SUN VALLEY

South of Shadow Hills and north of North Hollywood, you’ll find a youthful and moderately diverse crowd in Sun Valley. With three city-run recreation centers, twenty-one schools, and its own library, Sun Valley’s affordable area features mostly ranch style homes with a median value in the $460K’s. Accessible from the 5 and the 170, it’s easy to wave your wand, head south and grab a Butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And when you’re ready to fill up your abode with new furniture, you’re a mere six miles from the biggest IKEA ever allan wrenched together in Burbank.

Don’t want to go too far to see the sights? Then stay right at the base of the Verdugo Mountains and feast your eyes on Cadillac Jack’s and the Pink Motel. Scientifically proven to be the pinkest buildings (Ever? or in the US? That’s not too clear), the post-war architectural treasures are kept in pristine and iconic 1950’s condition.

GRV LOCAL EATS

786 DEGREES (8879 LAUREL CANYON BLVD.)

The best spot for unique, exotic, and artisanal pizzas. These ingenious chefs cooking up all sorts of mad creations. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind pizza you can’t get at any other pizzeria, such as their infamous ‘Bombay Tikka Masala’.

POP’S CHICKEN MEXICAN FOOD (11354 SATICOY ST.)

Succulent chicken cooked in savory Mexican spices and always served fresh. There’s a reason Pop’s Chicken is held in such high regard by all the locals. It’s hard to pick the greatest Mexican restaurant in LA, but this one is definitely a contender.

CHAI THUNG THAI RESTAURANT (8430 SUNLAND BLVD.)

Delectable recipes, authentic flavors, and as if that wasn’t enough, incredibly friendly and attentive staff. This little-known spot is the low-key king of Thai cuisine.

VERDICT

Sun Valley is way out east. Prices are a bit more affordable, and you get more land and space. If your work is over in that neck of the woods, then you’ve got a great deal.