Trying to decide between Sherman Oaks and Encino for your next move? You are not alone. Both sit along Ventura Boulevard, offer solid access to parks and freeways, and deliver a range of homes from remodeled ranches to modern estates. In this guide, you will see how prices, housing stock, daily convenience, and commute patterns compare so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Market snapshot: prices and pace
As of January 2026, both neighborhoods sit in a similar price band, with small but meaningful differences. Redfin’s neighborhood snapshot shows Sherman Oaks with a median sale price of about $1,500,000, up roughly 7.1% year over year, and Encino at about $1,450,250, down about 11.3% year over year. Median price per square foot is near $697 in Sherman Oaks and $715 in Encino, with median days on market around 79 to 80. Zillow’s typical home value index through January 31, 2026 places Encino slightly higher than Sherman Oaks, at about $1,399,565 vs. $1,321,372, with estimated active inventory near 219 in Encino and 253 in Sherman Oaks.
These sources use different methods, which can lead to different medians month to month. Redfin reflects recent closed-sale medians, while Zillow’s ZHVI is a smoothed index. Use the figures to frame expectations, then verify the exact price band and days on market for your target property type the week you plan to write an offer.
Homes and lots: what you’ll find
Both areas feature mid‑century roots with many remodels and rebuilds. You will see 1950–1980 era homes alongside newer construction, with style and scale shifting by micro‑location.
Sherman Oaks homes at a glance
- Mix of single‑family homes plus a meaningful supply of condos and townhomes along major corridors like Ventura, Van Nuys, and Sepulveda. ZIP‑level structure data for 91423 shows a notable share of multi‑unit buildings alongside detached homes, which means more attached options if you want lower maintenance or a second home type for investment. See the ZIP snapshot for context in the 91423 structure profile.
- South of Ventura, you will find many single‑family blocks with remodeled ranches and newer moderns. Corridors closer to Ventura offer mid‑rise and multi‑family buildings that add purchase options at different price points.
Encino homes at a glance
- Strong single‑family presence with larger lots in many core pockets, including hillside and south‑of‑Ventura enclaves. Many properties feature pools, generous yards, and room to expand, which can appeal if you want long‑term space.
- Near Ventura, you will also find denser segments with condos and rentals, so the neighborhood remains diverse in housing types.
Daily convenience and dining
Ventura Boulevard is your shared lifestyle spine, with retail, dining, and services that make everyday errands easy.
- In Sherman Oaks, anchors include the Sherman Oaks Galleria and Westfield Fashion Square, which bring full‑service retail, restaurants, and entertainment within a short drive of many homes.
- In Encino, the Encino Commons stretch and the Encino Marketplace deliver a walkable cluster of shops and everyday services, including a grocery anchor and quick‑stop conveniences.
If you value having many choices within a few minutes, both neighborhoods deliver, though Sherman Oaks typically offers a denser cluster of mall‑anchored options.
Parks and outdoor access
Both neighborhoods back into strong green spaces. In Encino, you get Los Encinos State Historic Park and quick access to the broader Sepulveda Basin complex, with lakes, gardens, golf, and an off‑leash dog park. Learn more at the Los Encinos State Historic Park page. In Sherman Oaks, the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Recreation Center provides fields and a community pool, and you are close to Santa Monica Mountains trailheads on the southern edge of the neighborhood. If outdoor time is a priority, you will find plenty of options either way.
Getting around and commutes
Both neighborhoods sit along the US‑101, with straightforward access to the I‑405. Ventura Boulevard carries frequent Metro Local bus service along key segments. For many buyers, commute differences are minor. Census estimates show average commute times of about 31.3 minutes in Sherman Oaks’ 91403 ZIP and about 31.9 minutes in Encino’s 91316 ZIP. See the 91316 profile on Census Reporter for a baseline reference.
Walkability varies by block. Central Sherman Oaks near the Galleria and Fashion Square tends to score higher on foot access, while much of Encino is car‑dependent outside the Encino Commons corridor. For a quick sense of block‑level variation, check the Walk Score map for 91423.
Key tradeoffs to consider
Lot size vs walkable access
- If your top priority is a larger lot with privacy, a pool, and room to expand, Encino’s estate and hillside pockets often deliver more choices at the single‑family level.
- If you want immediate access to a wide set of shops and dining, plus more attached options like condos and townhomes, Sherman Oaks usually offers more inventory along and near Ventura.
Price trends and timing
January 2026 snapshots show Sherman Oaks with a year‑over‑year price gain and Encino with a year‑over‑year decline. That can shape negotiation strategy, depending on your price band and micro‑market. Refresh MLS stats for the week you plan to write and adjust your offer approach accordingly.
Schools and attendance lines
Both neighborhoods include public, charter, and private options. School assignment can change at a street level, so confirm attendance boundaries for any home you are considering with the district or the specific school.
Data checks and due diligence
- Neighborhood lines: Neighborhood council maps are the clearest local reference. See the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council map and use Encino’s NC resources for the same.
- Crime and safety: For up‑to‑date, block‑level views, consult LAPD and City of Los Angeles open data feeds before drawing conclusions. A public overview entry is available on the Los Angeles crime stats portal.
Which neighborhood fits you
- Choose Sherman Oaks if you want a broad mix of housing types, strong mall‑anchored retail, and higher walkability near Ventura. If you plan to balance space with convenience, you will likely find more attached options and steady single‑family choices.
- Choose Encino if you prioritize lot size, privacy, and estate‑scale living while still staying close to Ventura’s services. You may find fewer listings at a time in some enclaves, but the properties often deliver the yard and expansion potential move‑up buyers value.
If you want a second set of eyes on your target streets, or you are weighing price bands and timing, let’s talk through your goals and map a clear path to the right home. Connect with Angela Waters to compare on‑market choices, off‑market leads, and a strategy that fits your timeline.
FAQs
What are current prices in Sherman Oaks vs Encino?
- As of January 2026, Sherman Oaks shows a median sale price near $1.5 million with a year‑over‑year gain, while Encino sits near $1.45 million with a year‑over‑year decline. Zillow’s index places Encino slightly higher than Sherman Oaks on typical value.
Where will I find larger lots in the Valley?
- Encino’s south‑of‑Ventura and hillside pockets often feature larger lots and estate‑scale homes, while Sherman Oaks offers a broader mix that includes condos and townhomes near major corridors.
Which area is more walkable for errands and dining?
- Sherman Oaks generally has higher walkability near the Galleria and Westfield Fashion Square, while Encino’s Encino Commons corridor is walkable but many residential blocks are car‑dependent; verify a specific address using Walk Score.
How long are typical commutes from each neighborhood?
- Census estimates show average commute times around 31 minutes in both areas, with exact times depending on your destination and time of day; see the 91316 ACS profile on Census Reporter.
What daily conveniences anchor each neighborhood?
- Sherman Oaks centers on the Sherman Oaks Galleria and Westfield Fashion Square, while Encino’s services cluster around the Encino Commons stretch and the Encino Marketplace.
