West Hills, California sits on a divide between sheer natural beauty and modern convenience, offering a tranquil escape from downtown Los Angeles while still within easy reach of urban excitement.
This LA neighborhood is brimming with picturesque parks, tight-knit communities, and a laid-back vibe that resonates with locals. Rolling hills cradle historical landmarks, and the area hums with a warm sense of belonging - making living in West Hills CA a delightful, well-rounded experience.
Where Is West Hills CA?
You have a solid idea of where everyone living in Los Angeles is located, but exactly where is West Hills CA located, and what county is West Hills CA in?
Cradled by rolling foothills in the western reaches of the San Fernando Valley, West Hills California is an alluring pocket of Los Angeles County, the largest of San Fernando Valley cities, that feels surprisingly removed from the city’s nonstop pace.
While it’s just 30 miles northwest of Downtown LA - about a 40-minute drive without traffic - living in West Hills CA offers its own mellow energy, buffered by scenic open spaces like Chatsworth Nature Preserve to the north and the sweeping canyons of the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve nearby.
Spanning ZIP codes 91307 and 91304, West Hills borders neighborhoods such as Canoga Park to the eastern boundary and Woodland Hills and Hidden Hills to the south, with Bell Canyon lying on its rustic western edge.
Major thoroughfares include Roscoe Boulevard, Valley Circle Boulevard, and Fallbrook Avenue, where you’ll find local shops and eateries dotted along the way, as well as Topanga Canyon boulevard., running along the West Hills neighborhood eastern edge.
Commuters living in West Hills CA benefit from LA Metro bus routes that thread through the area, but truth be told, many West Hills residents simply enjoy strolling their tree-lined streets, soaking in that laid-back Valley sunshine.
Map of West Hills CA
West Hills CA History & Overview 
Long before today’s rolling streets and suburban tranquility, the land that would become West Hills LA was home and a meeting and trading point to the Chumash-Venturaño and Tongva-Fernandeño peoples for thousands of years. They lived amid the scenic Simi Hills and along Bell Creek, branches of the now Los Angeles River, with places like Escorpión Peak and the fabled Cave of Munits playing a central role in their lore.
During the Spanish and Mexican eras, much of the region was incorporated into Mission San Fernando and Rancho El Escorpión, remaining largely rural and undeveloped. Fast-forward to the late 1980s, when locals petitioned to break away from Canoga Park and officially establish West Hills- a move spurred by a desire for local identity and pride.
The population of West Hills CA, as of the 2000 Census, was 38,814 residents, with 2025 estimates as high as 47,000 residents living in West Hills CA - reflecting steady growth and demand for the area.
According to the Los Angeles Almanac, around 60% of locals identify as White (non-Hispanic), 15% as Asian, 5% as Black, and 12% as Hispanic or Latino, with roughly 28% born outside the U.S. Meanwhile, a median age of around 45 and a household income hovering near $140,000 underscore the neighborhood’s mature yet comfortable appeal.
Tying it all together is the fact that West Hills remains one of LA’s most spread-out communities - an inviting reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice elbow room to enjoy life in the city, one of the best parts about living in West Hills CA.
What's It Like Living West Hills CA?
If you’re moving to West Hills LA, you might be curious, Is West Hills CA a good place to live?
Picture an easygoing morning strolling along tree-lined streets bathed in bright California sunshine, greeting neighbors who’ve lived here for decades, and soaking up incredible mountain views - then realize this is every day when you’re living in West Hills CA!
There’s a distinct sense of calm in the air, with canyon breezes drifting through spacious backyards and beckoning you outdoors. Locals cherish the area’s natural beauty, from hiking trails in El Escorpión Park to sunset picnics at Lazy J Ranch Park, and you’ll find families, retirees, and even young professionals forming a warm, close-knit community.
There's also a significant urban wildlife landscape to enjoy off the many branches of the Los Angeles River!
While living in West Hills CA is no doubt living in a suburban neighborhood, it still caters to those in search of modernity. You have all the classics, from weekend farmers markets with craft goods and local produce to beloved mom-and-pop-eateries and the occasional food truck that rolls through.
With a decidedly laid-back vibe, traffic isn’t the constant battle you’d expect in a city renowned for it - though venturing into Hollywood or Downtown LA still takes planning and patience.
Many residents appreciate how walkable the neighborhood can feel, especially around local neighborhood parks and shopping plazas, but most folks rely on their cars to get around with ease. Schools and family-friendly amenities abound, yet there’s also enough variety to keep singles and younger couples engaged without leaving neighborhood limits.
In essence, living in West Hills CA offers that classic Southern California blend of suburban comfort and boundless sunshine, minus the hustle you might find just a few miles east, bringing out the best of the San Fernando Valley.
