available after close of escrow.

At publication time, 2 bed / 2 bath units were renting for approximately $2600 per month.

TRADE WINDS
2605 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505

Built in 2003, the Trade Winds community in Torrance is four stories high, with parking on the first floor and residences on the top three floors.  With a total of 91 units, Trade Winds has 75 – 2 bed / 2 bath units and 16 – 1 bed / 2 bath units.  The facility offers great amenities: pool, spa, fitness center, clubhouse with full kitchen, TV, library, and billiards table. Resort living close to dining, shopping, parks, freeways and of course the beach!

To date in 2018, 2 – 2 bed / 2 bath units have sold at $525K and $550K.  One 2 bed / 2 bath unit is currently in escrow.  The sold price will be available after close of escrow.  There are also 2 – 2 bed / 2 bath units currently available.  Please call for asking prices.

At publication time, 2 bed / 2 bath units were renting for approximately $2300 per month.

COURTYARD VILLA ESTATES
3970 Sepulveda, Torrance,  CA 90505


Built in 2007, The Courtyard Villa Estates is located just west of Hawthorne Blvd in southwest Torrance.  The complex features upscale comfort, secured entry, and is close to restaurants and shopping. Four stories high, with subterranean parking, the complex includes 42 units;  a central courtyard, lush landscaping, recreation facilities with a pool table, game table and kitchen as well as a gym/exercise room.

Each unit is located on one level with no stairs. There’s a private laundry room inside each unit. Most units have a two bedrooms, while a few are set up with a den as an alternative configuration.  All have two bathrooms, outfitted with natural travertine counters and flooring.  Kitchens are extra large with center islands, granite counters and travertine flooring.

Since the first of the year, one penthouse unit has sold at $720K.  No units are currently available.

SUNSET GARDENS
24410 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505

Built in 1987, Sunset Gardens is located across from the Crossroads Shopping Center in South Torrance.  The complex includes 88 units; 2 – 3 bed / 2 bath, 29 – 2 bed / 2 bath; and 57 – 1 bed / 1 bath.  Amenities feature indoor heated pool, outdoor spa, large recreation room, putting green, shuffle board, elevator, exercise room, game room, community rooms, a roof top deck and BBQ grill area.

All units are single level, enjoy central A/C and heating, a laundry area inside unit, and subterranean secured parking.  (Two and three bedroom units have two spaces, while one bedroom units have one space.)

At publication time there were three units available, including 1 – 1 bed / 1 bath unit at $270K, and 2 – 2 bed / 2 bath units at $380K & $390K.  One 1 bed / 1 bath unit is currently in escrow.  The sold price will be available after close of escrow.  Since January 1, two units have sold: 1 – 1 bed / 1 bath unit at $300K, and 1 – 2 bed / 2 bath units at $400K.

PACIFIC VILLAGE
3120 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance CA 90505

Built in 2002, Pacific Village is four stories of living space plus adjacent parking.  There are a total of 61 units: 23 – 1 bed / 1 bath and 38 – 2 bed / 2 bath units.  Located across from Madrona Marsh, the complex offers: free community laundry, pool & spa, secure access, a community room with kitchen, elevators and guest parking on site.

Each unit is on a single level with no stairs, has its own heating and cooling, granite, travertine and tile finishes, balcony/patio and breakfast bar.

At publication time there was one 2 bed / 2 bath unit available and one 2 bed / 2 bath unit in escrow.  Since the first of the year, there have been four units sold.  One was a 1 bed / 1 bath which closed escrow at $270K.  Also, 3 – 2 bed / 2 bath units sold, at prices ranging from $355K to $425K.

55+ Options: Palos Verdes

The four cities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula have two unique senior condominium communities.  Rolling Hills Villas, built circa 2008, has occasional resales.  The newest project on the hill, Sol y Mar in Rancho Palos Verdes, has sold out the first phase and is working on phase 2. If you’ve been considering a move to a 55+ community, give us a call.  We’d love to sit down with you and discuss the pros and cons of down-sizing, and buying versus leasing.  In either case, we show you what’s available to fit your needs in the south bay.

Rolling Hills Villas
901 Deep Valley Dr
Rolling Hills Estates, California 90274

Close to the “top of the hill,” Rolling Hills Villas has 40 condominium units for active seniors, 55 and older.  The association maintains a secure building, with subterranean parking, a rooftop patio lounge and bbq facilities.   Nearby are pharmacies, medical, the Post Office, library, restaurants, cafes, grocery shopping, Norris Theatre, banks & more.

Sales during the past six months totaled two units, ranging in price from $679,000 to $875,000.  At publication time, there were none available, however, that can change at any time.  If we know you’re looking, we can keep you updated on new and future listings.

