Living in Sherman Oaks and Studio City: A Renter’s Guide

Sherman Oaks and Studio City sit side by side in the southern San Fernando Valley, just over the hills from Hollywood and the Westside. Both are neighborhoods within the City of Los Angeles, and both are popular with people who want a slightly calmer pace than central LA while staying within reach of major job centers. This guide covers what each area is like, how to get around, and what to keep in mind when searching for an apartment.

Neighborhoods change, and so do rents and availability. Visit in person and check current listings before deciding.

The big picture

The two neighborhoods share a main street: Ventura Boulevard, which runs east to west along the southern edge of the Valley. Along the boulevard you will find restaurants, cafes, shops, fitness studios and offices. North of Ventura, the streets tend to be flatter, with many apartment buildings and single-family homes. South of Ventura, the land rises into the Santa Monica Mountains, where homes are mostly single-family and streets wind into the hills.

Because the Valley sits inland, summers are typically hotter than near the coast. When you tour apartments, ask about air conditioning and how units stay cool.

Sherman Oaks

Sherman Oaks lies west of Studio City and is bordered on the west by Encino. Its location near the junction of the 405 (San Diego Freeway) and the 101 (Ventura Freeway) makes it a hub for drivers heading to the Westside, the airport area or across the Valley. That convenience comes with traffic, particularly around the freeway interchange during peak hours.

Shopping is a big part of local life, with retail centers along Ventura Boulevard and on Van Nuys Boulevard. The Sherman Oaks Galleria is a well-known landmark. For outdoor time, residents use nearby parks and the hiking areas in the hills to the south.

The apartment stock is varied. You will find classic mid-century buildings with courtyards and pools, as well as newer complexes. Some streets north of Ventura are lined with multi-unit buildings, which gives renters plenty of options to compare.

Studio City

Studio City takes its name from the film studio lot that has operated there for decades, now known as CBS Studio Center. Its location near Universal City and the Cahuenga Pass makes it convenient for people working in entertainment or commuting to Hollywood.

Ventura Boulevard through Studio City has a lively, walkable feel in many stretches, with independent restaurants and shops. Tujunga Village, a small shopping street a short distance north of Ventura, is a local favorite for strolling. The Los Angeles River runs through the area, and portions of the river path have been improved for walking.

Like Sherman Oaks, Studio City has a mix of older garden-style apartments and newer buildings, plus duplexes and units in small buildings that may be managed by individual owners.

Getting around

Both neighborhoods are car-oriented, and many residents drive. Before signing a lease, check what parking is included, since street parking can be competitive in dense blocks and some streets have permit or street-cleaning restrictions.

Public transit is available. Metro bus lines run along Ventura Boulevard and major north-south streets. Studio City is relatively close to the Universal City/Studio City station on the Metro B Line, which connects to Hollywood and Downtown LA. The Metro G Line busway crosses the Valley to the north. For current routes and schedules, see LA Metro.

Cycling is possible on some streets, but traffic and heat make planning important. Map your exact commute at the time you would travel.

Apartment hunting tips for these neighborhoods

• Check for rent stabilization. Many older apartment buildings in the City of Los Angeles are covered by the city’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance. The Los Angeles Housing Department explains coverage and allows address lookups.
• Ask about cooling. Window units, central air and ceiling fans make a real difference in a Valley summer.
• Tour at commute time. Driving to work from a unit near the 405/101 interchange at 8 a.m. is very different from a Sunday drive.
• Listen for noise. Units near Ventura Boulevard or freeways may get more traffic sound.
• Look at the hillside streets too. Some homes in the hills include rentable guest units or duplexes, though parking and steep roads should be considered.

Everyday life

Both neighborhoods have grocery stores, pharmacies and farmers markets within easy reach, and many residents value having daily errands on or near Ventura Boulevard. Families often look into local schools; the Los Angeles Unified School District provides school locator tools on its website. Pet owners will find many buildings with pet policies, though rules vary by building.

Who tends to like these areas

Sherman Oaks often appeals to people who want convenient freeway access and a wide choice of shopping. Studio City attracts many who want a slightly more village-like main street and quick access to Hollywood and the studios. Of course, preferences are personal, and the best way to decide is to spend a few hours in each, walk the side streets, grab a coffee and imagine your routine.

Next steps

Narrow down a few blocks you like, set alerts for those areas and prepare your rental documents in advance. Our step-by-step guide on how to find an apartment covers the rest of the process, and the moving checklist will help once you have signed.

Frequently asked questions

Are Sherman Oaks and Studio City separate cities?

No. Both are neighborhoods within the City of Los Angeles, so city services and city housing rules, such as the Rent Stabilization Ordinance where it applies, are the same as in the rest of LA.

Is it possible to live in these neighborhoods without a car?

It is possible for some people, especially those who live near Ventura Boulevard bus lines or close to the Universal City/Studio City Metro station, but most residents rely on a car for at least some trips. Test your daily routine before committing.

What should I ask a landlord here that I might not ask elsewhere?

Ask about cooling during hot months, assigned parking, street cleaning rules, and whether the building is subject to rent stabilization.