What Cities are in the San Fernando Valley?

By: ROS Team

The San Fernando Valley, also known as “The Valley”, is a vast and diverse region in Los Angeles County, California expanded 260 square miles It is bordered by the Santa Susana Mountains to the northwest, the San Gabriel Mountains to the northeast, and the Santa Monica Mountains to the south.

The Valley is a mix of urban and suburban communities and is famous for its proximity and connection to the entertainment industry, which has a rich cultural and historical background.

While much of the Valley comprises the City of Los Angeles, there are several San Fernando valley cities that operate independently too. Below, we take an in-depth look at both the neighborhoods of Los Angeles and the independent cities that make up the San Fernando Valley.

City of Los Angeles

Independent Cities in the San Fernando Valley

A few San Fernando Valley cities are independent municipalities, meaning they have their local governments and services separate from Los Angeles.

These cities include:

#01 Burbank

Burbank is the most prominent and significant city in the Valley after Los Angeles. Being home to some of the biggest names in entertainment like Warner Bros. Studios, Walt Disney Studios, and Nickelodeon Animation Studios earning the city the title of “The Media Capital of the World.”

Besides the city’s entertainment side, Burbank is also about its charming downtown area, crowded with restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.

Burbank offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, ranging from high-end hillside homes to family-friendly communities, and commercial districts like the downtown Burbank.

Let’s not forget the green spaces of Burbank like the Wildwood Canyon Park and Stough Canyon Nature Center offering hiking trails with beautiful views of the valley.

#02 Glendale

Glendale is a city of approximately 200,000 residents largely dominated by the Armenian-American community.

Although not all of Glendale lies in the San Fernando Valley, a significant part of the city is within the Valley’s boundaries. Glendale is a cultural hotspot with cultural diversity, museums, restaurants, and historic landmarks.

The more known side of Glendale is its business and economy. The city is a commercial capital of the valley, home to several corporate headquarters including DreamWorks Animation and IHOP & Dine Brand Global.

The Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria are Southern California’s premier shopping destinations, blending luxury with beautiful outdoor spaces, making it a go-to place for locals and tourists alike.

Glendale is also home to the Verdugo Mountains, providing excellent hiking opportunities.

#03 San Fernando

The City of San Fernando is the smallest city in the Valley with a population of around 25,000 residents. They all are holding a strong sense of community and rich historical heritage that includes Spanish missions and early agricultural developments.

Founded in 1874, the city of San Fernando is one of the oldest settlements in the Valley as it was part of Rancho Ex-Mission San Fernando, a Mexican land grant that played a defining role in early California agriculture and railroads.

Still today the city kept its small-town charms with historic homes, tree-lined streets, a close community, and family-owned businesses. The economy of the city is centered around small businesses, retail and manufacturing, and industries like several automotive, textile, and distribution businesses.

The city is unique because, despite being entirely surrounded by Los Angeles neighborhoods, it is not part of Los Angeles. It remains an independent municipality with its own City Council, local government, police department, and public schools.

San Fernando

#04 Hidden Hills

Hidden Hills is a small but affluent city located in the western part of the San Fernando Valley. With a population of under 2,000 residents, it is one of the most exclusive and private communities in Los Angeles County.

Hidden Hills is famous for its gated community that attracts celebrities and rich people due to the neighborhood’s controlled access and private security.

Luxury homes and equestrian estates with many of which include horse stables are common here. Hidden Hills is home to megastars like Kim Kardashian, Drake, and Miley Cyrus.

Though Hidden Hills is legally not a part of Los Angeles with its own city government but relies on Los Angeles County for police and fire services.

#05 Calabasas

Calabasas, located on the southwestern edge of the Valley, is known for its affluent lifestyle, celebrity residents, and luxury shopping centers like the Commons at Calabasas.

The city has a population of around 23,000 and is considered one of the wealthiest communities in Los Angeles County.

Like Hidden Hills, Calabasas is also characterized by its gated communities of multimillion-dollar homes which attract the world’s most famous celebrities like the Kardashian-Jenner family, Justin Bieber, and The Weeknd.

Despite its luxury appeal, Calabasas is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor spaces including the Santa Monica Mountains offering hiking and scenic views, and Malibu Creek State Park a great spot for camping and outdoor recreation.

Calabasas operates independently, with its own City Council, public services, and local ordinances. The city is known for its strict environmental laws, including a ban on plastic bags and Styrofoam products to promote sustainability.

Los Angeles Neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley

The independent cities mentioned above operate separate administrative areas, the majority of the San Fernando Valley lies within the City of Los Angeles. That’s why these areas are officially designated as neighborhoods rather than cities. Each neighborhood has its own unique character, demographics, and economic profile.

#01 North Hollywood (NoHo)

NoHo, which stands for North Hollywood, is a cultural and creative hotspot in the Valley. It is home to the NoHo Arts District, an area filled with theaters, art galleries, dance studios, and music venues.

The North Hollywood Metro Station is an essential transit connection between the Valley and downtown Los Angeles, which is one of the reasons it is a popular neighborhood for young professionals and artists looking for affordable living spaces near public transportation.

#02 Van Nuys

Van Nuys is about its diverse population, busy commercial areas, and Van Nuys Airport, which serves private and chartered flights.

It is one of the most populous neighborhoods in the Valley featuring a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and industrial zones. Van Nuys Boulevard is a major road surrounded by businesses, restaurants, and government buildings, including the Van Nuys Courthouse.

#03 Sherman Oaks

Sherman Oaks is a well-planned and well-developed, upscale neighborhood that combines the best of suburban and urban living. Westfield Fashion Square, a popular shopping mall with high-end retailers, and Ventura Boulevard with its lively streets filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping centers.

On the other hand, Mulholland Drive Overlooks offers a wide view of Los Angeles and the Valley.

With its top-rated schools, tree-lined streets, and proximity to both the Valley and Westside, Sherman Oaks is a preference of families and professionals alike.

#04 Encino

Encino is about its affluent communities, large homes, and picturesque parks like Encino Reservoir, offering scenic views and trails. Another Encino attraction is Los Encinos State Historic Park, featuring historic buildings and natural springs.

Alongside Ventura Boulevard is a strong business district with numerous offices, restaurants, and shopping centers. That’s why Encino is favored by professionals who seek a quieter, suburban environment while still being close to major business centers.

#05 Woodland Hills

Located on the western edge of the San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills is an upscale neighborhood featuring luxury homes, country clubs, and business districts. It is also close to Topanga State Park, one of the largest natural areas in the region.

The Warner Center, a major business and commercial hub, is located in Woodland Hills, making it a center for employment and economic activity in the Valley.

San Fernando Valley Cities Map

Map Source: The Valley Economic Alliance

San Fernando Valley Cities: FAQs

How Much Is the San Fernando Valley Population?

As per Census Reporter, the San Fernando Valley has an estimated population of 1,815,801.

Is Los Angeles Part of the San Fernando Valley?

Yes, part of Los Angeles falls within the San Fernando Valley. Though Los Angeles is a separate city, many of its neighborhoods like Sherman Oaks, Reseda, and Woodland Hills are geographically located within the Valley.

What Is the Largest City in the San Fernando Valley?

By population Glendale (~190,000) is the largest city in the San Fernando Valley as Van Nuys also has a large population but not an independent administrative city but a neighborhood of Los Angeles that geographically falls in the Valley.

What Are the Best Places to Visit in the San Fernando Valley?

The San Fernando Valley attractions are Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Burbank), Six Flags Magic Mountain (Santa Clarita). Lake Balboa Park (Van Nuys) and The Commons at Calabasas (shopping/dining).