Sunland in Glendale: A Stable Neighborhood for Families and Established Buyers

Sunland sits on Glendale's northern edge, blending suburban comfort with convenient mountain proximity.

About Sunland in Glendale

Sunland is an established residential neighborhood in northern Glendale built around family life and long-term homeownership. Additionally, the community offers above-average household incomes ($97,881 median), solid school performance, and a 75% owner-occupancy rate that speaks to neighborhood stability. While walkability scores remain modest (47), Sunland trades urban convenience for quieter streets, larger lots, and proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains. This is a neighborhood where residents stay, raise children, and build equity over decades.

Boundary note: Sunland occupies Glendale's northern foothill zone, roughly bounded by the San Fernando Road corridor to the south and the mountain ridgeline to the north.

Real Estate Market in Sunland

Sunland at a glance
Median home price$647k
Year over year changeStable, within normal market fluctuation
Price per sq ft$425 to $475
Median rent$2,334
Typical days on market25 to 35 days
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score47
Transit Score31
Bike Score23

Sunland homes command a $647k median price, significantly below Glendale's overall median of $992k, offering meaningful equity potential for first-time and move-up buyers. Inventory remains steady with established homeowner demand.

$647k
Stable, within normal market fluctuation YoY
Median Price
$425 to $475
Price / Sq Ft
$2,334
Median Rent
25 to 35 days
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Additionally, properties in Sunland attract multiple offers in spring and early summer, but strategic off-season purchases can yield negotiating leverage. Strong schools and family appeal keep demand consistent; price your offer competitively around $5k to $10k above asking if the home meets your needs.

Who Thrives in Sunland

E
First-time Buyers
Excellent fit

Additionally, sunland's $647k median and strong owner-occupancy rate create an ideal entry point for buyers seeking long-term stability and school quality without Glendale's premium pricing.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Additionally, with 21.9% of residents raising children, solid-performing elementary schools like Apperson Street (score 47) and Sunland Elementary (score 46), and parks including Howard Finn and McGroarty, the neighborhood is purpose-built for family life.

S
Investors
Strong fit

Additionally, the 75% owner-occupancy rate and rental median of $2,334 offer modest but steady cash flow; the established demographic and school reputations support long-term value appreciation.

G
Remote Workers
Good fit

Additionally, lower transit access (score 9) requires a car, but quiet residential setting, stable internet, and mountain-view lots appeal to professionals seeking a home office away from urban density.

S
Retirees
Strong fit

Median age of 45.9 and low poverty (6.9%) reflect a stable, mature demographic; Sunland Senior Center and proximity to parks support active aging, while lower crime and walkable commercial corridors suit downsizing empty-nesters.

Property Types in Sunland

Single-Family Homes
82%
$580k to $780k

Dominant housing type; typically 3 to 4 bedrooms on 0.3 to 0.6 acre lots with mature landscaping.

Townhomes and Duplexes
14%
$495k to $650k

Increasing supply; appeal to downsizers and investors seeking lower maintenance and entry-level prices.

Vacant Land and Development
4%
$350k to $600k per parcel

Limited teardown and infill opportunities; zoning heavily restricted to single-family.

Living in Sunland, Glendale

Daily life in Sunland centers on family routines, local recreation, and mountain-adjacent outdoor access. Howard Finn Park, Oro Vista Park, and the Sunland Recreation Center anchor weekend family activity, while Backdoor Bakery and Caruso's Italian Kitchen provide casual neighborhood gathering spots. Additionally, the 80.4% drive rate reflects car dependency, though the trade-off is less congestion and easier parking compared to walkable Glendale neighborhoods. Residents enjoy a 45.9 median age and strong sense of community continuity, with Friday evening events at McGroarty Arts Center and summer concerts bringing neighbors together.

47/100
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
31/100
Transit Score
Some Transit
23/100
Bike Score
Not Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • Caruso's Italian Kitchen · 13 min walk
  • El Pollo Loco · 13 min walk
  • Taco Bell · 14 min walk
  • Link N Hops · 15 min walk
  • McDonald's · 15 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Starbucks · 20 min walk
  • Backdoor Bakery · 23 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Howard Finn Park · 15 min walk
  • Oro Vista Park · 23 min walk
  • McGroarty Park · 29 min walk
  • Sunland Recreation Center · 31 min walk
  • Pasko Park · 32 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Vons · 14 min walk
  • Ralphs · 38 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Sunland Fight Club · 26 min walk
  • Sunland Senior Center · 30 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • McGroarty Arts Center · 31 min walk
  • Bolton Hall · 33 min walk

Annual events: Sunland Community Day (spring), McGroarty Arts Center seasonal shows, Glendale Fourth of July fireworks (nearby)

Schools Near Sunland, Glendale

Additionally, sunland's school performance significantly outpaces its median home price, making the neighborhood appealing to families seeking solid academics without premium pricing. The proximity of four elementaries and two strong secondary options creates real choice.

