Introduction: Buyers Who Want Space, Nature, and Community love Agoura Hills
Agoura Hills has long been one of Southern California’s most beautiful and quietly desirable places to live. Buyers often discover it while searching for Calabasas or Westlake Village, but quickly realize Agoura Hills offers something uniquely balanced: a small-town feel, excellent schools, high safety ranking, abundant open space, and easier access to Los Angeles than expected.
Tucked along the US‑101 and scenic Santa Monica Mountains, Agoura Hills is the most western city of Los Angeles County, and sits perfectly between the city of Calabasas, Westlake Village, and Malibu. The location gives residents a rare advantage: close proximity to employment hubs, without sacrificing breathing room, trail access, or community identity. This is a city where people know their neighbors, kids grow up playing sports together, and weekends revolve around outdoor activities, farmers markets, and local gatherings.
Agoura Hills is made up of several distinct neighborhoods — Old Agoura, Morrison Ranch, Peacock Ridge, Lake Lindero, Hillrise, Fountainwood, Reyes Adobe, and Malibou Lake — each offering different home styles, lot sizes, and lifestyle appeal. Homes range from newly built condominiums to tract homes to luxury ranch estates with spectacular views. Buyers are often surprised by the variety available within such a compact city.
If you’re considering buying a home in Agoura Hills, CA, Lydia Gable Realty Group is the #1 team in Conejo Valley, including Agoura Hills. This local guide will walk you through the five most important things to know before making a move. Since our Realtors are residents and experts in the nuances of each Agoura Hill’s neighborhood, don’t hesitate to call us at any stage of your home buying process.
1. Local Vibe: Small‑Town Feel with Big Outdoor Energy
Life in Agoura Hills feels grounded yet evolving. This is not a transient city or a place chasing trends. Instead, it attracts buyers who enjoy community, nature, great weather and livability.
Residents include families who value excellence in education, professionals commuting to Los Angeles or the Conejo Valley, creatives, equestrians, and longtime homeowners who have lived here for decades.
Outdoor living is central to the local culture. The city borders the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, offering immediate access to hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Cheeseboro Canyon, Palo Comado Canyon, and nearby Malibu Canyon trails are part of everyday life here. Along with several community parks, new developments like Ladyface Greenway highlight the importance of the outdoor lifestyle.
Agoura Hills is a place where people build roots. Community events help maintain Agoura Hills’ close‑knit vibe. Seasonal festivals, youth sports, farmers markets, and concerts all bring neighbors together regularly.
2. Schools & Education: A Major Reason Buyers Choose Agoura Hills
School quality plays a significant role in Agoura Hills’ real estate demand. Most of the city is served by the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD), one of the highest‑regarded districts in Los Angeles County. Yet homes are often less pricey than similar homes in neighboring Calabasas, also served by the same school district, LVUSD.
Distinguished public schools in Agoura Hills include: Agoura High School, Arthur E. Wright Middle School, Willow Elementary, Sumac Elementary, Yerba Buena Elementary and Lindero Canyon Middle School. These schools are known for strong academics, competitive athletics, and robust arts and extracurricular programs. Lindero Canyon Middle School and Agoura High School have both received California Blue Ribbon Awards over the years. Willow Elementary, Heschel West Day School and Yerba Buena Elementary have all won National Blue Ribbon Awards.
Private school options, including Heschel West Day School, Viewpoint, and Oak Park Independent School, further expand educational choices for families in Agoura Hills.
From a real estate perspective, school boundaries matter greatly. Homes within highly sought‑after school zones tend to experience strong buyer demand, faster sales, and long‑term value stability. Even buyers without children often prioritize Agoura Hills because of the resale strength tied to its schools.
3. Real Estate Market in Agoura Hills - where horse properties, tract homes, and modern developments work beautifully together
Agoura Hills is made up of well-planned tract-style neighborhoods, custom equestrian estates with views, and modern new developments. Overall, buyers will find an impressive range of housing options: from condos and townhomes to modest single-family residences to expansive estate properties.
Streets are thoughtfully laid out. Homes are well-spaced, and backyards tend to be larger on average than comparable homes in nearby Westlake Village (a major draw for families and outdoor-focused buyers).
Agoura Hills is part of the Las Virgenes Unified School District, widely regarded as one of the best school districts in California, which has a profound impact on buyer demand and long-term property values here.
