Moving to San Fernando Valley, California: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide
Considering moving to San Fernando Valley, California? This sprawling region of Los Angeles offers diverse neighborhoods, suburban living, entertainment industry presence, and more affordable options than other LA areas. This comprehensive relocation guide will provide you with valuable insights into the demographics, economy, and other pertinent information to help you make an informed decision about moving to San Fernando Valley.
Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to San Fernando Valley:
The San Fernando Valley, commonly called “The Valley,” is a large urbanized region located in Los Angeles County, California. With a population of approximately 1.8 million residents, it comprises about one-third of Los Angeles’s land area. The Valley includes numerous neighborhoods and communities such as Burbank, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, and others. The region is known for its entertainment industry presence, diverse population, suburban character, and more family-friendly atmosphere compared to central Los Angeles.
Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to San Fernando Valley:
Before making the move, it’s important to consider the cost of living in San Fernando Valley. While still higher than the national average as part of Los Angeles County, the Valley generally offers more affordable housing compared to Westside Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or beach communities. Costs vary significantly between Valley neighborhoods, from luxury areas like Encino and Calabasas to more affordable communities. Many families and young professionals find the Valley attractive for better value while maintaining Los Angeles access and opportunities.
Economy and Job Market:
The San Fernando Valley has a diverse economy with particular strengths in entertainment and media production, healthcare, aerospace, retail, and professional services. The region is home to numerous major studios including Warner Bros., Universal Studios, Disney, and DreamWorks. Burbank is known as the “Media Capital of the World.” Healthcare systems including Kaiser Permanente, Providence, and others have significant presence. The Valley supports diverse businesses and serves as a major employment center for Los Angeles. Many residents also commute to other parts of Los Angeles for work.
Education:
The San Fernando Valley is served by Los Angeles Unified School District and several other districts including Burbank Unified and Glendale Unified, offering diverse public, charter, and private school options. The region is home to California State University, Northridge, one of the largest universities in the CSU system, along with numerous community colleges. The area provides diverse educational opportunities with varying quality across different neighborhoods. Many families research specific schools and neighborhoods carefully when relocating.
Recreation and Lifestyle:
The San Fernando Valley offers diverse recreational opportunities and lifestyle options. The region features numerous parks including Griffith Park on the southern edge, one of the largest urban parks in North America. The Santa Monica Mountains provide extensive hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation. Universal CityWalk offers entertainment and dining. The Valley has diverse shopping including the Westfield Fashion Square and Sherman Oaks Galleria. Residents enjoy varied dining reflecting the area’s diversity. Community events, farmers markets, and cultural activities occur throughout different neighborhoods. The Valley lifestyle balances suburban living with urban Los Angeles access.
Healthcare and Services:
The San Fernando Valley has extensive healthcare services with numerous hospitals including Providence hospitals, Kaiser Permanente facilities, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, and Valley Presbyterian Hospital. The region has comprehensive medical offices, specialized care centers, and wellness facilities throughout different communities. Residents have access to quality healthcare locally and throughout Los Angeles County.
Transportation:
The San Fernando Valley is crossed by numerous freeways including I-405, US-101, I-5, and State Route 170, providing extensive access throughout Los Angeles. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates the Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit and extensive bus service throughout the Valley. The Metro B Line (Red Line) subway serves North Hollywood and Universal City. While the Valley is primarily car-dependent, transit options are expanding. Traffic congestion can be significant during peak hours. Hollywood Burbank Airport provides convenient air travel for Valley residents.
Conclusion:
Moving to San Fernando Valley, California, offers diverse Los Angeles living with more suburban character, better value housing options, entertainment industry presence, and family-friendly neighborhoods. With its varied communities, strong employment opportunities, improving amenities, and Los Angeles access while maintaining more affordable living than many LA areas, the Valley is an attractive destination for families, young professionals, and individuals seeking Los Angeles opportunity with better value and space.