Bound by mountain ranges in every direction, the San Fernando Valley is the northernmost part of Los Angeles County. Referred to as “the Valley” by locals, SFV is home to nearly 2 million people spread across dozens of cities and towns.
Despite soaring property values and limited housing options, the population of the San Fernando Valley continues to grow. Many people looking to move to the Greater Los Angeles Area choose to settle in the Valley due to the suburban atmosphere coupled with its close proximity to the urban core located to the south.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best towns to buy a home in the San Fernando Valley:
Burbank
2020 Population: 107,337
While Hollywood is known for show business, there are more film and television studios in Burbank, making it the true “media capital of the world.” The city is serviced by the Burbank Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in Burbank was $975,000 in December 2022.
Calabasas
2020 Population: 23,241
Calabasas is a small community situated between the foothills of two separate mountain ranges. The city is serviced by the Las Virgenes Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in Calabasas was $1,750,000 in December 2022.
Encino
2020 Population: 44,581
Situated on the north slope of the Santa Monica Mountains, Encino is a cozy and quiet town located in the central portion of the southern end of the Valley. Encino is serviced by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The median home sale price was $1,250,000 in December 2022.
Glendale
2020 Population: 196,543
One of the largest cities in Los Angeles County, Glendale is known for its rich history and beautiful geography. The city of Glendale is serviced by the Glendale Unified School District. The median price for homes for sale in Glendale was $1,075,000 in December 2022.
Northridge
2020 Population: 57,561
Northridge is one of the least densely populated towns in Los Angeles County. Northridge is serviced by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in Northridge was $997,500 in December 2022.
Porter Ranch
2020 Population: 36,126
Porter Ranch is one of the fastest-growing communities in the San Fernando Valley. The town is serviced by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in Porter Ranch was $1,650,000 in December 2022.
Sherman Oaks
2020 Population: 69,249
Another community with a relatively low population density, Sherman Oaks was founded in 1927. Sherman Oaks is serviced by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in Sherman Oaks was $1,285,000 in December 2022.
Studio City
2020 Population: 21,596
As the name suggests, Studio City now sits on property once owned by film producer and “King of Comedy” Mack Sennett, who built a studio on the land in the 1920s. That studio is still there, now known as the Radford Studio Center. Studio City is serviced by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The median price for homes for sale in Studio City was $1,450,000 in December 2022.
Tarzana
2020 Population: 40,148
Built on the site of a former ranch owned by author Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzana is named after Burrough’s most famous fictional creation, the character Tarzan. Tarzana is serviced by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The median sale price for homes in Tarzana was $892,500 in December 2022.
Woodland Hills
2020 Population: 48,324
Woodland Hills is located in the southwestern portion of the Valley, with several neighborhoods in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. The city is serviced by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The median price for homes for sale in Woodland Hills was $1,022,000 in December 2022.
These towns are known for their high-quality schools, low crime rates, and ample recreational activities. They also have a strong sense of community and a diverse range of housing options, making them appealing to families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Of course, the best town for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget, so you may want to consider visiting each one before making a decision.
Sean Dalton is a freelance writer from California. He enjoys writing about law, real estate, and technology.
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