Michelle Knutson
Phone
(818) 621-3202
Email
[email protected]
A vibrant neighborhood with an urban vibe anchored by multiple parks and scenic spots.
Similar to Studio City, Encino was once very under the radar, but in recent years has become a hotspot for celebrities and industry professionals. However, don't let that fool you into thinking Encino is a big party town. While there is a distinctive urban edge to life in Encino, the city maintains its sense of quiet reverence with gated neighborhoods and an air of affluent exclusivity.
Residents enjoy their privacy while still appreciating that it's not hard to venture out to busy shopping areas—all of which are walkable and easily accessible. What might surprise you is how naturally beautiful Encino is—the neighborhood is full of lush, open spaces, bike paths, and simple walkways. Locals enjoy getting some fresh air and thanks to the plethora of parks, including the historic Los Encinos State Park, there are plenty of ways to keep busy and fit.
Many celebrities hail from Encino, including Samuel L. Jackson, Lisa Kudrow, Johnny Cash, John Travolta, and more. Walking through town to do errands might become a game of spot-the-celeb if you're lucky. But one of the reasons why high-profile actors and professionals love Encino is because residents respect each other’s privacy.
Locals revel in the seclusion and intimate nature of the community, which some say feels a little like a small town. There's always something to do, a festival to participate in, an event to attend, or a trip to take—Encino is attractive to families and young people looking to experience the area and explore new places.
Encino is home to a surprisingly diverse array of restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. Scratch Bar & Kitchen is a popular New American eatery serving seasonally-inspired tasting menus. The name comes from the restaurant's passion for cooking each dish from scratch. Every single item served is made by hand—including the butter used in the bread!
Casual diners will enjoy The Stand or Mulberry Street Pizzeria. For burgers, hot dogs, and tap beer, there's no better place than The Stand. Dedicated to serving fabulous food at a great value, they work alongside the finest local suppliers for freshly-baked bread and ingredients. As the name suggests, Mulberry Pizzeria serves thin-crust New York-style pizza and pasta in a quick counter-serve space.
Early risers and brunch lovers will love Claudine's Artisan Kitchen and Bakeshop. An all-day brunch café, Claudine's is a bright and cheery place where all of the food is high-quality. Along with their brunch menus, they sell incredible baked goods such as their classic and signature cakes. Claudine's also provides special event catering.
Sepulveda Basin Recreation Center on Burbank Boulevard is an indoor and outdoor sports facility with a community garden, golf courses, a small amusement park, picnic areas, a baseball diamond, and a soccer field.
Nearby is the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park, an expansive area that allows pet owners to bring their furry friends for an afternoon of fun and exercise. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the dog park has an obstacle course, water stations, and fencing around the perimeter to keep animals from running too far.
Balboa Sports Complex is another indoor and outdoor sports facility specializing in handball, basketball, tennis, and football.
Families enjoy visiting Los Encinos State Historic Park to learn about the neighborhood's history since the park was the former location of Rancho El Encino. Guided tours are available to view old buildings such as the De La Ossa adobe. In October, the park offers "Haunted History" walks and the lauded "Victorian Day in the Park" in the spring.
Lake Balboa and the surrounding Lake Balboa Park consists of 80 acres comprising a park and a water recreation facility with breathtaking waterfront views. Boat rentals and fishing on the lake are available. Beyond that, people love visiting to see the cherry trees in blossom.
Encino is primarily served by the many excellent schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Having worked at one of the paramount couture brands and with multiple executives necessitating discretion based on their alternate careers, I have learned how invaluable it can be to respect a client’s time, act with discretion and provide premier customer service.
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