Burbank
Burbank
BURBANK
The Valley city that entertainment built - and where it still works every day.
Burbank is technically its own city, and it’s bordered by the hills to the south and Glendale to the east. It's home to Warner Bros, Disney, Nickelodeon, and dozens of other studios and production facilities. It's also one of the most quietly liveable, family-friendly, and well-run cities in the LA area.
At a Glance
Location: Southeastern Valley, between North Hollywood and Glendale
Vibe: Clean, safe, family-oriented, entertainment industry central
Best For: Industry professionals who work in Burbank, families who want good schools and low crime
Commute to DTLA: 20-25 minutes via the 5 or 134
Schools: Strong public schools, especially in the hills
Price Range: $900K to $3M+
What Is Burbank?
Burbank is where people who work in entertainment actually live when they want a short commute, good schools, and a neighborhood that functions. Warner Bros, Disney Studios, and countless production facilities are here , drive through Burbank during the week and you'll see studio lots, soundstages, and production trucks everywhere. I always think it feels like I am in a time warp when I drive through it, in the best way - nostalgic.
It has its own police and fire departments, its own power company (Burbank Water and Power - cheaper than LADWP), and genuinely competent city services. Streets are clean, crime is low, parks are well-maintained. It's not flashy, but it people who live here are obsessed with it!
The Burbank Hills (south of Olive Avenue, climbing toward the Verdugo Mountains) are the premium pocket - larger lots, canyon views, mid-century architecture, quiet streets. This is where you pay a premium for elevation and privacy.
The Flats (north of Olive) are more accessible - classic ranch homes, tree-lined streets, walkable to Magnolia Park or downtown Burbank.
Day-to-Day Life
Magnolia Park - The neighborhood commercial district on Magnolia Boulevard between Hollywood Way and Pass Avenue. Vintage shops, cafes, small restaurants, weekend browsing. It has a genuine neighborhood feel.
Downtown Burbank - San Fernando Boulevard has been revitalized with chain retail (AMC, Target, Whole Foods) and some local restaurants. Shopping wise you have a town center with a few mall favourites like, Macy's, H&M, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, World Market, Bath & Body Works, Vans, and more.
Empire Center, a large outdoor shopping center near the airport and the I-5 freeway. It has a huge Target, West Elm, Krispy Creme, Best Buy, REI, Nordstrom Rack, Lowe's, Marshalls, and several restaurants. It's one of the largest retail centers in the area.
For groceries:
Whole Foods downtown, Gelson's nearby, Trader Joe's on Victory Boulevard, Walmart at the Empire
Eating & Drinking
Burbank doesn't have the restaurant scene of Studio City or Sherman Oaks, but it has solid neighborhood spots.
Porto's Bakery - The Cuban bakery institution. Lines out the door, worth the wait. Potato balls, guava pastries, Cuban sandwiches.
Granville - Small chain, American comfort food, good for weeknight dinner with kids.
Smoke House - Old-school steakhouse near Warner Bros. Dark booths, martinis, been here since 1946.
Tony's Darts Away - Craft beer bar in Magnolia Park. Good burgers, extensive beer list, casual vibe.
Coral Cafe - Breakfast and lunch spot in the hills. Outdoor patio, healthy options, neighborhood favorite.
What Things Actually Cost Right Now
$900K - $1.3M Condos or smaller homes in the flats, three beds, updated condition.
$1.3M - $2M Larger single-family homes, flats or lower hills, four beds, pools, good streets.
$2M - $3M+ Burbank Hills homes, larger lots, views, mid-century architecture, privacy.
Price per square foot runs $650-$850, making Burbank more accessible than Studio City or Sherman Oaks for comparable square footage.
Inventory moves steadily. Well-priced homes in good school boundaries go in 3-4 weeks.
Schools
Burbank Unified School District is strong, especially compared to most of LA Unified.
Public schools:
Miller Elementary - Highly rated
Providencia Elementary - Another strong option
Burbank High School - Well-regarded, strong academics and arts programs
Burroughs High School - The other main public high school
Private schools:
Providence High School (Burbank) - Catholic college prep
St. Robert Bellarmine (K-8) - Catholic elementary
Families also use private schools in nearby Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and La Cañada.
Getting Around
5 Freeway - East edge of Burbank. North to the mountains, south to downtown.
134 Freeway - Southern edge. West to the Valley, east to Pasadena.
101 Freeway - Just south. Connects to Hollywood and downtown.
Burbank Airport (Bob Hope Airport) is in the city - domestic flights without the LAX nightmare.
The positioning is strong for Valley and downtown commuters. Westside commuters face 30-40 minutes via canyon roads or freeways.
Who Moves to Burbank?
Entertainment industry professionals who work at Warner Bros, Disney, or other Burbank studios and want a 10-minute commute.
Families who want good public schools, low crime, and functional city services without paying Westside prices.
Buyers who've been priced out of Studio City or Toluca Lake but want to stay in the southeastern Valley.
People who value safety, cleanliness, and competent government over nightlife and restaurant scenes.
Ready to Explore Burbank?
I'm Anj Catalano, a real estate agent with The Agency in Studio City. Burbank is minutes from my office - I know the hills versus the flats, the school boundaries, and where the value is. Whether you're buying or selling, I'd love to help you navigate it with clarity and confidence.
📞 310 404 6955 · ✉️ hello@anjinla.com · 🌐 anjinla.com