Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Hansen Dam
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Hansen Dam
Why two numbers? Long-term tenants (often in rent-stabilized units) pay less than today's asking prices. Budget from the asking rent, not the resident median.
Rent control: City of Los Angeleshas a Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). Most buildings first occupied before October 1978 limit annual increases for sitting tenants; newer buildings at least 15 years old fall under California's statewide cap (AB 1482). Check a specific address with the LA Housing Department's ZIMAS tool before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Hansen Dam scores for you
Checking your quiz profile…
Score Hansen Dam your way
Drag a slider to say how much each thing matters to you. The score updates live.
Want the real thing? Take the full quiz to factor in your budget and commute and rank Hansen Dam against every neighborhood.
Hansen Dam is a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood in the northeastern San Fernando Valley, built around the historic 1940 flood-control dam that gives the area its name. The dam and surrounding landscape were named after Homer and Marie Hansen, horse ranchers who settled here in the 19th century. Today, the neighborhood retains that rural character, with significant green space and a low-density feel that contrasts sharply with denser parts of LA.
The area is defined by its exceptional tree canopy, which ranks first among 114 LA neighborhoods and keeps streets naturally shaded year-round. Parks like Hansen Dam Park and Orcas Park provide outdoor recreation, but the neighborhood remains car-dependent and quiet, with minimal commercial activity or transit options. It appeals to renters seeking a residential retreat rather than urban walkability.
Living here
Day-to-day life here revolves around a car. There are almost no coffee shops, restaurants, or grocery stores within walking distance, so you will need to drive for most errands and dining. The neighborhood ranks 100th out of 114 in walkability and has no Metro rail access, making a vehicle essential. Traffic exposure is high relative to LA (ranking 93rd out of 114), so commuting during peak hours can be slow.
On the positive side, the tree canopy and parks create a peaceful residential environment. Air quality is moderate, ranking 52nd out of 114, which is close to the LA average. The neighborhood is quiet and green, suited to people who prioritize a calm setting and don't mind driving everywhere. Rent for a new lease currently averages about $2,691 per month, which is moderate compared to the LA median of $1,944.
Who it's for
Hansen Dam works best for renters who have a car and want to live in a quiet, green, low-density neighborhood away from urban hustle. It suits families or individuals prioritizing peace and tree-lined streets over walkability and nightlife. If you work nearby or are willing to commute, and value outdoor space and a slower pace, this neighborhood delivers. It is not a good fit if you rely on transit, prefer walkable neighborhoods with shops and restaurants, or want urban amenities nearby.
Environment & livability
Air quality: moderate diesel PM exposure for California.
Above the state median, linked to mild long-term respiratory risk in some studies. Worth considering for sensitive households.
Traffic exposure: high traffic corridor exposure.
This area is near major traffic corridors, linked to higher noise levels, diesel PM, and reduced street-level comfort.
Tree cover: good tree cover, with streets likely shaded.
Tree canopy reduces surface temperatures, absorbs noise, and is consistently linked to lower stress and higher neighborhood satisfaction in urban psychology research.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Hansen Dam
Population
17
Renters
0%
of households rent
Median age
34
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Hansen Dam
Hansen Dam Park · Orcas Park · The Bluffs at Hansen Dam
Check your commute from Hansen Dam
Enter your work (or any) address for real travel times from this neighborhood.
Similar neighborhoods
Next to Hansen Dam
What the census says about Hansen Dam
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe Hansen Dam; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 32 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 88%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1972
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 9%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 4%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 95%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 80%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 4 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 936
- total housing units
Averaged across 3 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Finding a place in Hansen Dam
Found a place you like? Score it against your priorities to see how well any address fits your budget and commute.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Hansen Dam?+
Yes, absolutely. The neighborhood has no Metro rail and ranks among the least walkable areas in LA, with virtually no shops or restaurants within walking distance. A car is essential for daily life.
What is there to do nearby?+
The main attractions are parks like Hansen Dam Park and Orcas Park, which offer trails and outdoor recreation. For dining, shopping, and entertainment, you will need to drive to the surrounding San Fernando Valley. The neighborhood itself is residential and quiet, not entertainment-focused.
How much will rent cost?+
New leases average about $2,691 per month as of May 2026, which is moderate compared to the LA average of about $1,944. Current residents pay a median of $1,642, but that reflects long-term tenants; budget from the asking rent if you are moving in.
Is the air quality and traffic manageable?+
Air quality ranks near the LA average (52nd out of 114), so it is moderate. Traffic exposure is high (93rd out of 114), meaning you may face congestion during commutes. If air quality or traffic are concerns, this area is less than ideal.
Is Hansen Dam walkable?+
Hansen Dam ranks #265 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Hansen Dam?+
A new lease in Hansen Dam typically asks around $2,691 per month (Zillow Observed Rent Index, all unit sizes blended). Current residents pay a median of about $1,642 (Census ACS), which includes long-term and rent-stabilized tenants, so expect asking prices closer to the first number.
How is the air quality in Hansen Dam?+
Hansen Dam has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 55 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Hansen Dam?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Hansen Dam are Eagle Rock, La Crescenta-Montrose, Hollywood Hills and Studio City.