Sherman Oaks, L.A. – Timeless Elegance in the Heart of the Valley

Sherman Oaks provides a quiet retreat right in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. This peaceful neighborhood boasts lots of green spaces along with a wide selection of charming restaurants and shopping areas – not to mention some of the most luxurious homes and apartments north of the Hollywood Hills. Its broad boulevards and classic architecture lend a feeling of “Old L.A.” to this modern corner of town.

Where is Sherman Oaks?

Nestled between Van Nuys and North Hollywood to the north, Studio City and Encino to the east and west, and Bel Air and Beverly Crest to the south, Sherman Oaks truly lies at the center of Valley life. Its close proximity to the 101 freeway offers quick access to Hollywood and Downtown, too.

History

The area’s roots date all the way back to 1927, when the Los Angeles Suburban Homes Company developed Sherman Oaks as a quiet neighborhood near the surrounding Valley hotspots. Today, it’s proved an attractive place for the city’s more affluent residents to settle down.

Like the nearby neighborhoods of Studio City and Reseda, Sherman Oaks attracts a wealth of young and middle-aged professionals, who hail from a wide variety of industries. Newer apartments and houses do tend to fall on the pricier side; but their spacious interiors and pristine surroundings make them well worth the investment.

Lifestyle

What to Do

In the mood to shop? The Sherman Oaks Galleria, famous for its role in the 1982 movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” offers a wealth of high-end fashion stories and tempting eateries, as well as the rightly famous ArcLight Movie Theater, all in a breezy open-air setting that’s perfect for strolling on a lazy afternoon.

Ventura Blvd. is lined with quirky independent shops, high-fashion boutiques, delightful coffee-houses, chic little restaurants and office towers. Ventura stretches clear across the San Fernando Valley, so you’ll never run out of fascinating spots to explore.

For a more relaxing day, head over to the Sherman Oaks Park, which features baseball diamonds, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a children’s play area, a football field, an indoor gymnasium, lighted tennis courts and even a public swimming pool.

Where to Eat & Drink

Whether you’re a shopaholic, a foodie, or a film buff – or all the above – Sherman Oaks has got you covered. Mendocino Farms deserves every bit of the good press it gets. The succulent kurobuta pork belly banh mi (a secret menu item!) is to die for, and the rest of the enormous sandwich menu doesn’t disappoint, either.

 

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Gastropubs also abound in Sherman Oaks. The Local Peasant, The Woodman and Public School 818 both offer a dizzying array of craft brews and complementary dishes from all corners of the globe.

 

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Moving to Sherman Oaks

Real Estate Snapshot

Homes in Sherman Oaks range from simple ranch-style and duplex properties all the way up to sprawling multi-bedroom mansions. Designs vary from sleek and upscale to rustic Spanish and Mediterranean – and everything in between.

Apartments in Sherman Oaks range from simple studios and one-bedrooms to luxurious penthouses; and many complexes feature amenities like pools, gyms and even concierges. Along with apartments and houses, Sherman Oaks also offers a variety of townhouses and condominiums, many of which are located just a few minutes away from the endless shopping and dining choices of vibrant Ventura Boulevard.

Transportation

Aside from easy access to the I-405, Hwy 134 and the 101 Freeway, Sherman Oaks also offers many of the San Fernando Valley stops on the L.A. Metro bus system. Metro buses can connect you with other bus lines throughout L.A.’s comprehensive transport network, or take you to the Metro Rail system, which provides swift subway transport to Hollywood, Downtown and many other high-traffic areas of the metropolitan area.

Education

A variety of private and public schools are available in Sherman Oaks. Ivy Bound Academy offers a highly acclaimed charter school experience for elite students, boasting some of the Valley’s highest elementary-school scores in math, arts and science. Dixie Canyon Community Charter School and Sherman Oaks Elementary Charter School also consistently garner high rankings from parents and education advocates.

Want to see what kind of apartments there are in Sherman Oaks? Check out all the available listings on RentCafe.