Sylmar, San Fernando: A Walkable, Family-Focused Neighborhood
Additionally, sylmar anchors the northwest corner of San Fernando with accessible walkability, affordable pricing, and established community services.
About Sylmar in San Fernando
Sylmar delivers a stable, walkable neighborhood experience for families and first-time buyers seeking value near San Fernando's urban core. Additionally, with a Walk Score of 75, the community offers strong pedestrian infrastructure and accessible local amenities, from Starbucks and Jardín Café to Vallarta Supermarket and Sylmar Donuts. The median home value of 597k, paired with a 61.9% owner-occupancy rate and a median household income of 80,148, reflects a community anchored by long-term residents and multigenerational homeowners. Honest trade-offs include moderate transit access and a car-dependent commute culture that serves the broader San Fernando Valley.
Real Estate Market in Sylmar
| Median home price | $597k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Stable |
| Price per sq ft | $520 to $580 |
| Median rent | $1,741 |
| Typical days on market | 25 to 35 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 75 |
| Transit Score | 44 |
| Bike Score | 53 |
Additionally, sylmar's real estate market remains accessible for homebuyers prioritizing value and walkability. Median home prices of 597k reflect stable market conditions with limited year-over-year volatility typical of established San Fernando neighborhoods.
Additionally, buyers should expect moderate competition in Sylmar. Preapproval, a clean inspection contingency, and swift response times strengthen offers in this neighborhood where owner-occupants and investors both compete actively.
Who Thrives in Sylmar
Sylmar's median price and walkable infrastructure appeal directly to first-time homeowners seeking stable equity entry without extreme competition or price strain.
Additionally, with 37.7% of the population including children and multiple named schools including Sylmar Elementary and Puc Community Charter Elementary, the neighborhood caters to multi-generational and school-age households.
Additionally, the 61.9% owner-occupancy rate and rental yield potential from a 1,741 median rent support modest cash flow for small-portfolio landlords and value-add strategies.
While Sylmar offers walkability and affordability, transit access is limited and internet infrastructure varies, making it suitable only for remote workers with flexible scheduling needs.
Additionally, established neighborhoods with 34.1 median age, healthcare proximity including Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, and low-stress community infrastructure suit downsizers and active retirees.
Property Types in Sylmar
Additionally, the dominant property type in Sylmar, offering traditional lot ownership and yard space appealing to families and long-term owners.
Additionally, smaller multi-unit buildings common in older neighborhoods, attract investors and owner-occupants seeking dual-income or rental strategies.
Limited newer construction, primarily retrofitted or smaller developments appealing to downsizers and first-time buyers with tighter budgets.
Living in Sylmar, San Fernando
Daily life in Sylmar centers on neighborhood parks, local groceries, and family-oriented gathering spaces. Additionally, residents frequent Sylmar Park, Rudy Ortega Memorial Park, and Glenoaks Park for recreation and community events. Moreover, the neighborhood's commercial corridor along key intersections hosts a mix of independent shops, casual dining including La Sabrosa and El Tarasco, and essential services from Vons and Vallarta groceries to Fitness 19 gyms. Car culture dominates with 73.8% of commutes by personal vehicle, though the Walk Score of 75 enables pedestrian access to daily needs within short distances.
- Domino's · 1 min walk
- La Sabrosa · 1 min walk
- El Tarasco · 1 min walk
- Little Caesars · 1 min walk
- Sylmar Donuts · 1 min walk
- Starbucks · 26 min walk
- Jardín Café · 28 min walk
- It's Boba Time · 29 min walk
- Sylmar Park · 5 min walk
- Rudy Ortega Memorial Park · 25 min walk
- Glenoaks Park · 34 min walk
- Pioneer Park · 35 min walk
- Telfair Park · 36 min walk
- Vallarta · 21 min walk
- Vons · 24 min walk
- Carnicería La Esperanza · 30 min walk
- Rosarito Fish Market · 35 min walk
- Fitness 19 · 29 min walk
- Bishops' Storehouse (LDS) · 34 min walk
- Nethercutt Museum · 22 min walk
- Amphitheater · 38 min walk
Schools Near Sylmar, San Fernando
Additionally, sylmar benefits from a diverse public and private school landscape serving kindergarten through high school, with several named institutions scoring above district averages. Puc Community Charter Elementary scores 52 (KG-5), Dyer Street Elementary scores 50.5 (KG-5), and Sylmar Leadership Academy (KG-8) serves younger learners with a score of 49.
