{"id":37579,"date":"2020-12-05T06:04:32","date_gmt":"2020-12-05T14:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=37579"},"modified":"2026-01-23T03:38:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T11:38:45","slug":"living-in-encino-a-quiet-upscale-urban-retreat-overflowing-with-l-a-charm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/living-in-encino-a-quiet-upscale-urban-retreat-overflowing-with-l-a-charm\/","title":{"rendered":"Living in Encino, a Quiet, Upscale Urban Retreat Overflowing with L.A. Charm"},"content":{"rendered":"

Encino is an enclave of the San Fernando Valley filled with quiet blocks of big houses, as well as areas with clusters of apartment buildings. The area is infamous for being mentioned in Frank Zappa\u2019s 1982 hit song \u201cValley Girl\u201d \u2013 and in a lot of ways, this upper middle class, historic neighborhood hasn\u2019t changed since.<\/p>\n

Where is Encino?<\/h3>\n

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Encino is an old money area, surrounded by even older money. It starts in the south at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains, just north of Bel Air<\/a> and Brentwood<\/a>, with Sherman Oaks<\/a> to the east, Reseda<\/a> to the north, and Tarzana<\/a> to the west. It is sliced through by a bustling section of Ventura Blvd.<\/p>\n

History<\/h3>\n

Encino is one of the oldest parts of the Valley. The 1769 Portola Expedition went over the Sepulveda Pass and stayed near what is now Los Encinos State Historic Park. The name Encino means \u201cevergreen\u201d or \u201coak\u201d in Spanish and is said to refer to The Encino Oak Tree that resided for 1000 years in an area that became Louise Avenue near Ventura Blvd. Sadly, it was felled by the El Nino storms of 1998 and now only a stump and a plaque remains.<\/p>\n

Lifestyle<\/h3>\n

According to many residents, Encino has a small town feel, with amenities within walking distance. The average lot size is bigger than other areas of the city, making certain blocks very quiet and rural, particularly above Burbank Blvd.<\/p>\n

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What to Do<\/strong><\/p>\n

The main area for shopping and dining is situated on Ventura Blvd. between White Oak and Balboa, an area called the Encino Commons, dubbed The Valley\u2019s Miracle Mile, and home to a high number of businesses.<\/p>\n

Encino is anchored by several areas of lush parkland, including the 5-acre Los Encinos State Historic Park, the Sepulveda Dam, and Sepulveda Gardens. Dog owners can enjoy the off-leash Sepulveda Basin Dog Park. There\u2019s also a sports complex with baseball field and several golf courses. In short: there\u2019s plenty to do outdoors.<\/p>\n

For groceries, there\u2019s Ralph\u2019s, Gelson\u2019s Market or Super Sal Market down the boulevard, which features Israeli and kosher foods.<\/p>\n

Where to Eat and Drink<\/strong><\/p>\n

Want to get a true taste of Encino? Save this date: October 10, 2021. It\u2019s when the Encino Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual event – A Taste of Encino<\/strong>. This mega event showcasing the best that the community has to offer \u2013 from local restaurants to arts and crafts and home improvement ideas – takes place on the second Sunday of October, every year.<\/p>\n

Davenport’s Restaurant is also a must-visit. Excellent food made with quality ingredients coupled with a cozy restaurant where you feel right at home – equals a great experience.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Davenport’s Restaurant (@davenportsrestaurant)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n