Porter Ranch (91326) and Chatsworth (91311) sit adjacent on the north and northwest edge of the San Fernando Valley. Many buyers cross-shop them, especially when looking for larger lots or equestrian-zoned property. I'm Brian Cooper at eXp Realty (DRE# 01434286), and this is the comparison I share with buyers considering both — what each ZIP delivers, where pricing differs, and how the school assignments diverge.
Geography and ZIP layout
Porter Ranch (91326) covers the north hillside of the San Fernando Valley. Chatsworth (91311) sits immediately west and northwest, extending across more varied terrain — hillside, equestrian-zoned flat land, and traditional tract residential areas. The 118 Reagan Freeway corridor passes through both ZIPs.
Both are City of Los Angeles neighborhoods served by LAUSD schools. School assignments differ between the two ZIPs — Porter Ranch parcels primarily route to Granada Hills Charter HS; Chatsworth parcels primarily route to Chatsworth High School or other LAUSD high schools.
Pricing comparison
Median single-family residential sale price in 91326 (Porter Ranch) is approximately $1.25M; in 91311 (Chatsworth) approximately $1.05M as of May 2026. Per-square-foot pricing is closer than the median gap suggests — Chatsworth inventory often includes larger square footage and larger lots, weighting the median up on a per-home basis while per-sq-ft stays competitive.
Porter Ranch carries a master-planned community premium and the Toll new-construction availability. Chatsworth offers more varied product including equestrian properties, larger lots, and varied housing types that command their own pricing dynamics.
| Metric | Porter Ranch (91326) | Chatsworth (91311) |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price (May 2026) | ~$1.25M | ~$1.05M |
| Median DOM | ~23 days | ~26 days |
| Toll new construction | Yes, active phases | Limited / spec |
| Equestrian-zoned inventory | Limited | Yes — Indian Hills, others |
| Mello-Roos common | On newer tracts $3K-$5.5K/yr | Rare on most parcels |
| Granada Hills Charter HS feed | Most parcels | Specific perimeter parcels |
Schools — different anchor
Porter Ranch parcels primarily route to Granada Hills Charter High School (GHC) for 9-12. Chatsworth parcels primarily route to Chatsworth High School (CHS) and other LAUSD high schools depending on specific address. Some Chatsworth perimeter parcels do route to GHC — verify per address.
Elementary and middle school assignments differ across both ZIPs. Chatsworth has multiple elementary options (Lawrence Middle, etc.). Porter Ranch elementary is primarily Castlebay Lane. Use LAUSD School Finder for the specific address before relying on assignment.
Equestrian and large-lot inventory
Chatsworth includes equestrian-zoned areas (Indian Hills, parts of Box Canyon perimeter) with horse-keeping rights, larger lots, and rural-residential character. This inventory has no real equivalent within Porter Ranch — Porter Ranch's larger lots are master-planned residential without equestrian zoning.
Buyers wanting horse property or rural-residential character should look Chatsworth; buyers wanting master-planned residential with the GHC school assignment should look Porter Ranch. The two ZIPs serve meaningfully different priorities for these buyer segments.
Mello-Roos picture
Chatsworth inventory is largely pre-CFD era. Most parcels carry no Mello-Roos or minimal assessments. Porter Ranch newer Toll construction carries substantial CFD ($3,000-$5,500/year); older Porter Ranch tracts typically have none.
Buyers minimizing all-in housing cost may find better effective economics in Chatsworth (no CFD on most parcels) than equivalent square footage in Toll Porter Ranch even before accounting for the lower median price.
Commute and freeway access
Both ZIPs use the 118 Reagan Freeway. Chatsworth sits slightly closer to the 118-405 interchange than Porter Ranch on most routes. The 118 west connects to Simi Valley in 15-20 minutes from either ZIP. 405 south to West LA runs 30 minutes from either in typical traffic.
Metrolink Ventura County Line has a Chatsworth station, useful for downtown LA commuters who prefer rail. Porter Ranch has no Metrolink station — the nearest is Chatsworth's.
Which ZIP for which buyer
The right call depends on the buyer's priorities.
- Want Toll new construction and GHC school assignment? Porter Ranch.
- Want equestrian property or horse-keeping rights? Chatsworth (Indian Hills, etc.).
- Want maximum house-for-the-money with no CFD? Chatsworth older tracts.
- Want master-planned community structure with shared amenities? Porter Ranch.
- Want Metrolink access for downtown LA commuting? Chatsworth.
- Want larger lots without horse zoning? Either ZIP has options; pull comps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Porter Ranch more expensive than Chatsworth?
Generally yes, on median price ($1.25M vs $1.05M in May 2026). On per-square-foot basis the gap narrows. The Porter Ranch premium reflects master-planned community structure and Toll new construction availability. Chatsworth offers more varied inventory at typically lower price points.
Can I find equestrian property in Porter Ranch?
Limited. Equestrian-zoned property within 91326 is rare — Porter Ranch is primarily master-planned residential. Adjacent Chatsworth (91311) has dedicated equestrian areas (Indian Hills, parts of Box Canyon perimeter) with horse-keeping zoning, larger lots, and rural-residential character.
Does Chatsworth feed Granada Hills Charter HS?
Most Chatsworth parcels route to Chatsworth High School, not GHC. Specific perimeter parcels in Chatsworth do route to GHC. Verify per address with LAUSD School Finder. If GHC assignment is a hard requirement, focus your Chatsworth search on confirmed-routing parcels.
Does Chatsworth have Mello-Roos?
Most Chatsworth inventory pre-dates the CFD Mello-Roos financing model and carries no special assessment. A small number of newer or specific parcels may carry CFDs. The general rule: Chatsworth is largely CFD-free; verify per parcel on the LA County tax bill.
Is Aliso Canyon disclosure relevant in Chatsworth?
Aliso Canyon disclosure is most directly associated with Porter Ranch. Chatsworth parcels further from the facility may have less direct disclosure exposure, but prudent diligence on any home in the broader area includes asking about disclosures. Specific disclosure obligations depend on the seller's knowledge.
Does Chatsworth have a Metrolink station?
Yes. The Chatsworth Metrolink station serves the Ventura County Line, useful for downtown LA commuters. Porter Ranch does not have its own Metrolink station — the nearest is Chatsworth's, accessible via a short drive.
Which has better resale appreciation?
Both ZIPs have appreciated meaningfully over the long term. Porter Ranch's master-planned structure and GHC school assignment have supported strong appreciation. Chatsworth's varied inventory has also appreciated, with specific segments (equestrian, larger lots) often outperforming. Future appreciation is not predictable; both are healthy markets.
