High-end boutiques, popular dining venues, and wine bars attract young professionals while its lush green spaces, great lifestyle, and first-rate community amenities draw families to live in Sherman Oaks.
Want to know more about living in this suburb located less than 20 miles from Downtown Los Angeles and seeing what makes this area a neighborhood you can call home? Then here’s a complete guide to Sherman Oaks, LA.
Table of Contents
Sherman Oaks history and development
Sherman Oaks was named after General Moses Hazeltine Sherman, a real estate magnate who purchased a 1,000-acre parcel of land from the Los Angeles Suburban Homes Company. Once blanketed by oak trees, Sherman developed the area in 1927 and sold off large lots for $780 an acre.
By the 1950s, Sherman Oaks became one of the first communities in the San Fernando Valley to experience a real estate boom. The construction of scenic Mulholland Drive in the nearby hills offered easier access to the area from Hollywood and Downtown LA, thus, attracting big-name Hollywood stars to relocate to the Valley.
By the 1980s, Sherman Oaks became a landmark for LA suburban and mall culture. Certain areas of the community, particularly The Sherman Oaks Galleria, became favorite shooting locations for blockbuster and pop pop culture movies such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Valley Girl, and Back to the Future Part II.
Location
Located at the heart of San Fernando Valley with a portion of the Santa Monica Mountains on its fringes, Sherman Oaks is surrounded by some of the most high-end communities in the City of Angels. There’s Van Nuys on its northern border, Encino on its west, Studio City on its east, and Bel Air on its southern flank. Living here gives residents quick access to the busy commercial district of Los Angeles and Hollywood.
Getting around
Mobility is not a problem for Sherman Oaks residents as the area has several major highways passing through the neighborhood like the Ventura Freeway, I-5, and I-405. And, even without a car, Metro buses can connect commuters with other bus lines throughout Los Angeles. The Metro Rail system is another swift option for brisk travel to other areas of LA and beyond.
Flying interstate? You can get to Van Nuys Airport in around 15 minutes; Bob Hope Airport in Burbank in around 20 minutes. For overseas travel, Los Angeles International Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive away via I-405.
Real estate market overview
As mentioned earlier, Sherman Oaks is considered to have one of the most affluent zip codes, not just in the Valley but in the state. The relaxed vibe and its proximity to West Los Angeles are highly desirable among home buyers, making Sherman Oaks real estate very competitive.
Home prices
Homes in Sherman Oaks were sold at a median price of $1.5 million in November 2022, virtually bucking the general downward trend felt in other California areas by registering a more than 20% rise year-on-year. This figure also rose from October’s $1.48 million notwithstanding the usual decline in home sales during this period.
Inventory
Sherman Oaks continues to be a seller’s market as there are more home buyers competing for the scarce supply of homes for sale here. One of LA’s hot real estate markets, homes in Sherman Oaks sell 33 days on the market compared to 285 days last year.
Property types and architectural styles
Most residences for sale in Sherman Oaks consist of grand single-family homes on lots spanning an average of 3,000 square feet. They boast grand entryways, commanding views, high ceilings, chef’s kitchens, custom walk-in closets, private balconies, fireplaces, wet bars, outdoor dining, a sparkling pool and spa, smart home systems, and state-of-the-art security.
Homes for sale in Sherman Oaks come in a variety of styles from grandiose, multi-million-dollar estates with an Old-World charm to sleek contemporary architectural masterpieces. Among the architectural styles here are Ranch, Traditional, Mid-Century, Craftsman, Bungalow, American Colonial, Mediterranean, Spanish, and Chic Modern.
Browse real estate properties in Sherman Oaks here.
Local highlights
Sherman Oaks may be situated a little farther off from the city center but it has its own set of exciting amenities that cater to the upscale lifestyle of its residents. From places providing family-sized fun to a vibrant food and retail scene, Sherman Oaks has everything one can ask for and a lot more.
Restaurants and cafes
14015 Ventura Boulevard
One of the newest restaurants along the busy stretch of Ventura Boulevard, Casita serves inventive Mexican fare such as appetizing tacos, seafood dishes, salads, shared plates, and many other scrumptious meals. Pair these with this restaurant’s excellent margaritas and you’ll be exclaiming “Aja!” in delight. Their A5 wagyu tacos are highly recommended. Plus, the vacay-inspired interiors will complement your dining experience.
13824 Ventura Boulevard
This cozy and rustic dining spot is your best bet for morning brunch. It even has its own mini-market. Sit outdoors and enjoy delicious lattes paired with freshly baked cookies and muffins. Must-try are the vegan options such as Chilaquiles and Emma’s Avocado Toast.
14533 Ventura Boulevard
One of the best Italian restaurants in Sherman Oaks, Spumoni features authentic Italian cuisine in a casual setting. Savor a variety of Italian pizzas, pasta, salads, and seafood dishes while listening to strains of Italian music in the background to complete the ambiance. Check out its classic Italian Tiramisu for dessert.
