Home to Southern California’s film industry, about 10 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles
Most people know Burbank as the media capital of the world. Its 17 square miles are home to over 1,000 entertainment companies — Warner Bros., Disney and Netflix, to name a few — and the city is often in the background of movies, including “Top Gun” and “Reservoir Dogs.” Studios employ about a third of the city’s 105,000 residents, who might want to live close to the southern Media District. Others might prefer the central location of Downtown Burbank or the mountainside neighborhoods to the north. In any case, Burbank differs from the glitz and glam of Hollywood. “The city’s become more family oriented over the last decade,” says Matt Tilley with First Team Real Estate. He’s lived in Los Angeles since 2008 and goes by The British Bloke on YouTube. “People might spend their early 20s in Los Feliz, Silver Lake or another busy community. When they want to settle down, Burbank is usually their next step. It’s a slower pace, and the schools have gotten better and better rankings over the years.”
Burbank continues to grow alongside its studios. Population increased by 6% from 2010 to 2020, and after an influx of new employees, Warner Bros. announced the redevelopment of its Ranch Lot. This $500 million project is expected to be completed in 2025, bringing 15 new soundstages and 320,000 square feet of office space. With these upgrades, it’ll be the largest studio complex in the nation. This growth applies to the city’s other sectors, such as hospitality and housing. A new Cambria Hotel opened in 2024 and added 150 guest rooms to the area. Housing developments like First Street Village and LaTerra Select will bring around 850 apartment units, set for completion in 2025.
Warner Brothers Studio is situated in the heart of the Media District in Burbank.
Fall Festival offers a relaxing picnic area for families at the Media District in Burbank.
First Street Village apartments and others will bring 850 new homes to Burbank.
Round1 Bowling has plenty of arcade games for kids and adults in Burbank.
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Shops, restaurants and events around Downtown Burbank
Centered on San Fernando Boulevard, Downtown Burbank is a walkable district with over 600 businesses. Boutiques and big brands mingle with outdoor dining spaces, and on the street’s east end, Burbank Town Center is a three-story indoor mall. This district also hosts many of the city’s events, such as the Burbank Wine Walk in November. Local wineries and breweries set up booths along the boulevard, and crowds arrive for tastings. The Winter Arts Festival in December features over 175 craft booths, where vendors sell everything from jewelry to furniture.
Burbank Empire Center is just north of downtown with additional department stores and fast-food restaurants. On the city’s south side, Magnolia Boulevard has retro boutiques and antique stores. Riverside Drive is closest to the studios and has some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, such as Smoke House Restaurant and Bob’s Big Boy.
Enjoy a great meal at restaurants along the Burbank sidewalks.
Burbank offers the locals parades and festivals every year, like the Winter Arts Festival.
Shop boutique stores like Yes Baby Vintage located on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank.
Bob's Big Boy in Burbank is the oldest remaining location, built in 1949.
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Between the Verdugo Mountains and Griffith Park
The Verdugo Mountains line Burbank’s north side, and they’re a major recreation space for hikers and mountain bikers. Wildwood Canyon Park, La Tuna Canyon Park and Verdugo Mountains Open Space Preserve are just a few of the green spaces here, but the city has 42 parks and facilities overall. Near the studios, Griffith Park is the largest historic landmark in Los Angeles at 4,500 acres. The famous park also hosts the Los Angeles Zoo, Wilson & Harding Golf Courses and the Griffith Observatory. Burbank is about 30 miles east of Venice Beach and other coastal areas.
Wildwood Canyon park in Burbank is popular for the multiple trails, golf, and scenic views.
Pink flamingos are a hit among many other animals at the Los Angeles Zoo near Burbank.
Check out the 240 pound bronze pendulum located at the Griffith Observatory near Burbank.
Burbank visitors can drive up Griffith Park for breathtaking views of the Hollywood sign.
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A-rated education at Burbank Unified Schools
Receiving an A from Niche, Burbank Unified School District serves over 18,000 students, and each of its 18 campuses has been designated a California Distinguished School. Its Burbank High School is also rated an A, and this school’s internationally recognized choir has been featured on shows like “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice.” A standout private school, Brighton Hall, serves grades 2 through 12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. The closest collegiate option is Woodbury University, a private art school whose alumni include producers, fashion designers and government officials.
Burbank High School has a long history of providing education to Burbank since 1914..
John Muir Middle School is well rated middle school located in Burbank..
North Hollywood students can enroll at East Valley High School in Burbank.
Burbank offers international options such as the Lycee International de Los Angeles school.
