Best Neighborhoods in Burbank for Families: Schools, Parks, and Safety Ratings
- mc10990
- Jan 5
- 6 min read
If you're a parent looking to move to Burbank, you're probably asking the same questions I hear from every family I work with: Which neighborhoods have the best schools? Where is it safest? Are there parks nearby? What can we actually afford?
As a Burbank Realtor who's helped dozens of families find their perfect fit, here's my honest breakdown of the best neighborhoods in Burbank for families, ranked by what matters most: schools, safety, parks, and value.
What Makes a Neighborhood Great for Families?
Before we dive into specific neighborhoods, let's talk about what actually matters when you're raising kids in Burbank.
Top priorities for most families:
School quality (test scores, programs, reputation)
Safety (low crime, quiet streets, walkability)
Parks and outdoor space (playgrounds, sports fields, trails)
Community feel (neighbors you know, local events, tight-knit vibe)
Home size and lot size (room for kids to play, ideally a yard)
Commute (can you get to work without spending 2 hours in the car?)
Walkability (can your kids bike to friends' houses?)
Every family weighs these differently, but these are the core considerations.
The Best Burbank Neighborhoods for Families (Ranked)
#1: Rancho Area
Why it's great for families:
The Rancho neighborhood is Burbank's family headquarters. Quiet, residential, and filled with single-family homes on larger lots, this area attracts families who want space, safety, and excellent schools.
Schools:
Edison Elementary (highly rated)
Miller Elementary (highly rated)
Luther Burbank Middle School (strong programs)
Burbank High School (top-rated)
Safety:Low crime. Quiet streets. Parents feel comfortable letting kids bike around the neighborhood.
Parks:
Verdugo Park (playground, sports fields, walking paths)
Wildwood Canyon Park (hiking trails, nature center)
Stough Canyon (hiking, outdoor space)
Home prices:$1.1M-$1.8M for 3-4 bedroom single-family homes. Higher than some areas, but you're paying for space and schools.
Pros:
✅ Excellent schools
✅ Larger lots
✅ Quiet, safe streets
✅ Strong sense of community
✅ Close to hiking trails
Cons:
❌ Higher price point
❌ Less walkable to shops/dining (you'll drive more)
❌ Hotter in summer (Valley location)
Best for: Families who prioritize schools, safety, and space over walkability.
#2: Magnolia Park
Why it's great for families:
Magnolia Park is Burbank's charming, walkable neighborhood with tree-lined streets, vintage shops, and a strong community vibe. It's ideal for families who want to walk to coffee, parks, and local events.
Schools:
McKinley Elementary (highly rated)
Roosevelt Elementary (strong programs)
John Muir Middle School (good reputation)
Burroughs High School (solid academics, strong arts)
Safety:Very safe. Low crime. Walkable streets with good visibility.
Parks:
McCambridge Park (playground, rec center, tennis courts)
Lake Street Park (small but convenient)
Home prices:$1.2M-$2M+ for single-family homes. This is a premium neighborhood, so expect higher prices for smaller lots.
Pros:
✅ Walkable to shops, cafes, restaurants
✅ Strong community feel (farmers market, local events)
✅ Beautiful tree-lined streets
✅ Safe, friendly, neighbors know each other
✅ Great schools
Cons:
❌ Higher prices for smaller lots
❌ Limited street parking in some areas
❌ Homes sell fast (competitive market)
Best for: Families who value walkability, community, and charm over large yards.
#3: Downtown Burbank (Civic Center Area)
Why it's great for families:
Downtown Burbank is more urban than Rancho or Magnolia Park, but it's still family-friendly. You're walking distance to shops, restaurants, the library, and parks. It's ideal for families who want convenience and don't mind a slightly busier environment.
Schools:
Washington Elementary (good ratings)
Stevenson Elementary (solid programs)
Luther Burbank Middle School (strong academics)
Burbank High School (top-rated)
Safety:Safe overall, though slightly busier than Rancho or Magnolia Park. More foot traffic, more activity. Still very family-friendly.
Parks:
Johnny Carson Park (large, open space, walking paths)
Olive Recreation Center (pool, sports, programs)
George Izay Park (playground, sports fields)
Home prices:$950K-$1.5M for single-family homes. Condos start around $600K-$800K.
Pros:
✅ Walkable to shops, restaurants, library
✅ Close to studios (short commute for entertainment industry parents)
✅ Good schools
✅ Parks nearby
✅ Slightly more affordable than Magnolia Park or Rancho
Cons:
❌ Busier streets (more traffic, more noise)
❌ Smaller lots
❌ Less of the "quiet neighborhood" feel
Best for: Families who want walkability and convenience over quiet streets and large yards.
