Shadow Hills is not as well-known as other neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley, but it’s still a unique community. For those who aren’t familiar with this laid-back area, it’s located within the southern portion of the Sunland neighborhood, which is situated between the Verdugo Mountains, near Crescenta Valley and the Foothill Freeway. Shadow Hills sits north of Burbank, and it’s adjacent to popular neighborhoods such as Lake View Terrace, Sun Valley, and Pacoima.

Often described as a semi-rural and equestrian community, Shadow Hills is ideal for homebuyers who want to live in a suburban and rural area within a wildlife setting. What stands out about this community is that it spans a total of 12 miles throughout the mountains and hillsides. However, despite its overall expansiveness, it remains one of the least populated communities in Los Angeles.

So whether you’re looking for recreational areas, horseback riding, close-knit neighbors, or even comfort food, Shadow Hills will not disappoint. Here are a few key facts you need to know about this charming animal-friendly community. 

A Brief History on Shadow Hills

In June 1926, the neighborhood of Sunland was annexed into Los Angeles, bringing the largely undeveloped community of Shadow Hills along with it. At the time, the land was mostly used for agriculture and was overlooked by developers who believed the land was too rocky and hilly to build on.

Residents in this neighborhood have a strong dedication to preservation. From opposing the development of Foothill Freeway back in the 1960s to suing the city for building a production studio in the community this year, Shadow Hills has a history of fighting to keep its community rural.

You Get to Live on Property Zoned for Horses

Like many areas in the San Fernando Valley, Shadow Hills is equestrian-zoned, meaning that each lot is a certain size that would allow horses to live on the property. In an effort to preserve the rural aspects of its neighborhoods, the City of Los Angeles first created four horse-raising zones back in the 1960s, the other three include Lake View Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, and Chatsworth.

Today, most residents in Shadow Hills own a horse, and it’s actually a common sight to see a neighbor riding through town on horseback—it's estimated that 70% of residents own horses. 

So Many Parks and Great Views

Shadow Hills is set with the mountains as its backdrop, and its views become more stunning the closer you are to a hillside. With pastoral panoramas, tranquil hillsides, and expansive residential properties surrounded by mature trees and wildlife, this community isn’t lacking when it comes to scenic views and nature. Shadow Hills also has several parks for locals and visitors to explore, including the Tujunga Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary, which is 13 acres of winding trails and ponds.

Shadow Hills Family Restaurant

Go to Foothill Boulevard for a Quick Bite

Don’t expect to find gourmet restaurants or trendy bars in Shadow Hills—that’s what nearby Burbank is for. This neighborhood is more about comfort eats, gastropubs, and American fast food. Since the community is part of the more urban Sunland-Tujunga neighborhood, most residents head towards Foothill Boulevard—the town’s main thoroughfare—to sate their appetites.

What It’s Like to Live in Shadow Hills

Many residents who live in Shadow Hills take great pride in their neighborhood and enjoy its close-knit vibe. During the day, expect to wake up to the sounds of roosters, horses, birds, and many other animals. It’s normal to see a resident walking their dog or even trotting through the community hills and trails on their horse.

Because the community sits at the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do as well, such as hiking, fishing, gardening, and much more. While Shadow Hills doesn’t have much of a nightlife, it’s a great spot to stargaze and definitely a relaxing weekend getaway for Angelenos.

Where to Live

Shadow Hills has a variety of home styles, from older single-family homes to newly constructed ranches. While some properties include ranches and farms, Shadow Hills also has a fair amount of midcentury modern, adobe, and river stone-style homes.

The median sale price in Shadow Hills is in the high $700s, but buyers can find homes for sale ranging from the mid $400s to $3 million, with more affordable options for older homes and fixer-uppers. The most common types of homes in Shadow Hills are single-family residences and the occasional attached townhome. Most dwellings in this semi-rural community sit on at least a quarter-acre lot, and when compared to the community’s surrounding neighborhoods, homes in Shadow Hills tend to be more expensive.