Studio City Homes for Sale | Studio City is a quaint neighborhood in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Some consider the area the Beverly Hills of the Valley. Just over the hill via Laurel Canyon or the Cahuenga Pass and just a short drive from Universal, Warner Brothers and Disney Studios lies this unique community. One thing that makes Studio City so appealing to residents is its strong work-life balance. The area has an urban, suburban feel with many family-friendly activities and a weekly farmer’s market. Studio City is also home to many celebrities, musicians, entertainment professionals, and families. Hollywood’s glitterati, past and present, have called this classic California neighborhood home at one time. Clark Gable, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio have each owned homes here.
Neighborhoods and Styles Of Homes In Studio City
There are many architectural styles of homes in Studio City. Spanish, Mid Century Modern gems (including work by architect R.M. Schindler), Contemporary Modern, Ranch (the famous Bird Houses) and Modern Farmhouses sit along tree-lined streets or atop hillsides with canyon and San Fernando Valley views. In the flats, smaller entry-level homes take advantage of the great location and small-town community feel the area offers. The district consists of smaller micro-neighborhoods, Fryman Canyon Estates, the Donas and family-friendly Colfax Meadows.
Fryman Canyon Estates
One of the most exclusive and expensive areas of Studio City is Fryman Canyon Estates. The lush wooded area boasting streets lined with towering sycamore trees has been popular with celebrities and industry elite for quite some time. The area has been architecturally preserved with roughly 200 homes, many in Spanish, Tudor and Ranch styles. It feels private and serene with large lots making the homes here some of the most coveted properties in Los Angeles. Residents are within the boundaries of some of LA’s most notable private schools, including Carpenter Community Charter School, Harvard-Westlake and Campbell Hall. Additionally, there is a beautiful park perfect for hiking or dog-walking.
Wrightwood Estates
On the eastern boundary of Studio City, you will find the beautiful locale of Wrightwood Estates. One of the main arteries, Wrightwood Drive, weaves through the Hollywood Hills and can be a faster, more scenic shortcut to Mulholland Drive and over the hill to other neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Styles of homes here range from Mid Century Modern to Spanish, Contemporary Modern and Ranch. Many homes are tucked away in the hills and offer great canyon or San Fernando Valley views.
The Donas
One of the most stylish neighborhoods in Studio City is The Donas. These large homes developed in the 1960s check all the boxes for hipster style. The names of the area’s streets have a Dona prefix, Dona Evita, Dona Teresa, Dona Cecilia and more. Many of these expansive homes have pools and amazing unspoiled views since utilities live underground and don’t impede sightlines.
Designed in 1964 and one of the few unaltered homes designed by architect Rafael Soriano, the Albert Grossman House is located on Dona Cecilia Drive. The Donas are also within the notable Carpenter Community Charter School district.
Colfax Meadows
If you prefer a house in the flats, the Colfax Meadows neighborhood is a hidden gem. The nook of Colfax Meadows was named one of Los Angeles Magazine’s 10 Best Neighborhoods you’ve never heard of. Initially developed in the 1920s, Colfax Meadows is a mix of architectural styles; Ranch homes live next to character-filled English Tudors and Spanish-style homes. Most properties here are on large lots, up to 24,000 square feet. The family-friendly district of Colfax Meadows, with its beautiful wide tree-lined streets, has made many on-screen appearances in film and television and people love living here.
Several charming little shops and restaurants are nestled in the quaint Tujunga Village. These eclectic boutiques offer gourmet goods and sophisticated local shopping. One of the main attractions is the Aroma Coffee and Tea Company. The perfect place to grab a latte, breakfast is also quite popular here, with lines stretching out the door on weekends. The Village Gourmet specializes in cheeses and wines from around the world. Head to Vitello’s for classic Italian dishes or to hear some great jazz live performances.
Life In Studio City
Entertainment – Things To Do And See
You can find just about anything you need in Studio City. There are plenty of things to do here, no matter your interests. For the outdoorsy type, there’s Fryman Canyon Park, where you can hike to your heart’s content. For those who want a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment business, the CBS Studio Center offers tours of its historic studios. And, of course, no trip to Studio City would be complete without a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. Studio City has a lot to offer its residents, whether it is a relaxing day at home, a stroll through one of the community’s beautiful parks, or an action-packed adventure with out-of-town guests.