Things to Do in West Hills CA – Best Restaurants, Attractions & Shopping
The Los Angeles West Hills neighborhood is teeming with things to do, and living in West Hills CA means embracing both nature and community charm.
Wake up with a latte at Crave Cafe, known for its fluffy pancakes and breezy patio vibes, then gear up for an afternoon at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, a sprawling natural escape perfect for hiking, biking, and capturing the San Fernando Valley’s best views.
If you’re craving a hands-on, futuristic experience, Sandbox VR brings virtual reality adventures to life - ideal for family outings or a fun weekend date.
For those who love history and horticulture, Orcutt Ranch is a hidden gem where you can explore lush gardens, fruit trees, and even hold special events among the estate’s storied oak groves. Meanwhile, Shadow Ranch Park or Bell Canyon Park offer a more classic neighborhood green space, with playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities to keep every member of the family entertained.
When it’s time to refuel, Stonefire Grill is a local crowd-pleaser dishing out everything from savory barbecue tri-tip to hearty salads. If you’re in the mood for something more spirited, head to Malibu Wines & Beer Garden - just a short drive away - for a relaxed afternoon under twinkling lights, sipping on varietals from the region’s vineyards.
Of course, if retail therapy calls your name, West Hills Shopping Center and Fallbrook Center are right at your fingertips, featuring grocery stores, small boutiques, and essential services.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to do when living in West Hills CA, each with a handy link so you can locate them effortlessly on Google Maps!
- Crave Cafe, 22950 Vanowen St #E, West Hills, CA 91307 (818-719-0021)
- Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, Western end of, Victory Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (818-878-0866)
- Sandbox VR, 6316 CA-27 #1120, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (818-963-8003)
- Orcutt Ranch, 23600 Roscoe Blvd, West Hills, CA 91304 (818-34607449)
- Shadow Ranch Park, 22633 Vanowen St, West Hills, CA 91307 (818-883-3637)
- Stonefire Grill, 6405 Fallbrook Ave, West Hills, CA 91307 (818-887-4145)
- Malibu Wines & Beer Garden, 23130 Sherman Way, West Hills, CA 91307 (818-578-4146)
- West Hills Shopping Center, Saticoy St, West Hills, CA 91304
- Fallbrook Center, 22950 Vanowen St, West Hills, CA 91307
For even more ideas or city parks, head over to the Los Angeles Recreation & Parks website, where you’ll find details on local events, sports programs, and additional hidden gems that make living in West Hills CA so special.
Schools in West Hills, CA
One of the most appealing aspects of living in West Hills CA is its range of public schools operating under the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Las Virgenes Unified School District.
There are 13 schools in West Hills LA, 11 of which are public institutions. Private schools are a popular choice, with options such as Hale Middle School, celebrated for its rigorous academics and supportive environment, or STARS Academy. Many schools in the area also prioritize safety by investing in modern security measures, such as school security cameras and access control systems, giving parents added peace of mind.
When it’s time for the next step, West Hills offers a variety of high schools, both public and private, that cater to diverse interests and career paths - some with specialized programs in arts and sciences, like Chaminade College Preparatory - High School.
Whether you’re seeking a strong college-prep curriculum or community-based learning while living in West Hills CA, the neighborhood’s educational scene is designed to help students thrive at every level.
Is West Hills CA Safe?
The crime rate in West Hills CA is estimated as low as 7% less than the national average, so if you have plans on moving to West Hills CA, you'll be happy to hear it's a very safe place to call home. The crime rate in Los Angeles as a whole is 52.% higher than the national average, making this one of the safer neighborhoods of the city.
When living in West Hills CA, you're proudly protected by the officers of the Topanga Community Police Station operating under the Los Angeles Police Department.
West Hills, Los Angeles Real Estate
Interested in living in West Hills CA? Whether you're in search of a beautifully renovated home, a sprawling mansion, or something a little more historic, the West Hills area has it all. The median price of homes for sale in West Hills CA is $1,010,000, a figure that has increased 2.5% over the year and equates to an average of $572/square foot.
Many homes in West Hills Los Angeles feature beautiful mountain views, formal dining room set-ups, pools, and yard space - something you won't often find in Los Angeles!
Average rent in the West Hills neighborhood is $2,300, so renting is a more affordable way to enjoy living in West Hills CA.
Moving to West Hills CA?
And whether you're in need of apartment movers or other residential moving services, the crew at Movegreen is always just a phone call away. When moving to West Hills Los Angeles area becomes a reality, our West Hills movers can't wait to help settle you in. Call us at 866-684-7336 for a free moving quote!