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High-dollar homes near the Media District
Living near the studios comes at a cost, as Burbank’s median sale price was $1.1 million in October 2024. That’s higher than both the national median of $430,000 and the California median of $900,000. On the other hand, prices align with neighboring Glendale and are about $200,000 less than Pasadena. Burbank’s numbers have increased along with these other areas, too. The average sale price is up about 5% from October 2023 to 2024; that’s compared to a 2% raise for Glendale and a 9% jump for Pasadena. That’s largely due to higher demand for housing, as studios continue to expand. Properties in the Media District are generally more expensive than those nearest downtown. With views of the Verdugo Mountains, properties in the Hillside District are another premium option. Big estates are more common in this area, but close-together ranch-style homes make up most of the city.
Homes range from $1.2 to $3 million in Burbank.
Tasteful landscaping and open lawns are common in Burbank.
Most of the homes in Burbank are a quick walk to local stores and shops.
There are two story homes available for larger families in Burbank.
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Burbank Police Department report elevated crime rates
In 2023, Burbank had a monthly average of 83 violent offenses per 100,000 people. That’s less than both the state and national rates. However, the city had a monthly average of 270 property offenses per 100,000 people in the same year. That’s higher than both the state and national rates. Overall crime rates have increased between 2022 and 2023.
Burbank temperatures and wildfire risk
Los Angeles is known for its nearly year-round sunshine, and Burbank is no different. Temperatures are about 15 degrees higher, though, when compared with coastal areas like Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. These high temperatures and dry Santa Ana winds can incite wildfires in the Verdugo Mountains, and residents should watch out for smoke advisories. In September 2017, the La Tuna Fire burned 5,800 acres in the hills, and hundreds of homeowners evacuated. This was one of the biggest fires in Burbank’s history. Smaller brush fires are more common, such as a seven-acre blaze in July 2023.
Driving along the 5, riding with Amtrak and Metrolink
People mostly drive around Burbank, and traffic can back up at any hour. “You almost have to have a car in Los Angeles,” Tilley says. “We have public transportation, but it’s not widely used.” Vineland Avenue leads south to the studios; Interstate 5 goes through downtown, connecting to Glendale and other areas. An alternative to driving, Downtown Burbank has an Amtrak and Metrolink train station that goes 10 miles south to Downtown Los Angeles. Hollywood Burbank Airport has another station, in addition to 70 nonstop domestic flights per day.
Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Quinones
Video By
EB Fox
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On average, homes in Burbank, CA sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Burbank, CA over the last 12 months is $1,150,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this stunning Mid-Century home, thoughtfully updated to blend timeless charm with modern convenience. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2,025 square feet of living space, this residence is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.The inviting foyer opens to a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace on one side and a formal dining room with its own fireplace leading
Elevated above the street and set back for maximum privacy, this exceptional residence offers a serene retreat on an expansive 8,871 sq. ft. lot. This beautifully updated 1932 stone house combines a rare blend of original details and modern updates providing ultimate comfort with direct access to the natural beauty of the Verdugo Mountains. Behind its gated entry, you step into the fully
Rarely Available Luxury In The Burbank Hills - Perched above the city with JETLINER VIEWS, this stunning, fully-remodeled, 2bd (+ Bonus) / 2.5 Bath townhome is awaiting your visit! This immaculate, move-in ready residence is close to film studios, shops, cafes and Downtown Burbank. FEATURING: *Contemporary design with attention paid to each detail; *2 en-suite, top-floor bedrooms; *An additional
?? Modernized Burbank Charmer with Two Fully Approved ADUs – Rare R3 Opportunity!This beautifully remodeled single-story home in the heart of Burbank sits on a rare R3-zoned lot and offers endless possibilities for homeowners, investors, and developers alike. With 3 bedrooms + a private office, 1.75 baths, and two fully approved ADU permits, this property is turnkey today — with major
Nestled above Glenoaks Blvd in a quiet, sought-after neighborhood, this bright and welcoming 2-bedroom condo offers an incredible opportunity for first-time buyers or investors alike. Enjoy an exceptionally low HOA of just $216 per month in an intimate 8-Unit complex that is walking distance to Burbank High School. This desirable top-corner unit is filled with natural light and features a
Welcome to this stunning Mid-Century home, thoughtfully updated to blend timeless charm with modern convenience. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2,025 square feet of living space, this residence is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.The inviting foyer opens to a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace on one side and a formal dining room with its own fireplace leading
Welcome to 333 W Alameda Ave Unit 206, a spacious and well-maintained two-story townhouse located in a quiet 16-unit complex in the heart of Burbank. This 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers a comfortable layout with 2024 flooring throughout (tile, laminate, and carpet), an updated kitchen, and a bright living area with an eating space and a pass-through bar-ideal for both formal entertaining and
Luxury Burbank top level unit is now available for lease! This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo features sleek laminate flooring, intricate ceiling details, recessed lighting, built-ins, a wet bar and even a laundry area with a washer/dryer hookup! The living room and dining room are adjacent from one another. The living room has a fireplace, and the dining room has a door that leads you our
Cozy Apartment in TriplexCharming 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offering approximately 800 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. This inviting home features a practical layout with bright living areas, a well-sized kitchen, and two spacious bedrooms. As a bonus, there’s a dedicated office area—perfect for working from home or extra storage.Residents enjoy the convenience of community
Amalia Khachikian
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Located in the heart of Burbank and at the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, Magnolia Park is a famed community that is highly sought-after by entertainment industry professionals. Known for its proximity to major production studios as well as the many entertainment venues in its vicinity, Magnolia Park evokes a vintage Hollywood character with 1940s storybook homes and the eclectic shops and restaurants along Magnolia Boulevard. “Burbank is the “media capital of the world” as it’s close to all the major studios, and people in the industry can literally bike to work,” says Bryan Ochse, a former licensed contractor and current broker and owner at Media West Realty with 19 years of experience. “People enjoy everything from wine bars to coffee houses and little restaurants, and it’s a great feeling to live in the neighborhood.”
