Sherman Oaks, California is a beautiful affluent community located in Los Angeles County about 14 miles northeast of Los Angeles on the south rim of the San Fernando Valley, between Studio City and Encino. Sherman Oaks was incorporated in October 1948 and is set against the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains offering a variety of recreation, business, social clubs for the young and old, and historical landmarks. The population is 52,677 residents.

Sherman Oaks was one of the first Valley communities to experience intensive real estate development. Anticipating the development of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913, Los Angeles Suburban Homes Co. purchased 47,500 acres of the southeast Valley in 1910. In 1911, a subdivision map called Tract 1000 was filed with the county. From that parcel, one of the partners in the company, Gen. Moses Hazeltine Sherman, bought 1,000 acres for himself. In 1927, Sherman subdivided the property and sold the land for $780 an acre. Over the years, many celebrities have lived in Sherman Oaks, including Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, Lou Costello, Marilyn Monroe, Liberace, Marsha Hunt, Burt Kennedy and Hector Elizondo

Other areas right next to Sherman Oaks and part of the San Fernando Valley include Encino, Tarzana, Northridge and Granada Hills. Encino is often called "The King" of San Fernando Valley is located almost in the center of the Valley's southern boundary. The community has a population of about 40,700 with a little over 18,000 households. The median age is 43 and about 19 percent of the population is 65 and older. Close to 22,000 residents are in the labor force and the median income is $91,475. The average value of a house is close to $650,000.

Tarzana is considered the "Crown Prince" of the Valley. Interestingly, the name, Tarzana, is named after the character Tarzan as a tribute to the influence the author, Edgar Rice Burroughs, had on his community. He owned a large piece of land just south of Ventura Blvd. and east of Reseda Blvd. Tarzana is located just west of Encino and just east of Woodland Hills along Highway 101. It backs up to the Santa Monica Mountains. The housing in this area is mostly upper middle to upper level with many estate size homes. Many of these properties have nice city or canyon views and offer desirable privacy.

Northridge, is located in the Northwest part of the San Fernando Valley, and is sheltered by the majestic Santa Susana Mountains. Most of the real estate in Northridge is level land. However, on the north end of the community there are mountainous. Northridge is located about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Real estate prices range from around $350,000 to over a million dollars for single-family residences. The median sale price for homes in Northridge is $480,000. The community is comprised of 17 square miles and has a population of 85,000 people.

Granada Hills is located along the northern perimeter of the San Fernando Valley. It sits approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The real estate in Granada Hills ranges in price from $330,000 to around a million dollars. The median house value in Granada Hills is around $390,000. The real estate located south of Rinaldi Blvd. is primarily flat. The area North of Rinaldi Blvd. is nestled in the hills and tends to carry a higher pricetag. Many homes enjoy fabulous views of the San Fernando Valley. The total land area of Granada Hills is 15.5 square miles and the community has a population of 51,000 people. Four city parks are scattered throughout the community, including the 672-acre O'Melveny Park, the second largest in Los Angeles.

Many members of the financial industry, including banks and brokerage houses, are located in the area. And Sunkist Growers, one of the country's oldest and largest agricultural cooperatives, has been rooted in Sherman Oaks for almost 30 years. It is a financial center of the Valley, and home to commercial and savings banks as well as stock brokerages. About 50% of the resident population is employed by Sherman Oaks businesses, making it a very self-supporting community. The service, retail, and finance industries are particularly strong in the area. With the recent growth of local restaurants, Ventura Boulevard has earned the title of "Restaurant Row." The median household income in Sherman Oaks is $52,584.

The city is close to two major freeways and serves as a gateway to the San Fernando Valley. The community is perhaps best known as the home of the Sherman Oaks Galleria, considered by many to be the undisputed residence of the Valley Girl, a cultural label popularized by the song and 1983 movie of the same name. Two large shopping malls in the area, numerous smaller boutiques and plazas line Ventura Boulevard, providing residents and visitors with endless window-shopping opportunities.

Sherman Oaks has many types of residential accommodations, from apartment housing to condominium complexes as well as single-family residences. This area entices professional people from an array of backgrounds, from business owners and executives, to stars of the stage and screen. Many thrive on easy access and walking distance to shops, or spend time in the local coffee houses along Ventura Boulevard. The average home price is $795,000 while houses range from $595,000 to $2,000,000.

A sunny and comfortable climate is what Sherman Oaks has to offer. The average temperature in the summer ranges from 87 in the day to 55 at night. The Santa Monica Mountains present an assortment of hiking trials, jogging paths, and walking paths for your pets. Minutes away are major studios such as Universal Studios, and City Walk. Minutes away are two major freeways. The 101 Freeway runs east and west through the valley. The 405 Freeway connects to the 10 Freeway and will take you to downtown Los Angeles. The 405 Freeway also takes you to Long Beach South, and interchanges to Santa Monica, taking you along the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the exciting annual events is the Sherman Oaks Street Fair held in the fall.

The school system is superb. A state university, and two community colleges provide high quality education, sports, music and theatrical activities. Ratios for students completing school in the area are approximately 32.1 % college completion and 36.5% are professional or semi-professional. Sherman Oaks is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Granada Hills and Northridge are all sensational places to live, work, retire or raise a family. They have beautiful architecture, safe neighborhoods, outstanding schools, a strong economic base and breathtaking scenery. If you are considering moving to the San Fernando Valley, or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!