If you are new to Los Angeles, here’s some info to help you figure out what neighborhood might suit you.

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My area of expertise covers the swath of properties east of the 405 beginning in Sherman Oaks and moving through Studio City, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Burbank, through the Hollywood Hills and the Cahuenga Pass into Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and down into Echo Park. See below for a quick summary of the different regions. Perhaps it can help you narrow down where to concentrate your search.

Additionally, I have covered certain areas for clients—meaning I watch the market for them in those areas and report when I see something good. Those areas include – Culver City, Santa Monica, Chatsworth Manor, Downtown LA, USC area, Highland Park, Tujunga, Arleta, La Crescenta and northern K-town. If one of my main areas is outside your interest, ask me about it anyway—I may have covered it in the past.

North Hollywood

Once upon a time, North Hollywood was the large area encompassing the entire region, well, north of Hollywood. It has since split into many sub-areas, most notably, Studio City, parts of Toluca Lake, Valley Village, Valley Glen, Toluca Woods, NoHo Arts district and, of course, North Hollywood.

My specialties in North Hollywood are the neighborhoods south of Oxnard Blvd all the way into the hills, and beginning roughly in the west at Coldwater Canyon and moving east into Burbank.

The housing stock in this area varies widely—from large estate-like homes with circular driveways, to humble 2 bedroom, 1 bath bungalows.

NoHo Arts District

A newly defined area roughly bordered by Camarillo, Vineland, Oxnard and Colfax, mostly in the 91601 zip code. In general, this area is considered up and coming as it is affordable ($350-550k for an average 3+2), and is walking distance to the NoHo Arts theaters, shops and restaurants. It is also close to the Metro Red & Orange Lines. By train, it’s 30 minutes to downtown, even in traffic. An influx on new restaurants and bars have energized the area recently.

Valley Village

A newer area roughly defined as the 91607 zip code. The Valley Village Homeowner’s Association defines the area as south of Burbank and west of the 170, but most people consider the area east of Colfax, south of Victory as this area as well. Nice pool homes on clean, tree-lined streets characterize this area. The prices range from about $450-750k in this area, with ample exceptions for the larger estates. The northern part is walking distance to a shul and has many shops catering specifically to this community.

Studio City

One of the best areas of the Valley to live, Studio City is energetic and definitely an industry town. From the post office to Trader Joe’s, you will see working actors, writers and crew people, as well as a host of musicians and other entertainers, on a regular basis. It is home to the famed Carpenter School district, as well as CBS Radford, where many TV shows such as Gilligan’s Island and CSI: New York have been filmed. Homes range from $650k to the multi-millions in this area.

Toluca Lake

Straddling the border of Los Angeles and Burbank, this area is the Beverly Hills of the Valley. Immaculately maintained homes on large estate grounds characterize this area. Homes range in price from $850k to the multiple millions in this area. Wonderful small town feel along the main drag of Riverside. Renowned for going all out for the holidays.  Don’t bother looking for the eponymous Toluca Lake—it is private.

Burbank

Sleepy suburb of Los Angeles with housing in the $350k-$750k range in the flats, with homes ranging in the millions in the Equestrian and hill areas. As a distinct city apart from Los Angeles, Burbank is blessed with great schools and city services. It is home to NBC and one of the largest companies in the world, Disney Studios. It is also known as “the place where the Ikea is.”

Hollywood Hills

This glamorous area is the go-to area for entertainment industry types who have “made it.” Quiet and private, these homes often have amazing views of Los Angeles or the Valley. Prices range from $750k to the multi-millions of dollars.

Echo Park

Long the enclave of freethinkers and artists, Echo Park retains its bohemian vibe with an eclectic mix of modernized traditionals and traditional moderns. A little grittier than its northern neighbor Silver Lake, it is affordable hill living at its best. Homes range from hovels in the $250k to the low millions for the homes with amazing views.

Silver Lake

Many improvements to the lake area have propelled Silver Lake into one of the most desirable areas of LA to live in. Home to more established musicians and artists and artisans, Silver Lake fosters a homey boho vibe that is reflected in the unique stores, boutiques and shops within its borders. The region can be roughly divided into lakeview homes on the hill with homes in the $750k-multi-million dollar range, and the southern part, which have more modest homes as low as $300k.

Los Feliz

Historic and respectable, Los Feliz is home to some fabulous homes on large lots, with prices in the hills going into the multiple millions. The Franklin Hills area is more affordable, but a single family home will still be in the $600k range. Great restaurants and entertainment, Los Feliz has a great, hip community feeling.