Home to high-profile celebrities, Calabasas is known for its sense of luxury and privacy. It is made up of several large, gated communities surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, where people can choose to be near neighbors or totally secluded. While the city is not known for its nightlife or busy commercial centers, it is driveable to Los Angeles. Buyers come here seeking tranquility.
“Calabasas is known for its many gated communities, offering a heightened sense of safety and exclusivity,” says David Watkins, Realtor at Pinnacle Estate Properties. “Its appeal lies in its secure environment, family-friendly atmosphere, and luxurious lifestyle.” Homes in Calabasas sprawl over well-manicured lawns and come complete with pools and multicar garages. The median price for single-family homes is $2.3 million, which can buy into gate-guarded communities. Many buyers come to Calabasas seeking open space and privacy, offered through generous lot sizes spaced across the secluded hills.
Watkins says the city’s top-notch schools are a major draw for families: "The Las Virgenes Unified School District is highly regarded for its excellent schools, smaller class sizes, and strong parent involvement.” The district is graded an A overall by Niche. Calabasas High School has earned an A from Niche and designations as a National Blue Ribbon School, a California Distinguished School, a California Gold Ribbon School, and a California Gold Ribbon Arts School. Families can also pursue highly-rated private options, like Viewpoint School, graded A-plus and serving grades from kindergarten through 12.
Watkins says Calabasas’ natural beauty contributes to its reputation as a luxury area. With nearly a dozen parks and miles of winding hillside and valley trails, residents have plenty of ways to spend time outside. The Calabasas Stairs is a steep, paved staircase rewarding climbers with breathtaking views of the Conejo Valley. The city also caters to equine enthusiasts, providing riding trails and stables. Golfers may be interested in joining Calabasas Country Club, the community's exclusive club designed by the father and son architecture duo Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr.
Calabasas Road and the 101 are the primary retail corridors. The Commons at Calabasas is home to a Ralphs, high-end retail stores, and local and chain restaurants. The Summit is another luxury shopping plaza with apparel and home goods retailers. Most restaurants in the city offer more elevated dining experiences. Locals head to Los Angeles or another Conejo Valley community for more options.
Cheesecake Factory and Harbor Freight Tools have offices in Calabasas, which are major employers in the area. However, many residents work in Los Angeles, which is 30 miles east via the 101. Most residents drive in town or when commuting, but a bus route operated by LA Metro connects the cities. The seasonal Beach Bus makes the 25-mile trek south to Malibu.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department serves the city. According to crime reports from the office serving Calabasas, overall violent and property crime rates decreased from 2023 to 2024. Notably, the LA County Sheriff’s Department reported no homicide instances in 2023 or 2024. Calabasas is prone to hot summers and is at a high risk of droughts and wildfires. In 2018, the Woolsey Fire affected the neighboring city of Thousand Oaks. While the 2025 Palisades Fire did not spread to Calabasas, the area did experience significant air pollution.
The city hosts a handful of events. The Fourth of July is commemorated with a fireworks show. There is also the Lakeside Fun Run and an annual Splash party at the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center. Winter holidays are celebrated with the annual Holiday Fest and Holiday Movie Nights. Calabasas draws its name from the Spanish word for gourd, which makes the October Pumpkin Festival all the more special. There's also an annual egg hunt at Easter and summer nights are filled with outdoor movies and a concert series.
Gary Keshishyan
Pinnacle Estate Properties
(747) 322-4141
553 Total Sales
1 in Calabasas
$719,000 Price
Tracey Feder
Equity Union
(424) 320-8930
48 Total Sales
2 in Calabasas
$1.8M - $2M Price Range
Christine Bradt Dronne
Rodeo Realty
(747) 204-2951
6 Total Sales
1 in Calabasas
$807,200 Price
Stephanie Payab
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
(818) 412-8595
47 Total Sales
3 in Calabasas
$1.6M - $5.4M Price Range
Jessica Carter
Equity Union
(877) 536-2166
61 Total Sales
4 in Calabasas
$1.1M - $3.2M Price Range
Asher Ross
Ross Brothers
(424) 329-8638
5 Total Sales
1 in Calabasas
$1,285,000 Price