Neighborhoods
Based on the Spanish word for “pumpkin“, Calabasas, California is found in Los Angeles County in the hills west of the San Fernando Valley. Home to one of the oldest surviving buildings in Los Angeles county, Calabasas got its name for the wild squash plants that once grew abundantly in its fertile soil. Just 22 miles away from Los Angeles, Calabasas feels a world apart with towering old oak trees and beautiful mountainside vistas.
With a population of just over 23,000 people, Calabasas was incorporated in 1991 after a long, winding history. After being inhabited by the Chumash Indians and Spanish settlers, the demographic in Calabasas began to change once power and water reached the area at the turn of the 20th century. Since then, it has become a haven from the hustle and bustle of nearby Los Angeles. While the city is most known for being the home of Hollywood superstars and their accompanying mega-mansions, the majority of homes in the area are moderately-sized single-family dwellings.
Homes for sale range from 600 square foot condos to palatial 20,000 square foot hillside retreats. Many of Calabasas’ neighborhoods can be found behind 24 hour guard gated communities with their own municipalities, rules and guidelines. These gated communities also boast a host of amenities including clubhouses, fitness centers, pools and spas, lawn care, and 24-hour private patrol security.
Calabasas students find themselves a part of the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD). With schools consistently ranked in the top 2 percent in the state, students benefit from small class sizes and programs like International Baccalaureate, dual immersion, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), and Performing Arts and Education Centers. Often considered a “destination school district” LVUSD if often the reason families with children make the move to Calabasas.
Residents of Calabasas also know how to have fun. Since the city’s name is derived from the Spanish word for “pumpkin”, the city hosts the annual Calabasas Pumpkin Festival in late October complete with a hometown street fair and park expo. The Sun Sets Concert Series at Calabasas Lake brings residents to the waters edge to enjoy free music from local artists. With lengthy list of public parks and green spaces, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the mild climate and scenic views. The Calabasas Summer Beach Bus program even provides easy public transit between Calabasas and Zuma Beach for city residents.