Encino is the San Fernando Valley’s most prestigious residential address east of Calabasas — a well-established, affluent community with wide streets, mature trees, and the unmistakable feel of old Valley money. Situated between Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, and the Santa Monica Mountains, Encino is defined by its tranquil streets lined with estate-sized homes, its proximity to Ventura Boulevard’s dining and shopping, and its strong community identity. Encino is particularly popular with families of the Jewish community, the medical community (Encino Hospital), and entertainment industry veterans who want Valley lifestyle at its finest. The area south of Ventura Boulevard — sometimes called “South of the Boulevard” — offers some of the largest and most impressive homes in the Valley at still-accessible price points relative to the Westside.

• Median Home Price: ~$1.5M (single-family)
• Price Range: $700K (condos/townhomes) – $10M+ (hillside estates)
• Property Types: Ranch, traditional, contemporary, Spanish-style; hillside estates; condos
• Market Character: Competitive; undervalued relative to comparable Westside neighborhoods; steady appreciation

Encino attracts established families, professionals, and affluent retirees. The community has a slower, more relaxed pace than neighboring Sherman Oaks or Studio City — it’s quieter, more established, and deeply residential. Residents enjoy Ventura Boulevard’s restaurants, the proximity to hiking, and the sense of permanence and stability.

Top Neighborhoods & Sub-Areas

• South of the Boulevard (SOB): Flat, large-lot single-family homes; the most prestigious Encino address; cul-de-sacs and wide streets
• Encino Hills: Hillside homes north of Ventura; views, privacy, larger lots
• Royal Oaks: Established neighborhood with mature trees and traditional homes
• Lake Encino Area: Near Lake Encino (private lake for residents of some developments); lush, green character

• Encino Elementary – Highly regarded public elementary
• Lanai Road Elementary – Well-rated; popular with families
• Hesby Oaks School – K–8 charter school; very well-regarded
• Notre Dame High School – Private Catholic high school serving the area
• Private Schools: Harvard-Westlake (nearest Westside campus), Buckley School (Sherman Oaks)

• Ventura Boulevard: Encino’s stretch offers dozens of restaurants from casual to upscale
• Balboa Boulevard Dining: Growing restaurant corridor
• Encino Commons: Mixed-use development with dining and retail
• Gelson’s Market (Encino) – Premier grocery; community gathering spot
• Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area – Minutes away

• Balboa Park & Golf Course: 18-hole public golf course, lake, sports fields, botanical garden
• Los Encinos State Historic Park: 5-acre park with a natural spring, historic buildings, and pond; a hidden gem
• Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve: 220 acres of nature within the city
• Santa Monica Mountains Trailheads: Easy access to hillside trails

• Freeways: US-101 and I-405 junction; centrally located; 30 minutes to West Hollywood, 35 to Downtown LA
• Airport Access: 20 minutes to Burbank (BUR), 25 to LAX

Encino’s “South of the Boulevard” market offers exceptional value compared to equivalent Westside properties. As buyers increasingly look for space and lifestyle over trendy addresses, Encino continues to attract serious buyers. Appreciation has been steady, and the area’s proximity to Sherman Oaks and Studio City ensures continued demand from the Valley’s professional class.

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