S an Fernando Valley, affectionately called the "Valley of the Stars," is a thriving and desirable region in Southern California. It is primarily made up of five major cities Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, and San Fernando. San Fernando Valley is located only 30 minutes away from Hollywood, Malibu, and Santa Clarita Valley. With more than 100 soundstages producing everything from "Jurassic Park" to "The Tonight Show," the valley is home to the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, Warner Bros, the DreamWorks and Nickelodeon animation studios, CBS Studio Center and NBC. There are a variety of unique and desirable communities that are a part of San Fernando Valley.

Studio City is located in the southeast quadrant of the San Fernando Valley only 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Like the other communities along the south perimeter of the San Fernando Valley, real estate prices are at a premium. Because of its close proximity to major freeways and canyon routes that allow quick access to the Los Angeles basin, Studio City commands some of the highest priced real estate in the entire valley. Studio City is ideally situated for living, working or relaxing in the Los Angeles area. Homes in the area have a median price of $670,000. Studio City has a population of 26,000 residents and encompasses an area of 5 square miles.

Toluca Lake is a located in the southeast portion of the San Fernando Valley. It is actually a community within two communities, North Hollywood and Burbank. Toluca Lake real estate is primarily level and it is surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains. The communities of Burbank, North Hollywood and Universal City border it. Toluca Lake home prices vary from a low of around $470,000 to a high in the millions. The median price for a home is approximately $700,000. Townhouses and condominiums can be purchased for less. The community is located 12 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.

Woodland Hills is located in the west San Fernando Valley along the southern rim. The communities of Tarzana and Calabasas border Woodland Hills. It is approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Like most of the San Fernando Valley, the area started out as an agricultural community. Many of the fruit trees originally planted in the 1920's and 1930's still remain on the property of local homes. Home prices in the area run from a range of $370,000 to well over a million dollars. The community has a population of 63,000 residents and spreads out over 14.6 square miles.

Tarzana, is situated along the southern boundary of the San Fernando Valley, between Encino and Woodland Hills. The community is located about 25 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Real estate prices range from around $360,000 to over a million dollars for single-family residences. The median sale price for homes in Tarzana is $565,000. The community is comprised of 8 square miles and has a population of 30,000 people.

Sherman Oaks is close to two major freeways and serves as an entry to the San Fernando Valley. The community is nestled on the southern perimeter of the Valley between the communities of Studio City and Encino. Many of these homes take in sweeping views. Homes in the area are some of the most expensive in the San Fernando Valley. The median cost for a house is $600,000. Condos and townhouses are considerably less expensive. The community encompasses 8 square miles and has a population of 53,000 residents. Sherman Oaks was one of the first San Fernando Valley communities to experience intensive real estate development.

Encino is located on the south edge of the San Fernando Valley between the communities of Sherman Oaks and Tarzana. It's roughly 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Encino real estate values range in price from around $370,000 to properties in the millions. With the exception of a couple neighborhoods on the northern end of the community, homes sell at a big premium. Like the rest of the San Fernando Valley, the area was originally used for fruit orchards. The community has a population of 43,000 and encompasses an area of 10 square miles.

C alabasas is located at the extreme southwest end of the San Fernando Valley. It is an upscale community with a population of about 26,000. Calabasas real estate encompasses both flat areas as well as rolling hills and mountains. It has a total land area of 26 square miles. Many homes offer stunning views of city lights and canyon vistas. Calabasas real estate prices range from about $550,000 to multi millions of dollars for homes. The City is located approximately 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles along the Highway 101 high-tech corridor. Calabasas is a tight knit community that combines modern-day conveniences with the spirit of the Old West.

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 home sites. 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 is $480,000. The community is comprised of 17 square miles and has a population of 85,000 people. Also California State University at Northridge is located here.

Chatsworth is located in the extreme northwest portion of the San Fernando Valley and is sheltered by the breathtaking Santa Susana Mountains. The population of Chatsworth is approximately 37,000 and the community encompasses 31 square miles. Chatsworth real estate varies from level terrain to mountainous portions. The communities of Northridge and West Hills border it. Real estate prices for homes vary from a low of around $350,000 to a high in the millions. Chatsworth has many varied residential areas as well as a large industrial district. The community is located about 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Granada Hills is located along the northern perimeter of the San Fernando Valley. It sits approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Real estate prices range from $330,000 to around a million dollars. The median house value in Granada Hills is around $390,000. Many homes enjoy terrific 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.

West Hills is a community situated in the northwest portion of the San Fernando Valley. Woodland Hills, Canoga Park and Chatsworth border it. It is located approximately 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. West Hills' real estate is comprised of both hilly and level terrain. Many homes in the community enjoy expansive views of the San Fernando Valley. The community is made up of a total of 14 square miles and has a population of 25,000. Home prices range from around $360,000 to over a million dollars.

San Fernando Valley has communities and neighborhoods to fit every lifestyle and budget. This region is an exciting place to live, work, retire or raise a family. If you are considering moving to the San Fernando Valley region, or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!