Our weekly South Valley update for the week of Oct 29, 2026: the housing market, where people are eating, and what is happening around Sherman Oaks, Studio City and Encino. See this week’s live list on our South Valley events page.
Happy Halloween week! South Valley sales were up from last year in September, and mortgage rates just dipped for the second week in a row. Here are the numbers, the top 10 restaurants and the best events through Veterans Day.
South Valley real estate market update: September 2026
- 68 homes sold in September across zips 91403, 91423, 91436, 91604, vs 59 in Sept 2025 (+15.3%)
- 464 homes for sale at the end of September, vs 463 a year earlier (+0.2%)
- Zip 91436 (Encino): $2,165,000 median sale price, vs $2,505,000 in Sept 2025 (-13.6%)
- Zip 91436 (Encino): 19 days median on market, vs 30 a year ago
- October so far (through Oct 29): 60 sold and 428 for sale; zip 91436 median $1,665,000, 32 days
More sales than last year with about the same number of homes for sale. Buyers are active.
Source: TheMLS, single-family, Sep 2026 vs Sep 2025 (zips 91403, 91423, 91436, 91604); October figures month-to-date through Oct 29, 2026. Deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Mortgage rates this week for South Valley buyers: week ending Oct 23, 2026
Rates dipped for the second week in a row
The average 30-year fixed rate fell to 7.37%, down from 7.41% and the lowest in three weeks, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey. Mortgage applications rose 3.4% from the week before, and purchase applications rose 4%.
It’s a small move, and rates are still more than a point higher than a year ago. Still, it’s some relief for buyers. Curious what your payment looks like at today’s rate? Call or text me at 661-877-4162 and I’ll run the numbers.
Sources: Mortgage Bankers Association, CNBC. Data for the week ending Oct 23, 2026.
Top 10 restaurants in South Valley
Dining along Ventura Boulevard feels like traveling from one meal to the next. These are OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice favorites in Sherman Oaks, picked from verified diner reviews – French bistros, Italian trattorias, sushi and a James Beard–winning Thai spot. Tell us your favorite!
– Your neighbors, Andy & Rebekah
- Le Petit Restaurant
French · Sherman Oaks - Panzanella Ristorante
Italian · Sherman Oaks - Bacari Sherman Oaks
Italian · Sherman Oaks - Trattoria del Sole & Market del Sole
Italian · Sherman Oaks - Kaiju Sushi
Sushi · Sherman Oaks - Anajak Thai Cuisine
Thai · Sherman Oaks - Oliva Trattoria
Italian · Sherman Oaks - La Cava
Italian · Sherman Oaks - Petit Trois Le Valley
French · Sherman Oaks - Il Nido
Italian · Sherman Oaks
Source: OpenTable Diners’ Choice – diners’ favorite restaurants in Sherman Oaks (updated Oct 5, 2026). Restaurant links open in Google Maps.
Things to do in South Valley: events Oct 29 – Nov 11, 2026
North Hollywood Rec Center Halloween
Fri Oct 30 · 4–8 PM
Games and a movie screening for ages 5–12 at 11430 Chandler Blvd.
Studio City Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Parade
Fri Oct 30 · 4:30–6 PM
Dog costume parade at 4032 Whitsett Ave, Studio City.
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Fall Festival
Fri Oct 30 · 4:30–8:30 PM
Fall festival with a dog costume contest at 14201 Huston St, Sherman Oaks.
Haunt on the High Seas
Sat Oct 31 · 10 AM–2 PM
Pirate-themed Halloween at Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Blvd.
Encino Doggy Costume Contest
Sat Oct 31 · 1:30 PM
Dog costume contest at Encino Community Center.
Encino Village Halloween Block Party
Sat Oct 31 · 3–6 PM
Neighborhood block party; $20 suggested donation.
NoHo DooDoo Pet Parade
Sat Oct 31 · 6 PM
Pet costume parade at Willowcrest Ave & Huston St, North Hollywood.
51st Annual SFV CROP Hunger Walk
Sun Nov 1 · 1–3 PM
Walk to fight hunger from the Congregational Church of the Chimes, 14115 Magnolia Blvd, Sherman Oaks. Part of the money raised stays with local food pantries.
Station 97 Pancake Breakfast
Sat Nov 7 · 9 AM–12 PM
Free pancakes, fire engines and supercars with the firefighters of LAFD Station 97, 8021 Mulholland Dr, above Studio City. Donations welcome.
Living With Coyotes
Mon Nov 9 · 6–8 PM
A free talk on coyote safety and awareness at the Studio City Library.
Events from public sources. Times and details can change, so confirm before you go.
Every Finish Line, Together: Rebekah Takes 1st at Cal Tri LA
On Sunday, October 18, Rebekah lined up at Cal Tri LA in Playa del Rey and Marina del Rey – a 1,640-yard ocean swim, a 24.3-mile bike and a 6-mile run – and she brought home 1st place in the F35–39 division.
But the moment that got us wasn’t the podium. It was the finish chute. Our son William has crossed every single finish line with his mom since the day he was born, and this one was no different. Watching the two of them run it in together is the whole reason we do this.
A huge thank-you to Rebekah’s coach and our dear friend, Jacqueline Beaulieu, for every workout, every pep talk and every early morning. And thank you to all our friends and family who cheered, texted and prayed her across the line.
Racing is only one part of Rebekah’s story. She’s the author of The Growing Christian: Two Paths of the Christian Belief and the founder of Taking the Wins, a faith and postpartum community for moms in every season. She also co-founded our Christian apparel brand, Lord and Armor, with me. If you or someone you love could use some encouragement, start with her free 7-day devotional, 7 Days of Taking the Wins.
Looking at homes in South Valley?
Search South Valley homes for sale on entityrealty.com, or see events for every area we cover. Thinking about buying or selling? Talk to our team or call or text 661-877-4162. Find us on Instagram at @entityrealty.
Andy Martinez Jr., Owner/Broker · CA DRE #01978202 · CO Real Estate Lic. #EI.100111345 · Company NMLS #2371431 · Andy Martinez Jr., MLO NMLS #2171006. Entity Mortgage and Realty, 26254 Prima Way, Santa Clarita, CA 91350. Equal Housing Opportunity. Market information from TheMLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Events and restaurant details come from public sources and can change, so confirm before you go.