Sylmar is the San Fernando Valley's northernmost frontier, a neighborhood where the urban Valley gives way to rolling foothills, equestrian trails, and a pace of life that feels distinctly more relaxed than the communities to the south. Sylmar has a character all its own, shaped by its geography at the base of the Santa Susana Mountains, its deep-rooted community pride, and its real estate market that offers some of the most spacious and affordable properties in all of Los Angeles. Sylmar real estate appeals to buyers who want land, views, and breathing room without leaving the city limits. Whether you are searching for a horse property with acreage, a family home with mountain views, or an investment property in a neighborhood with strong upside potential, Sylmar delivers in ways that more congested Valley communities simply cannot. Sylmar is where the Valley meets the wild, and for the right buyer, that combination is irresistible.
Sylmar is located at the northern tip of the San Fernando Valley, primarily within the 91342 zip code. The neighborhood is bordered by the Santa Clarita Valley and the Angeles National Forest to the north, Granada Hills to the west, Mission Hills to the southwest, and Pacoima to the south. Sylmar is one of the largest neighborhoods in the Valley by area, with its territory stretching from the flat Valley floor up into the foothills and canyons of the Santa Susana Pass. The neighborhood's main commercial corridors include San Fernando Road, Foothill Boulevard, and Glenoaks Boulevard. Sylmar enjoys a slightly cooler microclimate than the central Valley floor thanks to its elevation and proximity to the mountains, with breezes that flow down from the canyons in the evenings. The Sylmar landscape is defined by its hillside views, open spaces, and a rural character that sets it apart from every other neighborhood in the city.
Sylmar real estate offers outstanding value and variety, with median home prices generally ranging from the mid $600,000s to over $1 million for larger or hillside properties. Sylmar homes for sale include single-family ranch homes, horse properties with corrals and riding areas, hillside homes with panoramic views, newer construction townhomes, and multi-unit investment properties. Many Sylmar properties feature lots of half an acre or more, making the neighborhood one of the best in the Valley for buyers who want space for animals, gardens, workshops, or ADU construction. Buyers searching for Sylmar horse properties, Sylmar homes with mountain views, Sylmar homes with acreage, or Sylmar investment properties will find a deep and affordable market. The Sylmar housing market has been appreciating as buyers discover the value proposition of owning at the Valley's northern edge. Sylmar real estate continues to offer more square footage and more land per dollar than nearly any other neighborhood in Los Angeles.
Sylmar's restaurant scene is rooted in the neighborhood's multicultural community and appreciation for hearty, honest food. Benny's Tacos and Chicken Rotisserie on Foothill Boulevard is a local go-to for Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken and crispy tacos that have earned a loyal following. El Sazon Oaxaqueno brings the complex flavors of Oaxacan mole and tlayudas to the north Valley. La Cocina Mexicana on San Fernando Road serves traditional plates of enchiladas, pozole, and chiles rellenos in generous portions at family-friendly prices. For Italian fare, Luca's Italian Restaurant delivers classic pasta dishes and pizza in a cozy neighborhood setting. Golden Egg Cafe is a breakfast favorite where the huevos rancheros and fluffy pancakes fuel morning hikes into the nearby hills. Sylmar dining is unpretentious, flavorful, and reflective of the neighborhood's warm, community-first character.
Sylmar is arguably the best neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley for outdoor recreation. The neighborhood sits at the doorstep of the Angeles National Forest, offering immediate access to hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and scenic canyon drives. Sylmar Park features a recreation center, playground, basketball courts, and sports fields. Veterans Memorial Park adds additional green space and community amenities. The Sylmar community is well known for its equestrian culture, with horse properties, riding trails, and the nearby Hansen Dam equestrian area keeping the horseback riding tradition alive. The Cascades, a dramatic series of waterfalls built as part of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, is a unique Sylmar landmark worth visiting. For trail runners, hikers, and nature lovers, Sylmar provides a level of outdoor access that is unmatched anywhere else in the Valley.
Sylmar's commercial activity is centered along San Fernando Road, Foothill Boulevard, and Glenoaks Boulevard. Residents find a practical mix of grocery stores, hardware shops, feed stores, and local businesses that reflect the neighborhood's semi-rural character. Gonzalez Produce Market and El Super provide fresh groceries and specialty items. Along Foothill Boulevard, Sylmar residents find auto shops, restaurants, and small retail stores that serve everyday needs. For bigger shopping trips, the Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks and the retail centers along Sepulveda Boulevard are within a reasonable drive. Sylmar's commercial landscape is functional and community-oriented, with a growing number of new businesses adding services and variety to the neighborhood.
Sylmar sits at the northern gateway of the San Fernando Valley, with direct access to the 5 Freeway, the 210 Freeway, and the 118 Freeway. These three major freeways connect Sylmar to Downtown LA, Pasadena, the Santa Clarita Valley, Ventura County, and the broader Southland. The Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station provides commuter rail service to Downtown LA, making Sylmar a viable option for commuters who prefer rail over driving. Metro bus routes serve the major corridors. Sylmar's position at the Valley's northern edge means that commutes to central Valley destinations are straightforward, while access to the 5 Freeway provides a direct shot to Downtown and beyond. For buyers working in the aerospace, entertainment, or logistics industries concentrated along the north Valley corridor, Sylmar offers a commute-friendly location at an affordable price.
Sylmar families have access to a range of school options that serve the neighborhood's growing population. Hubbard Street Elementary, Fenton Avenue Charter School, and Gridley Street Elementary serve elementary students. Olive Vista Middle School and Sylmar Charter High School provide secondary education. Several private and charter school options in the surrounding area add educational choices. Sylmar's family life is shaped by its outdoor culture, its spacious properties, and its community events that bring neighbors together. The neighborhood's equestrian heritage, proximity to nature, and slower pace of life make it an ideal setting for raising children who appreciate both the outdoors and the sense of belonging that comes from growing up in a tight-knit community.
Sylmar is one of the most intriguing long-term investment plays in the San Fernando Valley. With home prices that remain among the lowest in the Valley, lot sizes that support ADU development and multi-generational housing, and a strategic position near three major freeways and the Metrolink commuter rail, Sylmar offers a compelling combination of affordability and infrastructure. The neighborhood's proximity to the growing Santa Clarita Valley economy, the ongoing development of the north Valley corridor, and increasing demand for affordable single-family homes all point to sustained appreciation. Investors looking for Sylmar rental properties, Sylmar horse properties for income or appreciation, or Sylmar land for development will find a market that rewards patient, long-term thinking. Sylmar real estate is the Valley's northern frontier, and the growth story is just getting started.
80,129 people live in Sylmar, where the median age is 37 and the average individual income is $30,424. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Sylmar, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Las Primas Tacos, H & L Sewing Machines & Supplies, and SKN Galaxy.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.78 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 1.79 miles | 11 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.37 miles | 11 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Sylmar has 21,592 households, with an average household size of 4. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Sylmar do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 80,129 people call Sylmar home. The population density is 11,637.015 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
We use cutting-edge marketing, expert staging, and strategic pricing to ensure your home sells quickly and at the best possible price.
