Buyers weighing the Conejo Valley against Pasadena, Glendale and Burbank find real differences in price, market pace and day to day life. Thousand Oaks had a median home price of roughly $994,000 to $1.0M in early 2026, while Pasadena's median sat near $1.3M. That gap of about $300,000 is the headline number, but schools, commute and how fast homes actually move matter just as much, so here is how the areas stack up.
Key Takeaways
- Thousand Oaks median home prices reach $1.0M compared to Pasadena's $1.3M and Glendale's $1.25M as of February 2026.
- Thousand Oaks public schools achieve 52% math proficiency and 66% reading proficiency, significantly outperforming California state averages of 34% and 47%.
- By one early 2026 measure, Thousand Oaks homes went pending in about 10 days versus 37 to 55 days in Pasadena, though other sources show longer timelines for Thousand Oaks and the wider Conejo Valley.
- Thousand Oaks residents average roughly 18 minutes to work and a median household income of $137,109, according to U.S. Census data.
Thousand Oaks median home prices reach $1.0M as of February 2026, compared to Pasadena's $1.3M and Glendale's $1.25M. Thousand Oaks homes went pending in about 10 days by one early 2026 measure, versus 37 to 55 days in Pasadena. Thousand Oaks schools show 52% math and 66% reading proficiency, exceeding California state averages of 34% and 47%.
What is the median home price in Thousand Oaks compared to other LA suburbs?
Thousand Oaks had a median sale price of about $1.0M as of February 2026, with homes going pending in roughly 10 days by one measure (other sources show 38 days or more). Either way, it sits below the other premium LA suburbs in this comparison on price. Pasadena is meaningfully pricier at a $1.3M median, with homes taking 37 to 55 days to sell. The longer market time likely reflects the higher price point and a smaller pool of qualified buyers. Glendale lands at roughly $1.25M, with homes moving in about 28 to 40 days. Burbank comes in at a $1.097M median, though that figure was up 15.1% year over year, a jump big enough that it may say more about the mix of homes sold in a given month than about underlying values. Purchase price is only part of the budget; the hidden costs of buying in Conejo Valley covers what else to plan for.
| Location | Median Home Price | Days on Market | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thousand Oaks | $994,000 - $1.0M | 10-38 days | -1.1% |
| Pasadena | $1.3M | 37-55 days | -3.7% |
| Glendale | $1.25M | 28-40 days | -5.1% |
| Burbank | $1.097M | 52 days | +15.1% |
Source: Zillow, Redfin, February 2026
How does the housing market in Conejo Valley compare to Pasadena and Glendale?
Zoom out to the whole Conejo Valley, a broader and pricier mix of communities than Thousand Oaks alone, and the picture shifts: a median of $1,116,250 as of November 2025, up about 3% year over year, with 444 active listings and homes taking around 65 days to sell. The higher median and slower pace than the Thousand Oaks figures above come from a different source, time period and geography, and point to a more balanced market than the frenzied pace of a few years ago. First-time buyers in the Conejo Valley benefit from this increased inventory and more reasonable timelines. Glendale leans more toward sellers: homes sold at 100.73% of asking on average with just 1.07 months of inventory, and 46.77% sold above asking, a slight decline from the prior year. Pasadena is steadier than either: median days to pending in the mid-30s and conditions that have been leveling off. Its buyer pool spans young professionals, families and retirees, which keeps competition consistent even as prices have softened a bit. On the softer side of the comparison, Thousand Oaks has a solid local coffee scene, from Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters in Newbury Park to Bonibi Coffee in Westlake Village and Philz in downtown Thousand Oaks.
Which suburbs offer the best schools and community amenities?
Thousand Oaks public schools significantly outperform state averages with 52% math proficiency (vs 34% statewide) and 66% reading proficiency (vs 47% statewide), according to data from GreatSchools, ranking in the top 20% of California public schools. Thousand Oaks High School maintains a 93% graduation rate with average SAT scores of 1300 and ACT scores of 29. For families seeking alternatives, charter schools in the Conejo Valley provide additional educational options. Glendale Unified School District earns an A grade from Niche, ranking in the top 23% of California districts, with standout schools including Clark Magnet High (#38 in the state) and Crescenta Valley High (top 150 in California). Three GUSD schools earned the 2026 California Distinguished School designation. The lifestyle amenities in Conejo Valley center around outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities. Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks has a network of mostly easy trails with good views from the mesa tops, and it connects to the popular Paradise Falls trail, which is manageable for families. For dinner, Phil's is a small upscale bistro with a seasonal menu, and Sadaf serves Persian cuisine.
What are the commute times and lifestyle differences between these areas?
Thousand Oaks residents average about 18 minutes to work, well under most of the LA area, helped by direct access to the 101 and 23 freeways. That average reflects where current residents work, though; anyone commuting into west LA or downtown should expect a very different number. Glendale sits on the 2, 134 and 5 freeways and is close to the Burbank studios, which makes it a natural fit for entertainment industry workers who still want a suburban feel. The lifestyle differences extend beyond commute convenience. Thousand Oaks maintains a median age of 44.7 years with median household income of $137,109, according to U.S. Census data, reflecting a mature, affluent community focused on family life and outdoor activities. Newer arrivals add to the appeal. Erewhon's first Ventura County location, at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, was slated to open in summer 2026 with produce from regional farms like Apricot Lane Farms and Harry's Berries. Purrrlandia Cat Lounge & Cafe at 728 N. Moorpark Road pairs a cafe with adoptable rescue cats. Makenna Koffee Company planned a second Conejo Valley location in Newbury Park for spring 2026, and IKEA's Plan & Order Point at 60 N. Moorpark Road offers design consultations and showroom browsing daily from 11am to 7pm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conejo Valley vs Pasadena Glendale Suburbs
Is Thousand Oaks more affordable than Pasadena for families?
Yes, by a meaningful margin. Thousand Oaks' median of roughly $994,000 is about $300,000 below Pasadena's $1.3M, based on early 2026 Redfin market data. That gap buys more house, a smaller mortgage or a bigger cushion, with schools that compare well.
Which area has better schools for children?
Both are strong. Thousand Oaks posts 52% math and 66% reading proficiency against California averages of 34% and 47%, and Glendale Unified ranks in the top 23% of state districts. The practical difference is that Thousand Oaks pairs that quality with lower housing costs.
How do commute times compare between these locations?
Thousand Oaks residents average about 18 minutes, which reflects that many work locally or elsewhere in Ventura County. Pasadena and Glendale sit much closer to downtown LA and the studios, so the better commute depends entirely on where your job is.
What lifestyle amenities differentiate Conejo Valley from other LA suburbs?
Conejo Valley emphasizes outdoor recreation and family-focused community life. Wildwood Regional Park offers accessible hiking trails close to town, and newer arrivals like Erewhon add upscale grocery options. Add lower crime rates, strong schools and plenty of open space, and you get a family oriented setting at a lower price than comparable LA suburbs.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Thousand Oaks?
Davis Bartels and DB Real Estate Group have closed 500+ transactions in the area since 2009. If a move between these markets is on your radar, happy to talk through how the numbers apply to your situation.
Contact Davis: davisbartels.com
