Shadow Hills is a residential community with an equestrian flair
Seated between the Verdugo and San Gabriel Mountains, Shadow Hills is a peaceful, semirural community that offers residents easy access to the rest of the San Fernando Valley. The area is well known for its equestrian culture, which is visible in the horse ranches and riding schools that line La Tuna Canyon Road, the community's main thoroughfare. However, most residents live in the more traditionally residential part of the community, where gridded streets are lined with cozy, midcentury ranch-style homes. “Shadow Hills is very unique,” says Realtor Silvia Amador of Williams Realty World Media Center. “It’s country living in the big city. The neighbors are very friendly and they take care of each other. You’ll see people riding horses on the weekends. That’s not something you’ll see anywhere else in LA.”
A mix of home styles, often on large lots
Shadow Hills is known for its sizeable lots. Many homes sit upon the rolling foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, offering scenic backyard views. Large estate-style homes stand out against the natural terrain, and even smaller homes can have equestrian amenities such as stalls and open pastures. Modern subdivisions have also sprung up in the area in recent decades, along with a few condos and townhouses near the center of the community. “We have Shadow Hills Estates, which is a newer community built in 1985 featuring custom homes with 2,500 to 3,500 square feet of interior space,” Amador says, who adds that “you’ll also see 1960s midcentury ranch homes. You have a mix of everything.” Condos and townhouses generally sell for between $550,000 and $750,000, while most single-family homes go for between $900,00 and $1.9 million — though luxury properties can go for more.
Trails and parks offer hiking, biking and horseback riding
The Shadow Hills area is home to a network of mixed-use trails. “You’ll see a lot of hikers and kids riding their bikes,” Amador says. “It’s an active community.” The community’s open spaces, including the West Shadow Hills Loop Trail, have been protected and maintained by the Shadow Hills Homeowners Association since 1964. Adjacent to the West Shadow Hills Loop is the Hansen Dam Recreation Area, a sprawling complex that offers trails, a fishing pond, an aquatic center and a golf course. More rugged adventures can be found just south of Shadow Hills at Verdugo Mountain Park and La Tuna Canyon Park. On top of all that, Angeles National Forest is less than 5 miles away via Big Tujunga Canyon Road.
Dining options range from cozy cafés to upscale Italian meals
Retail in the area centers around the intersection of Glenoaks and Sunland boulevards. Locals can grab groceries at Sunland Produce or Grocery Outlet. Local dining options include Rise N Shine Café, a family-run restaurant known for its good service and classic diner menu, and Villa Terraza. “Rise N Shine has the best pancakes,” says Amador. “It’s a big thing on the weekend for residents to walk or hike there for breakfast. And then in the evening, you can relax over a meal and have wine at Villa Terraza.”
LA Unified public schools
The area is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Vinedale College Preparatory Academy has kindergarten through eighth grade and gets a C-plus grade on Niche, while Verdugo Hills High School has an A. A number of well-known Hollywood films have been filmed at the high school, including "Heathers," "Christine" and "Not Another Teen Movie."
Entertainment and events in nearby Burbank
The local event and entertainment calendar centers around downtown Burbank, which is located just a few miles south of Shadow Hills. The area hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the well-attended Summer Arts Festival.
Quick access to Burbank, Glendale and downtown Los Angeles
The community is conveniently located between interstates 5 and 210. This allows residents quick and easy access to surrounding metropolitan areas, including Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles, which is less than 20 miles away. LA Metro runs bus routes through the area, with stops along Sunland Boulevard. Hollywood Burbank Airport is about 5 miles south.
![Joseph Choo]()
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Choo
