Experience North Hills, CA
Nestled in the northwestern corner of the sprawling San Fernando Valley, North Hills is a hidden gem of a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles. Despite being technically located within LA’s massive metro area, North Hills has maintained a distinct small-town community vibe. Residents describe the neighborhood as having a “quiet, calm, and peaceful” atmosphere while still providing easy access to big city opportunities and amenities.
Convenient Location in LA
North Hills enjoys a strategic location just 20 minutes from downtown LA and Hollywood. The neighborhood is easily accessible via the I-405 and I-5 freeways. Local attractions like Universal Studios and LA Zoo are just a short drive away.
North Hills neighbors the San Fernando Valley communities of Panorama City, Mission Hills, Granada Hills, Northridge, Lake Balboa, and Van Nuys.
History and Demographics
North Hills was developed in the 1950s and originally called Sepulveda. With a population of around 57,000 residents, North Hills has a rich cultural diversity with a predominantly Hispanic population as well as vibrant Asian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European communities. The neighborhood features tree-lined residential streets filled with single-family homes and low-rise apartment buildings. An engaged residential population and several active neighborhood councils help maintain a true sense of community in North Hills.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Residents love the abundance of parks and outdoor spaces in or near North Hills:
- Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area – large green space with golf courses, bike paths, and Balboa Lake.
- North Hills Community Park – amenities include basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and a skate park.
- Several smaller neighborhood parks.
Highly-Rated Schools
Families are drawn to North Hills for its acclaimed school district. Standout institutions include:
- North Hills Preparatory – top-performing elementary school.
- Patrick Henry Middle School – California Distinguished School.
- James Monroe High School – boasts over 95% graduation rate.
Diverse Local Businesses
North Hills has a vibrant commercial sector along Sepulveda and Roscoe Boulevards. Shoppers can browse:
- Family-owned restaurants serving global cuisines.
- Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot.
- An array of professional services, medical offices, and auto dealerships.
Transportation Accessibility
The neighborhood enjoys convenient transportation links via:
- I-405, I-5, CA-118, and CA-170 highways.
- Metro Orange and Red Line stations are located nearby.
- Several Metro and LADOT bus routes serve the community.
Engaged Community
North Hills has an active network of community groups and organizations:
- North Hills East and West Neighborhood Councils – provide an important voice for residents.
- Churches, temples, and mosques that anchor the community.
- Nonprofits like the North Valley Caring Services.
Robust and Balanced Real Estate Market
The real estate market in North Hills provides an affordable yet competitive selection of housing options. Home values generally range from $600,000 to $1 million, delivering excellent value compared to many LA neighborhoods.
Single-family homes make up much of the inventory in North Hills. These 3-4 bedroom properties appeal to middle-class buyers, with most built in the 1960s and 70s in California ranch or mid-century modern styles. Mature trees and quiet streets give the area a peaceful, suburban feel. Homeowners also enjoy proximity to the amenities of the San Fernando Valley.
In addition to existing homes, several new housing developments are coming to North Hills. Multi-family buildings like townhomes and low-rise condo complexes are under construction along Roscoe Blvd. These modern residences cater to first-time buyers as well as downsizers.
Demand for North Hills properties remains high across the board. Turnover sits at just 2-3 months on average – much lower than the LA norm. This competitive environment is driven by the neighborhood’s reputation for safe streets, high-performing schools, and a strong sense of community.
