Known aptly for its name, inspired by former resident, the late ranch owner, and author, Edgar Rice Burrough who created the jungle hero “Tarzan,” Tarzana is a family-friendly suburb offering lovely, tree-lined streets and chic area shopping, entertainment, and dining.
Located in the southern region of the San Fernando Valley between Encino to the east and Reseda to the west, it covers a compact 8.79 square miles.
Area Highlights
Considered an excellent place to live, Tarzana balances quiet suburban living with urban shopping, restaurants, and nightlife entertainment. Tarzana has three exclusive hillside gated communities. Some area highlights include:
- Top-ranking hiking trails:
- Caballero Canyon Trail
- Temescal peak
- Lemming Trail
- Eagle Rock and Bent Arrow Loop
- Private country clubs and golfing:
- Braemar Country Club
- El Caballero Country Club
- Popular shopping and dining:
- Village Walk Shopping Center
- Tarzana Village
- Tarzana Square
- Recreation and Parks
- The Tarzana Recreation Center
- Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park
- Mecca Park
Schools
Tarzana public schools are in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD):
- Nestle Avenue Elementary School
- Tarzana Elementary School
- Vanalden Avenue Elementary School
- Gaspar de Portola Middle School
- CHIME Institute’s Schwarzenegger Community School (LAUSD charter, preschool through 8th grade)
- Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (Magnet LAUSD alternative) grades 4-12
- Wilbur Charter for Enriched Academics, LAUSD K–5
- Birmingham High School
- Reseda High School
- Taft High School
Tarzana Private Schools include:
- Lycée International de Los Angeles West Valley Campus
- Oak Crest Academy
- Woodcrest School
Tarzana Postsecondary Schools
- Columbia College Hollywood, a private nonprofit film school
Tarzana Events
Tarzana Community and Culture Center holds many public events including:
- Eclectic and educational “Tarzana Talks!” speaker series
- Tarzana music nights
- Comedy nights
- Children’s garden program