Welcome to Sherman Oaks
A Welcoming Community in the San Fernando Valley
Located about 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks is one of the most inviting neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley. Known for its friendly atmosphere, residents often connect at local parks, discussing schools and favorite restaurants. The area features scenic views from the Santa Monica Mountains and vibrant shopping and dining along Ventura Boulevard. With a population of 72,000, Sherman Oaks offers proximity to top-rated charter and private schools and convenient access to the 101 and 405 freeways.
Ventura Boulevard: The Heart of Sherman Oaks
Ventura Boulevard, one of California's longest commercial stretches, runs 18 miles from Calabasas to Studio City, with three miles passing through Sherman Oaks. This bustling thoroughfare is packed with restaurants, shops, gyms, bars, and art studios, as well as major chains. The Sherman Oaks Galleria and Westfield Fashion Square provide extensive indoor shopping options.
Parks and Recreation
The Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center, known as VNSO Park, spans 67 acres and includes lighted athletic fields, classes, camps for kids, and the Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center. The park’s Aquatic Center offers year-round activities such as water polo and diving. Just west of Encino, the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area features two golf courses, a wildlife reserve, and a picturesque cherry blossom-lined lake.
Near the Santa Monica Mountains, residents can access wide open spaces via Mulholland Drive. Popular destinations like Coldwater Canyon Park offer 45 acres of scenic trails and the TreePeople Nature Center. These trails connect to Fryman and Franklin Canyons, adding 700 more acres of sagebrush and clear skies. Residents in hillside neighborhoods can walk directly from their homes to these parks.
Real Estate in Sherman Oaks
As of May 2024, the median home price in Sherman Oaks is $1.8 million making it more affordable than neighboring Beverly Hills and Encino but still higher than the California and Los Angeles averages. Homes south of Ventura Boulevard tend to be pricier due to amenities like valley views, pools, and larger lots. Prices in this area range from $1.2 million ranch-style homes to $11+ million estates. Northern neighborhoods offer condos and townhouses starting at $500,000. These lower-elevation properties have changed the streetscape in the last few years, as a wave of 1950s remodels and new builds continues.
Education
Sherman Oaks boasts some of the best charter schools in Los Angeles, including Sherman Oaks Elementary Charter and Dixie Canyon Community Charter, both rated A-minus by Niche. Kester Avenue Elementary, a magnet school, achieved the highest Academic Performance Index score in the area. For private education, Harvard-Westlake and The Buckley School rank among the top private schools in California.
Environmental Considerations
While Sherman Oaks has not experienced wildfires, summer temperatures over 100 degrees make it a potential risk, especially near the Santa Monica Mountains, which fall into the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Homeowners should be aware of insurance costs, city ordinances, and fire department alerts. Flooding can also be an issue during heavy rains, so residents often invest in extra structural support and drainage systems.
Transportation
Sherman Oaks is well-connected with major freeways. The 405 leads toward Santa Monica, while the 101 takes commuters into Hollywood. These drives can take 20 minutes to an hour depending on traffic, especially near the busy 405 and 101 interchange. Ventura Boulevard is another key route, occasionally closed for movie filming. The Metro G Line (Orange Line) provides bus service with dedicated lanes, running from North Hollywood to Chatsworth, where commuters can connect to the Metro Rail’s B Line into downtown LA.
Walkability and Biking
Lower-elevation residents can walk to Ventura Boulevard for dining and shopping, while biking is an option on Ventura itself. However, heavy traffic makes Chandler Boulevard and Pinecrest Avenue safer alternatives, with dedicated bike lanes creating a six-mile route to Studio City.
