Although Calabasas has gained some notoriety from rappers who drop the name of this LA suburb in their lyrics, as well as exposure through the reality TV shows that film in neighborhood homes (Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Osbournes), when it comes to purchasing real estate, Calabasas has many community features and market advantages that compare favorably with other areas you may be considering in the Greater Los Angeles area.
1. A Young City Committed to Sustainability through Green Initiatives
Calabasas is a “green” city in that it is both environmentally conscious and a “newer” city. As the youngest city in Los Angeles County, Calabasas was incorporated in 1991, when its residents voted 9-1 to break away from Los Angeles. After incorporation, the Calabasas City Council, Commissions and staff took charge of managing local development, protecting the environment, creating parks, and maintaining the independence that differentiates Calabasas from the rest of Los Angeles County. The City’s first ordinance was an oak tree preservation and protection law.
Now that the City of Calabasas has passed its 20th
birthday, residents remain committed to securing the city’s long-term
sustainability. By adopting a new green initiative to improve
the quality of the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use finite
natural resources more efficiently, and save money, Calabasas’ green initiative
is aimed at promoting environmentally responsible development, upgrading
existing city facilities, and educational outreach.
2. A Rich History of Growth and Diversity
Incorporation
was a long time coming for Calabasas, which was originally settled by Chumash
Native Americans. There is disagreement over where the name “Calabasas” came
from: one group says that it is derived from the Spanish word “calabazo” which
means “where the pumpkins fell” after a wagon overturned and spilled pumpkin
seeds along the road to LA; another group believes Calabasas comes from the Chumash
word for “where the wild geese fly.”
The Leonis Adobe, built in 1844, is
one of the oldest buildings in the L.A. area. The oak trees are even older;
some are reputed to be 700 years old.
Calabasas
became a ranching community as the first houses were built, and then later
developed into a vacation spot, as well as a Hollywood filming location for
several movies, because of its beautiful location. By the 1950’s, Calabasas was
quickly becoming populated as one of the favorite residential areas around LA.
3. A Wide Range of Housing Options for Calabasas Homebuyers
Whether you are looking to downsize your mortgage or upscale
to a luxury home on a larger lot, there are a selection of different
neighborhoods in Calabasas that offer housing styles and prices to match a wide
range of requirements and budgets. Prices of homes for sale in Calabasas
currently range from $174,900 to $14,900,000 and include a mix of new homes and
residences dating as far back as 1926.
Calabasas real estate has remained strong despite the housing market bursting in 2008,
perhaps because it continues to attract residents with so many options for
affordable luxury, in addition to offering a top-ranked school system. Calabasas properties,
which can one or two floors, have at least three bedrooms while several them
have four bedrooms and more. Along with the stunning location, homes in the
area come with luxury amenities and features that mix function with
elegance.
4. Close to the Sand: An Easy Drive to Swim, Surf, Fish, and Dive
Located
in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in
northern LA, Calabasas is just a short drive along Topanga Canyon Boulevard to
the shores of the Pacific and an abundance of opportunities to get your toes in
the sand and soak up some sun.
Will Rogers State Beach offers sand volleyball,
gymnastic equipment, and a playground for the kids. You can also ride bikes on
10 miles of connecting paths and then wash off the sweat and sand in restrooms
complete with showers.
If
surfing and fishing are more up your alley, try Topanga State Beach, where surf fisherman
like to catch bass and ocean whiting. Surfers go here because of the point
break that offers nice waves and a sandy beach access.
For
picnicking on the beach, whether packing your own or purchasing at the snack
bar, Zuma County Beach offers a long stretch
of smooth sand for setting up chairs. For additional fun, there are swings and
volleyball, as well as a 2.5-mile bike path. Restrooms are available if you
need them, and if you prefer to swim, be aware that Zuma water is a little
cooler than the other beaches.
If
you enjoy adventurous swimming, head over to County Line Beach where you will find
small waves, good water visibility, and outer reefs with an abundance of sea
life. Another option where you’ll find reefs and kelp forests for diving is La
Piedra State Beach, a frequented spot in October when lobster season opens.
5. Plentiful Shopping and Entertainment
Although
downtown LA is only a 30-minute drive, you’ll hardly miss it when you live in
Calabasas. The city offers a wide array of shops, movies, and entertainment
that make it easy to run your errands or plan a fun night out with friends. One
of the area’s most popular places to find the latest fashion and catch the
season’s blockbuster is The Commons of Calabasas, an open-air venue for
everything from an evening of live music to back-to-school shopping. If
relaxing in front of the big screen with some popcorn in a king-size recliner
sounds perfect, you can head over to Edwards Calabasas Stadium to take in must-see
flicks in comfort. Once a year, you can step out in style at the Calabasas Film Festival to celebrate Hollywood’s
best offerings.
6. The Archetype of Suburban Bliss
Despite
its youth as an incorporated city, Calabasas is one of LA’s oldest suburban
areas. What you’ll find there is the definition of what attracts homebuyers to
take up residence outside the city: safety, comfort, and affordable home prices
that offer functional luxury. Choosing to buy a home in Calabasas means finding
a haven in a community that values localized decision-making to keep the
community sustainable for the future.
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