Elementary Schools

4.7/10
Apperson Street Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
23-minute walk

School Score 47 with 42% math and 52% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.6/10
Sunland Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
20-minute walk

School Score 46 with 42% math and 50% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.2/10
Plainview Academic Charter Academy
Elementary · KG–5
6-minute walk

School Score 32 with 27% math and 37% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.0/10
Pinewood Avenue Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
35-minute walk

School Score 29.5 with 27% math and 32% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

4.0/10
Mt. Gleason Middle
Middle School · 6–8
3-minute walk

School Score 40 with 31% math and 49% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

High Schools

5.0/10
Mt. Lukens Continuation
High School · 9–12
13-minute walk

School Score 50 with 50% math and 50% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
4.2/10
Verdugo Hills Senior High
High School · 9–12
12-minute walk

School Score 42.5 with 30% math and 55% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Our Lady Of Lourdes School (PK-8) — 25-minute walk
  • Canyon View Academy (KG-8) — 28-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Apperson Street Elementary and Sunland Elementary feed primarily to Mt. Gleason Middle (score 40), then Verdugo Hills Senior High (score 42.5); charter options like Plainview Academic Charter Academy offer alternative paths.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Sunland

Additionally, sunland's position on Glendale's northern edge places it 5 to 8 miles from most job centers, with car-centric commute times that reflect the neighborhood's suburban character. Public transit remains limited but functional for downtown routes.

Downtown Glendale
Drive: 12 to 18 minutesTransit: 35 to 50 minutes via Foothill / Mount Gleason stops
Pasadena / South Pasadena
Drive: 15 to 22 minutesTransit: 50 to 75 minutes
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Drive: 35 to 50 minutesTransit: 90+ minutes via connections
Burbank Media / Tech Corridor
Drive: 18 to 25 minutesTransit: 55+ minutes

Additionally, metro bus lines serve Foothill Boulevard at Mount Gleason, Woodward, and Wyngate stops (transit score 31); service is infrequent, so car ownership is nearly essential for daily commuting.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sunland

What is the average home price in Sunland, Glendale?

The median home price in Sunland is $647,450, positioned well below Glendale's overall median of $992,000. Single-family homes typically range from $580k to $780k depending on lot size, condition, and recent upgrades. This price advantage makes Sunland attractive to first-time buyers and move-up families seeking equity growth without stretching budgets beyond a 3x household income multiple.

Is Sunland a good neighborhood to live in?

Yes, Sunland offers strong fundamentals for stable, family-centered living. Additionally, the 75% owner-occupancy rate, 50.9% married-household composition, and 6.9% poverty rate indicate a cohesive, economically healthy community. Moreover, schools perform solidly (elementaries scoring 46-47), and parks like Howard Finn and McGroarty Arts Center provide active recreation. The primary trade-off is car dependency (80.4% drive, walk score 47), so buyers seeking urban walkability should look south into central Glendale.

What schools serve Sunland, and how do they rank?

Sunland Elementary (score 46) and Apperson Street Elementary (score 47) are the primary feeders, both earning solid ratings within LAUSD's performance band. Mt. Gleason Middle (score 40) and Verdugo Hills Senior High (score 42.5) complete the public pathway. Plainview Academic Charter Academy (score 32) offers an alternative for families seeking different pedagogy. Performance is consistent rather than exceptional, reflecting a mature, well-resourced school community serving stable families.

Is Sunland safe?

The neighborhood's low poverty rate (6.9%), high homeownership, and stable median age of 45.9 years correlate with low reported crime. Additionally, Los Angeles City Fire Department Station 74 provides rapid emergency response. Like all neighborhoods, safety varies by specific block, so walk the streets at different times before buying to assess your comfort level.

Who does Sunland suit best?

Sunland is ideal for families prioritizing schools and community stability, first-time buyers seeking equity leverage below regional averages, and retirees drawn to quiet streets and established neighbor networks. It suits professionals working in Burbank, Pasadena, or commuting to Downtown LA who value home investment and long-term roots over urban lifestyle proximity.

What are the main amenities and dining options in Sunland?

Recreation includes Howard Finn Park, Oro Vista Park, the Sunland Recreation Center, and McGroarty Arts Center hosting community events year-round. Additionally, dining leans casual and family-friendly: Caruso's Italian Kitchen, El Pollo Loco, Link N Hops, and Backdoor Bakery serve the neighborhood's core needs. Grocery options include Vons and Ralphs on Foothill Boulevard, within 2 miles of most homes.

Where this Sunland 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 Sunland

Additionally, explore available listings in Sunland and connect with a local agent who understands Glendale's neighborhoods and can guide you through the buying process.

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