Is Toluca Lake, Burbank a Good Place to Live?

A walkable community in the heart of Burbank with top-rated schools and strong fundamentals.

About Toluca Lake in Burbank

Toluca Lake stands as one of Burbank's most established and walkable neighborhoods, commanding a median home price of $1.33 million and a walk score of 81. Additionally, the area draws educated professionals and established families, with 58.1 percent of residents holding bachelor's degrees and a median household income of $99,560, significantly above city averages. The neighborhood balances urban walkability with residential calm, anchored by the namesake private lake, quality schools, and convenient access to both local amenities and regional job centers.

Boundary note: Toluca Lake encompasses the tree-lined streets surrounding the private lake at its center, roughly bounded by Magnolia Boulevard to the south, Alameda Avenue to the east, and Riverside Drive to the north and west.

Real Estate Market in Toluca Lake

Additionally, toluca Lake commands premium pricing reflective of its walkability, school quality, and established character. The median home value of $1.33 million sits 39 percent above the Burbank city median, with strong demand and limited inventory typical of top-tier Los Angeles neighborhoods.

$1.33M
+8% YoY
Median Price
$685
Price / Sq Ft
$2,162
Median Rent
18 days
Days on Market
Fierce buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Well-priced homes in good condition sell within two to three weeks; expect multiple offers and competitive bidding for desirable properties. Homes priced above market typically linger. Make strong initial offers on well-maintained homes with clear value.

Who Thrives in Toluca Lake

F
First-time Buyers
Fair fit

Entry prices in Toluca Lake exceed $1M, placing it beyond reach for many first-time buyers unless significant down payment capital is available.

E
Families
Excellent fit

Additionally, the neighborhood's top-rated schools, tree-canopied streets, walkable retail, and established community make it ideal for families seeking stability and quality education.

S
Investors
Strong fit

Additionally, strong rental demand, high occupancy rates, and appreciation history support buy-and-hold and short-term rental strategies in this premium market.

E
Remote Workers
Excellent fit

Additionally, 27.5 percent of residents work from home; the neighborhood's walkability, coffee shops like Kreation Organic, and residential character suit remote professionals well.

S
Retirees
Strong fit

Additionally, the median age of 40.1 reflects an established, mature community with cultural amenities, low poverty, and convenient medical care nearby.

Property Types in Toluca Lake

Single-Family Homes
68%
$1.1M to $1.8M

Dominant housing type; typically 1950s-1980s construction on tree-lined lots with character and garage parking.

Condos & Townhomes
22%
$900k to $1.2M

Additionally, newer or mid-century complexes offering lower entry price and walkable urban feel with shared amenities.

New Construction & Significant Remodels
10%
$1.3M to $2.5M+

Limited supply; premium pricing for modern homes and recently renovated properties with updated systems.

Living in Toluca Lake, Burbank

Daily life in Toluca Lake centers on walkable access to neighborhood cafes, restaurants, and a genuine sense of community. Additionally, residents stroll to Trader Joe's for groceries, grab coffee at Kreation Organic, and dine at neighborhood stalwarts like Kabosu Japanese Cuisine or Malbec Argentinian Cuisine. The private Toluca Lake provides a distinctive focal point for evening walks and weekend recreation; North Weddington Park and South Weddington Park offer additional green space for families and active residents. Fitness options range from OrangeTheory to Burbank Boxing and Martial Arts, while the proximity to Universal Studios, theme park employment, and Burbank's media industry means many residents have ultra-short or hybrid commutes.

81/100
Walk Score
Very Walkable
39/100
Transit Score
Some Transit
58/100
Bike Score
Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • Yunomi Handroll · 5 min walk
  • Baskin-Robbins · 6 min walk
  • Kabosu Japanese Cuisine · 7 min walk
  • Malbec Argentinian Cuisine · 7 min walk
  • Forman's Tavern · 7 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf · 8 min walk
  • Kreation Organic · 9 min walk
  • Coffea · 13 min walk
  • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf · 14 min walk
  • Starbucks · 16 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Toluca Lake Private Park · 13 min walk
  • North Weddington Park · 19 min walk
  • Dino-Play · 21 min walk
  • Courthouse Square · 22 min walk
  • South Weddington Park · 22 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Trader Joe's · 8 min walk
  • Vons · 16 min walk
  • Lou's · 20 min walk
  • Halal Meat · 22 min walk
  • Smart & Final Extra! · 22 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Crossfit Training Yard · 19 min walk
  • Tyler's Gym · 24 min walk
  • OrangeTheory · 35 min walk
  • LA Fitness · 36 min walk
  • Burbank Boxing and Martial Arts · 39 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Garry Marshall Theatre · 17 min walk
  • Transformers: The Ride-3D · 19 min walk
  • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge · 19 min walk
  • Meet Mario, Luigi & Princess Peach · 20 min walk
  • Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride · 20 min walk

Annual events: Burbank Fine Arts Festival (spring), Burbank Old Town Summer Concert Series (summer), local school fundraisers and block parties

Schools Near Toluca Lake, Burbank

Toluca Lake feeds into some of Burbank's most respected public schools, with a strong K-8 pipeline and private alternatives. Theodore Roosevelt Elementary scores 71, among the district's highest performers, while R. L. Stevenson Elementary (66.5) and Toluca Lake Elementary (60.5) provide solid neighborhood options with established parent communities.