Colorfully painted cottages and bungalows sit alongside eucalyptus, towering palms and green shrubs in Magnolia Park. Area single-family homes feature a wide range of unique architectural designs, including Tudor Revival, Craftsman, Mediterranean, Mission Revival and ranch-style influence. The starting point for single-family homes in the area is slightly under $1 million and may go up to $1.7 million. Remodeled properties larger than 2,000 square feet may list around $2 million. Multi-unit buildings can be spotted and are scattered throughout the neighborhood. “The houses are all different and unique and cover the gambit from English cottage and Tudor to Spanish Revival and modern barn houses,” Ochse says. “Most of the houses are from the 1930s and 1940s and have been upgraded and configured. Accessory dwelling units are also common here.”
Magnolia Boulevard is dotted with vintage and eclectic specialty stores, including the antique shop and museum Bearded Lady Vintage & Oddities, the collectibles boutique Blast from the Past and the second-hand store Playclothes. It’s a Wrap Production sells unique finds featuring props and wardrobes from film and television sets. Locals are often spotted grabbing baked cheese rolls, croquettes and potato balls at the area’s most well-known anchoring establishment, Porto's Bakery and Café. People may also order coffee and a sandwich at the chic Romancing the Bean Café, or head to Tally Rand, which has been serving Burbank since 1959, with its famous old-fashioned turkey dinner. Pinocchio Restaurant is another popular eatery that offers traditional Italian fare. Grocery stores and big-box retailers in the area include Handy Market, Whole Foods Market and Target, or people may also go to downtown Burbank on Saturdays and shop at the farmers market.
The Magnolia Park Food Truck Fridays is a local street festival that takes place on the last Friday of each month, featuring about 30 to 50 local food vendors that line Magnolia Boulevard, providing residents with opportunities to socialize while enjoying the local dining scene. Holiday in the Park celebrates the winter season with over 100 artisan vendors, art exhibits, a winter market and live music and food trucks. Downtown Burbank also organizes various cultural events throughout the year, including the Burbank Comedy Festival, the Burbank International Film Festival and two art festivals that take place in June and December. Residents can also head to nearby attractions such as the popular Flapper's Comedy Club for standups and open mics, live concerts at The Hollywood Bowl or go to one of many downtown Burbank’s pottery, dance, theater and music studios.
Within the neighborhood, most streets are lined with bike lanes and sidewalks, and locals are often spotted biking to work or walking about. Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is right by the neighborhood, and Hollywood Burbank Airport is less than 3 miles away with nine airlines and 35 nonstop destinations. Magnolia Park residents can expect a 6.5-mile drive to Hollywood and a 12-mile commute to downtown Los Angeles via U.S. Route 101. Locals can also access Studio City and Culver City by local roads, which are about 5 miles and 13 miles away, respectively. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), which is locally known as Metro for short, has bus stops in Burbank and provides transit throughout Los Angeles.
Prospective primary schools include Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School and Thomas Edison Elementary School, each of which rates an A and an A-minus Niche score, respectively. Dolores Huerta Middle School, which is formerly known as David Starr Jordan Middle School, has an A-minus. John Burroughs High School scores an A and offers National Academy Foundation (NAF) career academies in business, medicine and engineering. Known for its award-winning arts programs, the school’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) offers programs in drama, dance, visual arts, instrumental music and vocal music, of which the choral program has earned 13 national championships and over 150 regional championships.
The Mary Alvord Recreation Center, which is home to Verdugo Park, has an indoor gymnasium and basketball courts while offering various sports programs for both adults and youth. Locals may also play a tennis match or swim and enjoy the water slides at the center’s outdoor facility. Whitnall Highway Park South is several blocks away and is a popular place for residents to walk or exercise. Cyclists may take advantage of the Chandler Bike Path along Chandler Avenue. About 4 miles south, Griffith Park is situated amidst the Santa Monica Mountains and is home to over 4,000 acres of forestland and recreational opportunities. Stargazers may go to the Griffith Observatory and look over the Los Angeles skyline, and horseback riders can take a ride at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. In addition to various trails, people can also book tee times at the park’s two courses, including Harding Golf Course and Wilson Golf Course.
