Sherman Oaks balances urban attitudes with suburban amenities—speeding cars contrast sharply with the slow sway of palm trees in this San Fernando Valley neighborhood. Although this congenial neighborhood isn't known for its trendiness, a smattering of hip cafes and boutiques are always close by on Ventura Boulevard. When you truly want to embrace your location in the Valley, visit the Sherman Oaks Galleria—it's the real-life setting where "Valley Girl" was filmed. Like, awesome to the max!
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On the Map
Sherman Oaks is bordered by Lake Balboa, Valley Village, Studio City, Encino, Valley Glen, Van Nuys, and Bel Air/Beverly Crest
Sherman Oaks: A Smartly-Styled Suburb
Although clean sidewalks and sunlit patio tables help define Sherman Oaks, this San Fernando Valley neighborhood boasts more than handsome exterior features.
It has a personality to match.
Located in one of the west coast's most metropolitan cities, Sherman Oaks manages to blend suburban conveniences with urban influences.
Freeways snake through Sherman Oaks. At first glance, you might want to avoid the noise and congestion.
At second glance, you might want to reconsider.
Have you seen the view?
Sherman Oaks: A Shopping Mecca
Two major shopping malls, Sherman Oaks Galleria and Westfield Fashion Square, compete to clothe you in LA's latest trends.
The Sherman Oaks Galleria is responsible for the rise of the "Valley Girl."
Like, totally.
The Boutique Side of Sherman Oaks
Despite its sprawling commercial malls, Sherman Oaks still appreciates the handmade.
Small gift shops, galleries, shoe stores, and stationary specialists squeeze onto bustling Ventura Boulevard.
Vintage In the Valley
Remember the days before you were born in Sherman Oaks' choice of soda shops, drive-ins, and jukebox joints.
Walk-up window eateries and simple cafes also settle into Sherman Oaks.
The View from Your Living Room
Ranch homes, bungalows, California mansions, and recently-built tract developments share the Sherman Oaks area code.
Although their facades differ in style, they all share something in common.
Their foundations rest on well-groomed streets and picturesque cul-de-sacs.
Sherman Oaks' Favorite Space for Recreation
Between the cars on its freeways and the clearance sales at its malls, Sherman Oaks considers its community green space a sacred respite.
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park boasts miles of baseball diamonds, basketball courts, jogging tracks, and grassy knolls on which to stay, play, and compete.
It's more than enough to make you smile.
And one.
Photography
Airbnb works with local photographers to capture the spirit of neighborhoods all around the world. The photography on this page includes work by:
Lauren Devon
Lauren Devon is an editorial and commercial lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles. She loves the adventure of her work, as well as the creativity and collaboration that goes with it. With the help of locals, Lauren explored the heart of each community for Airbnb, and discovered neighborhood gems that made each story diverse and fresh.