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

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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.

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