14016 Ventura Boulevard
One of the best restaurants in Sherman Oaks, Taisho brings a refreshing twist to contemporary Japanese dining. You will definitely crave their signature robata skewers, new-style sashimi, and fresh sushi. The beverage menu features inventive cocktails, sake magnums, Japanese whiskeys, and California wines.
13251 Moorpark Street
This local gem is the neighborhood meeting spot of locals and artists. Part-art gallery, this cozy café pours organic roasted coffee and other signature drinks. Crafted artworks accentuate the cozy spaces for Instagram-worthy dates with your cuppa Joe.
Sherman Oaks branch: 14058 Ventura Boulevard
This popular hangout place among locals specializes in classic American comfort food. This upscale restaurant turns into a relaxing gastropub by sundown, serving an amazing selection of 20+ taps of rotating craft beer, wines, and cocktails.
Shopping centers
15301- 15303 Ventura Boulevard
This is the Valley’s original lifestyle center, providing 30 years of shopping, dining, and recreation. A mixed-use business center and open-air shopping hub, Sherman Oaks Galleria covers 700,000 square feet of office spaces and a 300,000-square-foot retail and entertainment complex. There is something for everyone in this lifestyle center: cinemas, fitness centers, spas, restaurants, boutiques, and more.
14006 Riverside Drive
Anchored by Bloomingdales and Macy’s, Westfield Fashion Square is a great place to shop for anything fashion. Conveniently located east of the I-405 alongside the 101 Freeway, this upscale shopping destination provides a heaping serving of the latest in fashion trends and a curated mix of dining options to many Valley neighborhoods.
14034 Ventura Boulevard
One of the popular antique stores in the Sherman Oaks area, Sherman Oaks Antique Mall has been buying and selling vintage pieces, antique collections, and other curated items since 1982. It features merchandise from around a hundred antique dealers and has been delighting antique buyers from around the globe. It’s worth visiting for both traditional and unconventional selections of vintage decors, clothes, mid-century furniture, vinyl records, Victorian and Art Nouveau pieces, pre-owned luxury watches, and many more.
Sports and recreation
Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Recreation Center
14201 Huston Street
Whether you want to bask in the sun, stretch your legs, go running, or play your favorite sport, Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center is the perfect place for fun things to do in the area. It features a baseball diamond, basketball and tennis courts, a soccer field, outdoor workout facilities, volleyball courts, jogging paths, an indoor gym, and a pool. Children of all ages and abilities can play side-by-side in the play areas as the recreation center is a Universal Access Playground. Reserve a picnic table and bring your family here for parties or outdoor lunches.
4989 Sepulveda Boulevard
A premier family entertainment center, Sherman Oaks Castle Park boasts the finest miniature golf course, amusement arcade, and batting cages. Tee off with your kids on any of the three 18-hole miniature golf courses. This Sherman Oaks attraction is also a favorite venue for special events and celebrations.
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
6350 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys
On Sherman Oaks’ northern border, you will find this 225-acre wildlife reserve which is a refuge for a diverse array of animals and native plants. It is a paradise for bird watching and a great trail for hiking and running. Spend a day by the small man-made pond on the park’s South Reserve or by the lake with nearby wildlife viewing stations on its North Reserve.
Independent shops
13356 Ventura Boulevard
Having been in operation since 1938, this shop has become a popular destination for all things baby related. Its customers have been raving about how Juvenile Shop has been able to anticipate what they needed for the first few years. It carries a vast array of merchandise under known and reliable brands for baby care to ensure that new parents can find what they need under one roof. From baby furniture to bath and feeding products, you’ll find them here.
13551 Ventura Boulevard
For avid bibliophiles, Books on the Boulevard is a haven for quality used books, out-of-print titles, hardback non-fiction, and fine literature. Browse its well-stocked shelves carrying thousands of titles related to art, music, cinema, history, business, travel, crafts, cookbooks, children’s literature, and more.
15017 Ventura Boulevard
From popular to rare comic books, Earth 2 Comics is a must-visit for any comic book fan. The store stands out for having a vast compilation of comic books, plus a selection of nostalgic toys, collectible cards, and other paraphernalia.
14517 Ventura Boulevard
This shop is where you’ll find a wide selection of artisan and farmstead cheeses. Apart from simply selling sustainably produced cheeses from around the globe, its owners will also share with you the story behind every cheese. Check out the cured meats counter which offers many options such as prosciutto ham, serrano ham, salami, speck, and pâté. Planning on ordering a charcuterie? The shop assembles handmade and local crackers, olives, jam, oils, nuts, chocolates, and other cheese accompaniments to go with your preferred meats.
