Meet Calabasas
Calabasas is a city of about 23,000 people at the western edge of the San Fernando Valley, where the valley meets the Santa Monica Mountains and the road toward Malibu. The 101 freeway runs through the center of the city, connecting it east to Woodland Hills and west to Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks. Malibu Canyon Road provides the direct southern route down to the coast, putting Calabasas residents about 15 to 20 minutes from the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.
The city is almost entirely residential. There is no significant industrial base and limited commercial development, concentrated mainly around the Calabasas Commons and a few business parks along Agoura Road. This residential focus is deliberate – Calabasas has maintained strict zoning controls since its incorporation in 1991 that limit commercial expansion and preserve the character of its neighborhoods.
Calabasas has approximately 23,000 residents across about 13 square miles, giving it a relatively low population density for an incorporated city in Los Angeles County. The median household income is among the highest in the region. Homeownership rates are high. The median age of residents is in the mid-40s, reflecting the community’s family-oriented, established character. The city’s schools, served by the Las Virgenes Unified School District, consistently rank among the top-performing districts in California.
The history of the city
Calabasas traces its origins to early Native American settlements before becoming a ranching outpost during the Spanish colonial era. The city’s name is believed to come from the Spanish word calabaza, meaning “pumpkin” or “gourd.”
Throughout the 20th century, Calabasas transformed from rural ranch land into a thriving residential community known for its master-planned neighborhoods and natural beauty. Landmarks such as the Leonis Adobe one of the oldest surviving buildings in Los Angeles County highlight the area’s rich past. Today, Calabasas maintains a balance of modern development, outdoor recreation, and historic charm.
What Moving in Calabasas Specifically Requires
Moving in Calabasas is not complicated once you know what to expect. Here is the practical checklist:
- Confirm gate access protocol for your specific community before booking any mover – each HOA has different rules
- Check whether your HOA requires proof of mover insurance before granting vehicle access – most do
- Verify truck size limits for your driveway and community entrance – some communities restrict large vehicles above a certain length
- Confirm your move-in window if moving into a shared building or townhome development
- Plan for Las Virgenes Road and Malibu Canyon Road traffic on weekend mornings – both get heavy with canyon and beach-bound traffic
We handle all of this as part of our standard Calabasas booking process. You do not need to coordinate it separately.