The story of the San Fernando Valley begins with the story of Van Nuys. The most populous city in the Valley started as a humble ranch town before developing into a popular train stop in the 1910s, attracting more people and sparking the urbanization of the Valley. In 1932, Van Nuys City Hall, recognized for its art-deco exterior, was established as the seat of the Valley for the city of Los Angeles, earning its nickname as the heart of the Valley. Van Nuys is still the municipal center of the Valley, 17 miles from downtown LA, but it's better known for its palm tree-lined boulevard and cruisin' car culture.
The neighborhood has gained popularity as one of the more affordable options close to Studio City, home to Universal and Warner Bros. Studios. Folks getting started in LA can find more opportunities to rent a condo or townhouse here, in contrast to the multi-million-dollar estates just a few miles south in Sherman Oaks. Van Nuys is a relatively more affordable area that is right by North Hollywood,” says Pam Xu, Realtor and owner at Sunpride Realty with over 10 years of experience. “Rental rate is also relatively high.”
Van Nuys has great views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
There are a few bike paths throughout Van Nuys.
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Small ranch-styles and condos
Most Van Nuys residents rent their living spaces, with the neighborhood providing single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums throughout. Van Nuys houses are typically small to medium in size, featuring 1940s and 1950s bungalows, cottages, ranch styles and New Traditional homes sitting on residential streets with fenced-in yards. 1,000 square feet to 1,500 square feet single-family homes are usually around $500,000 to $800,000, and larger homes in more well-established communities may fetch $1.6 million. Sections of newer construction are scattered across the neighborhood, with several 3,000 square feet houses priced around $2 million. Two to three-bedroom townhouses are between $400,000 and $600,000, and the base point for a one-bedroom condo unit is around $300,000.
Cottages, generally close to each other, can be found in Van Nuys.
New traditional homes with two stories can fit a big family of one in Van Nuys.
Small to medium home options are also available in Van Nuys.
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Cruisin' culture in Van Nuys
A variety of events take place in Van Nuys annually, including the Encino Food & Wine Festival and the Spring Concert & Festival. Reflecting the area’s legacy of car culture, the Van Nuys Cruise Night takes place on Van Nuys Boulevard on the third Saturday of every month. This cultural practice started as early as the 1930s and came into prominence in the 1950s, which at the time inspired the namesake film, Van Nuys Blvd. Nowadays, the crews meet to appreciate their love for classic, personalized cars while they show them off and cruise down the streets of Van Nuys.
Safe cruise nights hosted along Van Nuys Blvd on weekend nights.
Bring your car for a cruise night along Van Nuys Blvd.
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Diverse eateries on the Boulevard
Van Nuys has a lively Asian and Latin American food scene, and popular restaurants include Mercado Buenos Aires for its rich Argentinian flavors, Ay Papa Que Rico and Ph? 999. Springbok Bar & Grill has happy hour and is a popular place to catch a sports game over drinks. Everyday necessities are also available within the neighborhood, including Costco and Walgreens. Residents may shop at the Encino farmers market at Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area or at Aldi and Ralphs. Just outside Van Nuys is The Plant Shopping Center, which hosts a movie theater and stores such as Old Navy, Home Depot and PetSmart.
Dine in and enjoy rich Argentinian flavors at Mercado Buenos Aires, in Van Nuys.
Enjoy the food trucks all around Van Nuys.
Ralph's is a local favorite for groceries in Van Nuys.
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Van Nuys Recreation Center and Lake Balboa offer recreation and fun
People can come to the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center for games or sports programs for tennis, soccer and basketball, as well as martial arts and dance lessons. Children may play in the park’s playground, and Van Nuys is also near the launching zone of the Los Angeles River Recreation Area for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Anglers may also fish at Lake Balboa, which is also known as Anthony C. Beilenson Park. Lake Balboa is also popular for the Swan pedal boats, scenic hikes and for watching local wildlife. Nearby golf courses include the Van Nuys Golf Course and the Balboa Golf Course, and families may visit The Japanese Garden for the seasonal blooms, the stone arrangements and the bird path.
Enjoy a game of basketball at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center.
Bring your fishing gear and you might can a fish in Lake Balboa.
A sports field with artificial turf at the Van Nuys Recreation Center.
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Seven miles to Studio City
Folks looking to work in Hollywood's film industry often look in Van Nuys as a starting point because of its proximity to Studio City. Residents can drive across the neighborhood blocks or hop on Route 170 for a 7-mile drive to Studio City, which can take 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. LA commuters have a 17-mile drive on Route 101 to downtown, but the incredibly congested traffic can make the drive take anywhere from 40 minutes to two hours. The traffic is so famously bad that locals say "free hour" instead of "rush hour," referring to the brief windows when the freeways aren't backed up.
Los Angeles Unified School District
Students in Van Nuys attend the Los Angeles Unified School District, which is rated a B-plus overall by Niche. The schools within Van Nuys aren't highly ranked; most are graded a C or B-minus, but Van Nuys Senior High is an A. Kids do have the convenience of being able to walk just a few blocks to their elementary, middle and high schools from nearly anywhere in the neighborhood.
