Burbank is the entertainment industry's true geographic center. Plenty of Burbank workers choose suburbs in the surrounding corridor - Simi Valley, NW San Fernando Valley, Conejo Valley, or Santa Clarita - for the housing value, schools, and lifestyle. Here is what each option actually delivers.
Drive Times By Origin and Time of Day
Typical 2026 commute times from each origin to central Burbank, based on Google Maps historical traffic:
| Origin | 6 AM | 7 AM | 8 AM | 9 AM | 5 PM | 6 PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simi Valley | 22 | 32 | 42 | 38 | 45 | 55 |
| Porter Ranch | 20 | 28 | 38 | 32 | 40 | 50 |
| Granada Hills | 18 | 25 | 32 | 28 | 35 | 42 |
| Northridge | 20 | 28 | 35 | 30 | 38 | 45 |
| Thousand Oaks | 32 | 45 | 58 | 50 | 55 | 70 |
| Santa Clarita (Valencia) | 28 | 38 | 48 | 42 | 50 | 62 |
Simi Valley - Lightest Traffic Option
Simi to Burbank via the 118 is the lightest-traffic option of the major origins. 22-45 minutes depending on time of day.
If commute time and predictability is the top priority and your budget is under $1M, Simi is the answer.
NW San Fernando Valley - Closest Distance
Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Northridge - all under 30 miles to Burbank. Drive times typically 18-45 minutes depending on origin and time.
Conejo Valley - Longer But Lifestyle-Worth-It
Thousand Oaks to Burbank: 32-70 minutes. The 101 is the heaviest-traffic corridor.
Buyers who pick Conejo despite the commute typically prioritize CVUSD schools, the Conejo lifestyle, or specific community character.
Santa Clarita - Metrolink Wildcard
Santa Clarita to Burbank by car: 28-62 minutes via the I-5. But the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line is the real game changer - Princessa station to Burbank Airport station in 22 minutes.
If you can build your work routine around the train, Santa Clarita has the most predictable commute.
The Value Math
Simi Valley: $780K median + 35-min average commute. Best raw value.
Porter Ranch / NW SFV: $1.0M-$1.3M + 25-35 min commute.
Conejo Valley: $1.10M-$1.27M + 45-60 min commute.
Santa Clarita: $820K + 35-45 min car commute or 30-min train.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most Burbank entertainment industry workers live?
A meaningful split between Burbank/Glendale itself, Sherman Oaks/Studio City, and the suburban corridor.
Is Simi Valley a good commute to Burbank?
Yes - typically 22-45 minutes via the 118.
Can I take the train from Santa Clarita to Burbank?
Yes - the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line runs from Princessa and Santa Clarita stations to Burbank Airport in 22 minutes.
Is Porter Ranch close to Burbank?
Yes - typically 20-40 minutes via the 118 and the 405/5.
Is the Conejo Valley too far from Burbank to commute daily?
It's the longest of the four options at 32-70 minutes.
