Calabasas

Calabasas is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. It sits in the western part of the San Fernando Valley, near the Santa Monica Mountains, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The city encompasses rolling hills and canyons and is bordered by Malibu Creek State Park to the west and by the communities of Woodland Hills and Hidden Hills to the east.

Settled in the 19th century for ranching and farming, Calabasas drew its name from Calabasas Creek, with the name reflecting the Spanish term calabaza, meaning gourds or pumpkins. The area remained sparsely populated until postwar growth, and it incorporated as a city in 1991 after residents voted to form a municipal government.

Calabasas is primarily residential, with hillside homes and planned neighborhoods. It has a population of around 24,000 residents. Commercial activity centers on The Commons at Calabasas and along Las Virgenes Road and the 101 Freeway corridor, featuring shops, restaurants, and services. The local economy relies on retail, professional services, and commuting residents, and property values are typically high.

Public education is provided by the Las Virgenes Unified School District, including Calabasas High School. Private schools such as Viewpoint School operate within the city. Cultural and historic sites include Leonis Adobe in Old Town Calabasas, a 19th‑century ranch now operated as a museum. Old Town hosts community events, including an annual Founders Day festival.

Calabasas has a reputation as an affluent, family‑oriented community with a strong emphasis on preserving natural spaces and strict zoning. It is home to a number of celebrities and public figures who have chosen to reside in its hillside neighborhoods, contributing to its profile in the greater Los Angeles area. The city operates under a council–manager form of government.