LOS ANGELES COUNTY / SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
County Offices
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles 213-974-1311
www.lacounty.gov
Chamber of Commerce
350 South Bixel Street
Los Angeles 213-580-7500
www.lachamber.com
Services
Newcomers to Los Angeles County can look forward to an array of state-of-the-art healthcare services and facilities that stand prepared to meet every need. Rehabilitation facilities, long-term care, skilled nursing centers, home health care, and hospices are some of the components of a comprehensive network of resources. With Southern California’s emphasis on well being and healthy lifestyles, many community hospitals have developed sweeping programs for education in vital areas like nutrition and fitness or public health screenings.
Education is another area where Los Angeles County excels, from the internationally recognized public University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) to prestigious private institutions like the Claremont Colleges or Pepperdine University. Throughout the region, community colleges provide an affordable, quality higher education on beautiful campuses. Vocation and technical institutes, career training centers, and a myriad of specialty schools encourage the development of individual interests.
Students, commuters, visitors, and residents alike will appreciate the vast network of transportation facilities within the county and the region. Los Angeles International Airport and Long Beach Airport combine with smaller facilities like the Van Nuys Airport and Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport to meet every aviation need. Freeways, interstates, and major highways form a solid network of connections to all points. Metrolink commuter rail system and the Metro Rail system of light rails and subways offer alternatives to single-vehicle driving.
Quality Of Life
Home to Hollywood and the nation’s film industry, the sweeping expanse of Los Angeles County offers much more than glitter, glamour, and the legendary Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive shopping. Throughout the region, a kaleidoscope of urban centers, neighborhoods, suburbs, and communities provide a truly outstanding quality of life. Home options range from modest bungalows along quiet tree-shaded streets to elegant mansions or magnificent multi-million dollar estates nestled in elite hillside enclaves or perched above a Pacific Ocean view.
Beyond its prowess as a leading tourism magnet, Los Angeles County is a bustling economic center where electronic, computer, telecommunications, aerospace and other high-tech industries join grassroots manufacturing, retail, and service sectors. Sprawling malls with spectacular atriums, skylights, and architectural embellishments blend with antique district, factory outlet malls, and unique small-town districts. Every category “under the sun” boats world-class representation in Los Angeles County, from museums and aquariums to cultural organizations, performing arts., leisure attractions, and recreational sites.
Dances, concerts, parties, competitive sports, private clubs, celebrations, outdoor recreation, seashore water sports, and a whirlwind calendar of special events contribute to the prevailing youthful and vibrant attitude toward life. People of all ages are anxious to mingle and socialize with friends and neighbors in an endless variety of activities. In the midst of the seemingly endless opportunities, lifestyles, environments, and communities within this region, newcomers will discover that the warmth and friendliness of their new neighbors is the true treasure of the “Golden State.”
City Of Calabasas
Municipal Offices
818-224-1600
www.cityofcalabasas.com
Chamber of Commerce
818-222-5680
http://calabasaschamber.com
The city of Calabasas is located in northwest Los Angeles County, about 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, eight miles east from the Ventura County line, and adjacent to Malibu, Topanga, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills and Woodland Hills. Calabasas contains some of the most scenic and protected topography of Southern California. Heritage Oak trees, Santa Monica peaks, ridgelines, canyons, creeks, and woodlands create a feeling of openness and give Calabasas a rural character. Calabasas benefits from onshore breezes and wind patterns that produce cleaner air than most areas in the Los Angeles County basin. Calabasas boasts condominiums, many gated communities, single family homes to large estates and our very own Calabasas Lake. The first subdivision in Calabasas, called Park Moderne (the bird streets) was a retreat for artists, craftsmen, and writers. It was built on land traded off as a part of Sam Cooper Jr.’s homestead in 1928. Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas was a favorite spot during the early Hollywood days for filming. Movie producers found the scenery ideal for many Hollywood films such as ‘Tarzan’, ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’, ‘Stalag 17’, and ‘How Green Was My Valley’ just to name a few. Residents and visitors will find everything they need, from shopping to recreation and all of the urban amenities of nearby Los Angeles, making this an ideal place to call home.
