Porter Ranch might look familiar. Director Steven Spielberg filmed multiple scenes for 1982’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” in the neighborhood. He said he chose it for its idyllic suburban look and it has the lifestyle to match. The foothills community is popular among buyers looking for affordable space in the LA sprawl. “It’s the largest master-planed neighborhood of its type in LA, and builders are still developing the area,” says Collin St. Johns, resident and Realtor at Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. “It’s attracted people from all over the West Coast because it's a premier neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley.”
Porter Ranch estates sides hillside with luxurious amenities and a private entrance.
Porter Ranch blends ranch-style homes with modern villas.
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Quality schools draw in families
Schools are one of the neighborhood’s best features, according to Swarna Chalamalasetti, a Realtor at Park Regency Realty who has sold many homes in the area. Kids start kindergarten at Porter Ranch Community School and remain at this A-minus-rated school through 8th grade. Some might attend middle school at Robert Frost Middle School, which has an A-minus rating and a designation as a standout middle school on Niche. Northridge Academy High School covers the entire neighborhood and is rated B-plus. It's also been designated a California Distinguished School. The high school offers an array of extracurriculars, allowing students to explore their interests, from coding clubs to a student-led podcast.
Among the top-rated schools, Porter Ranch Community School earns an A from Niche, K-8.
Achieve your academic goals in the above average school of Northridge Academy.
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Out-of-this-world parks
“You’ve got several parks within the area and Porter Valley Country Club,” says St. Johns. “The YMCA is sort of the neighborhood gym. There are a lot of different outlets for all sorts of recreation out here.” Hiking and biking trails weave through the neighborhood, and the parks spread across the northern half of Porter Ranch, so many residents are within walking distance of greenspace. “One of the best aspects is all the parks and trails,” says Chalamalasetti. “There are a lot of great hiking trails that are very popular.” Movie buffs might recognize Porter Ridge Park, known among locals as E.T. Park. In the movie the kids drive a van with E.T. to the park to help it escape police and return home. Six miles west of the neighborhood, the 680-acre sprawl of the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park invites visitors to explore its trails and scenic views. Closer to home, the neighborhood is constructing a new neighborhood park: Porter Ranch Community Park. “It’s going to have pickleball courts and basketball,” says St. Johns. “There’s an amphitheater and kids' play areas. It’s quite beautiful and brand new.”
Hike through creeks and natural beauty along Limekiln Canyon Trail in Porter Ranch.
Porter Ridge Park is known as "E.T. Park" with its nostalgic playground features.
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Neighborhood council keeps community busy
The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council Periodically hosts community events. Residents gather to discuss community affairs at neighborhood watch and board meetings or enjoy food, music and vendors at local parties. They commemorate holidays with events like the Halloween Carnival and the 4th of July fireworks display.
Get your shopping done and spend the day relaxing at the Vineyards in Porter Ranch.
Residents can indulge in pristine tennis courts Porter Ranch Estates.
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Shopping plazas and eating out in Porter Ranch
Situated along State Route 118 and the busy thoroughfare of Porter Ranch Drive, shopping centers provide everything from essentials to specialty goods. The Vineyards is a popular hangout for the younger crowd, but it’s convenient to anyone who enjoys the movie theater, fitness centers and specialty dining. Locals shop for groceries at the Porter Ranch Town Center, which features a Walmart, Ralphs, restaurants and other shops. “The new Whole Foods has really been a home run,” says St. Johns. “The Vineyards is really the highlight up here. It’s the most attractive shopping center in the area.”
Residents don’t have to leave the neighborhood to dine out. Most restaurants serve more casual American fare, like Porter’s House, a laid-back pub, and Finnery’s Crafthouse, a New American restaurant. In-N-Out and Baja Fresh are popular for quick meals on the go.
From creamy lattes to bold espressos, Starbucks offers a caffeinated delight for every palate.
Indulge in authentic Japanese flavors at Musashi: a culinary journey awaits.
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Affordable LA County homes
The streets of Porter Ranch form an orderly grid over the foothills. Sidewalks carve paths through yards, winding past the neighborhood’s mix of homes. While ranch-styles, split-levels and Modern Traditional homes are popular, many houses have Spanish characteristics like tile roofs and stucco siding. “All the new construction is designed to protect against fires,” says St. Johns. “The homes are built for the elements, that’s for sure.” Many newer homes have fire sprinkler systems, concrete roofs and siding, and little exposed wood.
Chalamalasetti says that compared to other LA suburbs like nearby Glendale and Calabasas, homebuyers get more space for their dollar in Porter Ranch. “It’s a nicer neighborhood with great square footage for the dollar value,” she says. “You’re buying a home with a nice-sized yard.” While homes sell for a median of $1,200,000, prices can vary from just under $900,000 to $4.2 million, depending on the size and amenities of the property. Many sections of Porter Ranch are gate-guarded, which can increase the property value. “People come here seeking security, so lots of buyers are attracted to the guard-gated or controlled access communities,” says St. Johns. Porter Ranch scores a 2 out of 10 on the CAP Index Crime Score, lower than the national average of 4.
Affordable options like condos and bungalows beckon at under $500,000 in Porter Ranch.
