Granada Hills is an affluent residential neighborhood located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Despite being flanked by the Valley neighborhoods of Porter Ranch, Northridge, and San Fernando, Granada Hills belongs to the City of Los Angeles.

Thanks to the community’s many cul-de-sacs, tree-lined sidewalks, and multitude of reputable schools, many families and students are drawn to the neighborhood. With several lush parks, hills, and the Santa Susana Mountains situated near Granada Hills, residents have several family-friendly outdoor activities to choose from. 

Close-knit and stringently against the creation of mixed-use development, the community of Granada Hills is dedicated to staying suburban, according to the LA Times. Due to its location in the Valley, Granada Hills is at least 20 miles away from many of LA’s most popular destinations and urban amenities, which has allowed the neighborhood to maintain its suburban character throughout the years.

However, there are still several reasons why homebuyers should consider moving to Granada Hills.

Granada Hills photo courtesy of Jdaskew

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Spacious Homes with Large Front Lawns

While the bulk of the neighborhood’s larger homes can be found north of the freeway, more affordable dwellings can be found towards the south side. Even though there’s a mix of home styles, architecture, and construction in the community, Granada Hills is the go-to place for homebuyers looking to purchase a Mid-Century modern single-family home.

However, according to the LA Times, the neighborhood has seen more new Mediterranean-style properties in recent years. Most homes in the neighborhood are single-family residences, but there are still a few apartment complexes. Like its name suggests, Granada Hills is located near the hills and mountains, so when it comes to building new development, flat land is limited.

According to Neighborhoods.com data, current prices in Granada Hills range from the low $300s to nearly $2 million for a single-family home.

Shared Amenities With San Fernando Valley

Even though Granada Hills’ location is a bit farther from the rest of the city, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any amenities nearby. While finding a trendy nightclub or lavish bar in the neighborhood isn’t likely, there are many shopping, dining, and cultural arts spots around.

At the heart of the community, locals can run their daily errands, grab a bite to eat, or shop several stores at Granada Village, the Granada Hills Town Center, or the 24-hour North Hills Shopping Center. Also, the neighborhood is known for hosting several region-wide celebrations, including Oktoberfest, an annual holiday parade, and an annual Street Faire.

Plenty of Recreational Parks

Flanked by the Santa Susana Mountains on its north side and offering several recreational parks scattered throughout the community, Granada Hills isn’t lacking when it comes to open space and nature. Petit Park is one of its most popular parks, offering amenities such as children’s play areas, picnic spaces, a recreation center, and several basketball courts and baseball fields.

Another local favorite is O'Melveny Park, LA’s second-largest park, which features miles of dirt mountain trails, picnic areas, and green fields. However, the most impressive attraction is the serene lake, which sits at the center of the park. 

Wide Selection of Great Schools

There are a wide variety of schools located throughout Granada Hills, including both public and private institutions. Public schools in Granada Hills are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. There are currently over 20 schools in the neighborhood, with many highly ranked schools situated closer to the community’s north side—above the Ronald Reagan Freeway (I-118).

Some of Granada Hill’s best schools include Rancho Pico Junior High School, West Ranch High School, El Oro Way Elementary School, and Robert Frost Middle School.

What It’s Like to Live in Granada Hills

If you’re a homebuyer considering a move to Granada Hills, expect your neighbors to be long-time residents. Granada Hills is also a diverse neighborhood that’s known for its peacefulness and small-town vibe. Due to a strong sense of community, many of the area’s local business owners are acquainted with the residents in town. While most of the community is traffic-free, locals tend to avoid the historic landmarks in town due to congestion around those areas.