CANOGA PARK
If you’ve ever wondered how eucalyptus trees got from Down Under to SoCal, look no further than Canoga Park. It was here that seedlings were first planted alongside the wheat fields of Workman Ranch (now known as the historic Shadow Ranch). You won’t find as much open space in the area now as it is home to companies such as Jet One Aerospace, Aerojet Rocketydyne and Northrup Grumman. Not into space stuff? Let’s talk shopping. The Westfield Topanga Mall, sized to rival the biggest midwestern megalith, with 2.1 million square feet and two-levels of shiny architecture, is a spendthrift’s paradise with shops ranging from Tiffany & Co. to Target.
Watched over by the Topanga Community Police Station, recent gentrification has brought in bike lanes, modern apartment buildings, and an upturn in property values in what once had been considered a high crime area. It’s a lot less likely that local-boy-turned-TV-star Bryan Cranston would try to pull off his character’s Breaking Bad habits in this highly diverse and rapidly growing area of 60,000 Angelenos.
GRV Restaurant Favorites
Oi Asian Fusion (21608 Sherman Way) As diverse as the San Fernando Valley's demographics, this joint fills your tummy and makes for trendy social media content. Get anything pork belly.
Bazille (nordstrom, 21725 Victory Blvd)
See and be seen with Canoga Park's take on modern American food. A beautiful interior only enhances the higher-end flavors.
Casa De Tacos (7300 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Ste 8)
The quintessential taco spot. Open 24 hours and rumored to be one of the oldest taqueria's around.
Verdict
Canoga Park is only going to get hotter. With Winnetka as one of the SFV's hottest areas and Woodland Hills gentrifying rapidly, Canoga Park can only follow suit.
Popular Schools
Canoga Park Senior HS (5/10)
Chrisotpher Columbus MS (4/10)
Fullbright Avenue ES (5/10)