One of the many housing options in Porter Ranch include affordable townhomes.
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Fire hazard severity and neighborhood safety
Porter Ranch’s location in the northern San Fernando Valley makes it prone to wildfires. “Anywhere in the hills is going to be a high fire risk, and we’re right against the hills,” says St. Johns. “You get all of the beautiful beauty that comes with it, and that’s the tradeoff.” The Los Angeles Fire Department lists the neighborhood as a high fire hazard severity zone. The city of Los Angeles makes efforts to decrease risks and improve safety plans to help combat any potential danger. Chalamalasetti says the neighborhood’s multiple access points are one of Porter Ranch’s appeals. She described the neighborhood as easily accessible to the community’s fire departments and relatively easy to evacuate in the event of a fire.
Getting around Porter Ranch
The community of Porter Ranch is car-dependent but conveniently located. “Everything is a 15-minute drive,” says Chalamalasetti. “You can just jump on the freeway and quickly get where you want to go.” State Route 118 runs through the center of the neighborhood, making it convenient to access. Downtown Los Angeles is less than 30 miles away and can be reached in just under 45 minutes in heavy traffic.
Porter Ranch has quick access to the 118 freeway to get anywhere you need to go.
Freeway access to the 118 is right up the corner from the Porter Ranch neighborhood.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vladimir Sandoval,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Wilbur-Tampa Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Aliso Canyon Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Viking Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Porter Ridge Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Eddleston Park
Hiking
Limekiln Canyon Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
Bob Hope
21 min drive
Bus
Devonshire & Tampa
Bus
Devonshire & Tunney
Bus
Devonshire & Wilbur
Bus
Devonshire & Vanalden
Bus
Devonshire St & Tampa Ave (Eastbound)
Bus
Devonshire & Etiwanda
Bus
Devonshire & Reseda
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Porter Ranch
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Porter Ranch Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Porter Ranch, Los Angeles sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Porter Ranch, Los Angeles over the last 12 months is $1,300,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A Mediterranean Masterpiece in the Heart of Porter Ranch. Set behind the gates of the prestigious guard gated Renaissance community, this stunning villa blends timeless Mediterranean architecture with modern luxury and sophistication. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed by a grand foyer framed with sweeping custom iron railings and soaring ceiling that create a striking sense of scale and
Welcome to the prestigious Highlands Collection in Hillcrest at Porter Ranch - an exclusive guard-gated enclave where luxury and design meet seamless living. Newly built in 2021 and located on a cul-de-sac street, this stunning 6 bedroom residence boasts hundreds of thousands in custom upgrades, starting with rich hardwood flooring that flows throughout. The kitchen is an absolute showstopper,
Welcome to unparalleled elegance in the prestigious, guard-gated community of Westcliffe at Porter Ranch Summit Collection. This never-before-lived-in Santi Elite MODEL HOME is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, meticulously curated by Toll Brothers' award-winning interior design team with sophisticated finishes and designer details throughout. Perched high on a scenic hillside, the home offers
Opportunity awaits in The Villagio Estate, a gated community perched atop the San Fernando Valley in prestigious Porter Ranch. This spacious 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home plus a dedicated downstairs office that can easily be converted into a 5th bedroom, offering flexibility for growing families or multigenerational living. With excellent bones, a functional layout, and endless potential, this home
Beautifully remodeled gated home located in a highly desirable Porter Ranch neighborhood. Features include 5 bedrooms and 3.5 updated baths with over 2150 sqft of living space. Walk through the double doors and be amazed what this true beauty has to offer. Large light & bright living room with modern fireplace opens to the dining area, brand new custom kitchen with quartz counters, a pot
Dreaming of Living in Porter Ranch? This 5-Bedroom Pool Home Has It All If you’ve been thinking about moving to Porter Ranch, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. Located in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods, this updated Porter Ranch home for sale offers over 2,800 sq ft of open living space, a sparkling pool, and a guest unit—designed for both comfort and style. Step inside to high
Fabulous 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Park Northridge Townhome. This sparkling gem features laminate wood flooring, vaulted ceiling, plantation shutters recessed lighting and fireplace in the Living Room plus balcony access. Dining area also with vaulted ceiling, plantation shutters, and wet bar. Light, Bright Kitchen features built-in appliances, plenty of storage space, slider to patio and recessed
Discover the epitome of comfort and elegance at Tesoro Senior Apartments, a place you can truly call home. Located in the prestigious Porter Ranch area of Northridge, our established community offers an active lifestyle that you will love. With spacious and innovative floor plans, Tesoro beckons you to enjoy life in the midst of one of Southern California's premier master-planned settings.Nestled
Welcome to the luxurious guard-gated community at Porter Ranch. This stunning and all band new house,first-time to lease out. five-bedroom, 4.5bathroom home boasts 3,7803square feet . The ground level features beautiful wood flooring throughout. The first level features a living room, a downstairs bedroom suite with its private entrance, a powder room, an additional flex bedroom (beyond the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vladimir Sandoval,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
35,599
Median Age
46
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$149,543
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$169,153
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.7%
College Graduates
58.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
13''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
46/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
