Where in the San Fernando Valley should I move to?

Question

I'm looking to move from NYC to LA in the near future. can anyone provide some information on different areas in the san fernando valley? price ranges, family oriented or younger crowd, what type of scene, other pros and cons. i am in my mid 20s, so looking more younger area. i've heard things about NoHo, but wikipedia can only tell you so much. your input is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I am 27 years old and have lived in the valley all my life.

NOHO (or north hollywood) is cool if you like that gritty street feel. it's more like the valleys east village if you know what i mean. there is a very high crime rate there and a very high poverety rate but there is also alot of art galleries and trendy clubs.

i have lived all over the valley and i prefer the southwest. it is much MUCH nicer. places like encino, tarzana, woodland hills, west hills and calabasas. many celebrities choose to live here. the nicest places are south of the boulevard (ventura blvd that is!)
also the west valley is cool if you are into going to the beach, just go straight down topanga or malibu canyon for some awesome waves.

the southeast valley is also nice, like sherman oaks, and studio city. This has a much younger appeal as it is just over the hill from hollywood and beverly hills. there are alot of nice clubs, restaurants and galleries in the southeast. Also it is right next to NOHO if that's the type of scene you like. million dollar homes border studio apartments. the southeast is very versatile.

Do not move anywhere in the north valley because it is all just boring suburbs mixed with high crime rates.

wherever you go just make sure you are close to ventura blvd and you should be fine!

hope this helps.
feel free to contact me for more info.

Answer 2

NoHo, or North Hollywood is a dump. You don't want to be there. There are many bad sections to the SFV. Your best neighborhoods are (in order):

1. Sherman Oaks
2. Encino
3. Woodland Hills
4. Studio City
5. Burbank

The top 3 straddle Ventura Blvd. which is the main drag through the SFV. Full of clubs, bars, restaurants and shopping. South of this Blvd is really really pricey but worth it. Either way, your best bet if you want entertainment within walking distance is to concentrate on Sherman Oaks or Encino. Encino tends to be a little older skew. Personally, I think Sherman Oaks is your best bet for youth and entertainment. You are just "over the hill" (a 20 minute ride through a canyon) from L.A. You'll find prices for apts. ranging from $900 to infinity. The further away you get from Ventura Blvd., the cheaper the rents will be (and the less nice the apts. will be).

Good Luck.

Answer 3

I grew up in the Valley. I lived there for 30 yrs. And my question is WHY?

My answer is DON'T.

Even if you work there, commute. You will be going in against the traffic not with it so it will be fast.

The young scene is elsewhere. The Valley is for families. And for goodness sake, not NoHo. Ugh. UGLY!

If you must, try Studio City. At least you are closer to the City. But it is more expensive for that reason.

You don't say where you will work. If you work in the City... just find a place there. The commutes make NYC commutes look easy.

Otherwise, try Burbank. But it's smoggy.

The nicest Valley suburbs are :

Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Woodland Hills, and Northridge.

Good luck.

Answer 4

CA- move to Frenchlick IN I heard they have over a 1500+jobs with one company and spin off should bring an equal amount of jobs. A growing area, young group,and Families, look it up. a lot going on there get in on ground floor. Casino going in. i am not from there but just hearing a lot about the area

Answer 5

Don't move to the Valley. It sucks, is smoggy, hot and sticky. If you must live in LA, look at Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo or Redondo Beach. El Segundo is the most family oriented and reasonably priced of the lot.