Are you looking for the perfect neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley to call home? If you're dreaming of an equestrian lifestyle and rural living in a close-knit community, the Shadow Hills area is perfect for you.
Shadow Hills feels like a small town, not an L.A. neighborhood, with a rural setting in the mountains above Burbank. It has a slower pace of living than the bustling Los Angeles to the south. Most properties in the community are equestrian zoned. It’s one of the last horse-friendly neighborhoods in L.A.
Horse owners, campers, hikers, and anyone with a love of nature will be right at home in the Shadow Hills community which spreads across 12 square miles of rugged yet beautiful mountain terrain. Here's what you want to know about living in Shadow Hills, CA.
Where Is Shadow Hills?
Shadow Hills is located in the northeastern portion of the San Fernando Valley, close to the Crescenta Valley. It’s in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains and within the city of Los Angeles in Los Angeles County. The Hansen Dam Reservoir is nearby. Shadow Hills was once called Hansen Heights.
Shadow Hills is bordered by the neighborhoods of Sun Valley, La Tuna Canyon, Lakeview Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, and Pacoima. It’s 6 miles north of Burbank and 18 miles southeast of Santa Clarita. The Shadow Hills community is close to the desirable communities of Woodland Hills and Porter Ranch.
Shadow Hills, CA Population & Demographics
The Los Angeles Shadow Hills neighborhood is home to about 4,500 people in 1,700 households. Families with kids under 18 make up around 30% of the population compared to 41% for all of Los Angeles. The median age is 47, about 11 years older than the median age for L.A.
The median household income for Shadow Hills residents is $76,800. That's higher than the median for the L.A. metro area ($62,200) and the City of Los Angeles ($51,500).
As you might expect, it's one of the least densely populated areas of L.A. The population density of Shadow Hills is just 468 people per square mile. By comparison, the L.A. population density is 8,463 people per square mile.
The neighborhood is served by the Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Community Police Station. Shadow Hills is a very safe place to live, with violent crime 44% below the national average. The violent crime rate is less than 25% that of Los Angeles.
What’s the Cost of Living in Shadow Hills?
The cost of living in Shadow Hills tends to be higher than in the broader Los Angeles area, largely due to its unique equestrian zoning and more rural setting. The Los Angeles cost of living index is about 60% higher than the national average, although given its size, this can vary significantly.
Housing plays the biggest role in the Shadow Hills, LA cost of living. There are very limited rental options in the area, and most of them are in neighboring areas. You can find some one-bedroom apartments nearby starting at $1,800.
There are a handful of apartments for rent in the area worth exploring. Options include:
- Bella Vista Apartments in Sun Valley
- 8522 Glenoaks in Sun Valley with 1-2 bedroom courtyard-style units starting at $1,800
- Sunland Park Apartments in Sunland Park
- Bana at Tujunga with 2-4 bedroom units
- Osborne Place with studio to 3-bedroom units in Pacoima
Most people living in Shadow Hills, CA, are homeowners who pay a premium for equestrian amenities. The median home price is $1.23 million and $610 per square foot. Homes sell in a median 27 days on market. Shadow Hills is more expensive than neighboring communities of Sunland and Sun Valley where average home prices are in the mid $800s and $900s.
You can explore Shadow Hills, CA homes for sale to see what's available now.
Many residents find that the premium is worth it for the peaceful, horse-friendly lifestyle that Shadow Hills offers, along with the close-knit community atmosphere.
Best Places to Live in Shadow Hills, Los Angeles
Before moving to Shadow Hills, take the time to explore your housing options. While the community isn't large, homes range from the large lots you'll find in the Verdugo Mountain foothills to small homes with equestrian amenities. The Shadow Hills Property Owners Association is a local nonprofit run by volunteers to help support and preserve the rural roots of the entire community.
Areas close to the Verdugo Mountains offer fantastic views and easy access to hiking trails. A location near Hansen Dam is perfect for young families who prefer to be closer to fishing, swimming, and soccer fields. Shadow Hills Estates is a small development in the community that was built in 1985. The neighborhood features large, custom estates with 2,500 to 3,500 square feet of space on a quiet road off Sunland Boulevard with an HOA.
Sunkist Villas is an 88-unit townhome community with a pool and other community amenities. Built in 1979. the development has HOA fees around $475/month. You'll find three-bed, three-bath townhomes with around 1,500 square feet of interior space starting in the $800s.
While it has a Burbank address, Cabrini Villas is an option if you're looking for condo living in the Shadow Hills area.
Shadow Hills Climate & Weather
The climate in Shadow Hills is subtropical or hot-summer Mediterranean with long, hot, and dry summers and short, mild winters. Rainfall is sporadic and occurs mostly between November and March.
Residents can expect average high temperatures in the summer months to reach the mid to high 80s, while winter temperatures are typically warm, averaging in the mid-50s. Throughout the year, warm daytime weather is often paired with chilly nights.
This pleasant weather makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities year-round. Because of its inland location, elevation, and valley geography, the Shadow Hills community and larger San Fernando Valley typically have warmer days but colder nights than the Los Angeles Basin.
Things to Do in Shadow Hills, California
While living in Shadow Hills, CA, you can enjoy country living at its finest without giving up the amenities of the city. Shadow Hills offers residents seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor living. You'll find tons of amenities for horses, including riding clubs, boarding facilities, and miles of trails. There are also great hiking trails throughout the area, whether you're heading to the famous La Tuna Canyon, Angeles National Park, or a smaller neighborhood park.
An iconic hike to try as a newcomer is the West Shadow Hills Loop, a 4.5-mile, figure-eight path between Sunland Blvd and La Tuna Canyon Rd.
Sunland Mall Shopping Center is the main shopping destination in the area with service providers, restaurants, and shops.
