Delthome - Torrance, CA

First inhabited by the Native American Tongva tribe, Torrance became a city in 1921. Named for industrialist Jared Sidney Torrance, the area expanded to occupy 21 square miles. A housing boom in the 1940s brought rapid population growth to the South Bay city and continues to make Torrance a densely urbanized locale.

Torrance's annual Armed Forces Day remains a great source of pride to the community. Residents come out in large numbers to join the parade, which honors men and women of the U.S. military. Hosted each May, the event celebrates the sacrifices made by military personnel with communal reverence.

Known endearingly to locals as TAM, the Torrance Art Museum on Civic Center Drive stands out as part of the largest arts complex in the South Bay area. The museum displays stunning exhibitions to satisfy the most astute art tastes as well as pieces novice enthusiasts enjoy.

To sample the area's cuisine, travel west to Torrance Boulevard for a large number of dining favorites. Here you can have teppan-style Japanese fare, spicy Mexican dishes and down-home fried chicken.

Forget traditional fast food and eat like a local at Wahoo's Fish Tacos. A popular haunt with Los Angelenos, Wahoo's on Torrance Boulevard keeps the menu simple but exciting. Try the original taco filled with cheese, lettuce and green sauce on tender fish. To be daring, order the Scream'n burrito made with spicy chicken and Mr. Lee's Spicy Chili Sauce. Wahoo's caters to vegetarians as well, serving a savory teriyaki tofu.

Get your hands messy at Snax Home of the Original Superburger. Here you can conquer a killer chicken burrito or down a super buffalo burger, made with real buffalo meat and Snax's special sauce. This favorite stop on Sepulveda Boulevard won't disappoint you.

For nightlife in Delthome, head to Madrona Avenue and Fashion Way to the Rain Wine Bar and Lounge. Peruse the menu and find pan-seared salmon fillet or sweet potato fries to satisfy your craving. Try the warm apple walnut cobbler, then stroll to the outdoor garden and sit beside the fire pits. Known for its eclectic ambiance, the Rain Wine Bar mixes urban relaxation with sizzling entertainment in perfect Southern California style.

Delthome residents take advantage of the neighborhood's scenery by walking to most destinations. Locals can easily access the public library, courthouse, civic center and art museum on foot. Bike lanes line the roads, promoting safety for cyclists.

With convenient access to Interstate 405 and State Route 91, drivers commute easily by freeway. You also find ample free parking and reliable public transportation in the area. Metro buses and Torrance Transit service Delthome, and regional taxis and Uber remain available.

Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center lets visitors escape into one of the last remaining freshwater marshes in L.A. County. Described as an Island of wilderness in the city, you can find the preserve on Plaza del Amo. Enter the grounds and view the stunning displays, such as a diamond back terrapin turtle or a gopher snake. Madrona Marsh remains a popular destination for children's field trips, and the venue takes pride in hosting a free three-hour nature class for preschoolers on Fridays. Enjoy free parking at the Nature Center and no cost for admission. The preserve does encourage and welcome donations.

For a day of recreation, head to Charles H. Wilson Park on Crenshaw Boulevard. Park for free, and hit the batting cages, play hoops or join in a hockey game at the indoor rink. With over 44 acres of land, Wilson Park leaves no athletic stone unturned. Soccer fans and tennis players love the venue, along with those craving volleyball on sand courts. A children's playground and restrooms make the park family-friendly. Before you leave, visit the Annenberg Tree House, a historic California monument. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed.

Although neither park hosts annual events, what they do offer can be enjoyed year-round.

Compared to Redondo Beach, located 2 miles west, Delthome carries a lower cost for housing and overall living. A one-bedroom averages $1,262 in Deltome, whereas Redondo costs $1,450 for a similar rental. Housing prices hover around 20 percent less in Deltome, and the cost of living averages 13 percent less compared to Redondo Beach.

Drivers can expect to pay about 20 percent above the national average for gas. Fortunately, public transportation remains affordable, and riders can travel from Central Torrance throughout the city for a base fare of roughly $2. When you stop at a pub for a beer, expect to pay about $3.50.

The major shopping areas run along Hawthorne Boulevard and Torrance Boulevard. Here, you find every retail choice from electronics and furniture to groceries and clothing. Trader Joe's and Marukai market service the Delthome neighborhood, both found near Hawthorne Boulevard. Trader Joe's sells healthy, ready-made meals, while Marukai supplies unique international groceries. To sample the best seasonal produce, stop by the Torrance City Farmers Market, held Tuesdays and Saturdays at Charles H. Wilson Park. Locals love having a mega shopping mall right in the neighborhood. Del Amo Fashion Center on Hawthorne boasts over 200 stores to meet high-end tastes or bargain budgets. Treat yourself to a new Coach handbag, or drop by Free People and Anthropologie for bohemian styles. Before you leave, let the little ones explore the Disney Store. If you thirst for vintage treasures, stop by Cracked Vessel Vintage on Torrance Boulevard. Whether you're looking for antique trinkets or Victorian furniture pieces, Cracked Vessel makes treasure hunting an adventure. With the motto "vintage decor, tableware and what have you," the unique locale holds a proud spot in Torrance.