Living in Universal City, Burbank, California
A walkable neighborhood anchored by entertainment, quality schools, and a strong professional demographic.
About Universal City in Burbank
Universal City sits at the north edge of Burbank as one of Los Angeles County's most distinctive neighborhoods. Additionally, it combines above-average walkability (walk score 57, transit score 9) with proximity to Universal Studios and nearby amenities like Trader Joe's, Ralphs, and multiple fitness options. The neighborhood draws affluent professionals and remote workers, with a median household income of $97,052 and 61.9% of residents holding bachelor's degrees. While it lacks the highest walkability of central Los Angeles, the mix of entertainment, employment, and thoughtful urban design makes it a compelling choice for those seeking convenience over isolation.
Real Estate Market in Universal City
| Median home price | $1.21m |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3.2% |
| Price per sq ft | $785 |
| Median rent | $2,423 |
| Typical days on market | 18 days |
| Buyer competition | Fierce |
| Walk Score | 57 |
| Bike Score | 39 |
Additionally, universal City real estate reflects strong regional demand and affluent neighborhood fundamentals. Median home values in the immediate area reach $1,213,200, roughly 26% above Burbank's citywide median of $959,700.
Expect competitive bidding and quick sales cycles in Universal City. Additionally, homes here move faster than city average. Submit strong offers early and be prepared for multiple-offer situations, especially for well-maintained single-family homes under $1.5m.
Who Thrives in Universal City
Additionally, entry-level condo and townhome inventory offers access to a walkable, transit-friendly neighborhood, though median prices are elevated.
Additionally, valley View Elementary and Toluca Lake Elementary serve the area; parks like Dino-Play and South Weddington Park provide recreation, though family density is modest at 8.9% with kids.
Additionally, strong rental demand, median rent $2,423, low poverty rate (5.3%), and proximity to major employment centers drive stable returns and tenant quality.
Additionally, 28.1% work from home, fiber internet widely available, and abundant coffee shops (Starbucks, Whata Peach) support flexible arrangements.
Additionally, median age 41.3 and affluent demographics align with active lifestyles; walkability and medical access via nearby facilities support aging in place.
Property Types in Universal City
Well-maintained mid-century and contemporary houses dominate; strong demand from families and investors.
Lower entry point; popular with first-time buyers and renters seeking walkable urban convenience.
Additionally, modern builds command premium pricing; appeal to tech workers and those prioritizing smart home features.
Living in Universal City, Burbank
Daily life in Universal City blends theme park energy with professional urban routines. Additionally, the neighborhood supports both the casual visitor—with Jurassic Cafe, Toadstool Cafe, and Super Nintendo World attractions nearby—and the career-focused resident seeking quality dining, fitness, and shopping. Walking to nearby Trader Joe's, stopping at LA Fitness, or grabbing coffee at Starbucks are seamless parts of the neighborhood rhythm. The area maintains a relatively quiet residential character despite its famous entertainment landmark, with good parks and family-friendly venues like Courthouse Square keeping community life balanced.
- Toadstool Cafe · 2 min walk
- Studio Café · 3 min walk
- Panda Express · 3 min walk
- Jurassic Cafe · 3 min walk
- Super Nintendo World Popcorn and Drink Cart · 3 min walk
- Starbucks · 3 min walk
- Sierra Ballroom · 8 min walk
- Starbucks · 9 min walk
- Starbucks · 13 min walk
- Whata Peach · 19 min walk
- Dino-Play · 3 min walk
- Super Silly Fun Land · 6 min walk
- Campo de Cahuenga · 7 min walk
- South Weddington Park · 9 min walk
- Courthouse Square · 13 min walk
- Lard Lad Donuts · 8 min walk
- Voodoo Doughnut · 14 min walk
- Ralphs · 14 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 20 min walk
- Lou's · 29 min walk
- LA Fitness · 19 min walk
- Crossfit Training Yard · 30 min walk
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge · 1 min walk
- Meet Mario, Luigi & Princess Peach · 2 min walk
- Mount Beanpole · 2 min walk
- Transformers: The Ride-3D · 2 min walk
- Jurassic World-The Ride · 3 min walk
Annual events: Universal CityWalk seasonal events, holiday light displays, outdoor concert series at nearby parks
Schools Near Universal City, Burbank
Additionally, schools in and near Universal City serve a highly educated community; 61.9% of residents hold bachelor's degrees. Valley View Elementary (score 74.5, KG-6) leads the feeder pattern, followed by solid mid-tier options like Toluca Lake Elementary (60.5, KG-5) and Rio Vista Elementary (59.5, KG-5).