Fountainwood, Hillrise, Lake Lindero: Modest Tract Homes, Family Friendly
Agoura Hills has a significant number of modest tract-style homes, particularly appealing to first-time buyers, young families, and those relocating from more urban parts of Los Angeles.
Homes in Fountainwood, Hillrise and Lake Lindero are typically:
Built in the late 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s
Single-story or two-story layouts, 1,200 to 3,500 sqft
Situated on generously sized lots compared to neighboring cities
Centered around a park, elementary school, or golf course
Agoura Hills did tract homes well! The neighborhoods feel cohesive rather than crowded, with mature trees, sidewalks, nearby parks, and a true neighborhood atmosphere. Buyers often comment that the lot sizes and usable backyards feel noticeably larger than similarly priced homes in Westlake Village, or higher priced homes in Calabasas.
Morrison Ranch Highlands: Luxury Tract Homes
For buyers seeking more space without moving into a fully custom property, Morrison Ranch Highlands is one of Agoura Hills’ most desirable and affluent neighborhoods.
Homes here are:
Approximately 5,000–6,000 square feet
Located on larger-than-average lots
Built as high-end tract homes using a limited number of repeating models
Despite being tract-style, the neighborhood does not feel repetitive. The spacious lots, setbacks, and landscaping minimize visual duplication, giving the area a more estate-like feel. Home owners often include move-up families, executives, and those prioritizing square footage, privacy, and proximity to top-rated schools.
Old Agoura: Custom Estates + Horse Properties
Old Agoura is the most distinctive part of the city, and for the right buyer, it’s pure gold.
This area features:
Custom-built homes on sprawling lots with serene views
Many equestrian and horse properties
A rustic, semi-rural character rarely found in Los Angeles County
Life in Old Agoura is intentionally different. Roads are sometimes narrower, barn & hay smells are common, and some homes operate on septic systems rather than city sewer. For buyers seeking polished suburbs, Old Agoura may feel too rural. For those craving space, privacy, and a semi country lifestyle — it’s irreplaceable.
New Development Projects in Agoura Hills
Tiny Homes in Old Agoura
At the corner of Driver Avenue & Colodny Drive in Old Agoura, this concept envisions 11 small eco-efficient homes (300–500 sq ft) intended as affordable units to help meet state housing goals and offer alternative housing in a semi-rural area.
Regency Center Development + Agoura Village
A significant mixed-use housing project approved in 2024 at the former Regency movie theater site (corner of Agoura Road & Cornell Road), the Regency Center Project includes a 4-story building with 278 apartments, a parking garage, 5,200 sq ft of commercial space, and a mix of affordable units. Meanwhile, the Agoura Village and Whizin Center are undergoing revitalization and beautification by the City of Agoura Hills.
Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center
The Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center is a scenic community hub and multipurpose facility at Ladyface Court, with 3,500 sqft of rentable space that includes a catering kitchen and spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains framed by exposed beams and enormous picture windows. From weddings to business meetings, Parks & Recreation programs to Cultural Arts, the center is a popular community space built with sustainable principles.
Ladyface Greenway
The Ladyface Greenway (formerly called the Linear Park) is a linear public park and trail project along Palo Comado Creek behind Whizin Market Square. It will provide walking, biking, equestrian paths, native landscaping, gathering spaces, and improved pedestrian connectivity south of the 101 Freeway.
West Village Mixed-Use Project
At the southwest corner of Kanan Road & Agoura Road (long-vacant “Christmas tree/pumpkin” lot), West Village Mixed Use is a proposed mixed-use development with 238 apartments, a 4-story parking structure, and 9,000 sqft retail and restaurant space.
4. Commute & Connectivity - at the edge of Los Angeles County
The western most city of Los Angeles County, Agoura Hills offers easy access to the 101 Freeway, making commutes to Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village easy and straightforward. Traffic is light here, less than neighboring Calabasas, and far less than Los Angeles. Many residents commute throughout LA, work remotely, or maintain hybrid schedules.
Malibu beaches are only 15 to 25 minutes for easy getaways, surfing, designer shopping and ocean view eats.
Hollywood Burbank Airport and Los Angeles International Airport are both accessible for frequent travelers.
Healthcare is abundant, with nearby hospitals including Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills or Thousand Oaks, and major medical networks and urgent care facilities throughout Conejo Valley.