Sol y Sol y Mar
5601 Crestridge Rd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

In phase two of construction now, Sol y Mar, a 55+ luxury community of ultimately 60 new homes in Rancho Palos Verdes is perched atop the Palos Verdes hill. Spectacular coastal views, great weather throughout the year, an engaging lifestyle, and beautiful homes designed for quality and comfort make Sol y Mar an incomparable place to call home.  Amenities (complete or planned) include: Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Conference Room, Meeting Room, Catering Kitchen, Jacuzzi, Outdoor Patio, Fire Pit, Bocce Ball Courts, and a Dog Park.

Every two-story residence features an elevator; a one-story floor plan is also available.  Plans range from 1,550 to 2,352 square feet.  Each residence includes two bedrooms, up to three baths, a study or flex room and a two-car garage.  Prices vary considerably, based on size, floor plan, selected options, and the view.

MLS sales during the past six months totaled four units, ranging in price from $840,000 to $1,146,000.  At publication time, two units were in escrow in the $825,000-$850,000 price range.  Three units are currently available in the range between $975,000 and $1,700,000.

55+ Options: Redondo Beach

In each issue, we plan to highlight one 55+ housing complex. Because residents can speak most authoritatively about their own home, we’re interviewing owners, asking for their input on the best and worst of each location. (If you would like to talk about your senior housing complex, let us know.)

Now in their golden years, the baby boom generation continues to shape our environment. Until about 10 years ago, senior housing in Redondo Beach was limited to a couple of rental complexes. One in north Redondo and one in south Redondo, they are both operated by non-profit organizations, and both have long wait lists.

With Boomers asking for alternatives, developers soon constructed two condominium projects exclusively for senior citizens. Following is a brief introduction to each of those projects.

Both have been quite popular and sold quickly when available. As of this writing, no units are available in either complex.

Next issue … The four cities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula have another unique set of senior living accomodations. In addition, the newest project on the hill, Soli Mar in Rancho Palos Verdes (?), has sold out the first phase and is working on phase 2. If you’ve been considering a move to a 55+ community, give us a call. We’d love to show what’s available in the south bay.

Breakwater Village

2750 Artesia Blvd,
Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Built in 2007. this senior community offers 191 units, ranging from one to three bedrooms.

Amenities include a recreation room with kitchen, big screen TV, game tables, pool table, and a conversation area with a fireplace.

The exercise room is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness machines.

A sparkling pool is located in the central courtyard, with a built-in barbeque island nearby and an inviting separate outdoor fireplace area. It’s a secure building with gated underground parking garage.

The Montecito

2001 Artesia Blvd,
Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Built in 2008, The Montecito comprises 48 senior condos and three retail units in a combined commercial and residential building.

The three commercial storefronts are located on the sidewalk level, while the residential units are above and behind.

Amenities include high ceilings, private laundry, air conditioning, floor to ceiling windows, granite counter tops, and stainless appliances.

The Montecito

In each issue, we plan to highlight one 55+ housing complex. Because residents can speak most authoritatively about their own home, we’re interviewing owners, asking for their input on the best and worst of each location. (If you would like to talk about your senior housing complex, let us know.)

For our Premiere issue, we spoke to an owner at The Montecito, located at 2001 Artesia Blvd. in Redondo Beach. Our owner, whom we’ll call Susan to protect her privacy, had this to say about her 55+ home.

Q1: How long have you lived here?
A1: Since 2010. I bought from the builder.

Q2: Is it your first time living in a condominium?
A2: Yes.

Downtown LA sparkles against the mountains.

Q3: Obviously there are things you like and some you don’t care for. What is your favorite part of living here?
A3: The views. On the North and West side of the building, the views are spectacular. The building sits up high, so I have views to downtown LA, the Hollywood sign, the Palisades, etc. It’s a glittery sight at night.

I like the fact that the building is newer and that, being on the top floor, I have high ceilings and large windows to capture the view.

I also like that the CC&R’s don’t prohibit big dogs. I would not have purchased the condo if they had a weight restriction for dogs. Lastly, I like how quiet it is here.

Q4: How about the thing you like least. What would that be?
A4: Not parking close to my door. I have to walk to the elevator and then down the walk way to my condo. It’s an easy walk but if I’m carrying a lot of stuff it might take multiple trips.

Inner Courtyard at The Montecito

Q5: You probably previously lived in a free-standing house on a private lot. Condominium living adds other people and “things” to your life. What have you found that stands out as a big difference in the way you live?
A5: Living in a condo is much easier. It’s a low maintenance style of living.

Q6: Downsizing can be traumatic. What challenged you the most about your move to a 55+ community.
A6: Giving away rooms full of furniture. In the end, it’s freeing to let go of stuff. I like the stream-lined look.

Q7: If you had to do it again, what would you change.
A7: Nothing.

Q8: What are your plans for the future?
A8: Staying put.