Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Calabasas
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Calabasas
Rent control: Calabasashas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Calabasas scores for you
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Calabasas is a foothill city in Los Angeles County, nestled between the Santa Monica and Santa Susana mountains about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. With a population of around 22,500, it is small, suburban, and oriented entirely toward car travel. The city sits at the edge of the San Fernando Valley, offering both mountain proximity and access to the sprawling valley beyond.
Life in Calabasas centers on single-family homes, tree-lined streets, and a quieter pace than the closer-in neighborhoods of the San Fernando Valley. The community is known for its open space and proximity to hiking and outdoor recreation, though the trade-off is isolation from dense urban amenities and public transit.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Calabasas requires a car for nearly everything. Most errands, shopping, and dining happen via automobile; public transit is minimal and infrequent. Grocery options include Erewhon and Ralphs, and there are restaurants scattered throughout (Green Basil, Tosconova, Sugarfish), but getting to them means driving. Parks like Freedom Park and Gates Canyon Park provide outdoor space nearby, and hiking trailheads are a short drive away.
Traffic on major corridors can be heavy during commute times, and air quality occasionally dips below the California median for particulate exposure, a concern for those sensitive to air pollution. Winter rains can affect foothill roads. The upside is affordable density, with homes and apartments spread out across much of the city, and the mountain setting appeals to those seeking escape from denser urban life.
Who it's for
Calabasas works best for renters who own or are comfortable owning a car, have flexible work schedules or work locally, and value suburban quietness and outdoor access over walkable neighborhoods and nightlife. It suits families, remote workers, and those seeking a small-town feel within reach of Los Angeles County. It is not a good fit for transit-dependent renters or anyone who prefers to walk to restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
Environment & livability
Air quality: below the California median for diesel PM exposure.
Air quality here is better than average for the state. Worth noting if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: moderate tree cover for the area.
Some shade and green presence on most blocks, above average for dense urban LA neighborhoods.
Walkability: most errands require a car or transit.
Lower intersection density and fewer destinations within walking distance, typical of suburban LA/OC areas.
Transit: limited transit, infrequent service in this area.
Transit exists but headways are long enough that a car or bike is more practical for most daily trips.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Calabasas
Population
12,220
Renters
13%
of households rent
Median age
48
Median income
$196k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Calabasas
Erewhon · Ralphs
Barns & Noble Starbucks · Starbucks · Coffee Bean · Le Pain Quotidien
Green Basil - Tasty Thai · Porta Via · Sugarfish · Tosconova
Freedom Park · Gates Canyon Park · Tanterra Homeowners Association Park · Cairnloch Park
InnerPower Yoga · Vitality Personal Training
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Finding a place in Calabasas
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Frequently asked questions
Is Calabasas walkable?+
No. Calabasas ranks 288th of 319 in walkability across the region, meaning most errands require a car. There is no meaningful public transit; you will need personal transportation to get around.
What public transit is available?+
Calabasas has very limited transit options and no rail stations. The city ranks 3rd of 319 in transit access regionally, but that ranking reflects minimal bus service with infrequent schedules. A car is essential.
How is the air quality?+
Air quality ranks 76th of 318 and sits below the California median for diesel PM exposure. Those with respiratory sensitivity may notice the difference, especially near main roads during peak traffic.
What are typical rents in Calabasas?+
Rent data for Calabasas is not currently available in our system. Contact local property managers or check listings directly for current pricing in the area.
What is the average rent in Calabasas?+
Current residents of Calabasas pay a median rent of about $3,203 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Calabasas?+
Calabasas has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 35 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Calabasas?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Calabasas are South Anaheim Foothills, Ladera Ranch, San Clemente Foothills and Coto de Caza Hills.