The Good Life - Home Sweet Toluca Lake

If you were to do an Internet search on where many Los Angeles actors and celebrities call home (or have in the past), don't be surprised if Beverly Hills isn't at the top of your query results. With certain searches you will find my little Village of Toluca Lake coming out the big winner. Located between Burbank and Studio City, Toluca Lake is considered a neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley. Back in the day, the boundaries were strictly defined, but now a few streets in Burbank are referred to as "the Burbank side of Toluca Lake" which I believe is well-earned. To outsiders, this lovely area may seem rarefied and exclusive as numerous celebs do reside here (I won't tell for discretion's sake). On any given day the paparazzi can be observed here or there doing what they do best and the occasional tourist van may be gently encouraged to stop blocking a super-star's private drive. Still, there are numerous "regular folk" like myself that count themselves as loyal denizens of Toluca Lake.

To me, the weather always seems a little nicer, the trees slightly fuller and the people friendlier each time I return from even a brief trip. Perhaps there is something in the water - LOL! Kidding aside, the Toluca Lake area truly is gorgeous. On satellite views of certain streets during the height of summer the 80-year-old tree canopies are so dense you can barely see the houses below. I am thankful to the leaders of both the Cities of Los Angeles and Burbank that they realize the multiple benefits these old but healthy giants bring: cooling shade, enduring beauty and an enhancement of local property values. Shouldn't a grand old house have grand old trees? Of course. We in the Toluca Lake area reserve this as a privilege and a right.

With so many wonderful restaurants and boutiques within walking distance and short proximity to the ocean and mountains, sometimes one has to remind themselves that downtown Los Angeles is barely 10 miles away - this is part of what makes Toluca Lake special and a great place to buy a home. So, the next time you are in Von's on Pass Avenue or Trader Joe's on Riverside Drive and run into your favorite celebrity, do what we do in Toluca Lake: be polite, say a quick hello and keep walking. They will appreciate being treated in such a respectful way and will probably say "hello" right back atcha!