Topanga

Stunningly beautiful and solidly bohemian, Topanga is is a bastion for artists and those seeking a quieter life. Let's be clear up front, however: this is not a convenient place to live if you work in any of the major business hubs of LA, or just plan to spend a lot of time in those places. Expect long commutes that get much worse when the occasional mudslide washes out one of the few roads in or out of town. Those mudslides can also take out homes and fires are another threat in these parts. Additionally, houses here are often located along maddeningly winding roads, so forgetting the milk at the grocery store can be a serious time suck. 

But if you're looking for a refuge from the buzz of life in the city and want to be surrounded by nature, this is a great place. Coming here feels like a trip back in time, with a rustic feel to the businesses and many of the homes. Many residents here have a deep affinity for the outdoors, which is what brought them to Topanga in the first place. Hiking trails are plentiful and views of the ocean and Los Angeles basin or San Fernando Valley are common.

And not everyone here is the granola type. You've got plenty of entertainment executives, celebs, and professionals who have modern homes. Many Angelenos who live in the city proper keep vacation homes here as well.

As you'd expect, Topanga has a pretty quiet social scene. There are a few restaurants, including the well-regarded and romantic Inn of the Seventh Ray. Some shops, art galleries, and antique stores can be found as well. 

Topanga is bordered on the north by Woodland Hills, on the east by Pacific Palisades, on the south by the Pacific Ocean, and on the west by Malibu.