Encino

San Fernando Valley: Encino

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 and spacious Encino CA houses for sale. The area is infamous for being mentioned in Frank Zappa’s 1982 hit song “Valley Girl” – and in a lot of ways, this upper middle class, historic neighborhood hasn’t changed since.

Encino Real Estate Insights

Encino real estate is not for bargain hunters. Its average cost of living has been estimated at 17.6% more than the already expensive Los Angeles average rate. This is primarily due to the skyrocketing cost of rent, rather than groceries or restaurants.

The People and Lifestyle

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 and Brentwood, with Sherman Oaks to the east, Reseda to the north, and Tarzana to the west. It is sliced through by a bustling section of Ventura Blvd. 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 “evergreen” or “oak” 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. 

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. The average age is 42 (older than most other LA nabes) with an average income of around $78,000 (more than many) and is one of the least ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the county.

Shopping and Dining

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’s Miracle Mile, and home to more than 300 businesses. If you like Middle Eastern fare, you can visit a few places including Sadaf, specializing in kabobs and eggplant. For groceries, there’s Ralph’s, Gelson’s, or Super Sal Market down the boulevard, which features Israeli and kosher foods.

Want to get a true taste of Encino? Come experience "A Taste of Encino". This mega event showcasing the best that the community has to offer – from local restaurants to arts and crafts and home improvement ideas – takes place on the second Sunday of October, every year.

Outdoor and Green Space

Encino real estate 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’s also a sports complex with baseball field and several golf courses. In short: there’s plenty to do outdoors.

Schools

Schools in the area are predominantly private or charter, catering to well-heeled families. Elementary and middle schools both public and private get high marks, but there is no public high school within its boundaries. Since they can afford it, many opt for a private option like Crespi Carmelite.

Click here to visit the Encino Chamber of Commerce for a list of public and private schools in Encino.
Click here to visit the Los Angeles Unified School District.

If you’re interested in exploring Encino homes for sale, Jeff Biebuyck & Dana Olmes  can guide you in choosing the best property that matches your needs. Contact them today.