South Bay/Beach Cities: 55+ Housing.. Where Is It?

This is the first of a series about 55+ housing in the South Bay/Beach Cities.

All of us who live in the South Bay/ Beach Cities of Manhattan , Hermosa, Redondo and El Segundo know we will be forever young. This may be why there is no housing for people who are 55+ in the immediate beach cities. We have lots of two story townhouses and homes but very little in the way of one level condos with elevator access or even single story homes. There are a few 55+ rental units in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach but that's it. The closest we have are a few condo units in El Segundo, a few one level townhomes in Manhattan Village ( which sell at a premium over the 2 story townhouses) and the condos along the Esplanade.

So where do you go when you can't manage lugging groceries up the stairs but want to stay in the area. Right now the best place is Torrance. Currently there are nine complexes that are designated as 55+ housing. They range in price from the mid $200,000's for a small studio at the Gables on Torrance Blvd to the stunning 3 bedroom units found at Village Court ( $700,000) and Courtyard Villas ( 2 + den from $898,000-$998,000). Blue Rose Court in Lomita is a new small development of units with 2 bedrooms and attached private two car garages.

Most of the complexes in Torrance feature 1 and 2 bedroom units. For some reason Builders got the idea that downsizing means going to an extrememly small... 900 square unit. While that might work for some .... I know a lot of people who are 55+ who want something smaller then 4500 square feet and 5 bedrooms but large enough for guests and an office. This means something a bit larger then many developments in the area.

Fortunately Village Court and Courtyard Villas are not only larger but a major departure from the idea of apartment style housing that is reflected in much of the 55+ complexes in our area.
New Horizions is the oldest of the 55+ communities. It does have a few units that are tw0 bedrooms with a den but those are still about 1000 sqft. New Horizons does have a lot of land including a golf course and lots of recreational facilities. All of the other communities are mainly 1 and 2 bedroom units.

The next installment will talk about the individual communities. If you want to get a quick preview then click the button below: