Known for being one of the largest regions in LA, the San Fernando Valley has many attractions and is home to a great number of affluent and upscale neighborhoods. Several are within walkable distance from city parks and nearby shops, restaurants and schools.
Explore the Valley’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods below:
- Burbank
Known as the “Media Capital of the World,” Burbank is a thriving neighborhood that’s home to over 1,000 media, film and entertainment companies. The city is comprised of four unique neighborhoods: Downtown Burbank, Magnolia Park, The Media District, and The Airport District.
In Burbank, you’ll find streets lined with vintage shops, stylish boutiques, family-owned restaurants and the most happening cafés. Magnolia Boulevard in Magnolia Park, for instance, boasts of unique establishments like Porto’s Bakery and Café, Dark Delicacies, Unique Vintage and Junk for Joy.
- Sherman Oaks
Found right in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks is a quiet and peaceful neighborhood.
The Village at the Sherman Oaks Business Improvement District (BID), is a popular destination for shopping and dining. Here, you’ll find lots of chic stores, specialty shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques, gourmet restaurants, exercise studios and many more. Residents living in Sherman Oaks can easily walk to their fitness class then grab a bite to eat at one of the many dining establishments.
Sherman Oaks is also home to a number of excellent public and private schools and several parks, namely the Van Nuys/ Sherman Oaks Recreation Center, Deervale-Stone Canyon Park, Fossil Ridge Park, Longridge Park and Dixie Canyon Park.
- North Hollywood
North Hollywood is a diverse neighborhood known for the NoHo Arts District. This area is the Valley’s one-stop-shop for all things art, food, entertainment and culture. Join arts-related classes or drop in on one of the ongoing art events! Scour through NoHo’s performing arts centers, unique shops and amazing restaurants to find what most tickles your fancy.
Aside from the vibrant NoHo Arts District, North Hollywood also has several neighborhood parks and recreation centers: Valley Village Park, the North Hollywood Recreation Center, the Whitsett Sports Field and the Victory Vineland Recreation Center.
- Studio City
Nestled in between Sherman Oaks and North Hollywood, Studio City is a walking paradise for the whole family. With one of the lowest population densities in LA, this area offers lots of peace and quiet, but is a mere 20 minutes away from Downtown Los Angeles.
Discover lovely vintage stores, mini-malls, fantastic galleries and a booming restaurant scene along Cahuenga Boulevard. You’ll be hard-pressed to tell which are the best places to eat in Studio City. Drop in on mom-and-pop eateries featuring artisanal products, gastropubs, coffee shops, or any of the many casual and fine dining restaurants for your food fix.
- Encino
Similar to the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood in Los Angeles, Encino is known for its mixed-use developments. There are office towers, restaurants and shops aplenty. Explore Ventura Boulevard, a well-known area for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Or spend a day at the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, which houses the Sepulveda Dam, Sepulveda Gardens, and Sepulveda Basin Dog Park. Also, visit the Los Encinos State Historic Park where you can learn all about the history of the area.
- Valley Village
Bounded by Burbank Boulevard to the north and the Ventura Freeway to the south, Valley Village is a charming little neighborhood. There are spots to shop and dine within walking distance of each other. Have your fill of the menu selections at Noodle Monster, Wienerschnitzel and Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen.
For outdoor pursuits, look to Valley Village Park, a well-maintained open area surrounded by trees. Residents here often take their kids to the outdoor playground, enjoy a solitary walk or a jog, or sequester one of the park’s tables to have a small picnic with friends. Valley Village is also home to four elementary schools, one high school, one continuation school and two Jewish schools.
- Van Nuys
One of the best places to live in San Fernando Valley is Van Nuys. The bustling neighborhood has a decidedly metropolitan feel. It’s conveniently near Downtown LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and other areas in the Valley. Need to catch a flight? The neighborhood’s own Van Nuys Airport is a convenient alternative to LAX.
One of the neighborhood’s best features is its walkability. Two of the town’s main streets, Van Nuys Boulevard and Burbank Boulevard, are home to the trendiest shops and restaurants. A day at the Encino Farmers Market on Victory Boulevard will allow you to score a little of everything you need from fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, jewelry and many more.
One thing’s for sure: You’ll never run out of things to do when you live in San Fernando Valley. Find the right San Fernando Valley neighborhood for you. Get in touch with me today at 818.444.7700. You may also send an email to arman(at)armangrigoryan(dotted)com.