"Oh, I'm packing my grip

And I'm leaving today,

'Cause I'm taking a trip

California way,

I'm gonna settle down and never more roam,

And make the San Fernando Valley my home."

Bing Crosby sang those not-so-immortal words in his 1944 No. 1 hit, "San Fernando Valley," by Gordon Jenkins (who, legend has it, was faintly embarrassed by the success of the song), just before the end of World War II. Homecoming was in sight for millions of GIs longing for a return to civilian life. And settlin' in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles was a dream that came true for many of them, once their time overseas ended.

Tired of the cold winters and stodgy attitudes in other parts of the country and ready for a fresh start, they found in the Valley our amazing Southern California climate, combined with affordability and a sense of community which is unique in the region. The returning servicemen could have their own little slice of the American Dream — surrounded by citrus orchards — on the broad plains and gentle foothills. And the Valley continues to offer a great lifestyle to Angelenos looking for a relatively affordable home — minus the citrus orchards, which have been displaced by houses and apartments, sidewalks and local businesses.

There are times when being "over the hill" ain't so terrific. But when you’re heading north from Downtown, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Westside, through Laurel Canyon, Beverly Glen, or on one of several freeways, over the hill can be a very, very good thing.

One example of that goodness is the Valley Glen neighborhood, which lies just west of Burbank. There are currently 30 homes on the market in this desirable area, spanning in price from $499,000 for a two-bedroom/one-bath bungalow to $735,000 for an updated Cape Cod home with four bedrooms and three baths to $1,249,000 for a stylish four-bedroom/five-bath home on a large lot with a pool.

Updated Cape Cod home.

Says Craig Knizek, one of the top Realtors in the close-in Valley neighborhoods: "Affordable areas like Valley Glen have historical charm and large lots, and are near major employment areas and transportation hubs, including the Metro Rail Orange line. Valley Glen also benefits from proximity to Valley College, Burbank airport and a number of studios: Warner Brothers, Disney, CBS/Radford and NBC. Many entertainment professionals and studio crafts people make their homes in and around Valley Glen."

North Hollywood and the NoHo Arts District are a short distance away, with live theater, dance performances and art galleries. Knizek also touts the Woodland Hills area for affordable family homes because of the easy proximity to jobs and cultural amenities at Warner Center.

There are also numerous condominium and rental complexes throughout the Valley, which offer a less expensive way to live among the many splendors of Southern California. According to Curbed.com, a two-bedroom apartment in one of the many nice neighborhoods in the Valley will set you back about $2,000 per month, give or take a hundred dollars or so. A similar apartment on the other side of the hill would cost considerably more.

The San Fernando Valley enjoys close proximity to many outdoor recreational areas, including the hiking trails in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, which are the dividing line between the Valley and the Los Angeles Basin (what most of the world thinks of as L.A.) to the south. And the local beaches and Malibu are easily accessed through rugged and beautiful Topanga Canyon.

Many of the Valley's most popular neighborhoods transverse Ventura Boulevard, a bustling and prosperous thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants and offices. In the past few years, Ventura has come to rival the better-known Sunset Boulevard for hip and stylish eateries, including Public School 818, an extremely popular gastropub, and a newish chef-centric dining establishment from Ted Hopson and Ann-Marie Verdi called The Bellwether.

The Valley also has its share of fantastic old-school joints, like Casa Vega for down-home Mexican and margs, and the trés French dinner spot, Mistral, for a romantic, seductive — and just a bit indulgent — evening.

Home prices rise rather dramatically when you go "south of the Boulevard" — meaning Ventura Boulevard. The character of the neighborhood has changed over the years, and, as in other parts of Los Angeles, there has been a great deal of high-end development. One recent sale in Sherman Oaks was a 5,600-square-foot "modern farmhouse" designed by Anastasia Ratia and Tyler Denk. It's a style that beautifully fits our Southern California "dressed-up casual" way of life. In Ratia’s words:

"My style is influenced by growing up in Connecticut, surrounded by wonderful old homes. I love the idea of using traditional architecture as the inspiration for our homes and then stripping away details for a more modern, minimalist feel."

With an asking price of $3,795,000, the home drew multiple offers and sold for a very solid $3.7 million (about $678 per square foot) after just 16 days on the market. The same house in Brentwood would likely sell for about $6 million, as an example of the difference in pricing when you go "over the hill." It features such amenities as the ubiquitous — albeit practical and very desirable — kitchen/great room, facing out to a gorgeous pool, lawn and pool house. The master suite is a fabulous retreat with a spa bath and dual showers, while a supercool home theater is tucked away downstairs. And it's all within walking distance of the Boulevard.

(Update: Since the original publication of this article last month, it has been widely reported that the singer/actor Joe Jonas was the buyer for the Sherman Oaks “Modern Farmhouse”. I guess that in addition to being a terrific performer, the young man has very good taste. Good luck to him in his spectacular (and well priced) new San Fernando Valley home!)

Jeffrey Ong

Jeffrey Ong

The Valley offers so much — affordability, variety and all of the things which make our region special. It's a great place to live.

"I'm gonna settle down and never more roam,

And make the San Fernando Valley my home."



The words may not be immortal, but Lord knows I hope and trust that the sentiment will never pass away.