Living in Calabasas, CA
Upscale hillside living, top-rated schools, and a private, peaceful lifestyle just outside LA
Calabasas, CA - City Highlights
📊 Quick Snapshot
Population: ~23,000
Median household income: ~$165,000
Median home value: ~$1,500,000+
Average commute: ~35 minutes
Owner-occupied homes: ~75%
School district: Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD)
Vibe: Gated luxury, private, scenic, family-friendly, celebrity-adjacent
💛 What Makes Calabasas Great
Calabasas blends a serene suburban feel with upscale amenities and quick access to Los Angeles. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, it’s known for scenic hills, protected open space, and beautiful master-planned communities.
It’s also home to a number of high-profile residents, but it still feels down-to-earth and community-oriented. You’ll find a vibrant local scene with farmers markets, boutique shopping, and events at The Commons at Calabasas — all while being just a short drive from Malibu’s beaches or LA’s entertainment hubs.
🎓 Local Schools
Calabasas is served by the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD), one of the top-ranked districts in the region.
Local schools include:
Bay Laurel Elementary
Lupin Hill Elementary
Round Meadow Elementary
A.E. Wright Middle School
Calabasas High School
Families love the district’s strong academics, competitive athletics, and supportive community involvement.
🛍️ Local Businesses & Amenities
Calabasas has a polished and well-curated mix of shops, restaurants, and services.
Highlights include:
The Commons at Calabasas (boutiques, restaurants, movie theater)
Calabasas Village Center
Erewhon Market and other gourmet grocers
Upscale restaurants, cafés, and wine bars
Fitness studios, wellness centers, and spas
Local medical offices and dental practices
Nearby Woodland Hills, Agoura Hills, and Malibu add even more options within minutes.
🌳 Outdoor Life & Recreation
Calabasas is surrounded by protected open space and trails, giving residents easy access to nature.
Highlights include:
Calabasas Creek Trail
Malibu Creek State Park
Las Virgenes Creek Open Space
Gates Canyon Park
Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center
Private golf and country clubs (Calabasas Country Club, The Oaks Club at Valencia nearby)
Outdoor recreation is built into everyday life here, from morning hikes to weekend rides in the hills.
🏡 Real Estate & Housing
Calabasas is known for its high-end housing, gated communities, and custom estates. Architecture varies from Mediterranean and Spanish to contemporary and modern farmhouses.
Home values typically start around $1.5M and climb much higher in luxury neighborhoods. Most homes are owner-occupied, and buyers are drawn to the privacy, prestige, schools, and setting.
🏘️ Neighborhoods & Residential Communities
Calabasas has several well-known residential enclaves, each with its own personality and prestige level:
The Oaks of Calabasas
Guard-gated luxury community with custom estates, celebrity residents, and resort-style amenities.Calabasas Park Estates
Gated hillside community with golf course views, spacious homes, and a serene setting.Hidden Hills (adjacent)
Gated equestrian community with sprawling estates, private horse facilities, and a strong sense of exclusivity.Mulholland Heights
Hillside neighborhood with family-friendly homes, parks, and stunning valley views.Calabasas Park
Centered around a private lake, offering lakefront homes, condos, and townhomes within walking distance of The Commons.Mountain View Estates
Gated community of luxury homes with tennis courts, large lots, and elegant landscaping.
💭 What Could Make It Even Better
Calabasas is already one of the most desirable communities in Southern California, but a few enhancements could add even more appeal:
A bit more walkability between neighborhoods and retail centers
Expanded public transit options
Additional community-wide events or cultural venues
🗺️ Location & Commute
Calabasas sits in the western San Fernando Valley, bordering the Santa Monica Mountains and just east of Agoura Hills.
Drive times:
Woodland Hills — 10 minutes
Agoura Hills — 10 minutes
Malibu beaches — 20 minutes
Thousand Oaks — 20–25 minutes
Downtown LA — ~35–40 minutes
It has direct access to the 101 freeway for commuting and is just over the hill from the Westside.
📚 Sources
DataUSA • Niche • Wikipedia • NeighborhoodScout • Local business directories
🏡 See What’s for Sale in Calabasas, CA
Thinking about calling Calabasas home?
Let’s talk. I’ll help you explore its distinctive neighborhoods — from guard-gated estates to lakefront living — and find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
