For potential homebuyers who are newcomers to the San Fernando Valley, learning the difference between various neighborhoods can be tough. In the San Fernando Valley, neighborhoods are constantly evolving and developments are in full swing. While some parts of the massive county can feel like a thriving metropolitan, other areas provide some small-town charm. 

As a new homebuyer, it’s important to learn more about these key neighborhood distinctions before moving into the area. For many people considering a move to the San Fernando Valley, understanding the difference between Valley Glen and Valley Village can get confusing (especially because the two communities are adjacent to each other and roughly the same size). While both neighborhoods are highly reputable, there are several differences that set them apart from each other.

Valley Village

A Residential Suburb

Located towards the southeast corner of the San Fernando Valley is the tranquil, residential neighborhood of Valley Village. Although it’s had a rocky history with North Hollywood, which caused the community to officially split from NoHo in 1991, it has since become one of the county’s most desirable areas to live. The neighborhood tends to attract homebuyers seeking family-friendly amenities and good schools within an established community. 

Top-Rated Schools

Although there are several reasons why homeowners choose to live in Valley Village, including its freeway accessibility, central location within the Valley, and close-knit community, the neighborhood’s strongest draw is its schools.

Valley Village offers residents some of the nation’s top-rated schools, including Colfax Charter Elementary School and The Country School. The community’s public schools are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, making it convenient for families with children to choose a school of their liking.

Valley Village Amenities

Valley Village is also known for being one of San Fernando Valley’s greenest neighborhoods. Many of the community’s sidewalks are lined with trees, the area offers scenic mountain views, and the neighborhood also boasts an abundance of local parks such as Valley Village Park and North Hollywood Park.

Another popular corridor in Valley Village is Chandler Boulevard, which offers residents public transit options. Although Valley Village can be peaceful and quiet, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfares, such as Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard, provide residents with plenty of amenities and activities. From live entertainment venues, wine bars, and sports pubs to diverse restaurants and mom-and-pop boutiques, locals are often seen relaxing and strolling around the neighborhood. 

Homes and Pricing

For those who enjoy being close to the center of the community, Valley Village has an abundance of multi-family developments near Magnolia and Laurel Canyon Boulevards. However, Valley Village is appealing to homeowners due to its single-family homes and townhomes, many of which have high prices. Although the median sale price of a home in Valley Village is in the low $900s, according to Neighborhoods.com data, home prices in the neighborhood can go as high as $2.5 million, with more expensive homes situated towards the southern half of the community.

Valley Glen

A Lively Urban Center

Directly north of Valley Village and to the west of North Hollywood is Valley Glen. Although Valley Glen is physically located in San Fernando Valley, it’s actually part of Los Angeles County. At the heart of Valley Glen is the Los Angeles Valley College, so many of the community’s surrounding amenities, homes, and shops are centered towards supporting academia.

While families are drawn to Valley Village, Valley Glen has a more diverse population, and it’s considered a millennial hotspot due to its overall urban feel as well as its abundance of trendy boutiques and coffee shops. Valley Glen is also known for The Great Wall of Los Angeles, which is not only a cultural landmark, but also one of the nation’s largest and most adored monuments celebrating diversity and inter-racial peace.

Valley Glen Amenities

Due to its location next to the upcoming mixed-use lifestyle center NoHo West, which is North Hollywood’s new major retail shopping and open-air plaza, residents in Valley Glen have a wide selection of shopping, entertainment, and dining options all in one place. According to Curbed Los Angeles, the mixed-use development will also have a new Trader Joe’s grocery store.

Homes and Pricing

Valley Glen was known as a sleepy neighborhood until recently, when more people started moving here due to its proximity to North Hollywood. Although more new construction homes are on the rise in Valley Glen, especially near the neighborhood’s main drag on Victory Boulevard, there are also many opportunities for homebuyers to find a good fixer-upper home. 

Home prices are also slightly lower than Valley Village. The median sale price of a home in Valley Glen is in the high $600s, with home prices going as high as $1.8 million. Compared to Valley Village, these prices are considerably more affordable. While there are many single-family homes available in Valley Glen, much of the focus in this community is on apartment living and rentals.

Which Neighborhood is Best for You?

If you’re looking for a suburban and family-friendly community to settle down in, Valley Village might fit the bill. With its reputable schools, close-knit community, and overall neighborhood pride, many residents tend to stay here for the long haul. 

However, if you’re a millennial or first-time homebuyer looking for an affordable, urban, and trendy neighborhood, moving to Valley Glen might be the better option.

If you’re looking for a calmer, more laid-back environment, then Valley Village may suit you best. But for those who like the fast-paced, city-like atmosphere with slightly more affordable home prices, then you may want to live in Valley Glen. As a homebuyer, it all depends on what you’re looking for.