Studio City is a walkable-by-Valley-standards pocket of the San Fernando Valley, set between the Santa Monica Mountains and Ventura Boulevard. It combines tree-lined residential streets, a long stretch of restaurants and shops, and quick access to both the 101 freeway and the Hollywood Hills. Homes here are priced above the broader Valley: in my listing feed as of October 2026, the median list price in Studio City was $1,995,000.
I am Ali Ketabchi, a REALTOR® with Equity Union working across the San Fernando Valley. Below is how I describe Studio City to people who are relocating and trying to picture daily life.
What is it like to live in Studio City?
Day to day, Studio City feels like a residential neighborhood with a real main street. Ventura Boulevard runs east to west through the center, lined with restaurants, cafes, small shops and services. Side streets north and south of it are quieter and mostly residential.
The setting is a large part of the appeal. The Santa Monica Mountains rise to the south, and the Los Angeles River and the Tujunga Wash Greenway run along the north and east edges. CBS Studio Center, which gives the neighborhood its name, sits on the eastern side and is a reminder of its long ties to the entertainment industry.
How do the neighborhoods within Studio City differ?
The main distinction is between the hillside streets south of Ventura Boulevard and the flatter streets to the north. Each offers a different kind of home and a different feel.
- South of the boulevard, toward the hills: winding streets, varied lot shapes, and homes that often take advantage of canyon or hillside views. Laurel Canyon and Coldwater Canyon roads connect this area to the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills side.
- The flats north of the boulevard: a more regular street grid, with many mid-century and traditional single-story homes and mature trees, plus some condominiums and townhomes closer to the commercial corridor.
- Near Ventura Boulevard: the most walkable stretch, where a short stroll can reach dining, groceries and errands.
Studio City is also a neighbor to Sherman Oaks to the west and Universal City and Toluca Lake to the east. If you are weighing several areas, my Studio City community guide and the broader communities overview are good places to compare.
What is the dining and daily life scene like?
Dining is concentrated along Ventura Boulevard, with a wide mix of casual and sit-down restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and long-standing neighborhood spots. It is easy to eat out here without driving far.
Beyond restaurants, there are a few things that shape the rhythm of the week:
- The Studio City Farmers Market, held on Sundays on Ventura Place, is a regular fixture for many residents.
- Fryman Canyon and the nearby Santa Monica Mountains trails offer hiking close to home.
- The Tujunga Wash Greenway provides a flatter path for walking and cycling.
- Small theaters, boutiques and specialty food shops fill out the boulevard.
Hours and menus change often, so I suggest visiting a few places in person before you commit to a move.
What is the commute like from Studio City?
Studio City has direct access to the 101 freeway, with the 170 and 134 nearby, and the Metro B Line (Red) station at Universal City/Studio City is close to the eastern edge. That gives you options toward Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Burbank and the rest of the Valley.
Actual travel time depends heavily on the hour and the direction, and the 101 is busy at peak times. Canyon routes like Laurel Canyon Boulevard are a common way over the hill, but they can slow considerably in traffic. I would recommend test-driving your own commute at the time of day you would really travel, from the specific street you are considering.
What do homes in Studio City cost compared with nearby areas?
Studio City sits toward the upper end of the Valley communities I work in. These figures come from homes listed for sale in my MLS feed as of October 2026, and they are a snapshot of asking prices, not of what homes sell for.
- Studio City: 149 homes for sale, median list price $1,995,000, median $751 per square foot, ranging from $339,000 to $29,995,000 at the extremes, with the low end at $399,000.
- Sherman Oaks: 250 homes, median list price $1,649,500, median $729 per square foot.
- Encino: 250 homes, median list price $2,172,000, median $749 per square foot.
- Woodland Hills: 250 homes, median list price $1,609,394, median $668 per square foot.
- Calabasas: 138 homes, median list price $2,322,000, median $700 per square foot.
Across all 1,038 homes in my feed, the median list price was $1,799,000 and the median was $714 per square foot. A wide range within each community means the median says little about any single home, so it helps to look at specific streets and property types. You can browse current listings on my home search page or read the latest market report.
Key takeaways
- Studio City pairs residential streets with a walkable dining corridor on Ventura Boulevard.
- Hillside streets south of the boulevard and flatter streets to the north offer noticeably different settings.
- Commute options include the 101, nearby freeways and the Metro B Line; test your own route at your real travel times.
- As of October 2026, the median list price in my feed was $1,995,000 in Studio City, with a median of $751 per square foot.
- For taxes, insurance and financing, speak with a qualified professional.
Thinking about a move to Studio City?
If you are relocating and want a candid read on which part of Studio City fits how you live, I am glad to talk it through. You can learn more about working with me as a buyer, or simply get in touch with questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Studio City a good place to live in the San Fernando Valley?
Studio City offers a residential setting with a walkable dining corridor on Ventura Boulevard, hillside and flatland streets, and access to the 101 and Metro B Line. Whether it fits depends on your budget, preferred home style and commute. Visiting at different times of day is the best way to judge.
How much do homes cost in Studio City?
In my MLS listing feed as of October 2026, Studio City had 149 homes for sale with a median list price of $1,995,000 and a median of $751 per square foot. These are asking prices, not sale prices, and individual homes vary widely.
What is the commute like from Studio City?
Studio City has access to the 101 freeway, with the 170 and 134 nearby, and a Metro B Line station near the eastern edge. Travel times vary a lot by hour and direction, so test your own route at the times you would actually travel.
Where is the dining in Studio City?
Most restaurants, cafes and shops are along Ventura Boulevard, which runs through the center of the neighborhood. The Sunday Studio City Farmers Market on Ventura Place is another local fixture. Hours and menus change, so check before you go.