With corporate headquarters like the Los Angeles Rams and Cydcor, buyers relocating for professional roles in Agoura Hills enjoy a busy and healthy quality of life.
5. Local Hot Spots: Agoura Hills Locals Love
Agoura Hills may be low‑key, but locals know exactly where to go for the best margaritas, coffee, wine and shopping. We even host an annual film festival, Ladyface Mountain Film Fest.
Shopping
Erewhon Market sits at the edge of Agoura Hills and Calabasas, and is a staple for organic foods and celebrity sightings. There is no shortage of Trader Joe’s, Ralphs and other conventional groceries throughout Agoura Hills. The Whizin Market Square is one of the most popular plazas for its artisan shops and restaurants, as well as the famous Canyon Club for live music concerts. And don’t miss the Farmer’s Market at Ladyface on Thursdays.
Coffee Shops
Erewhon Market’s Cafe, Philz Coffee, Laidrey Coffee Roasters, Starbucks and more - local cafés that double as work and gathering spaces our locals love.
Restaurants & Dining
Special dining destinations include, The Old Place, an historic institution. Popular neighborhood restaurants reflect the area’s relaxed but quality‑driven dining scene, like Sunday brunch at Sunrose, gelato at Tifa, margaritas at Plata, wine at Blue Table or Agoura Wine, beer & football at Tavern 101, or a romantic dinner at award-winning BASTA Agoura Hills, or Cafe Bizou. Ocean view restaurants await in Malibu with a short drive through Kanan Rd or Malibu Canyon.
Parks, Trails & Recreation
Residents enjoy easy access to Cheeseboro Canyon, Palo Comado Canyon, and local city parks like Juan Batista DeAnza near The Calabasas Agoura Hills Community Center. Lake Lindero Golf Course and Country Club offer an active lifestyle that’s a little more low key than Calabasas or Westlake. Horseback Riding Tours are offered at 29 Oaks Ranch and Paramount Ranch for those who don’t have their own horses in Old Agoura. Equestrian facilities, youth sports and outdoor recreation are deeply woven into daily life here.
In Closing: Is Agoura Hills the Right Place to Call Home?
Agoura Hills appeals to buyers who want indoor outdoor space, great schools, community, and long-term livability, without leaving Los Angeles County. It’s a city where nature and neighborhood coexist, schools support home values, and residents tend to stay once they arrive.
If you’re considering a move to Agoura Hills and want guidance from a team that understands every neighborhood, school boundary, and lifestyle nuance, working with a local expert like the agents at Lydia Gable Realty Group matters.
Ready to explore what life in Agoura Hills could look like? Connect with Lydia Gable Realty Group, your trusted local real estate experts serving Agoura Hills and the #1 team in Conejo Valley.
FAQ: Moving to Agoura Hills
Is Agoura Hills a good place to raise a family?
Yes. Agoura Hills is widely considered one of the best places to raise a family in Los Angeles County. Buyers are drawn to its award-winning, strong schools within Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD), low-density neighborhoods, abundant parks and trails, and a close-knit community feel. Youth sports, outdoor recreation, and walkable neighborhoods all contribute to long-term family appeal.
How far is Agoura Hills from Malibu and the beach?
Agoura Hills is approximately 15 to 25 minutes from Malibu beaches, depending on traffic and route (Malibu Canyon or Kanan). Many residents enjoy the ability to live inland with more space while still accessing the coast for surfing, weekend outings, or weekday escapes.
What types of homes are common in Agoura Hills?
Agoura Hills offers a wide range of housing options, including large-lot ranch homes in Old Agoura, two-story suburban estates in Morrison Ranch, gated hillside properties in Peacock Ridge, and golf-course or condo living in Lake Lindero. This variety allows buyers to match lifestyle preferences with home style and price point.
How does Agoura Hills compare to Westlake Village or Calabasas?
Agoura Hills tends to feel more rural and community-focused than Calabasas, with larger lots and more equestrian zoning in certain neighborhoods. Compared to Westlake Village, Agoura Hills is slightly more casual and often offers more land and privacy at similar price points, while still maintaining excellent schools and freeway access.
Is Agoura Hills a good location for commuting?
Yes. Agoura Hills is technically in Los Angeles County and has direct access to the 101 Freeway, making commutes to Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village straightforward. Many residents also work remotely or hybrid, making the city’s balance of accessibility and lifestyle especially attractive.
