Urban residential living in North Hills
North Hills is a residential enclave in the bustling San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, offering a blend of urban convenience and suburban comfort. Popular for its proximity to highways, public transport and commuter rails, North Hills residents also enjoy access to public schools, outdoor recreation areas and retail options. “North Hills is close to everything you need,” says Sharon Stonefield, who grew up in the area and is now a Realtor at Rodeo Realty with 10 years of experience. “The home prices are still better than further south, and it’s close to the freeways and Northridge.”
Homes in North Hills
The residential streets display a mosaic of architectural styles, ranging from modern condos and townhouses to midcentury ranch styles and Spanish Colonial Revivals. Many homes are adorned with well-maintained gardens and individualized decor, reflecting the diverse tapestry of residents who call this community home. Homebuyers can expect to pay around $400,000 to $700,000 for a condo or a townhouse, and between $800,000 and $1.5 million for a single-family home, which typically offers between 2,000 and 4,000 square feet.
Navigating North Hills and beyond
One of the neighborhood’s main draws is the ease of commute. Proximity to major thoroughfares and public transportation options makes North Hills an ideal location for those seeking accessibility and connectivity to the greater Los Angeles area. “The 405 runs right through the neighborhood, and the 5 is less than a mile away,” says realtor Corrie Sommers of Compass Real Estate. “Locals basically have direct routes to Downtown, Santa Monica and Santa Clarita, along with the eastern half of the San Fernando Valley. That’s a big deal as there are parts of the Valley that can be very hard to get to from the rest of Los Angeles.” Residents can also stop by the nearby train station in Van Nuys and take the Metrolink to Downtown Los Angeles or to Ventura. The Sepulveda Veteran Medical Center is located right in North Hills. Those who drive can expect a 22-mile commute into downtown Los Angeles via U.S. Route 101, and Bob Hope Airport is about 11 miles away through Interstate 5.
Shopping and dining around North Hills
The spirit of North Hills is encapsulated in its bustling commercial corridors, where a variety of shops, services and eateries cater to locals’ daily needs. Retailers such as Vons, Vallarta Supermarket and Walmart offer residents easy access to everyday amenities. The neighborhood is also a culinary melting pot, housing a wide array of diverse dining options. Los Tres Hermanos Restaurant is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Kountry Folks Restaurant offers hearty diner classics. Grab a chili burger with fries at the iconic Original Tommy’s, which has been serving locals since 1946. Northridge Fashion Center has about 170 stores and restaurants for residents to shop and browse.
Outdoor activities at Lake Balboa
North Hills Community Park and Sepulveda Recreation Center offer playgrounds, athletic fields, indoor basketball courts and a popular seasonal swimming pool to cool off during summer. Anthony C. Beilenson Park has areas for jogging, kite flying and biking, while Lake Balboa provides fishing and kayaking opportunities. The expansive Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area features additional fields, green space and an archery range.
Los Angeles Unified School District
Local students may attend Gledhill Street Elementary School, which is rated B-minus by Niche. Francisco Sepulveda Middle School scores a C and offers dual language enrollment, allowing students to improve or maintain their Spanish language skills. James Monroe High School has a B.
Events and attractions around North Hills
Residents may play at Back Alley Bowling or tour one of the many film studios around Van Nuys and Studio City. Some festivals to highlight include the Spring Concert & Festival and the Encino Food & Wine Festival.
