As the bustling commercial center of the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys combines its rich aviation heritage with a dynamic urban landscape. Founded in 1911 and named after developer Isaac Newton Van Nuys, this community offers a mix of housing options from boutique apartment buildings to spacious single-family homes. With average rents starting around $1,627 for one-bedroom apartments and reaching $2,647 for three-bedroom rentals, Van Nuys provides diverse housing choices at more moderate prices compared to neighboring Sherman Oaks and Encino.

Renters appreciate Van Nuys for its central location and comprehensive transportation network. The community is served by the Metro G Line with two stations, Amtrak and Metrolink service at Van Nuys station, and easy access to major freeways including the 405 San Diego Freeway. Van Nuys Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, serves private aircraft while the FlyAway bus service offers hourly connections to LAX. The Van Nuys Recreation Area features six lighted tennis courts, two basketball courts, a children's play area, and shaded picnic spots, while the nearby Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area spans 2,000 acres of parks, lakes, and sports facilities.

The Van Nuys Civic Center, a complex of government buildings including courts and city offices, serves as the Valley's municipal hub. At its heart stands the historic Art Deco Valley Municipal Building (Van Nuys City Hall), constructed in 1932. Van Nuys Boulevard, the neighborhood's main commercial corridor, stretches for miles with an array of local shops and eateries. Major employers include Valley Presbyterian Hospital and the aviation service companies at Van Nuys Airport. With its central location, transportation connections, and more accessible rental prices compared to other Valley neighborhoods, Van Nuys offers renters a practical home base with convenient access to all of Los Angeles.