#4: Glenoaks Boulevard Corridor
Why it's great for families:
This area runs along Glenoaks Boulevard and offers a mix of single-family homes and condos. It's less expensive than Magnolia Park or Rancho, making it a solid option for families on a tighter budget.
Schools:
Harte Elementary (solid ratings)
Stevenson Elementary (good programs)
John Muir Middle School (strong academics)
Burroughs High School (solid)
Safety:Safe, though Glenoaks Boulevard itself is busier. Residential streets off the main road are quiet and family-friendly.
Parks:
George Izay Park (playground, sports)
Olive Recreation Center (pool, programs)
Home prices:$850K-$1.3M for single-family homes. More affordable than other neighborhoods.
Pros:
✅ More affordable
✅ Good schools
✅ Safe neighborhoods
✅ Close to parks
Cons:
❌ Busier main road (Glenoaks)
❌ Smaller lots
❌ Less charming than Magnolia Park or Rancho
Best for: Families who want good schools and safety but need to stay under $1M.
#5: Media District
Why it's great for families:
The Media District is Burbank's up-and-coming neighborhood. Historically industrial, it's now home to young families, entertainment professionals, and walkable mixed-use developments. It's less traditional than Rancho or Magnolia Park, but it offers convenience and value.
Schools:
Bret Harte Elementary (solid ratings)
Luther Burbank Middle School (strong programs)
Burbank High School (top-rated)
Safety:Safe, though slightly more urban. Industrial buildings mixed with residential. Still family-friendly overall.
Parks:
Johnny Carson Park (walking distance for some)
Olive Recreation Center (nearby)
Home prices:$900K-$1.4M for single-family homes. Condos around $600K-$900K.
Pros:
✅ Walkable to studios (Warner Bros., Disney)
✅ Good schools
✅ More affordable than Magnolia Park
✅ Up-and-coming (improving every year)
Cons:
❌ Less traditional neighborhood feel
❌ Industrial buildings nearby
❌ Fewer single-family homes (more condos)
Best for: Families who work in entertainment and want a short commute plus walkability.
Burbank Schools: What You Need to Know
Burbank Unified School District consistently ranks above California state averages. Here's what sets it apart:
Strengths:
High test scores across elementary, middle, and high schools
Strong arts and music programs (unusual for California public schools)
STEM focus (science, technology, engineering, math)
High graduation rates (around 90%+)
Community support (parents are engaged, schools are well-funded)
Top-rated elementary schools:
Roosevelt Elementary
Providencia Elementary
Walt Disney Elementary
Top-rated middle schools:
Luther Burbank Middle School
John Muir Middle School
Top-rated high schools:
Burbank High School (strong academics, sports, arts)
Burroughs High School (solid academics, excellent performing arts)
Private school options:
St. Finbar Catholic School
Providencia Elementary
Several other private and parochial options
If schools are your #1 priority, Burbank delivers. You won't need to pay private school tuition to get a solid education.
Safety Ratings by Neighborhood
Burbank is one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County. Here's how neighborhoods compare:
Safest (lowest crime):
Rancho Area
Magnolia Park
Glenoaks Corridor
Very Safe (low crime):
4. Downtown Burbank
5. Media District
All neighborhoods are safe for families. The differences are marginal. You're not choosing between "safe" and "unsafe"—you're choosing between "very safe" and "extremely safe."
Parks and Recreation
Burbank has over 40 parks. Here are the best for families:
Best for young kids:
McCambridge Park (Magnolia Park area) - Playground, rec center, tennis courts
Verdugo Park (Rancho area) - Large playground, sports fields, walking paths
George Izay Park (Glenoaks area) - Playground, sports fields
Best for outdoor activities:
Wildwood Canyon Park (Rancho area) - Hiking trails, nature center
Stough Canyon (North Burbank) - Hiking, mountain biking
Johnny Carson Park (Downtown Burbank) - Open space, walking paths
Best for sports:
Olive Recreation Center (pool, sports programs)
Verdugo Recreation Center (sports leagues, camps)
Final Thoughts: Where Should Your Family Live?
Here's my recommendation based on what matters most to you:
If schools are #1 priority: Rancho Area (Edison or Miller Elementary feed into top-rated schools)
If walkability matters: Magnolia Park (walk to coffee, shops, parks)
If you need to stay under $1M: Glenoaks Corridor or Media District
If you want space and quiet: Rancho Area (larger lots, quieter streets)
If you work in entertainment: Media District (5-minute commute to studios)
If you want the best of everything (and can afford it): Magnolia Park or Rancho
Every family is different. The "best" neighborhood depends on your priorities, budget, and lifestyle.
If you're ready to start your search and want help finding the right Burbank neighborhood for your family, let's talk. I know these neighborhoods inside and out, and I'll help you find the perfect fit.
Michelle CrochetRealtor | eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles
DRE #02099298
📞 (818) 688-2062
