Pick your freeway, pick your market
- Downtown LA / Burbank (the 5): Pacoima and San Fernando sit closest to the 5; Burbank media jobs run ~25–35 min in traffic.
- Pasadena / JPL (the 210): Sylmar owns the 210 on-ramps — the only Valley market with a direct Pasadena shot.
- West Valley / Simi (the 118): Mission Hills and North Hills anchor the 118/405 junction for Warner Center and Simi commutes.
- Santa Clarita (the 5/14): Sylmar is the last LA-city market before the Newhall Pass — SCV workers save the pass crossing.
The Metrolink advantage
The Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station (Antelope Valley Line) puts downtown LA about 35–40 minutes away without driving — one of the few true transit-commute options in the Valley, and a meaningful hedge against freeway volatility.
What each commute base costs in 2026
| Market | Median price | Days on market | County | School district(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacoima | $700,000 | 52 | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) |
| San Fernando | $715,000 | 33 | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) |
| Sylmar | $775,000 | 40 | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) |
| Mission Hills | $810,000 | 35 | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) |
| North Hills | $835,000 | 35 | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) |
Figures from /data.json, the site’s canonical data file (June 2026). Always verify current numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Which NE Valley market has the best downtown LA commute?
Pacoima and San Fernando for the 5 freeway; Sylmar/San Fernando for Metrolink rail. Either runs meaningfully cheaper than comparable commute bases on the Westside or in NELA.
Is there rail transit in the NE Valley?
Yes — the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station on the Antelope Valley Line, roughly 35-40 minutes to LA Union Station.
Which market is best for a Pasadena commute?
Sylmar — it is the only Valley market with direct 210 access before the freeway leaves the Valley.
Work with Brian Cooper
20+ years and $100M+ closed across Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley, and the Conejo Valley. Direct, data-first representation — you work with Brian, not a hand-off.
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