About a 30-minute drive from the Downtown L.A. scene is the hip yet affable neighborhood of Studio City. Despite the name, the community is not a city unto itself, but rather part of Los Angeles. The tree-lined streets known for fantastic shopping and dining possess a small-town vibe that attracts families but draws the occasional celebrity as well.

This duality stems from both its proximity to the glitz and glam of the entertainment mecca of the world, as well as its beautiful San Fernando Valley setting in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. The community has its very roots in show business, denoted by the other half of its name which is true to life: It grew out of the area surrounding film producer Mack Sennett’s studio in the 1920s, which is now called CBS Studio Center and is home to popular TV shows filmed on its sprawling 40 acres of sound stages and exterior location sets.

The family-friendliness comes into play not only with the proliferation of unique mom-and-pop shops and eateries sprinkled along Ventura Boulevard and its environs, but also in the abundance of opportunities for local activities and enjoyment of the great outdoors. Fun public events include the Luminaria Festival and the Rotary Art Show, a biannual celebration of one-of-a-kind artwork and crafts that originated in 1970. On Sundays, the Studio City Farmers Market offers organic produce, baked goods, fresh seafood, live music, and even pony rides. There’s something for everyone at this weekly event held right in the heart of the neighborhood, on Ventura Place between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Radford Avenue.

Studio City houses and properties are highly sought after for their charm and everything the neighborhood has to offer. Nearby Coldwater Canyon Park is a serene place for residents to hike, picnic, and experience nature. The 45 acres of grounds include panoramic views, lovely trails to explore, a tree nursery, an environmental learning center, and the S. Mark Taper Foundation Amphitheatre, which hosts local comedy acts, theater performances, and music concerts to take advantage of those gorgeous summer evenings.