Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Tarzana
How Tarzana scores for you
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How it scores overall
Scored for a typical renter — better than 21% of LA neighborhoods overall. Take the quiz to see how it scores for you.
Tarzana is a quiet, car-dependent neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley with a median rent of about $2,496, placing it in the pricier half of LA neighborhoods. The area is mostly residential, characterized by wide streets and limited tree cover, with a mix of small local businesses and chain restaurants scattered throughout. If you're looking for somewhere less dense and more spread out than central LA, Tarzana delivers that at a mid-to-high price point.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Tarzana requires a car. Transit options are minimal (ranking 33rd of 114 neighborhoods), and walkability is below average at 62.2, meaning you'll need to drive for most errands. Traffic exposure is above average for the area, and diesel PM levels are moderate. On the upside, the neighborhood is quiet and residential, with parks like Mecca Park and the Tarzana Recreation Center nearby. You'll find restaurants like Zankou Chicken and Pho So 1 within a short distance, along with a handful of coffee spots and gyms.
Who it's for
Tarzana works best for renters who have a car and prioritize space and quiet over walkability or convenience. If you're willing to drive for groceries, dining, and entertainment, and prefer a less dense residential setting, this neighborhood offers that lifestyle at moderate Valley prices. It's less appealing if you rely on public transit or want to walk to most daily needs.
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: limited tree cover, mostly open streetscape.
Less canopy means more heat exposure and less visual greenery on daily walks. LA County median is around 14% canopy coverage.
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 Tarzana
Gelson's · Bazaar · Sri Lankan Delight · Olive Food Market
Starbucks · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf · Enigma Coffee · Laidrey Coffee Roasters
Zankou Chicken · Pho So 1 · Carl's Jr. · Sol y Luna
Mecca Park · Tarzana Community & Cultural Center · Tarzana Recreation Center
Club Pilates · Anytime Fitness
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Tarzana?+
Yes. Transit access is minimal and walkability is below average, so a car is strongly recommended for daily life here.
What's the rent situation compared to other LA neighborhoods?+
At about $2,496 median rent, Tarzana ranks 90th of 114 neighborhoods, making it pricier than the LA average of about $1,944. It's comparable to quieter Valley suburbs like Woodland Hills and Granada Hills.
How much tree cover is there?+
Tree canopy covers about 9.4% of the neighborhood, which is slightly above the LA average of 6.2%. The area is still relatively open, so don't expect a heavily shaded streetscape.
What restaurants and amenities are nearby?+
Within a short walk you'll find about 8 restaurants, 3 coffee shops, and 1 grocery store. Specific options include Zankou Chicken, Pho So 1, Starbucks, Enigma Coffee, and Gelson's.
Is Tarzana walkable?+
Tarzana ranks #92 of 114 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Tarzana?+
Typical rent in Tarzana is around $2,496 per month based on Census (ACS) data.
How is the air quality in Tarzana?+
Tarzana has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 55 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Tarzana?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Tarzana are Woodland Hills, Granada Hills, Encino and Brentwood.