Van Nuys Elementary School serves around 450 students in Van Nuys.
Van Nuys Senior High is a
Public High School in
Van Nuys, CA.
Van Nuys Middle School provides education in nearby Van Nuys.
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Long-term droughts and crime
The hot and dry climate in this region of Southern California is prone to extended periods without rainfall, thus leading to long-term droughts. During droughts, residents are required to abide by water usage restrictions and are encouraged to conserve water at all times in preparation for droughts. Locals may also experience some noise from Van Nuys Airport, next to the city. However, it's private, so planes aren't constantly landing and taking off. On average, the city has one of the higher crime rates in the Valley, with a CAP Index score of five out of ten. The southern part of the neighborhood near Sherman Oaks has the least reported incidents.
Written By
Meridith Ingram
Photography Contributed By
Piter Beyt
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Linda Ojeda,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Van Nuys, CA sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Van Nuys, CA over the last 12 months is $890,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lovely Spacious Condo in the Heart of Encino. MUST SELL HIGHLY MOTIVATED -High Vaulted Ceilings, Fireplace, Extra Large Living Room, Several Large Closets, Engineered Hard Wood Flooring, Upgraded Kitchen with Granite Counter Tops and Custom Made Cabinets, Stainless Steal Refrigerator, Stainless steal Gas Stove, Unit is one of the larger and very spacious units includes Side by Side Parking,
Single-level 3BD/3BA ~1,500 SF condo in prime Sherman Oaks (91401) with a modern layout and a true move-in ready. High ceilings, an open-concept living/dining area, wood-style flooring, recessed lighting, and a private balcony. Kitchen with stone counters and stainless appliances. Energy-efficient upgrades include Nest thermostat, LED lighting, dual-pane windows, and a tankless water heater.
VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS define this stylish 1964 Mid-Century Modern Encino Hills home showcasing classic Spielman-Fond architecture and a coveted single story floor plan with 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and evan a full size den. Enjoy peace of mind with a newer roof, new electrical panel, newer windows, electric car charger and ownership of a huge solar panel system. Enter through a lush private
Beautifully appointed split-level townhouse in Encino offers over 1,700 square feet of refined living space with the privacy and convenience of a direct-access two-car garage.From the moment you enter, warm wood floors create an inviting ambiance that carries throughout the home. The thoughtfully designed layout provides both openness and separation, ideal for comfortable everyday living and easy
Welcome to a truly special opportunity to own a legal gated two-residence property on one lot, featuring two fully remodeled, detached homes located side by side, (14722 & 14724 Strathern), each with its own private entrance and plenty of parking. This thoughtfully laid-out property offers comfort, privacy, and flexibility for a variety of living and investment needs. The main home features 3
Michael Rescigno
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
5316 Lennox Ave | Sherman Oaks | Contemporary Luxury in Chandler Estates. Welcome to this luxurious masterpiece in the heart of Sherman Oaks' Chandler Estates. This stunning contemporary residence combines cutting-edge design with luxurious living. The main house features 4 bedrooms, including 3 upstairs with en-suite bathrooms, while downstairs bedroom can serve as an office or maid's quarters.
Located within a private, intimate gated enclave, 16523 Esprit Lane in Encino presents a rare opportunity to own a spacious pool home offering privacy, flexibility, and prime Valley convenience. This 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom Encino residence features a well-designed floor plan ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Sun-filled interiors, generous living areas, and well-proportioned bedrooms
Stephanie Payab
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Welcome to your Dream Penthouse Suite in the Heart of Encino. This unit offers Top Floor, End Unit, gives buyers the opportunity to create their Dream Home with all of their unique must haves because it is not completely upgraded, nor completely remodeled, nor completely refined to its full potential. This unique option is one that provides you with your own clean canvas to create your True Dream
Recently remodeled 2 bedroom 2 bath single family home in Lake Balboa. Additional den can possibly be converted into a third bedroom. Detached garage can possibly be converted to an ADU, generating extra income. Please check with city. Buyer to do their own due diligence. Gated with good size front yard and backyard for added privacy. There are several fruit trees. Pomegranate, Avocado, Orange,
Lovely Spacious Condo in the Heart of Encino. MUST SELL HIGHLY MOTIVATED -High Vaulted Ceilings, Fireplace, Extra Large Living Room, Several Large Closets, Engineered Hard Wood Flooring, Upgraded Kitchen with Granite Counter Tops and Custom Made Cabinets, Stainless Steal Refrigerator, Stainless steal Gas Stove, Unit is one of the larger and very spacious units includes Side by Side Parking,
Beautifully & Meticulously RENOVATED single-level home nestled on a quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac in one of Lake Balboa’s most desirable neighborhoods. This fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers 1,277 square feet of light-filled living space on an expansive 7,000+ square foot lot. Nearly everything has been upgraded, including brand-new windows and doors, new paint, new drywall,
This beautiful home is located in Sierra Spring Village. Nestled in a quiet gated community. This home offers 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, and 680 square feet of large open living space. Walking up to the front of the home, you have an assigned parking space. The property comes with a refrigerator, stove, stackable washer, and dryer. The living room features an open layout to the dining area. The kitchen
Welcome to this stunning south-of-the-boulevard gated estate, sitting on over one flat acre in the heart of Encino. As the dramatic gates open, you’re greeted by a 30-car cobblestone motor court that sets the tone for this 9,200 sq. ft. residence.To the south, you’ll find a lit sports court striped for pickleball — the perfect spot for daily matches and weekend fun. The front-facing four-car
Stephanie Payab
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Single-level 3BD/3BA ~1,500 SF condo in prime Sherman Oaks (91401) with a modern layout and a true move-in ready. High ceilings, an open-concept living/dining area, wood-style flooring, recessed lighting, and a private balcony. Kitchen with stone counters and stainless appliances. Energy-efficient upgrades include Nest thermostat, LED lighting, dual-pane windows, and a tankless water heater.
VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS define this stylish 1964 Mid-Century Modern Encino Hills home showcasing classic Spielman-Fond architecture and a coveted single story floor plan with 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and evan a full size den. Enjoy peace of mind with a newer roof, new electrical panel, newer windows, electric car charger and ownership of a huge solar panel system. Enter through a lush private
FREE March Rent!!!Welcome to CITYWOOD! Situated on a sought-after Sherman Oaks neighborhood find a charming 2-bedroom and 2-bathroom unit with 1,117-SqFt of living space. The unit features a large living room with a sliding door that leads you outside to a balcony. Enjoy creating meals in a Galley kitchen with granite countertops, wooden cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances. Bedrooms are
Price Improvment!! Charming mid-century home in the desirable Hidden Woods neighborhood of Sherman Oaks. Available for lease for the first time in 50 years, this lovingly cared-for home is filled with original character and timeless style.A welcoming teak-paneled entry with a skylit vaulted ceiling leads to a sunken living room with soaring ceilings and beautiful natural light, creating that
Amalia Khachikian
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Spacious first floor STUDIO apartment located in a secured gated complex in the Valley Glen area of Van Nuys! New paint, newer flooring. Walk into the large open living space. Separate kitchen area with small breakfast nook. Large closet that leads to the bathroom with single vanity and tub/shower combo. Large patio accessible via slider looks over the open center courtyard. Private gated parking
Beautifully updated one-story home offering close to 1,600 sq. ft. of living space on a fully gated property for ultimate privacy. The seamless open floor plan features a warm living room anchored by a classic fireplace and finished with new hardwood-style flooring. A light and bright remodeled kitchen flows into the family room and breakfast area, perfect for daily living. Designed for outdoor
Tucked away in a serene setting, this fully furnished and beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers nearly 2,200 sq. ft. of refined living space, seamlessly blending modern upgrades with traditional features and design. Step into an expansive, light-filled living room, where raised ceilings and skylights create a bright and airy ambiance. Just beyond, a separate family room provides
Beautifully remodeled single family home in fabulous Lake Balboa neighborhood. Features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Kitchen has been updated with granite counters, stainless steel appliances and porcelain tile floors. Other features include remodeled bathroom, hardwood floors, plantation shutters, central heat and air, tankless water heater. Separate laundry room. Large backyard with covered patio.
Delightful bright 2 bed 1 bath home in a desirable area of Encino. This well maintained home features hardwood floors, the spacious kitchen includes a pantry and stainless steel appliances. The generous primary bedroom offers ample comfort, this home has plenty of built-in cabinetry for your organizational needs with additional storage in the garage laundry area. Drought-tolerant landscaping
Charming 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo in Great Sherman Oaks Location. This spacious home features plenty of storage space, updated kitchen and baths. Gleaming wood flooring, a fireplace in the living room and second bedroom, full-sized, in unit, side by side washer/dryer, plus there is a private balcony. This smaller, quite complex has only 10 units and offers gated parking with two side by side
Nestled in the hills of Encino on an expansive private lot. If you are looking for privacy and security, this is definitely the property to be looking at. Enjoy this prime south of the Boulevard location, ideally situated within a highly rated school district and close proximity to everything the Valley and Westside have to offer. Tucked behind a private gate at the end of a long driveway, the
Completely Remodeled Home in Prime Encino Location. Beautifully renovated and fully redesigned residence, just minutes to Trader Joe's, popular shops and restaurants, and convenient access to the 101 and 405 freeways. Gated, secure, and thoughtfully upgraded throughout. Main House features 4 Bedrooms + 2 1/2 Bathrooms. The light-filled residence offers modern comfort and high-efficiency living
Luxury Living South of the Blvd | Prime Sherman Oaks Estate. Experience the pinnacle of sophisticated living in this stunning 5-bedroom residence, perfectly positioned in a highly coveted enclave South of the Boulevard. Designed with grand-scale entertaining in mind, the home boasts soaring high ceilings, four elegant fireplaces, and a seamless open-concept floor plan. The gourmet kitchen serves
Tucked at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac in Lake Encino, this home combines warmth, comfort, and incredible Valley views. Step inside to a dramatic two-story entry with a curved staircase and rich walnut floors that carry throughout. The open layout flows easily from the chef's kitchen with a large island, walk-in pantry, and top-of-the-line Stainless Steel Thermador appliances into the family
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