North Hills vs. Northridge: Which Fits a First-Time Buyer? (2026)

Quick answer: For many first-time buyers, North Hills West is the easier place to start on price. Its median sale price was $959,731 for the three months ending September 2026, compared with $1,099,692 in Northridge (Redfin). Northridge has far more homes selling each month and a lower price per square foot, which suggests the typical home that sells there is larger. Both are in the City of Los Angeles, so the same city programs and transfer tax rules apply to each.

Here's how the two compare, side by side, and how to decide which one fits you.

The Numbers, Side by Side

Three months ending Sep 2026	North Hills West	Northridge
Median sale price (all home types)	$959,731 (+0.8% from a year earlier)	$1,099,692 (-4.4% from a year earlier)
Median price per square foot	$554	$505
Median days on market	53	52
Homes sold in September	19	120
Sale-to-list price	101.3%	98.4%

Source: Redfin housing market data for North Hills West and Northridge, Los Angeles, viewed October 13, 2026. Redfin's neighborhood lines may not match the MLS or the boundaries you see on other sites.

What the Numbers Mean for a First-Time Buyer

Price. The typical North Hills West sale was about $140,000 less than the typical Northridge sale. If your budget is close to $1 million or below, North Hills West will usually give you more homes to choose from.

Size for the money. Northridge's price per square foot is lower, even though its median price is higher. That suggests Northridge sales lean toward bigger homes. If you need more space and can stretch your budget, Northridge may give you more square feet per dollar.

Choice. Northridge is a much bigger area, with about 120 homes sold in September compared with 19 in North Hills West. More sales means more homes to look at, but in North Hills West you'll want your financing ready so you can move when the right home comes up.

Negotiating. North Hills West homes sold for about 101% of list price on average, while Northridge homes sold for about 98%. In North Hills West, plan on offering close to full price for the right home. In Northridge, there may be a little more room to negotiate.

Is North Hills Part of Northridge?

No. North Hills and Northridge are separate neighborhoods, both in the City of Los Angeles. You'll see some 91343 homes listed online as "Northridge," because websites draw neighborhood lines differently. When you search, check the zip code and the actual location of each home, not just the neighborhood name on the listing. Read more in our North Hills West guide.

What's the Same in Both

• City programs. Both are in the City of Los Angeles, so eligible first-time buyers in either area can look at the Los Angeles Housing Department's Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) program: up to $161,000 on homes up to $956,465, per LAHD's program page. Both medians sit above that price cap, so LIPA buyers will be looking at the lower-priced homes in either area. North Hills West's median is much closer to the cap.
• State programs. The CalHFA MyHome program offers up to 3.5% of the price as a deferred junior loan, through a CalHFA-approved lender, in both areas.
• Transfer tax. The City of Los Angeles charges its own transfer tax on top of the county's, in both neighborhoods. It's usually paid by the seller, but it's negotiable, so it can show up in your offer terms.
• Housing types. Both have a mix of single-family homes, condos, and apartments. The home that fits you depends more on the street and the house than on the neighborhood name.

How to Decide

1. Start with a lender. Get your real price range and real monthly payment, and ask about LIPA and CalHFA if you think you might qualify.
2. List your must-haves. Bedrooms, yard, single-story or two-story, commute, and what you'd give up to stay in budget.
3. Search both. Set up one search that covers both areas with your real criteria, then compare actual homes, not averages.
4. Tour in person. Drive the streets at different times of day. Two homes a mile apart can feel very different.

New to buying? Start with our first-time buyer guide for North Hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North Hills cheaper than Northridge?
On median sale price, yes. For the three months ending September 2026, the median was $959,731 in North Hills West and $1,099,692 in Northridge, according to Redfin. Northridge's price per square foot was lower, so the typical home that sold there was likely larger.

Is North Hills part of Northridge?
No. They're separate neighborhoods in the City of Los Angeles, though some websites list 91343 homes as Northridge.

Can I use LIPA in North Hills and Northridge?
Both are in the City of Los Angeles, so eligible buyers can look at LAHD's LIPA program in either area. It offers up to $161,000 on homes up to $956,465. Confirm current terms with LAHD.

Which area has more homes for sale?
Northridge. About 120 homes sold there in September 2026, compared with 19 in North Hills West (Redfin).

Who can help me buy in North Hills or Northridge?
Steve Hise and Tricia Garcia of Real Estate Toolbox at eXp Realty. Tricia lives in North Hills. Call or text 805-424-6226 or schedule a call.

Related Articles

• North Hills West, Los Angeles (91343): Neighborhood Guide
• First-Time Home Buyer in North Hills: Where to Start
• Rent vs. Buy in North Hills: The Real Monthly Numbers
• California First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Ready to Compare Real Homes?

Tell us your budget and must-haves, and we'll set up a search across North Hills and Northridge, then tour the best fits with you in person. Schedule a call or call or text 805-424-6226.

Sources

• Redfin, North Hills West and Northridge (Los Angeles) housing market data, three months ending September 2026, viewed October 13, 2026.
• Los Angeles Housing Department, Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) program page, viewed October 12, 2026.
• California Housing Finance Agency, MyHome Assistance Program.

Steve Hise and Tricia Garcia, Real Estate Toolbox at eXp Realty
Steve Hise CA DRE #01702055 | Tricia Garcia CA DRE #02032007

Market figures change monthly. Program terms change; confirm current eligibility and limits with the program before you apply.