Encino

Encino is home to many celebrities and is known for its private, gated estate-style homes and parks showcasing the region's natural beauty. With a population of around 47,000, Encino offers a luxurious suburban atmosphere, complete with cul-de-sac subdivisions and a tranquil environment away from tourist crowds. From a peaceful daytime vibe to vibrant nightlife, Encino attracts those who can afford its upscale real estate.

 

Ventura Boulevard serves as the main retail hub, dividing Encino into northern and southern sections. The northern part has a grid-like layout and is relatively flat, while the southern section features sprawling cul-de-sac subdivisions and ascends into the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains. The northern area offers a compact suburban feel, while the southern part boasts spacious estates. Encino is known for its single-family homes with a mix of mid-century, contemporary, Craftsman, and Spanish-style architecture. Many homes are surrounded by tall bushes, hedges, fences, and gates, providing privacy. Houses in Encino typically stay on the market for 36 days, with a median sales price of $1.6 million as of 2024 and one of the most expensive sales exceeding $18 million. Due to moderate flood risk, prospective buyers should consider flood insurance.

 

Encino is flanked by two expansive parks, offering year-round recreational opportunities. The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in the northern part features a lake with paddle boats, a public golf course, and a Japanese garden. To the south, Topanga State Park offers scenic hiking trails through the Santa Monica Mountains. Centrally located Encino Park is popular for its lit basketball courts, playground, and classes for children and adults.

 

Ventura Boulevard, lined with palm trees, offers a bustling shopping and dining scene known as "Encino Commons: The Valley’s Miracle Mile." This urban downtown area features businesses on the ground level of mid-rise and high-rise buildings, including upscale eateries, boutiques, big box stores, and chain restaurants. Notable shopping centers include Encino Pharmacy Valley Shopping Center, Encino Marketplace, and Encino Town Center.

 

Encino is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, which has a B-plus rating from Niche. The district, which serves about 450,000 students, boasts an A rating in teacher quality and an A-minus in college prep, with a student-teacher ratio of 20-to-1. Nearby higher education institutions include Pierce College, West Coast University – Los Angeles, and Casa Loma College.

 

The Encino Farmers Market is a weekly year-round event featuring organic produce, local entertainment, and pop-up book sales. The Encino Community Center offers summer camps, creative arts programs, and seasonal events such as a Halloween Carnival and Spring Egg Hunt.

 

Encino residents have convenient access to larger Southern California cities. U.S. Route 101 connects Encino to Los Angeles (about 20 miles, 45 minutes) and Glendale (about 20 miles, 30 minutes). Public transportation includes Metro bus and rail services. Future developments include the Mercedes Benz Tower, a 12-story mixed-use apartment space next to Los Encinos State Historic Park. Encino Hospital Medical Center provides nearby healthcare, and the closest major airport is Hollywood Burbank Airport (Bob Hope) in Burbank, California.