Shopping Along The Boulevard Famed Ventura Blvd
Take a drive down Ventura Boulevard, the neighborhood’s main shopping area. Classic sushi houses, stylish gastropubs and chic boutiques can be found here. There are many national chain stores set next to smaller boutiques with unique styles giving locals of Studio City the best of both. The area is truly one of the hidden gems among the many neighborhoods of Los Angeles.
Studio City Farmer’s Market
The Sunday weekly farmer’s market is the perfect place to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, take in a bit of local cuisine (green corn tamales anyone) and hunt and gather produce for a week of healthy eating. Area vendors bring farm-fresh offerings while local artisans bring their wares to this Los Angeles neighborhood farmer’s market.
Bars and Restaurants
Hipsters and Industry types can be found dining and enjoying the many bars and restaurants lining Ventura Boulevard. Laurel Hardware, Firefly Restaurant and Bar, and many fantastic sushi restaurants are great options here and draw people from all over Los Angeles.
Black Market Liquor Bar
Looking for amazing food and drink that rivals any other notable Los Angeles restaurant? Behind an understated facade lives the Black Market Liquor Bar. Helmed by Antonia Lofaso, a former Top Chef contestant, classic dishes, a superb small plate menu and artisanal craft cocktails and spirits served by friendly staff are all reasons to come here.
Carney’s
Carney’s is a family-owned business that serves burgers and hot dogs inside two old Union Pacific train cars. Locals and tourists alike find this is one of the best places to visit for a quick lunch or dinner, and they are open late into the night.
Sushi Row
If you love sushi, Studio City boasts some of the freshest sushi anywhere. Sushi Row is home to America’s freshest sushi because Japanese fishing boats first arrive in Los Angeles before heading to other parts of the United States. Asanebo, Katsuya and Iroha are all local favorites and deemed don’t miss dining experiences for sushi aficionados.
Parks and Recreation
Wilacre Park
Wilacre Park in lower Fryman Canyon is a beautiful 128-acre park off Laurel Canyon Boulevard in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. To access Fryman Canyon Park, Coldwater Canyon Park and Franklin Canyon Park, you can travel via the Betty B. Dearing trail or along Cross Mountain Park’s wonderful network of trails. There are plenty of paths to explore, with scenic views along the way. The park has a convenient parking lot with facilities and a picnic area. Weekends get plenty of visitors coming to hike or walk their dogs and the park is easily accessible via car, bus, or bike. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature; if you live in the neighborhood, it can’t get more convenient.
North Valleyheart Riverwalk
Take a stroll along this 1.9-mile stretch in Studio City. Bookend by two smaller parks, it’s a great way to appreciate the rejuvenation of the Los Angeles River area. Locals will enjoy the compacted granite pathways ideal for runners and anyone seeking outdoor activities, rest, or peace and quiet from the city. In addition, people can enjoy the art installation by artist Kevin Carman, featuring a 10 by 20-foot mosaic mural crafted of stone in the form of a steelhead trout.
Studio City Schools
Studio City is a wonderful location for families, with several popular schools in the neighborhood. Residents may also select Public, Charter, or Private Institutions in the applicable school district.
Public and Charter Schools
• Carpenter Community Charter School
• Colfax Charter Elementary School
• Dixie Canyon Community Charter School
• Walter Reed Middle School
• Robert A. Millikan Middle School
• East Valley Senior High School
• Ulysses S. Grant Senior High School
• North Hollywood Senior High School
Private Schools
• Campbell Hall
• St. Charles Borromeo
• Bridges Academy
• Harvard-Westlake School
If you’re looking for urban living, suburban tranquility and easy access to food, entertainment and nightlife – Search no further; Studio City might be the place for you. Come see why this “Jewel of the Valley” is such an awesome place and one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles. Ready to make Studio City your home? Contact Beyond Shelter to view more Studio City homes for sale.
