San Fernando Valley

San Fernando Valley

As you start your home search in the San Fernando Valley, here is some information about the its history, neighborhoods, housing, schools, and parks. 

The San Fernando Valley is a large, sprawling area located north of the Los Angeles basin. It is about 260 square miles bordered on the northwest by the Santa Susana Mountains, the Simi Hills to the west, the Santa Monica Mountains and Chalk Hills to the south, the Verdugo Mountains to the east, and the San Gabriel Mountains to the northwest.

“The Valley” as it is called, contains five incorporated cities: Glendale, Burbank, San Fernando, Hidden Hills, Calabasas, and part of a sixth, Los Angeles. The City of Los Angeles governs a majority of the Valley. The County of Los Angeles governs the unincorporated communities.

The population of the San Fernando Valley was a mere 155,443 people in 1940. The introduction of three new industries, films, aircraft, and automobiles helped stimulate growth and by 1960 the population had grown to 840,5000. Now, it’s home to nearly 1.8 million people.  No wonder traffic is crazy!

Housing in the Valley runs the whole gambit. Apartments, condos, town homes, duplexes, and single-family homes. Single-family homes range from 1920s bungalows to 1950s and 60s ranch homes to stunning luxury homes in gated communities such as The Oaks in Calabasas or Braemar Estates in Tarzana to view homes overlooking the entire valley. Do you own horses and need an equestrian property? Melody Acres in Tarzana or gate-guarded Hidden Hills just north of Calabasas might be just what you are looking for.

The San Fernando Valley is home to numerous parks, recreational facilities, and attractions. Take a look at Griffith Park (and the Los Angeles Zoo), Sepulveda Dam, Hansen Dam, Leonis Adobe, and the Mission San Fernando. If you like hiking, head up to Ahmanson Ranch just north of Calabasas, Wilacre Park in Studio City, or Caballero Canyon Trail in Tarzana. Into rock climbing? Stoney Point Park in Chatsworth is the spot for you. Other fun spots include Universal City and Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studios, the Japanese Garden in Van Nuys, the Great Wall of Los Angeles (one of the largest painted murals in the world!), or just a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive.  Enjoy golf? There are a number of great public courses in additional to several private country clubs. Just a few of the many things to do in the Valley.

There are four school districts in the San Fernando Valley: Burbank Unified, Glendale Unified, Las Virgenes Unified, and Los Angeles Unified. In addition to the public schools there are a plethora of private schools (preschool through grade 12) to choose from.

Public transportation in the Valley is readily available. The Metro Bus lines have routes to get you wherever you need to go. The Red Line subway takes you from North Hollywood to downtown Los Angeles. There are several Metrolink train stations in the Valley connecting you to lines north and to Union Station in downtown LA.

The San Fernando Valley has plenty of shopping, award-winning restaurants, theaters, kid zones, movie theaters, parks and recreation facilities and so much more!  There is no shortage of things to do in the Valley!

San Fernando Valley Parks and Recreation Link