Activities in and around the area
Aside from having instant access to luxurious shopping and dining amenities, living in Sherman Oaks introduces you to a plethora of attractions and exciting activities. Here are some of the great things to do in and around the area of Sherman Oaks.
Play golf
Eager to engage in a round or two of golf? You’ll find some of the most notable golf courses in and around the vicinity of Sherman Oaks.
- Van Nuys Golf Course boasts an 18-hole par 3 course and a 9-hole executive course for golfers of all skill levels. Since it’s located south of the Van Nuys Airport, you’ll be playing your favorite sport as various aircraft fly overhead. The driving range and all 27 holes are lighted for golfing after dark.
- Weddington Golf and Tennis is a 9-hole Par 27 course with a 25-stall driving range, practice putting green, and chipping practice areas. First opened in 1957, this public course has trees lined up between holes, thus framing the views from the tees to the holes and providing a challenge to players.
- Encino Municipal Golf Course is a sweeping 7,000-yard course that’s been around since 1954. Its unique layout and tree-lined fairways make it a favorite haunt of Hollywood celebrities, as well as mid- to highly skilled golfers. Amenities include a lighted driving range, practice greens, a golf shop, and a full-service restaurant.
- Woodley Lakes Golf Course is a family-friendly PGA Level 1 course. First opened in 1975, the 6,800-yard, 18-hole course can accommodate all players from novices to skilled veterans. It has spacious fairways, well-manicured greens, and a decent driving range, making Woodley Lake an enjoyable course for some tee time.
Visit the museums
Museums and galleries in and around Sherman Oaks are also among the finest attractions of this neighborhood.
- Martial Arts History Museum is a fun place for children to learn the history and culture of Asian martial arts, the history of anime, and the development of martial arts in America.
- Burbank Aviation Museum, also known as the Portal of Folded Wings, places in front and center Burbank’s notable aviation history through various memorabilia and historical aircraft displayed here.
- Valley Relics Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts featuring the San Fernando Valley’s rich history. Named as one of the Best of L.A. by Arts & Entertainment Magazine, this museum houses a vast collection of The Valley’s rare documents, antique neon signs, postcards, yearbooks, BMX bikes, and memorabilia of famous artists.
Explore Sherman Oaks Farmers Market
Sample the best products from the region’s top farmers at the Sherman Oaks Farmers Market. Held every Tuesday at Westfield Fashion Square, the open-air market teems with fresh produce and artisanal merchandise. Fill your pantry with fruits and vegetables, dairy, poultry and meat, jams, juices, bread, sweet treats, and other farm-fresh food bought from this popular Sherman Oaks market.
Go on a gaming spree
From classic to modern arcade games, Sherman Oaks got you covered. Ultrazone Laser Tag is the ultimate laser adventure that offers state-of-the-art arcade and laser tag games. Invite your friends or bring the family for some friendly competition in the battle zone.
For a fun date or game night with friends, head to The One Up. An arcade and gastro lounge in one, The One Up offers more than 100 free video games, including the classics, Super Mario and Pac-Man.
Your neighbors in Sherman Oaks
Situated close to Hollywood but secluded enough to provide solace and privacy away from the public eye, Sherman Oaks is where you’ll find a good number of celebrity homes. Hollywood A-listers find this neighborhood both a convenience due to its relative proximity to their place of work and an excellent choice to highlight their glamorous lifestyle. Among your potential high-profile neighbors in Sherman Oaks is internet personality David Dobrik who recently acquired a $9.5-million, 6-bedroom, and 7-bath luxury mansion, and actress and comedian Maya Rudolph who moved into a $2.6-million celebrity home here.
Sherman Oaks is also a popular choice among families and young professionals due to its easygoing vibe and the cosmopolitan lifestyle it brings. Families with school-age children will especially be drawn to the highly-rated schools in the area, including Sherman Oaks Elementary Charter School, Ivy Bound Academy, and Dixie Canyon Community Charter School.
Professionals employed in offices found in the commercial district of Downtown LA also find living in Sherman Oaks quite convenient and more affordable than living near their workplaces. Moreover, they get to enjoy the wider spaces of homes in this suburban paradise.
Discover the best of Sherman Oaks with Clutch / Abode
Living in Sherman Oaks comes with spectacular benefits for a truly charmed life. Fulfill your dream of living in this much sought-after neighborhood with Clutch / Abode R.E. Brokerage. With more than 20 years in the industry, this boutique real estate firm is the trusted expert in coveted LA neighborhoods. Owned and managed by Clinton Wade, Clutch / Abode has worked with various clientele, including some of the Golden State’s distinguished elite. Its client-centered and customized service is unmatched in the San Fernando Valley area.
If you’re considering a move to Sherman Oaks or to other luxury residential areas in LA, contact the team of Clutch / Abode at 310.403.9497 or send an email here to get started.
Read More: Everything to know about buying a house in Studio City, Los Angeles