Encino, CA, is known for its beautiful homes and tree-lined streets. It's also home to many parks and restaurants that make it one of Los Angeles' best neighborhoods. This historic, upper-middle-class neighborhood is well-known for its inclusion in Frank Zappa's 1982 hit song, "Valley Girl." With the release of Karate Kid in 1984, the neighborhood saw a significant rise in pop culture. The characters lived in different areas of L.A., which highlighted the differences between their upbringings and their social status. In 1984, Johnny Lawrence (played in the movie by William Zabka) and Elizabeth Shue's character Ali Mills lived in Encino, while Daniel San lived at Reseda.
Encino is located in the central San Fernando Valley and is bounded by Sherman Oaks to the north, Tarzana to the south, Reseda to the east, and Van Nuys to the west. The neighborhood has a population of 52,000 people and covers an area of approximately seven square miles. The name is derived from the Spanish word for "Encina," or holm oak tree.
Its history dates to 1769, when Gaspar de Portola and his party camped in the area on their way north to explore the San Fernando Valley. They were guided by a Native American who led them through the valley and to a campground called Achois Comunidad, where they spent their first night in the area.
The first school was built in 1869 on what is now Ventura Boulevard. It was a one-room adobe building that served as a school and church. In 1880, the San Fernando Valley's first newspaper, the San Fernando Farm and Home News, was established in Encino. The area was originally a rural community that grew slowly until it had about 200 residents by 1900 and became more desirable after oil was discovered in the 1920s.
In 1922, investors led by Harry Chandler, the Los Angeles Times publisher, purchased land and developed it into a residential area. The first homes were built in 1923, and the Encino Chamber of Commerce was established in 1924. The arrival of the Ventura Freeway in 1954 led to a population boom in Encino. New homes and businesses were built, and the area became a popular place to live for people working in downtown Los Angeles.
Some notable residents include Selena Gomez (who bought Tom Petty's old home for $4.9 million), Magic Mike actor Channing Tuchum, Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Dorit Kemsley and Teddi Mellencamp, and NBA player Tristan Thompson. Although it is considered a wealthy area, Encino realty prices are still relatively affordable for the area. According to Realtor.com the median home price is about $1.1 million. This is almost 20% less than nearby Sherman Oaks.
The area's vibrant dining and shopping scene is quite different from other San Fernando Valley communities. It boasts hundreds of restaurants and retail shops, including top-notch sushi spots and premier tasting menu lounges. Popular restaurants in the area include Sushi Katsu-ya, More Than Waffles, Sushi Stop, Davenport's Restaurant, and Uncle Bernie's Deli.
The beach and 11,000-acre Topanga State Park are both within easy reach. In addition, Sepulveda Dam and Recreation Area are a green haven where wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf, some cricket, or take a ride along one of the beautiful bicycle paths.
Unfortunately, people aren’t the only ones who enjoy this amazing area. If nuisance pests have taken up residence in your home contact 101 Gopher & Pest Control. Our reviews are a testament to our 20-year experience in the Encino, Los Angeles, and Ventura areas, and we have earned the title as the #1 pest control service.
