Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Sylmar
How Sylmar scores for you
Checking your quiz profile…
How it scores overall
Scored for a typical renter — better than 9% of LA neighborhoods overall. Take the quiz to see how it scores for you.
Sylmar is a car-dependent neighborhood in the north San Fernando Valley where affordability and space take priority over walkability. Median rent runs about $1,940 per month, ranking 57th of 114 LA neighborhoods and sitting just below the median. The area is characterized by low density and minimal tree cover, with concrete-heavy streetscapes typical of the Valley's suburban footprint.
Day-to-day life here centers on driving. Public transit access ranks 63rd of 114, making a car strongly recommended. You'll find basic amenities within a short walk: about 1 coffee spot, 2-3 restaurants, 2 grocery stores, and a gym, though options are more limited than central LA neighborhoods. Several parks including Sylmar Park and El Cariso Park offer green space in an otherwise sparse tree canopy.
Living here
Getting around Sylmar means relying on your car for most errands. Walkability ranks 96th of 114, and while some local trips are possible on foot, the neighborhood is designed around driving. Traffic exposure ranks 28th of 114 (above average), so commute times can be unpredictable during peak hours. Air quality is moderate for California, with moderate diesel PM exposure at the 64th percentile.
You'll spend less on rent than many LA neighborhoods, but that savings come with trade-offs. Tree cover is minimal at 4.3 percent, well below the LA average of 6.2 percent, making summers hot and streets feel exposed. The density is lower than most of LA, which means more space between neighbors but also fewer nearby options for dining, shopping, and entertainment without a drive.
Who it's for
Sylmar works best for renters prioritizing affordability and space over walkability and urban amenities. This is a good fit if you have reliable transportation, work outside the immediate area (making a car essential anyway), and don't mind a quieter, more car-dependent lifestyle. It's less suitable if you rely on transit, prefer walkable neighborhoods, or want frequent access to restaurants and nightlife without driving.
Environment & livability
Air quality: moderate diesel PM exposure for California.
Above the state median, linked to mild long-term respiratory risk in some studies. Worth considering for sensitive households.
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: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Around Sylmar
Vons · Vallarta
Starbucks · Annie's Sweet Oven · It's Boba Time · Jardín Café
El Chocherita · Sylmar Donuts · Miche x God · Little Caesars
Sylmar Park · El Cariso Park · Las Palmas Park · Telfair Park
Fitness 19
Check your commute from Sylmar
Enter your work (or any) address for real travel times from this neighborhood.
Similar neighborhoods
Frequently asked questions
Is Sylmar walkable?+
No. Sylmar ranks 96th of 114 neighborhoods for walkability. While some errands can be done on foot, a car is useful for most daily trips. Public transit is minimal (rank 63rd), so walking alone won't cover most of your transportation needs.
What's the rent like here compared to LA?+
Median rent is about $1,940 per month, ranking 57th of 114. That's roughly in line with the LA median of $1,944, so Sylmar doesn't offer significant savings, though it's cheaper than more central neighborhoods and offers more space per dollar.
How is the air quality?+
Air quality ranks 72nd of 114, with moderate diesel PM exposure at the 64th percentile. It's not the cleanest part of LA, but it's not the most polluted either. The San Fernando Valley location contributes to higher pollution levels than some coastal and central areas.
What's there to do nearby?+
You'll find basic amenities within a short walk: a couple coffee shops (Starbucks, Annie's Sweet Oven), a few restaurants (El Chocherita, Miche x God, Sylmar Donuts), and grocery options like Vons and Vallarta. Parks like Sylmar Park and El Cariso Park offer outdoor space, though dining and entertainment options are limited compared to more walkable neighborhoods.
What is the average rent in Sylmar?+
Typical rent in Sylmar is around $1,940 per month based on Census (ACS) data.
How is the air quality in Sylmar?+
Sylmar has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 65 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Sylmar?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Sylmar are Sun Valley, Mission Hills, Lake View Terrace and Sepulveda Basin.