San Fernando Valley's Best Suburbs for Young Families

San Fernando Valley is a collection of semi-suburban neighborhoods situated in the northernmost part of Los Angeles and just northwest of the San Gabriel Valley. Thanks to the city’s many revitalization projects as well as the creation of more Metro stops, the Valley has become a popular place for many people, especially young families looking to settle down. If you’re looking to lay down roots in the area, then finding the right Valley neighborhood to fit your family’s lifestyle is crucial. There are several aspects of a neighborhood that people take into account when searching for a place to raise their children, including quality education, proximity to stores and supermarkets, and family-friendly community activities.

Here’s a helpful guide to some of San Fernando Valley’s top suburbs for young families.

North Hollywood

For many young parents, being able to raise their children around culture, art, and diversity is a significant factor when it comes to choosing a suburb to move to. The San Fernando Valley neighborhood of North Hollywood doesn’t just embody all of these aspects, it’s also an upscale and safe community to live in. North Hollywood is conveniently located near the 170 and 101 Freeways, so traveling throughout the Los Angeles area and to the San Gabriel Valley is a breeze, as long as you don’t run into any of that notorious LA traffic. 

Young families are typically drawn to the area because of it’s thriving NoHo Arts District as well as the park-rich community. For family day trips, picnics, and parties, many residents head on over to the popular North Hollywood Park, which offers a jogging trail, picnic areas, and open space. There are also several other reasons to live in North Hollywood, including its affordable real estate, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, easy access to public transportation, and distinctive local restaurants.

Valley Village

For families who are interested in a suburb with a small-town vibe and mostly residential areas, Valley Village is a cozy option. Primarily made up of mom-and-pop shops and single-family residences, this neighborhood enjoys a tranquil and close-knit community. Valley Village is actually known as one of the Valley’s more desirable places to live for couples looking to settle down and start a family. There are many reasons why young homebuyers should choose to live in Valley Village, including its freeway accessibility, upscale residential areas, pet-friendly community, notable schools, and central location. The peaceful neighborhood is conveniently located near the 101, 5, 134, 118, and 405 freeways, so locals have no trouble commuting to other parts of the valley as well as the rest of Los Angeles. Valley Village residents are known to throw family-friendly block parties and outdoor community events, complete with barbeques and bouncy houses.

Burbank

Burbank is probably one of the most popular areas in the San Fernando Valley for young families looking to settle down. The city, which was incorporated as part of the Valley, has everything you would need in an ideal metropolitan, including quiet residential neighborhoods centered around a vibrant downtown with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options galore. The city’s civic center and the Burbank Studios are unique to the area, adding to the city’s distinction. 

While Burbank offers its residents the perks of living in a full-fledged city, it still has that charming suburban vibe that’s attractive to young families. In Rancho Equestrian District, one of the city’s most recognized neighborhoods, it’s still normal to own a horse and keep it at home. In recent years, the city has been working to become more pedestrian-friendly and bicycle-friendly as well. Although builders are planning more mixed-use developments in the city, there are still very little multi-family homes or apartment buildings around. This is great for those young families in search of a more residential city.

Sherman Oaks

Located between Studio City, Van Nuys, and Encino is the diverse neighborhood of Sherman Oaks. For those families who want to raise their children in a more urbanized community filled with apartments and condominiums, while still having the option of living in a single-family home, Sherman Oaks is a solid option to consider.

The district has commercial towers, massive shopping centers, and several community amenities that are perfect for family-friendly activities. There are also several recreational spaces available in the community, including football and soccer fields for those looking for great athletic fields, as well as public pools and community centers.