Van Nuys is one of the largest and most populated neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley. It borders Sherman Oaks, Northridge, Panorama City, and Valley Glen. It also borders Lake Balboa and is located in the southern part of Los Angeles County. It is known for its wide variety of housing options, as well as its vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
The name of the neighborhood comes from the founder of the area, Isaac Newton Van Nuys, who lived in the area in the late 19th century. In the early years of the 1900s, the area was mainly a small town. It was annexed to the City of Los Angeles in 1915. The population was around 2,000 people at that time.
In the 1950s, the local industries grew substantially. The Van Nuys Assembly Plant built a Chevrolet Corvair and Pontiac Firebird, and the Brewery of Anheuser Busch was opened in 1954. Both companies are still in operation today. In 1999, the Plant shopping center was built on the former factory site. It is now home to stores like In-N-Out Burger, Party City, Gap Outlet, and OfficeMax.
The neighborhood is located close to several major highways. It is also within easy reach of various attractions in the region. The Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, for example, is a nearly 230-acre native plant reintroduction area. This preserve also serves as a bird refuge. The Van Nuys Recreation Area features lighted baseball diamonds and picnic tables. In addition, there are trails in the park that lead through various natural environments.
The Van Nuys Airport is a general aviation facility, and the annual payroll of companies that operate there reached $43 million in 1957. In 2008, the annual median household income in Van Nuys was $41,134. The area is also home to two Asian supermarkets. In addition, the neighborhood is served by the Van Nuys Boulevard Bus Line. It is the second-busiest bus corridor in the Metro system.
The community is also home to the popular VNY restaurant. It is a popular venue for concerts, parties, and other events. This neighborhood is also home to many art deco architecture buildings. It is also home to several parks. There are several hiking and biking trails in the area. The trails are well-marked and have a lot of animal and plant species.
Although Van Nuys is a highly populated and densely populated neighborhood, it is also considered to be a liberal place. It has a high percentage of residents who are between the ages of 20 and 34, and a median age of 28. The average rent in the area is $2,375. This is lower than the average cost of living in Los Angeles.
As one of the most populated areas in the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and housing options. It also features a diverse population and an urban feel. It is also home to Van Nuys Airport, which is the second-busiest airport in the nation.