6 Things to Know Before You Relocate to Studio City

Studio City is a historic and thriving enclave in Los Angeles, just a stone's throw from Hollywood and all the glitz and glamor that comes with it. Studio City is the perfect balance of urban living and small-town charm. But before you pack your bags, head west, and begin your search for Studio City, CA, real estate, here are six things to know before you relocate.

Studio City is home to several major employers, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, the University of Southern California, Paramount, CBS Studios, and Universal Studios. The job market is strong in Studio City, with the unemployment rate at 5%. Studio City's cost of living is high but manageable, with the average annual household income coming in at $156K.

Studio City is a relatively walkable city, most notably along Ventura Boulevard, the primary thoroughfare in town. Residents in the more urban areas can expect to be able to walk for some routine errands but are likely to need a car or public transportation regularly. Public transportation options include the LA Metro, buses, taxis, and the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. While these options offer the convenience of avoiding traffic and finding parking, most residents commute to work by car.

Studio City is in the heart of Los Angeles, only minutes from Hollywood and some of California's most affluent zip codes, so you can expect housing here to be expensive. If you are targeting the most exclusive neighborhoods and properties, expect to pay over $10 million. The most upscale areas in Studio City are Fryman Canyon Estates and Mulholland. These exclusive communities offer expansive gated estates and stunning mansions tucked away in lush rolling foothills. Other Studio City neighborhoods feature various styles, including luxurious single-family homes, condos, and apartments.

There are several excellent schools in Studio City. Notable public schools include Carpenter Community Charter School, Dixie Canyon Community Charter School, Walter Reed Middle School, and Ulysses S. Grant Senior High School. If you prefer private schools, the area boasts some of the finest in the state, including Harvard-Westlake School, Bridges Academy, and Emerson Academy for Arts and Sciences. For higher education, Studio City is only a short drive from Carnegie Mellon University Los Angeles MEIM, the University of La Verne, Ithaca College, West Coast University, American Pacific College, and several others. With access to so many excellent educational institutions, Studio City is a perfect town for families and young professionals.

Life in Studio City is lively but relaxed. There are numerous venues for shopping and dining, as well as entertainment options like movie theaters and nightclubs. Overall, it's a wonderful place to live if you're looking for sophisticated urban living with a small-town feel.

 

For a fantastic shopping experience in Studio City, you'll want to check out the Shops at Sportsmen's Lodge. This unique outdoor shopping center offers a variety of stores and restaurants, as well as a beautiful park-like setting. This fabulous shopping "oasis" is home to designer brands like Fred Segal, Madison Reed, SALT Optics, Vuori, and Stevie Sister.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a fun and whimsical option, offering a wide range of eateries, shops, and entertainment options in keeping with the Universal brand. There are upscale shops like Abercrombie & Fitch, Billabong, and Francesca's, and themed shops like Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, Transformer's Supply Vault, and Gladrags Wizardwear. For a more traditional indoor shopping mall, visit Sherman Oaks. And be sure to explore Ventura Boulevard, where you'll find many fantastic boutiques, including Emerald Forest Gifts, Restrained Whimsy, and Topdrawer. No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it in Studio City!

 

You won't be disappointed if you're looking for a great meal in Studio City. There are many superb restaurants and cafes to choose from, serving everything from sushi to prime steaks.  Seafood lovers are encouraged to stop by Malama Pono. The Pacific fusion cuisine is fresh, delicious, and creatively presented. Malama Pono's small plates are the perfect way to try several dishes and share them with friends. If you're craving something tasty and exotic, Spitz features tasty and authentic Turkish eats and kebabs paired with excellent craft beers. If you're looking for something extraordinary, Santuari is the place to go. Chef Seth Greenberg creates Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine that is absolutely exquisite. And the bright, romantic decor makes it the perfect spot for a date night.

Of course, Studio City is also famous for its fantastic sushi restaurants. Sushi Nishi Ya, Asanebo, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa, Kinza, Izakaya M, Sushi 101, and Sushi-don are all excellent choices. And if you're looking for a great steakhouse, Smoke House Restaurant is the place to go. The wood and leather decor is cozy and inviting, and the live music adds to the atmosphere. Plus, the USDA prime steaks are simply unbeatable.

 

Living in Studio City means living in the heart of Tinseltown, and this star-studded town offers a nearly endless list of entertainment options and recreation. In addition to traditional “touristy” venues like Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, and The Hollywood Sign, residents of this lively town are also very close to the Hollywood Bowl, Greystone Mansion, and Runyon Canyon.  A bit further east is the Griffith Observatory and Planetarium, the Los Angeles Zoo, and Griffith Park. Located only a short drive northwest of downtown LA, Studio City is also close to many fantastic museums, art galleries, and professional sports venues.

 

Studio City is a highly desirable neighborhood in the heart of Los Angeles. With its proximity to downtown LA and Hollywood, it's no wonder people are drawn to this area. Contact Peter & Cindy Lorimer if you're ready to begin your search for a new home in Studio City. We offer in-depth knowledge of LA and surrounding neighborhoods and will be able to provide expert assistance with finding the perfect home for your needs and budget.