Southwood Riviera - Torrance, CA

The neighborhood along with the rest of Torrance was originally part of a Spanish land grant given to Juan Jose Dominguez during the mid-1800s. Real estate developer Jared Sidney Torrance began realizing his vision of a mixed residential and industrial community during the turn of the century, an area now known as Old Town Torrance. Much of Southwood Riviera came about during the housing boom of the '50s and '60s, and the small neighborhood maintains its residential charm to this day.

For a walk through time, check out nearby museums like the Western Museum of Flight and Lomita Railroad Museum. If you want to experience local culture, don't miss Torrance community events like the free summer concerts in Old Town Torrance and the March Cherry Blossom Festival.

Whether you're craving hearty Mexican dishes, spicy Indian cuisine or craft burgers, explore Southwood Riviera's unique dining scene along Pacific Coast Highway and throughout the neighborhood for standout restaurants that embody Torrance's multicultural appeal. A rich culinary collection of upscale seafood and vegetarian establishments lie closer to the beach, but locals know that Southwood Riviera has plenty of local gems hidden among rows of popular chain eateries.

Once you experience the Indian lunch buffet at Bombay Tandoori & Banquet, you may never eat at another Indian restaurant again. Try the chicken tikka masala, warm garlic naan and saag paneer, and don't forget to sample some authentic desserts like the creamy rice pudding and mango malai. One of Torrance's best-kept secrets, the weekend brunch buffet draws a steady crowd and even features bottomless champagne.

For a treasure trove of guilty pleasures, pull up a chair at Hey 19, an American gastropub with eclectic decor for an upscale, modern ambiance. Splurge on the bacon mac and cheese, or fill up on the chicken and waffles. Try a few specialty cocktails like the Southbay Storm, made with light rum and pineapple puree.

Head to Mexican Riviera Restaurant to dine beneath fun Mexican decor, with painted murals of beach scenery and a few American flags for good measure. You can't leave without trying the lobster quesadilla or the misnamed junior burrito, a huge tortilla stuffed with meat and smothered in guacamole. The homemade chips and salsa are some of the best around, so eat as many as you can before your food gets to the table.

Southwood Riviera lies just minutes from the beach area's exciting nightlife scene, while a few sports bars and lounges within the neighborhood create a laid-back hangout for the locals. For the perfect casual evening out, head to Redondo Beach Brewing Co. for mouth-watering fried artichokes. Sit on the deck to take in the sights and sounds.

When you're making your daily work commute, hop on the Pacific Coast Highway heading west to drive through the beach cities, or go east to hit the 110 freeway for access to downtown L.A. When you're exploring the neighborhood, park your car in the spacious business lots in the retail area, or take advantage of ample street parking in the residential areas. When you need a quick ride to the beach, call up Uber or a South Bay Taxi.

Torrance Transit buses service the area for easy access to the beach, restaurants and shopping areas throughout the city, and a few Metro buses service certain stops for a trip to central L.A. Feel free to bike to the beach using the bike lanes along the Pacific Coast Highway, and enjoy an easy ride through the quiet residential streets. Southwood Riviera also has plenty of sidewalks and convenient amenities to create a pedestrian-friendly environment.

When you need to get away from the urban life for a while, head to the beach to lie on the sand or bike along the shoreline, check out the neighborhood's free public park. Lago Seco Park entices locals with its ample green space and paved path that's perfect for a morning jog. Take your kids to climb on the playground, or enjoy a game on the basketball courts. You can also stop by to walk your pooch or just sit down at one of the tables for a picnic on a sunny day.

Despite its beautiful suburban atmosphere and prime location near the beach, Southwood Riviera maintains an average cost of living for the L.A. metro area. If you're looking to rent, browse the apartment buildings near the south end of the neighborhood with an average rent of $1,325 for a one-bedroom apartment.

To get to downtown L.A. via public transportation, take a Metro bus for $1.75 with free transfers for two hours. A beer at Industry and other local bars generally costs $5 to $6, and gas prices hover around 11 percent above the national average.

Living in Southwood Riviera places you less than a mile from the beach-side Riviera Village with its upscale boutiques and trendy surf-culture shops. You also have Del Amo Fashion Center just a few blocks north where you can browse high-value department stores and watch the latest flicks at the theater. Southwood Riviera's own shopping scene comes across as more laid-back with a few furniture stores, gift shops and amenities along Pacific Coast Highway.

Pick up your weekly groceries at Ralphs, or head over to Sprouts Farmers Market for some organic fruits and veggies. Also check out the nearby Torrance Certified Farmers' Market for local goods.