Chatsworth is a scenic community in the San Fernando Valley
Set in the San Fernando Valley, Chatsworth's natural scenery has drawn everyone from Hollywood stars to horse ranchers. The city about 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles is perhaps most widely known as the site of Spahn Ranch, a Western film set and the notorious headquarters of the Manson Family cult. But locals don't let that fact overshadow the area's true claim to fame.
“Chatsworth, Northridge and Granada Hills all comprise an area with a lot of old Hollywood history. It used to be the weekend haven for celebrities and home to the estates of Lucille Ball, Barbara Stanwyck and stars like Chad Everett," says broker associate Stephanie Vitacco, who has over 35 years of experience in the area and works with Equity Union. "Some estates have been transformed into historic landmarks or retail destinations, and musicians and athletes still choose Chatsworth for its beauty and privacy.”
The community’s views of the Santa Susana Mountains and rugged outcroppings are visible from some homes, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. In contrast, strip malls and chain stores in town help fuel a suburban lifestyle.
Midcentury homes, mansions and rural properties
Anchored by a small business district on its west side, Chatsworth features grid-style blocks of midcentury housing. The blocks become looser as they extend out toward the countryside, where stables and gated yards are more common. Prices typically range from around $900,000 to $2.5 million. Prospective buyers can find high-dollar mansions on the northern and eastern edges of the community, some on over an acre of land, like in the gated subdivision of Indian Springs Estates. The community has a severe wildfire risk given its proximity to nearby mountains and forests.
Community parks, hiking and outdoor recreation
In the northwest edge of Chatsworth, Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park sprawls over 670 acres. It’s an ideal destination for hiking, biking, sightseeing and rock climbing. The city’s largest municipal park is 72-acre Chatsworth South Park, which features a playground, basketball courts and horse-friendly trails with scenic views of the Santa Susana Mountains.
Retail, restaurants and grocery stores in Chatsworth
There’s a concentration of retail and strip malls near the intersection of Lassen Street and Topanga Canyon Boulevard, including Chatsworth Village and Topanga Lassen Plaza. Here, shoppers will find an array of grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants. Plenty of shopping and dining can also be found on Devonshire Street, as well as a Trader Joe’s and a Ralphs grocery store. Restaurants include Los Toros for Mexican fare and margaritas, and Hikari Sushi for sashimi, sushi rolls and imported beer.
Seasonal community events
Chatsworth puts on festive, kid-friendly events throughout the year. In the spring, residents can attend Earth Day at Chatsworth Nature Preserve for guided hikes, animal exhibits and food trucks. The summertime First Fridays on Devonshire Street event features live music, handmade art and the occasional fire performance. In the fall, there’s a scarecrow contest put on by the businesses lining Devonshire Street. The year ends with the Holiday Parade and Festival, which includes dancing, folklore and marching bands.
Students can attend Los Angeles public schools
Students in the area are served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, which earns a B grade on Niche. The district serves approximately 450,000 students with an average student-teacher ratio of 20-to-1. Many high schoolers could end up at Chatsworth Charter High School, which gets a B-plus on Niche. Some nearby higher education options include Pierce College, California State University, Northridge and Los Angeles Career College.
Commuting to downtown Los Angeles and further travel
State Route 118 runs along the city’s northern edge, easing the commute for local travelers. It's about 30 miles to Pasadena and 40 miles to LA, although the trip often takes at least an hour. Public transportation in the area includes Simi Valley Transit for bus services and Metrolink commuter rail. For a nearby hospital, residents can go to the Cross Medical Center. The closest major airport is the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.