Here's a look at some of the best things to do in Shadow Hills, Los Angeles.
This picturesque outdoor paradise is a popular destination for outdoor recreation for locals. It features expansive green spaces, a tranquil fishing pond, and an array of recreational facilities including soccer fields, horseback riding trails, and other equestrian amenities. This vibrant hub of activity not only serves as a sanctuary for wildlife but also invites residents and visitors alike to indulge in outdoor adventures amidst the stunning natural beauty of the San Fernando Valley.
The park is home to the Hansen Dam Riding School and the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center, one of the top public swimming pools in L.A.
Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 11770 Foothill Blvd, Hansen Dam, CA 91342 (818) 756-8189
Angeles National Forest is a vast expanse of stunning natural beauty, offering a diverse landscape filled with rugged mountains, lush canyons, and serene forests across 700,000 acres. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring many hiking trails that cater to various skill levels and provide breathtaking views. The Angeles National Forest is a great place to spot wildlife, picnic, camp, and more, with great facilities for visitors.
Angeles National Forest, 12371 N Little Tujunga Canyon Rd, Kagel Canyon, CA 91342 (626) 574-1613
Enjoy a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging play on this course designed by acclaimed architect Jack Nicklaus. The layout harmoniously integrates the area's rugged landscape, featuring rolling hills, natural ravines, and strategically placed water hazards that test golfers of all skill levels.
Angeles National Golf Club, 9401 Foothill Blvd, Sunland, CA 91040 (818) 951-8771
Other attractions near Shadow Hills:
Top Restaurants in Shadow Hills, LA
The Shadow Hills neighborhood is mostly residential or equestrian facilities and services, but there are a handful of restaurants in the community and many more in neighboring areas. Here are just a few of the best places to eat in the area.
Enjoy home-style breakfast and great service in this charming, family-friendly Shadow Hills eatery that's been family-owned and operated since 2003. You'll feel like you're in the country with classics like country-fried steak and eggs and grits.
Rise N Shine Cafe, 9685 Sunland Blvd, Shadow Hills, CA 91040 (818) 352-5755
You'll fall in love with this nearby bakery, a great place to grab fresh, housemade baked goods, breads, pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
The Back Door Bakery & Cafe, 8349 Foothill Blvd, Sunland, CA 91040 (818) 353-2233
This retro drive-through hamburger joint is a popular destination for locals. The nostalgic diner has been family-run since it opened in 1985 and serves up highly rated hamburgers, hot dogs, quesadillas, dinner plates, and other comfort food.
Old Time Drive In, 8742 Glenoaks Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352 (818) 768-5905
Jobs in Shadow Hills, Los Angeles
Living in Shadow Hills, LA, means enjoying a rural lifestyle that feels removed from the bustling city of Los Angeles. However, residents still enjoy close proximity to major employers in the region.
Many residents work in nearby Burbank. You can enjoy a commute within 20 minutes to major film studios in Burbank's Media District like Warner Bros. Studios, The Burbank Studios, the Walt Disney Studios, and New Line Cinema. There are dozens of supportive businesses in the area providing audiovisual equipment rentals, and lighting and grip services.
If you're looking for Shadow Hills jobs closer to home, you'll find tons of job opportunities in the equestrian sector. There are many equestrian clubs, riding schools, and stables in the valley. The Sun Valley and Sunland areas offer jobs in the retail and service sectors.
For a career in the medical field, you'll find opportunities at nearby medical facilities such as:
- USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale, winner of the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award
- Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Glendale, one of America’s top 50 vascular surgery facilities
- Lakeview Medical Center in Pacoima
- Pacifica Hospital of the Valley in Sun Valley
- Comprehensive Community Health (Sunland)
- Northeast Valley Health Corporation with health centers throughout the valley
- Serra Medical Group – Sun Valley
- Shadow Hills Recovery Inc., an addiction treatment center
Check out jobs in Shadow Hills, CA on Indeed to see employment opportunities in the area before moving to Shadow Hills, CA.
Shadow Hills Schools
Shadow Hills residents are served by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Students attend public schools in neighboring Tujunga, Pacoima, and Sun Valley. Assigned resident schools for the neighborhood include:
- Vinedale College Preparatory Academy (TK-8) in Sun Valley
- Stonehurst Avenue Elementary STEAM Magnet (PK-5) in Sun Valley
- Charles Maclay Middle School (6-8) in Pacoima
- Verdugo Hills High School (9-12) in Tujunga
- John H Francis Polytechnic Senior High School (9-12) in Sun Valley (some areas are zoned for Polytechnic High instead of Verdugo Hills)
Stonehurst Elementary School is a California Distinguished School with a STEAM Magnet program for first to fifth grade students. The school boasts a modern STEAM lab, robotics program, aquaponics lab, and orchestra. Shadow Hills students also have unique outdoor learning opportunities with a native garden, butterfly garden, and more.
Fenton STEM Academy is an elementary charter school nearby. It offers five schools on four campuses, including the Fenton Charter Leadership Academy, Fenton Avenue Charter School, and Fenton STEM Academy.
There are many San Fernando Valley private schools in the area too. Shadow Hills families can attend the local Village Christian School or choose a school a bit further away from the Sunland/Shadow Hills area.
Right outside the neighborhood in Burbank is Woodbury University, one of Southern California's oldest institutes of higher learning.
Shadow Hills Statistics & Information
- County: Los Angeles
- Zip code: 91040
- Area code: 818
- Elevation: 1,188 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport: Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), 3.5 miles away
Shadow Hills, CA Map
Is the Shadow Hills lifestyle calling to you? Movegreen is ready to help you enjoy everything this peaceful community has to offer. Call our friendly movers in Los Angeles County today at (866) 684-7336 to get started with your free estimate.
