Mountainous enclave in north LA
Nicknamed "The Top of Los Angeles" for its location near the San Gabriel Mountains, Sylmar is part of the San Fernando Valley and is the northernmost neighborhood within the city of Los Angeles. Once known for containing the largest olive grove in the world, today Sylmar is home to approximately 80,000 people who enjoy the area's rural-like feel and easy access to all the San Fernando Valley offers. “I think what draws people to Sylmar is that it’s less congested than a lot of other cities in the San Fernando Valley, since it’s on the outskirts," says Richard Valdez, real estate broker and owner of Valdez Realty. "And the views of the mountains are really great.”
This suburb is filled with many single-family houses in great neighborhoods. Apartments and condos are also available to rent or buy in one of the most diverse populations in the country. Measuring 12 square miles, Sylmar is accessible by foot, car and public transportation alike. Nestled at the base of Kagel Canyon, beautiful and expansive views are in large supply.
Midcentury and Spanish-style homes
Home buyers will find a variety of sizes and styles of single-family homes, from midcentury ranch-style houses to contemporary Spanish-style homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s. They sit on roomy lots, on streets that bend and curve, often ending in cul-de-sacs. Backyards are sizeable, with enough room for a pool or an ADU, and front yards often feature landscaping with drought-tolerant plant life or extra-wide driveways. Many homes have garages and feature low fences that offer added privacy. Prices range from $700,000 for 1,200 square feet to $1.9 million for 4,000 square feet. Townhouses and condos are also available, many featuring recent renovations and affordable HOA fees, with prices ranging from $375,000 for 900 square feet to $600,000 for 1,500 square feet.
LA Unified schools
Children in public school may begin their education at the Sylmar Leadership Academy, which serves kindergarten through eighth grade, then move on to Sylmar Charter High, both of which are a part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Sylmar Charter High serves approximately 1,600 students from ninth to twelfth grade and has a B rating on Niche.
Los Angeles Mission College is the ninth and newest school in the Los Angeles community college system. It enrolls a little over 10,000 students and offers a variety of sporting and entertainment events throughout the year.
Sylmar Park and Saddletree Open Space
Sylmar Park, located off Borden Avenue, is where many residents head for fresh air, green grass and a wealth of amenities. Practice your serve on the tennis courts or your jump shot on the basketball courts, kick the ball around on the soccer field or cheer on a local youth baseball team one warm summer night at the baseball diamond. For just a few dollars, you can swim in the community pool located within the park and kids will love the covered playground and the splash pad. Also located within the park is the Sylmar Recreation Center, which offers more amenities like an indoor fitness room and organized sports teams for kids and teens.
Sylmar's location in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains means there are tons of hiking, biking and horseback opportunities just outside of town. Saddletree Open Space, which borders much of the neighborhood, is home to a number of trails and offers excellent views of the San Fernando Valley. Much of the nearby San Gabriel Mountains are encompassed by Angeles National Forest, home to over 600,000 acres of wilderness and hundreds of miles of trails.
Sylmar Towne Shopping Center and dining options
Sylmar's shopping landscape is primarily comprised of local markets, chain stores, and smaller shopping centers that provide residents with essential goods and services. The Sylmar Towne Shopping Center and the nearby Olive View Plaza are convenient spots for everyday shopping, hosting a variety of stores and local businesses. For more extensive retail needs, residents may travel to larger malls in neighboring communities, such as the Northridge Fashion Center, which offers a wider selection of retailers and dining options.
Dining in Sylmar reflects the cultural diversity of the area, with a strong presence of Mexican cuisine alongside a variety of other food offerings. Local eateries like El Tarasco and Las Lomas Restaurant are popular for their authentic Mexican dishes. Additionally, a mix of American, fast food, and international restaurants provides residents with multiple dining choices. The area also boasts several cafes and bakeries that cater to casual dining and morning coffee runs.
Getting around North LA
Sylmar is well-connected through various transportation modes, making commuting within the Los Angeles area relatively straightforward. The Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station offers residents access to rail services, linking Sylmar with downtown LA and other parts of the San Fernando Valley, which is particularly beneficial for those commuting to work or school in different parts of the city. Additionally, the presence of several major freeways, including the I-5, I-210, and SR-14, facilitate car travel. However, traffic congestion can be a significant issue during peak hours, reflecting the broader challenges of Los Angeles traffic.
Public transportation within Sylmar includes several LA Metro bus lines, providing connections to the wider Los Angeles County area. While public transit is an option, the spread-out nature of the Los Angeles region means that having access to a car can greatly enhance mobility and convenience for Sylmar residents.
Crime
The crime rate in Sylmar, like many parts of Los Angeles, varies by area but tends to be higher than some national averages, particularly in terms of property crime. Efforts by the Los Angeles Police Department's Mission Division, which serves Sylmar, focus on community policing and crime prevention initiatives to address and reduce local crime rates. Residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood watch programs and are generally proactive about community safety
