Southern California’s sunny weather, rolling hills, and awe-inspiring views are a horse rider’s dream. Equestrians familiar with the area’s striking landscapes are likely dying to explore on horseback. But with the real estate market as competitive as it is, finding the perfect horse property for sale in Los Angeles can be challenging.
Whether you’re looking for a ranch to move to from your current stables, are considering buying a few ponies for your children, or want a home with nearby equestrian centers, you’ll likely need some help navigating the real estate buying process. Check out our quick guide to horse property for sale in Los Angeles.
The first step toward finding the perfect horse property for sale in Los Angeles is understanding the laws regarding horse ownership. According to the Los Angeles Country Department of Regional Planning, residents may have one horse (or other hoofed animals) per every 5,000 square feet of property. This rule is for residential or agricultural zones and requires a minimum of 15,000 square feet of land per dwelling unit. There are different regulations for property zoned as heavy agriculture.
On top of the zoning laws, animal keepers may be required to have a public health license if they own five or more horses. Navigating these specific regulations regarding horses can be confusing, and it’s essential to look into location-specific laws before you make any purchases. A real estate agent who is familiar with horse properties can help ensure that the homes you’re looking at fit your needs.
Living in Burbank is one of the best opportunities for horse lovers who want their furry friends nearby while still living close to the city. In fact, Burbank is home to some of the most sought-after equestrian neighborhoods in the County of Los Angeles.
In Burbank, you’ll find the Rancho Equestrian District for those who want their horses to live right on their property. This area surrounds the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, a well-known stable that holds many horse events like polo matches and shows. It’s also near the trails of Griffith Park, home to miles and miles of horse trails. Homes with stables in this neighborhood are often snatched up off the market in record time as it’s not everywhere in LA you can ride your horse down the streets in your community.
The Glendale area also has neighborhoods that border Griffith Park, which is popular with horse riders thanks to the trails that offer unrivaled views of the LA basin. For example, Atwater Village Equestrian District has many riding centers, such as the Lincourt Stables, the Paddock Riding Club, the Saddle and Sirloin, and many others. You’ll even find the home of the LAPD Mounted Unit here.
The town recently made changes making it easier for horse riders to get from one of the many nearby equestrian centers to the horse trails of Griffith Park. This includes district signage and an equestrian bridge across the river.
Malibu is a true paradise for horse riders – you have the ocean on one side and the Santa Monica Mountains on the other. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers over 500 miles of horse trails, many of which offer sweeping ocean views.
Horse properties in Malibu can easily reach up to eight figures because they are in such high demand due to the beautiful scenery along the coast and Malibu Hills. Still, the area can make an excellent home for equestrians even if those options are out of your budget. There are plenty of riding clubs and boarding stables nearby.
Another area that offers the best of both worlds is Pacific Palisades, tucked between the breathtaking SoCal beach and Will Rogers State Historic Park, which offers views of LA and the ocean. Here you’ll find the Will Rogers Polo Club, home of the only outdoor polo field in Los Angeles.
Access to the club makes Pacific Palisades one of the best areas for polo enthusiasts to look for a horse property for sale in Los Angeles county. Homes with enough space for private stables in Pacific Palisades are rare and tend to get plucked off the market quickly. However, there are also many riding schools and stables in the area.
On the other side of the Santa Monica Mountains from Malibu is the Conejo Valley, an area that offers many ranch homes with space for horse stables. Some of these neighborhoods even have roads and signage to help accommodate residents riding in the area.
Calabasas, for example, has easy access to some of the finest parks and recreational areas in Conejo Valley. The neighborhood also offers epic mountain views, plus all of the city comforts families enjoy. You can find ranch-style homes available in Calabasas that have access to riding trails. Other neighborhoods in the Conejo Valley that are popular for horse properties include Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Hidden Valley.
The neighborhoods in LA that are perfect for horse properties are also some of the most popular communities. Unfortunately, the real estate market is hot, and with limited properties having lots large enough for private stables, finding the right horse property for sale in Los Angeles county can be tricky. Having an experienced real estate agent can help you find the horse property of your dreams in these highly competitive markets.
License # 01357520 Corp #02108068
License # 01357520 Corp #02108068
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