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
Guy Miracle,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Van Nuys, CA sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 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,
Set behind the gates of the exclusive Mulholland Estates, this grand residence combines timeless European architecture with resort-style living now vacant, remodeled, and available for immediate showings. From its commanding faade with stone detailing, columned entry, and manicured grounds, to sweeping lawns and hillside views, this home stands as one of the community's most impressive offerings.
Supremely private Stately gates with imposing 25' high hedges hide a true miracle of a home that serves as the ideal host for fantastic entertainment. State of the art Movie theater. State of the art Golf Simulator with cigar lounge that has humidifier filtration for fresh clean air. Bold designer choices abound - gorgeous on-trend fixtures and dynamic wallpaper coverings. Two downstairs en suite
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
? Key Features? Highlighted: Outdoor Space: A rare 600 sq. ft. private terrace plus two additional balconies. Indoor spave 1643 sq/ft.? Layout: Cathedral ceilings, a spiral staircase, and a loft with a half-bath, can be converted into a third bedroom? Peace of Mind: The description specifically mentions the balconies/terrace were recently resealed to prevent water intrusion for the
This centrally located Lake Balboa condominium offers a comfortable and practical living space within a well established community in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. This single level unit with convenient elevator access features a functional layout with 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms and provides approximately 1,514 square feet of interior space. The home includes carpet throughout for a
Pristine 3-bed/2-bath traditional home that has been loved & cared for. A light-filled, spacious living room with hardwood floors is open to a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with a stunning center island, stainless steel appliances, and immaculate cabinetry. The formal dining area with a custom tufted banquette, vaulted ceiling, and fireplace creates a cozy ambiance that is sure to impress family
Nestled south of the Boulevard in prime Encino, this beautifully updated single-story home offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with a bright, open floor plan tailored for both everyday comfort and effortless entertaining. Complementing the main residence is a permitted ADU of approximately 390 sq ft at 4910 Alonzo Ave, complete with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and a private entrance—perfect for
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.
Who Says You Can’t Have It All If you’ve been searching for a home that just feels right the moment you walk in, this one delivers. Located in the heart of Lake Balboa, this beautifully designed modern traditional two-story home, built in 2015, offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,832 square feet of bright, welcoming living space on a 6,563 sq ft lot. This home perfectly blends the warmth of
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
Newly remodeled ADU in the hills of Encino. Located on a quiet Cul-de-sac in a prime location of Encino surrounded by multi-million dollar estates. Enter through a side gate into a garden and up a stairwell into a bright a beautiful studio with 11 + foot ceilings. Brazilian oak floors, high end finishes, brand new appliances. Central air and heat, combination oven, microwave, air fryer and
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
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
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
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
Amazing Condo in the heart of Encino.This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom is almost 1,800 sq. ft. of luxury located on the second floor with elevator access. Enjoy the convenience of all the amenities anyone could want, Community pool & spa, a full gym to get your workouts, indoor Jacuzzi and hot Sauna. Fully furnished and all utilities are included. Conveniently located close to shopping,
Delightful bright Encino Village 2 bed 1 bath home. 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 enhances the front
Mid century modern architecture in the Sherman Oaks hills offers an open concept floor plan, high ceilings and natural light filled rooms. Floor to ceiling glass, polished concrete and a comfortable indoor/outdoor flow. Center island kitchen and casual dining area are great for entertaining. Living area includes a fireplace, looks out and opens to the very private yard, pool and covered patio. 3
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