Sunland

About Sunland

Sunland is a midsize neighborhood in Los Angeles, often referred to in conjunction with its neighboring community as Sunland-Tujunga. It's nestled among many other LA neighborhoods, including Verdugo City, Lake View Terrace and La Crescenta. The community of Sunland has one of the lowest population densities in the city, providing a more suburban feel within the hustle and bustle of LA. Enjoying nearby attractions like Six Flags California, Santa Monica State Beach and Shine Auditorium is a benefit of living in Sunland.

The History of Sunland

The land where Sunland is now established was originally home to Tongva natives and was later included as part of a large Mexican land grant. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the land was used as the largest olive orchard in the county, with olive trees spread over about 40 acres. A cannery was established to pack the olives, serving as the local economy's foundation for some time.

In the 1950s, '60s and '70s, Sunland became a popular destination for people seeking clean air and relief from asthma symptoms. In a 1957 magazine article, Sunland was called "the most healthy place in the world," which earned it nationwide attention. It was thought to have air quality similar to that of the Swiss Alps and earned a reputation as a wellness destination.

Living in Sunland

Like most areas of Los Angeles and Southern California in general, Sunland has a higher-than-average cost of living. However, when compared to other parts of LA, it's one of the more budget-friendly options.

You'll also find plenty of amenities to take advantage of within Sunland, as well as many easily accessible options within the larger LA area. The Sunland Recreation Center features tennis courts, a community room, athletic fields and a children's playground. It's also host to many local events, such as the summer Watermelon Carnival and the Easter celebration. Other local parks include Verdugo Mountain Park and Howard Finn Park.

The community also has a handful of historical points of interest, such as Bolton Hall, which was built in 1913 and served as a community center. It was used by the Utopian community from Los Terrenitos, and later by the American Legion. Today, it's the neighborhood's historical museum, exhibiting photographs and artifacts from its early years.

Sunland Schools

Sunland schools are part of the large Los Angeles Unified School District. Within Sunland, the district oversees elementary, middle and high schools, as well as an adult continuation school. You can also enroll your child in one of the several private schools in the area.

Resources for Moving to Sunland

Here are a few handy resources to use as you prepare for your move to Sunland:

• Utilities: Sunland receives utilities from the LA Department of Water and Power and from SoCalGas.
• Garbage and Recycling: Most areas of Los Angeles, including Sunland, receive trash and recycling collection services from the city.
• Transportation: The LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) operates a large public transportation network throughout the greater metro area.

Sunland Housing

Homes in Sunland are expensive, but slightly more budget-friendly than those in other neighborhoods in LA. You'll find a variety of home styles and sizes, including ranch-style houses, cozy bungalows and multi-family residences.