Elementary Schools
School Score 74.5 with 72% math and 77% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 60.5 with 55% math and 66% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 59.5 with 57% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 17 with 12% math and 22% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Toluca 'Crossroads' School Preschool & Kindergarte (PK-KG) — 27-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Most elementary students feed into local middle schools, with high school options extending across the greater Burbank area.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Universal City
Additionally, universal City offers strong transit access and reasonable freeway proximity for professional commuting. The neighborhood's transit score of 9 reflects good connectivity to regional job centers and public transportation nodes.
Additionally, metro bus lines serve Lankershim and Cahuenga; Universal City/Studio City station and nearby Lankershim stops provide regional access. 59.9% of residents drive, reflecting car dependence typical of the area.
Neighborhoods Near Universal City
Not sure Universal City is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universal City
What is the average home price in Universal City, Burbank?
The median home value in Universal City is $1,213,200, roughly 26% higher than Burbank's citywide median of $959,700. Single-family homes typically range from $1.0m to $2.2m, while condos and townhomes offer entry points starting near $650k. Prices reflect strong demand, excellent schools, and proximity to employment centers and entertainment.
Is Universal City a good neighborhood to live in?
Universal City offers compelling advantages: high walkability (score 57), strong transit access (score 9), affluent and educated residents (61.9% with bachelor's degrees), and low poverty (5.3%). Additionally, the neighborhood balances urban convenience with family-friendly amenities and recreational parks. The primary tradeoff is higher home prices and moderate car dependency relative to denser LA neighborhoods.
What are the best schools near Universal City?
Valley View Elementary (74.5 rating, KG-6) is the strongest option in the immediate area. Additionally, toluca Lake Elementary (60.5, KG-5) and Rio Vista Elementary (59.5, KG-5) provide solid alternatives. Moreover, all three schools serve a demographically affluent, education-focused community. Families should tour schools individually, as ratings reflect aggregate data and school culture varies.
Is Universal City safe?
Universal City maintains a low poverty rate (5.3%) and median household income of $97,052, both indicators of neighborhood stability. Additionally, police presence via Sheriff's Sub-Station and Los Angeles County Fire Department Station #51 support public safety. Like most LA neighborhoods, standard urban precautions apply; crime rates are competitive with surrounding Burbank areas.
Who is Universal City best suited for?
Universal City appeals strongly to remote workers (28.1% work from home), investors seeking stable rental returns ($2,423 median rent, 34.1% owner-occupied), and professionals working in entertainment, tech, or media. Families with school-age children benefit from walkable schools and parks. First-time buyers may find condo entry points, though single-family home prices are elevated.
How walkable is Universal City?
Universal City has a walk score of 57, indicating 'Somewhat Walkable' conditions. Additionally, daily errands like grocery shopping (Trader Joe's, Ralphs), dining (Toadstool Cafe, Studio Cafe), and fitness (LA Fitness, Crossfit Training Yard) are accessible on foot or short drive. The neighborhood balances convenience with car-oriented LA geography; most residents drive (59.9%), though transit options exist via Metro bus lines and regional connections.
Where this Universal City data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in Universal City
Additionally, explore available homes, schedule tours, and connect with local agents who understand the unique appeal and market dynamics of Universal City.
Search homes in Universal City →