Where Is Van Nuys, CA? A Guide To This San Fernando Valley Neighborhood (By A Local)
Last Updated on September 21, 2023
Let’s face it: Los Angeles County as a whole is HUGE, and the San Fernando Valley region makes up a large part of northern LA. With this in mind, you might find yourself lost if you’re not visiting one of the famous cities/areas like Santa Monica or Downtown LA for example.
If Van Nuys is on your radar and you want to learn more about it, then you’re in the right place! As a local Angelian living in the immediate area, I know my way around the Valley. This, of course, includes Van Nuys.
Whether you’re looking to move to Van Nuys or just scoping it out for travel, this guide will provide you with all the key information you need to get a better understanding of this great neighborhood that has so much to offer.
Van Nuys Location
Founded in 1911, Van Nuys is a beautiful neighborhood in the northwestern area of San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California.
Van Nuys is also the most populous neighborhood in the entire San Fernando Valley. For a bit more context, Van Nuys is bordered by Lake Balboa to the west, Panorama City to the north, North Hollywood to the east, and Sherman Oaks to the south. Reseda is nearby as well, about 15 minutes away by car.
Fun fact: Van Nuys got its start due to an ad in the Los Angeles Times. In 1911, the publication advertised a free train ride to what was then called the “Van Nuys townsite” for a free barbecue to celebrate Washington’s Birthday. The rest is history– literally.
With a fairly central location in the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys gives easy access to most of the major attractions around Los Angeles. It’s roughly 17 miles northwest of Downtown LA (DTLA), 16 miles from Santa Monica, and about 20 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Van Nuys gives you fairly easy access to most major highways in the area, including the 405 (San Diego Freeway), the 101 (Ventura Freeway), the 170 (Hollywood Freeway), and the 118 (Ronald Reagan Freeway).
This town is also home to the Van Nuys Airport, which is right in the local area off of Sherman Way and serves as another way to get to and from. It’s a smaller airport and is typically used for business and private charter flights.
Where Is Van Nuys, Los Angeles, CA, On A Map?
Here is a handy view of Van Nuys’ location on the map, via Google Maps. You can enter your starting location and where you want to drive/go from there:
Weather In Van Nuys
Much like you’d expect in the rest of Los Angeles, Van Nuys shares a Mediterranean climate similar to much of Southern California. This means you’ll typically see mild temperatures and low humidity for the majority of the year.
Summers in the Valley can definitely be a bit warmer than the rest of the rest of LA, and Van Nuys is no exception. Temperatures can occasionally soar into the 100s during the hottest months of the season.
All in all, Van Nuys typically has warm and long summers and fairly mild winters, which makes it a great destination for outdoor lovers and people who don’t like the cold in general.
Average Temperatures In Van Nuys
In Van Nuys, summers (June to August) see temps ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s, occasionally hitting triple digits during heatwaves. Winters are more on the mild side, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below the 60s and nights hovering around the mid-40s.
Personally, I think September and October tend to be the months with the best weather in Van Nuys.
It’s a comfortable climate year-round for most people, and usually, only a light jacket is needed in the winter.
Rain In Van Nuys, CA
The pattern of rainfall in Van Nuys follows the norm of the rest of Los Angeles for the most part. Most of the rain falls between November and March. But for the rest of the year, the typical case is dry skies and mild temperatures.
The mild temperatures and loads of sun make Van Nuys an absolute haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll see lots of travelers and locals out hiking, biking, and picnicking most of the year.
Things To Do In Van Nuys
Visit Van Nuys Branch Library
When you think of Van Nuys, busy roads and lively neighborhoods filled with people out and about might come to mind, but there’s a quiet corner that’s worth the visit. The Van Nuys Branch Library is a library of course, but it’s more than just books.
It’s a great and cozy spot in town to relax, unwind, and get lost in a book or two to pass the day away.
Address: 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401
Go Shopping
Here in LA, one of the most obvious (and fun) things to do is to go on a shopping spree, and Van Nuys is no exception. If you’re familiar with Los Angeles‘ landscape then you know that everything is spread out and shopping is scattered throughout the area wherever it can fit in.
Following suit, there are lots of great shop options quite literally littered throughout the area. Some of the best to check out in the surrounding area include Plaza Del Valle, Village Plaza, Panorama Mall, Sherman Square, and The Plant Shopping Center.
Panorama Mall and the Plant Shopping Center are technically in Panorama, but so close to the town center that it still counts.
You can even take a quick drive along Van Nuys Boulevard or Roscoe Blvd where you’ll find a lot of random shops and cool little plazas to check out.
Check out the Van Nuys City Hall
Another hidden gem in the dynamic landscape of Van Nuys is its iconic City Hall, which is a local landmark that’s recognized as a symbol of the area’s history, architecture, and civic pride.
The tall white building, originally built in 1932, is a great Instagrammable place in Van Nuys to snap a few photos as you stroll around town.
Address: 14410 Sylvan St # 215, Van Nuys, CA 91401
Hike at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
The Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve is a true oasis and offers a convenient escape for nature lovers to enjoy right within the heart of the city. The reserve is rich in biodiversity, with lots of birds, plants, squirrels, rabbits, gophers, and other animals calling it home.
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Sepulveda Basin’s easy trail system, taking a few photos here and there and enjoying the fresh air. If you’re looking for a blend of relaxation and adventure in LA, then Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve is one of the best things to do in Van Nuys, hands down.
There are also many other parks in the area to check out, but Sepulveda Basin is the most famous option by far.
Address: 6350 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91436
FAQs
Is Van Nuys a nice neighborhood?
All in all, Van Nuys is a nice neighborhood for most. Whether or not it is a “nice” neighborhood for you depends on personal taste and preferences.
This neighborhood has many public schools (Kittridge Street Elementary School, The Science Academy STEM Magnet School, and Larchmont Charter School) as well as private schools (such as the Crossroads School, Crawford Academy School, Oakwood School, and Brentwood School).
Many residents (families and young professionals) seem to enjoy the public schools in the area.
It’s also one of the best LA areas with an affordable cost of living and visiting, with homes, apartments, and general cost of living typically being very favorable compared to popular parts of LA (like Santa Monica or Calabasas).
Is Van Nuys safe?
Like many urban areas of Los Angeles, safety varies from area to area within Van Nuys. However, Van Nuys is generally safe. Most residents and visitors tend to feel safe in the area.
Others, on the other hand, say that it can feel unsafe in some areas. Just remember to watch your surroundings wherever you go, particularly at night.
What is Van Nuys famous for?
Van Nuys is famous for several things, including:
- The Van Nuys Airport
- Being home to many motion picture studios and production facilities
- Being a popular cruising spot in the 1970s and the inspiration behind the movie titled “Van Nuys Blvd.”
- A diverse population,
- and The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.
Is Van Nuys considered LA city?
Yes, Van Nuys is located in Los Angeles and is therefore considered a neighborhood of LA City.
What county is Van Nuys, CA in?
Van Nuys, CA is located in Los Angeles County, California. Specifically, it is located in the San Fernando Valley region of LA.
Conclusion: Where Is Van Nuys, CA
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful in showcasing all there is to know about this amazing city! With a great central location, amazing year-round weather, plenty of shopping options, and a list of named things to do, there’s something in Van Nuys for just about anyone and everyone.
Whether you’re considering moving to the San Fernando Valley area or just passing through for a visit, don’t miss out on visiting one of the best-hidden gems in LA let alone the state!
Enjoy your visit and let me know if there are any other topics you need help with– I’m always happy to provide more information. Cheers!