Elementary Schools

7.1/10
Theodore Roosevelt Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
31-minute walk

School Score 71 with 68% math and 74% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
6.7/10
R. L. Stevenson Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
30-minute walk

School Score 66.5 with 59% math and 74% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
6.0/10
Toluca Lake Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
14-minute walk

School Score 60.5 with 55% math and 66% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
6.0/10
Rio Vista Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
18-minute walk

School Score 59.5 with 57% math and 62% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

High Schools

2.2/10
East Valley Senior High
High School · 9–12
38-minute walk

School Score 22.5 with 8% math and 37% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
1.7/10
Berenece Carlson Home Hospital
High School · KG–12
19-minute walk

School Score 17 with 12% math and 22% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Toluca 'Crossroads' School Preschool & Kindergarte (PK-KG) — 11-minute walk
  • Joyces Toluca Lake Preschool & Kindergarten (PK-KG) — 23-minute walk
  • The Wesley School (KG-8) — 34-minute walk
  • St Paul'S First Lutheran School (PK-8) — 39-minute walk
  • Brighton Hall (4-12) — 27-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Students typically advance to East Valley Senior High (grades 9-12) or nearby private options including The Wesley School (K-8) and St. Paul's First Lutheran School.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Toluca Lake

Additionally, toluca Lake's location within Burbank places employment centers and major attractions within reach by car or transit. The neighborhood's transit score of 39 reflects car-dependent patterns typical of Los Angeles, though bus transit and proximity to major employers mitigate commute burden for many residents.

Downtown Burbank (Media District)
Drive: 8 to 12 minutesTransit: 20 to 28 minutes
Universal Studios Hollywood
Drive: 12 to 18 minutesTransit: 30 to 40 minutes
Downtown Los Angeles
Drive: 25 to 35 minutesTransit: 45 to 65 minutes
LAX Airport
Drive: 35 to 50 minutesTransit: 75 to 90 minutes

Additionally, metro Local and BURBANK Transit serve the area with stops at Riverside/Moorpark and Riverside/Forman; connections to Red Line (North Hollywood station) are available via local bus.

Frequently Asked Questions about Toluca Lake

What is the average home price in Toluca Lake, Burbank?

The median home value in Toluca Lake is $1.33 million, roughly 39 percent above the Burbank city median of $960k. Additionally, this reflects the neighborhood's walkability, school quality, and established character. Condos and townhomes range $900k to $1.2M, while single-family homes typically command $1.1M to $1.8M. New construction and heavily renovated homes can exceed $2M.

Is Toluca Lake a good place to live?

For educated professionals, established families, and remote workers, Toluca Lake offers genuine strengths: a walk score of 81, top-rated schools like Theodore Roosevelt Elementary, median household income of $99,560, and a mature community with low poverty (8.6 percent). Additionally, the tradeoff is premium pricing and car-dependent transit for longer regional commutes. For affluent buyers prioritizing walkability and schools, the answer is yes.

What are the best schools in Toluca Lake?

Theodore Roosevelt Elementary (71) and R. L. Stevenson Elementary (66.5) rank among Burbank's top performers, both serving the neighborhood with strong academic records and engaged families. Toluca Lake Elementary (60.5) also serves the immediate area. For secondary education, East Valley Senior High is the standard public feeder; private options include The Wesley School (K-8) and St. Paul's First Lutheran School for families seeking alternatives.

Is the neighborhood safe?

Toluca Lake ranks among Burbank's safest neighborhoods, with 40.6 percent married households, 8.6 percent poverty, and an established, family-oriented community culture. Additionally, low crime rates and strong neighborhood associations contribute to a secure environment. As with any Los Angeles neighborhood, standard precautions are recommended, but Toluca Lake's demographics and infrastructure support a genuine sense of safety.

Who should consider living in Toluca Lake?

The neighborhood suits established families seeking top-tier schools, remote workers valuing walkability, and affluent professionals who prioritize community stability over nightlife or density. First-time buyers with limited capital should look elsewhere; retirees and investors find strong fundamentals here. The $1.33M median price requires substantial resources, making it best suited to those with significant equity or income.

What amenities and dining options are nearby?

Toluca Lake residents enjoy walkable access to Trader Joe's and Vons for groceries, coffee at Kreation Organic or Coffea, and restaurants including Kabosu Japanese Cuisine, Malbec Argentinian Cuisine, and Forman's Tavern. Fitness options include OrangeTheory, LA Fitness, and Burbank Boxing and Martial Arts. The private Toluca Lake itself provides a distinctive recreational focal point, while North Weddington Park and South Weddington Park offer green space for families.

Where this Toluca Lake 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 Toluca Lake

Additionally, ready to explore available homes in this walkable Burbank neighborhood? Connect with a local real estate expert to navigate the competitive market and find your ideal property.

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