Chatsworth
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-341-2428
www.chatsworthchamber.com
In the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley is the lovely town of Chatsworth, known as “horse and boulder country.” It has been established that about 2,000 movies have been filmed in this secluded community-many of them Westerns that take advantage of the naturally rugged terrain. Many of the sprawling custom-built homes in the hills command magnificent views and offer up to six bedrooms. Smaller, well-maintained homes dot the landscape and offer newcomers a pleasing range of options and architectural styles. Business parks are common, but tend to be situated away from the residential areas. Several large parks, miles of horse trails, and a library are accessible to residents.
Encino, Tarzana
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Encino Chamber of Commerce
818-789-4711
www.encinochamber.org
Tarzana Chamber of Commerce
818-343-4737
www.woodlandhillscc.net
Tarzana is named after Tarzan of the Apes and is a tribute to the hero’s creator, Edgar Rice Burroughs. He relocated to California when he was in his early twenties and began writing stories about the character Tarzan. Tarzana and Encino, both home to many stars, are both located on the north side of the Santa Monica Mountains. These thriving towns are filled with housing choices from the suburban style three-bedroom to striking and opulent houses on hillside lots. Ventura Boulevard teams with shops, restaurants, movies, and office buildings. Also in this area are golf courses and parks, including the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area that spans 2,000 acres.
Granada Hills
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-368-3235
www.granadachamber.com
Granda Hills is located in the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles and straddles Highway 118. South of the highway, the housing is primarily moderate in size. To the north, the housing is newer and larger, including a lovely country club subdivision called Knollwood Country Club Golf Course, the Granda Hills Recreation Center is a state-of-the-art park facility with four baseball diamonds, picnic areas, and a multipurpose gym. O’Melveny Park, the second largest park in Los Angeles, features nature and bike trails. Cal State University-Northridge is in close proximity for cultural events, collegiate sports, and higher education opportunities close to home.
Hidden Hills
Municipal Offices
818-888-9281
http://hiddenhillscity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-222-5680
www.calabasaschamber.com
Nestled in the western foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains near Woodland Hills, this prestigious rural community is both picturesque and peaceful. “Affluent” is another commonly used adjective for Hidden Hills, since local residents boast one of the highest average incomes in the entire nation. The absence of sidewalks or glaring streetlights add to the ambiance created by rustic equestrian trails, corrals, barns, and acres of trees. Most estates feature premier recreational amenities like tennis courts and swimming pools, not to mention gated and secured systems for the ultimate in seclusion and privacy. The majority of homes in this community are valued at a million dollars or more. Local residents also enjoy the benefit of having several superb golf courses located nearby.
Mission Hills
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-989-0300
www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com
Situated on the north side of the San Fernando Valley, Mission Hills is a comfortable bedroom community. Mission Hills, despite the connotation of its name, is relatively flat. It was established in 1797 and has primarily three-bedroom homes from the 1950s. The community also includes two parks, Holy Cross Medical Center, and several private schools. The commute to downtown Los Angeles is about 20 miles, but California State University Northridge is close by.
North Hills
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-989-0300
www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com
Surrounded by Panorama City, Mission Hills, Granada Hills, and Northridge is the welcoming community of North Hills. While the San Fernando Valley is home to several cities, North Hills is one of 26 unique residential communities that make up the “City of Los Angeles” portion of the Valley. Residents of North Hills are approximately 18 miles from downtown Los Angeles. This well-developed suburban area features well-groomed parks, shopping plazas, services, and convenient malls. Newcomers to the tree-lined neighborhoods of North Hills also enjoy quick and easy access to the wealth of recreational and entertainment attractions throughout the Valley. Among the highlights closest to home are Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, the 6.5-acre Japanese Garden, Lake Balboa for boating, the 2,030-acre Sepulveda Recreation Area, championship golf courses, and the popular Farmer’s Market in nearby Van Nuys.
North Hollywood, Sun Valley
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-508-5155
www.noho.org
North Hollywood, commonly referred to as NoHo, derived its name from an abbreviation of its location; but also from the “SoHo” district of Manhattan Island—another famous arts mecca. The home of Universal Studios, North Hollywood is also the location of theaters and galleries galore. Art festivals showcasing eclectic handcrafted wares, food delicacies, and colorful entertainment are common in North Hollywood. Sun Valley, north of North Hollywood, offers a mix of older homes and newer construction in tree-shaded neighborhoods. Valley Village, to the south of North Hollywood, provides more modest but well-kept housing.
Porter Ranch
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-341-2428
www.chatsworthchamber.com
Located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains is Porter Ranch, a community of stunning luxury residences set against the backdrop of dramatic hillsides and scenic ravines. The more established houses, built about two decades ago on public streets, typically have three and four bedrooms. Newer homes are larger and are generally clustered in private, guard-gated enclaves. Golfers will appreciate the meticulously manicured golf course, and residents enjoy the abundance of open hills that provide stunning views from the residences. The Northridge Mall is close by, as is Cal State Northridge. While Downtown Los Angeles is about 20 miles away, residents will find many libraries and parks that are located conveniently close to home.
Reseda, Winnetka
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-989-0300
www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com
One of the San Fernando Valley bedroom towns, Reseda is located about two miles west of Van Nuys Airport. The town of Winnetka, which covers about 18 blocks, lies to its west. Both towns experienced a boom after World War II, tend to be well kept with a pleasing selection of modest housing along tree-shaded streets in quiet neighborhoods. Two and three-bedroom suburban styles are most popular. Numerous community parks and several recreation centers are located within the town limits. Downtown Los Angeles in 22 miles away, while California State University at Northridge is just a short commute.
San Fernando
Municipal Offices
818-898-1200
www.ci.san-fernando.ca.us
Chamber of Commerce
818-989-0300
www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com
Although this small city on the east side of the San Fernando Valley is a mature suburban town, it is characterized as a well-manicured and attractive community. Some downtown areas have been renovated to showcase their historic charm, while the town’s streets are clean and houses show pride of ownership. About 60 percent of the town’s homes were built before 1960, with modest two-bedroom units being the most popular. The town boasts a library and four parks as well as programs, activities, and sports for residents of all ages. Downtown Los Angeles is about 20 miles away. Mission City College is close by, offering both junior college and vocational classes.
Sherman Oaks, Studio City
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-906-1951
www.shermanoakschamber.org
On the north side of the Santa Monica Mountains, facing the San Fernando Valley, are the three towns of Studio City, Toluca Lake, and Universal City. Many famous entertainers from the Hollywood of days gone by maintain their large estates in Toluca Lake, while professionals and managers favor well-kept tract homes. Universal City, a studio-entertainment complex, is located to the south of Toluca Lake. Ventura Boulevard, home to a vibrant and colorful nightlife, runs through both Studio City and Sherman Oaks. Miles of hills south of Ventura Boulevard form the backdrop for many upscale homes, typically with three to five bedrooms. Several parks and two golf courses grace the area.
Sylmar
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-989-0300
www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com
Divided by Interstate 210. Sylmar is characterized as a ranch community nestled in the majestic northern foothills of the San Fernando Valley. North of the interstate, housing is established and modest; although houses in the hills tend to be larger and much more impressive. Newcomers will also find charming new patio homes and unique living environments like a number of working ranches. Sylmar is also home to Mission Community College, which offers both junior college and academic classes as well as sports courses and cultural activities. The community also features a golf course, four parks, a swimming pool, and a library.
West Hills, Canoga Park
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-989-0300
www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com
Canoga Park and West Hills are both bedroom communities located at the west end of the San Fernando Valley. Showcasing homes that range from modest suburban styles to upscale estates. West Hills is built among dramatic ravines and hills. The community boasts some of the newest housing in the Valley that includes many spacious four and five-bedroom home with dramatic architectural elements. Further east is Canoga Park with smaller, comfortable three-bedroom homes that were constructed with the last 40 years. Shoppers frequent the area’s two shopping malls while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy 10 local parks as well as a horticultural park. Downtown Los Angeles is located 26 miles away.
Woodland Hills
Los Angeles City Offices
213-473-3231
www.lacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
818-347-4737
www.woodlandhillscc.net
Located on the north side of the Santa Monica mountains, Woodland Hills is graced by thousands of oak, eucalyptus, sycamore, fir, pine and pepper trees. Transforming in recent decades from a quietly rural area into a bustling suburban community, Woodland Hills features mostly three bedroom homes that either climb the hillsides or cover the flatlands with welcoming, tree-shaded neighborhoods. Along Ventura Boulevard residents enjoy restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, bookstores, and movie theaters. Four parks and a golf course are available for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