Elementary Schools
School Score 52 with 47% math and 57% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 50.5 with 48% math and 53% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 36.5 with 34% math and 39% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 30 with 24% math and 36% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 49 with 43% math and 55% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 29.5 with 21% math and 38% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 62 with 52% math and 72% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 38.5 with 26% math and 51% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 37.5 with 29% math and 46% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 30 with 8% math and 52% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Didacus School (PK-8) — 7-minute walk
- Park Montessori Children'S Center (PK-KG) — 13-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Sylmar Elementary and Olive Vista Middle serve as traditional public feeders into Sylmar Charter High and Sylmar Biotech Health Academy, though charter options including Puc Lakeview Charter High (score 62) and St. Didacus School (PK-8 private) provide alternatives.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Sylmar
Additionally, sylmar's position in northwest San Fernando creates a car-centric commute culture, with 73.8% of residents driving to work. Most major employment corridors in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles Basin are 25 to 50 minutes by car during peak hours.
Additionally, transit Score of 44 reflects limited bus frequency and coverage; nearest major stops at Glenoaks & Polk and Borden & Polk provide baseline Metro connectivity but require supplementary car use for most destinations.
Neighborhoods Near Sylmar
Not sure Sylmar is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sylmar
What is the average home price in Sylmar, San Fernando?
The median home value in Sylmar stands at 597k, reflecting stable pricing accessible to middle-income buyers and first-time homeowners. Prices range typically from 550k to 680k for single-family homes depending on lot size, condition, and proximity to Sylmar Park or other community amenities. Rental median is 1,741 per month, supporting dual acquisition strategies for investors and owner-occupants alike.
Is Sylmar a good place to live?
Sylmar offers strong value for families and first-time buyers prioritizing walkability, school options, and community stability. The neighborhood scores 75 on Walk Score, supports a 61.9% owner-occupancy rate, and anchors multiple parks and grocery options. Trade-offs include limited transit access and a car-dependent lifestyle that may challenge remote workers or those seeking high-density urban amenities.
What schools serve Sylmar, San Fernando?
Sylmar benefits from named public schools including Sylmar Elementary (score 30), Puc Community Charter Elementary (score 52), and Dyer Street Elementary (score 50.5) at the primary level. For middle and high school, Olive Vista Middle (score 29.5) and Sylmar Charter High (score 37.5) serve traditional public routes, while Puc Lakeview Charter High (score 62) provides a higher-scoring alternative. Additionally, private options include St. Didacus School (PK-8), appealing to families seeking faith-based education.
Is Sylmar safe?
Sylmar maintains average crime rates consistent with broader San Fernando Valley benchmarks. Additionally, the neighborhood's established character, police presence including Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Station 91, and family-oriented community culture contribute to resident perception of safety. New buyers should review current LAPD crime statistics and speak with neighbors regarding specific blocks and intersections.
Who is Sylmar best suited for?
Sylmar appeals strongly to families with school-age children (37.7% of the population), first-time buyers seeking value and walkability, and retirees downsizing within established communities. Investors seeking modest cash flow from rental properties find merit in the 1,741 median rent. Car-dependent professionals and those requiring high-frequency transit should evaluate neighboring areas with higher Transit Scores before committing.
What are dining and shopping like in Sylmar?
The neighborhood supports diverse casual dining including La Sabrosa, El Tarasco, and family-friendly chains, alongside independent coffee stops like Jardín Café and It's Boba Time. Additionally, essential shopping spans Vallarta and Vons groceries, Sylmar Donuts, and neighborhood retail shops. Nearby entertainment includes the Nethercutt Museum and established parks, making Sylmar accessible for everyday needs without constant freeway drives.
Where this Sylmar data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in Sylmar
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