Burbank’s world-famous Media District is home to TV and movie studios, including Disney, Warner Bros. and The Burbank Studios, among many others. “The studios are obviously a big part of the neighborhood,” says Compass Realtor Corrie Summers, who went to M.I.T.'s School of Architecture and specializes in luxury homes. The neighborhood is trendy with young people working in the entertainment business. “It’s really cool just to drive around here. You get such a sense of celebrity," says Keller Williams agent Anne Gettings, who has lived in Los Angeles for over 30 years. The Media District has a wide range of restaurants, countless employers and easy access to Griffith Park. There is a lot of high-density housing development in the works to meet the demand of prospective new residents.
The Warner Bros. Studio is located in the heart of the Media District and occupies a storied place in history. The 62-acre studio lot, which offers regular tours to movie fans, was built in 1926 and has since served as the principal filming location for thousands of major motion pictures. Some of the biggest hits in recent Hollywood history were filmed here, including "The Dark Knight," "La La Land" and "Blade Runner," along with iconic TV shows like "Friends" and "The Big Bang Theory."
Johnny Carson Park in the Media District is one of Burbank's most used and best-loved parks. Situated on Bob Hope Drive, the lush park has walking paths, a pedestrian bridge over a natural stream bed and a robust playground under sunshades. The dedicated picnic area on a concrete slab includes a coal-burning grill. Each September, the park is home to the annual Fall Festival, which includes live music, food trucks and a screening of Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas." "I would say the biggest draw for most people is Griffith Park," Summer says. "A lot of houses are just a block or two from trails that lead into one of the most famous urban green spaces in the entire world." One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., it's home to world-famous landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. The park is set in the Santa Monica Mountains and has a 53-mile network of trails, fire roads and bridle paths for horseback riding.
The main commercial stretch through the media district is around the intersection of West Alameda Avenue and West Riverside Drive. There are also businesses on West Olive Avenue, which has a Whole Foods Market for stocking up on groceries. Lou, The French On The Block is a warm, relaxed coffee shop serving a ranch of French pastries, coffee, sandwiches, quiches, and salads. Hank’s Bagels is a laidback deli-style counter that serves bagels and sandwiches. Olive & Thyme is a cozy family-owned market and café featuring a menu of breakfast-to-dinner eats. The homey restaurant has quaint country kitchen vibes and eclectic seating. The neighborhood is also home to the Garry Marshall Theatre, a modest venue owned by the late director Garry Marshall that emphasizes new work by emerging artists.
The Media District is classic Americana, with its white picket fences and modest homes built between the 1920s and 1950s. The streets are clean and wide, with plenty of parking and unique landscaping in every yard. Architecture includes a variety of one-story housing, including bungalows and ranch-style homes, and a selection of contemporary homes built on teardown lots. The community is in flux, with thousands of new homes on the horizon. An update to zoning announced in late 2023 would permit 4,600 new homes and nearly 2.5 million square feet of new commercial. “These apartment complexes are going up; any place there’s land, apartments are going up,” Gettings says. “It’s become a trendy place for a younger demographic.” Single-family home prices start around $800,000 for a two-bedroom bungalow with just over 700 square feet and can climb as high as $3 million for something more expansive and contemporary. Condos and townhouses sell between $500,000 and $1 million.
Burbank Unified is a public school district with an A grade from Niche, which ranks it in the top 15% of California districts. Kids can start their education at R.L. Stevenson Elementary before moving on to David Starr Jordan Middle — both schools are graded A-minus by Niche. John Burroughs High School, which is graded A, is one of the top high schools for the arts in the state and ranked nationally by Niche. JBHS has an internationally recognized choir program that has been featured on “America’s Got Talent,” “Dancing With the Stars” and “The Voice,” among others. The choir plays at public and private events in Los Angeles and beyond.
The Media District's main thoroughfare is the Ventura Freeway, which connects west to Sherman Oaks and east to Glendale. The neighborhood is about 3 miles from Interstate 5, which connects 10 miles south to downtown Los Angeles. "This area is super convenient to the 5 and the 134, so you can either go downtown or the San Fernando Valley, which is where a lot of people go for work," Gettings says. The Hollywood Burbank Airport is under 4 miles away via North Hollywood Way. "Sometimes there's a little congestion to get to the airport, but it's not that bad," Gettings says. Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is in the neighborhood. Public transportation options include a train station just south of the 5 in downtown Burbank and locally operated bus routes along major thoroughfares.
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