If you can afford Palos Verdes, Torrance is not for you. Based on where you said you grew up, RSF/ Del Mar, PV is the most like that you can find in LA. Its wealthy, but not Palisades wealthy. Its walkable as FLU says, but mostly you have to drive to go anywhere. Can’t comment on the schools as I only went to kindergarten there, but I’d imagine they are some of LA’s better schools. The biggest drawback is getting in and out. Its a long way over the hill (to Torrance) or into San Pedro to catch the 110.
Josh