Over the past decade, the San Fernando Valley has transformed from a rough and tumble region into one of California’s most desirable places to live in. The well-known county sits above Los Angeles County, and it’s best known for having plenty of affordable housing options compared to the inventory available in Los Angeles. 

As more communities in the Valley get new developments and make improvements to their infrastructure, the divide between older properties and newer construction is becoming more apparent. Although purchasing a move-in-ready home is convenient for many reasons, some homebuyers are opting for older homes that need some TLC.

While some homes might need to be demolished completely, there are still many opportunities for homebuyers to purchase a fixer-upper home. Depending on how much work (and money) buyers are willing to put into a property, they might just be able to land themselves an amazing home in one of the county’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Here are the best neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley to find a fixer-upper home.

North Hollywood

Long gone are the days when North Hollywood was considered quiet and suburban, especially with the arrival of the Metro station and the emergence of the NoHo Arts District. This eclectic neighborhood has blossomed so much that it now rivals several Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood. 

Residents in the Valley are expecting even more change in this neighborhood, especially after the completion of the 25-acre project NoHo West, but there are still plenty of areas in the community where homebuyers can find a fixer-upper home starting in the mid $200s, according to Neighborhoods.com listings.

North Hollywood features a mix of old and new residences, sometimes side-by-side, so whether homebuyers are looking for an old century bungalow, a historic single-family home, or a trendy condo, they shouldn’t be surprised to find them all on the same block in North Hollywood. 

Van Nuys

When it comes to the ever-developing neighborhood of Van Nuys, there’s a wide range of homes available in different sizes and prices. The neighborhood itself is very metropolitan, offering residents an urban atmosphere with a variety of coffee shops and park amenities.

Van Nuys is a densely populated community that includes a range of housing styles from studios and condos to townhomes and multi-family houses. However, the bulk of residences in Van Nuys tend to be apartment complexes and new construction homes, most of which are located towards the neighborhood’s west side.

According to Neighborhoods.com data, current home prices in Van Nuys start from below $100,000 to over $1.7 million. Although most properties towards the southern and western portions of Van Nuys are newer developments, homebuyers can find a good fixer-upper at a bargain price near the east and north sides of Van Nuys.

Sherman Oaks

Located in the heart of the Valley, the neighborhood of Sherman Oaks is best known as a quiet community with shopping malls and charming mom-and-pop shops as well as tree-lined sidewalks. The community is surrounded by some of the Valley’s most popular neighborhoods, and it’s within close proximity of the 101 and 405 freeways, which allows residents direct access to Hollywood and Downtown LA.

Although Sherman Oaks has several fixer uppers available, many homebuyers are reluctant to sell their home due to the neighborhood’s rising demand. According to LA Times, it’s not uncommon for a house in Sherman Oaks to get picked up within a week after being listed on the market. 

Home prices in this community range from the high $300s to a whopping $18 million. Compared to the more expensive new construction homes and luxury developments in the community, single-family homes are relatively affordable and very appealing to prospective buyers.

Valley Glen

Adjacent to North Hollywood is the modest neighborhood of Valley Glen, which is home to the Los Angeles Valley College and a 2,700-foot mural called “The Great Wall of Los Angeles." 

Homes in this neighborhood range from the low $100s to nearly $2 million, but they’re still relatively affordable when compared to its surrounding upscale communities. Right now, homebuyers can find a variety of homes in this community, from condominiums, attached townhouses, and loft-style residences to single-family homes and large estates. 

There are still plenty of fixer uppers in this neighborhood, but this might not be the case in the years to come. Chrishell Stause, a realtor for John Aaroe Group, told LA Times that Valley Glen is “really starting to take off” and that “everything that was old is being turned around, renovated, and re-leased.”