In the 1920s, became a private vacation spot for wealthy Hollywood celebrities.
Overview for Topanga, CA
16,370 people live in Topanga, where the median age is 47.4 and the average individual income is $79,674.38. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
16,370
TOTAL POPULATION
47.4 YEARS
MEDIAN AGE
HIGH
POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
$79,674.38
AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL INCOME
Living in Topanga
A hip, remote town nestled in the mountains in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains
Once inhabited by the Native American Tongva Tribe. Situated among the Santa Monica Mountains and bordering the Pacific Coast, its name aptly translates to “where the mountain meets the sea.” It was then settled by Mexicans and, in the 1920s, became a private vacation spot for wealthy Hollywood celebrities. Musicians and movie stars continued to gravitate towards Topanga, cementing it as a cultural landmark. To this day, it’s regarded as a bohemian enclave attracting artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives. Other neighborhoods near Topanga include Malibu, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades.
What to Love
- Calm way of life
- Beautiful scenery and experiences
- Opportunities to appreciate art and culture
- Lovely temperatures throughout the year
Local Lifestyle
The Topanga community was the epicenter of hippie culture in the 1960s and 1970s. The people there tend to be easy-going and passionate about their environment, often eating seasonally and organically. Locals enjoy hiking around the area. They also maintain the cultural legacy left behind by old Hollywood stars, and most residents appreciate the area’s musical, art, and film opportunities. While there is a lot to do in Topanga, it also maintains a small-town feel and is a great place for those who enjoy a tranquil lifestyle.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Topanga is home to wonderful and unique restaurants. Inn of the Seventh Ray is a restaurant inspired by nature both in its green, lush decor and seasonal, organic menu. Its garden seating and delicate lighting have helped make Inn of the Seventh Ray one of Los Angeles’ most romantic restaurants.
Cafe on 27 is a contemporary spot, offering brunch, salads, bowls, and light plates. Many menu items are modifiable for those with dietary restrictions, and most ingredients are organic. Waterlily Cafe serves pastries, wraps, and paninis in a vibrant, art-filled cafe.
Canyon Bistro and Wine Bar is an upscale, French-style restaurant. It occupies a chic and modern space full of artwork and often live jazz performances. Locals love to sit and listen to jazz over an interesting glass of wine. Locals also love Corazon Performing Arts, where passionate and eclectic artists are carefully selected to perform.
For shopping needs, Westfield Topanga is a large shopping mall with many big-name retailers and upscale options. Topanga is also home to many small, unique shops and boutiques– particularly inspired by nature. Topanga Homegrown, Jalan Jalan Imports, and Luv & Sunshine all offer one-of-a-kind jewelry and artwork.
Things to Do in Topanga
Topanga is brimming with arts and cultural opportunities. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is an open-air theater named after the English botanist John Parkinson. Folks from far and wide come to the botanicum for its various plays, and it is particularly renowned for its Shakespearean performances. And every year, the Topanga Film Institute hosts the annual Topanga Film Festival.
Locals also appreciate Topanga’s beautiful outdoor opportunities. Red Rock Canyon Park has gorgeous hiking trails lined with multicolored rock formations. For a breathtaking view of Topanga’s surrounding mountain ranges, the Top of the Topanga Overlook is a popular option.
Locals love Topanga’s annual Topanga Days Country Fair, where visitors enjoy a day of live performances and food trucks. Proceeds typically go to community institutions and nonprofits such as the Topanga Community Center. Earth Day is also a big day in Topanga, and every year folks gather to enjoy music, artwork, lectures, and workshops dedicated to our natural environment.
Topanga Schools
Students in Topanga are served by the Los Angeles Unified School District as well as various private institutions. They attend schools such as:
- Topanga Elementary Charter School
- City of Angels
- Manzanita School
- Calabasas High School
- Santa Monica College
Demographics and Employment Data for Topanga, CA
PopulationHouseholdsEmployment
Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 16,370 people call Topanga home. The population density is 485.72 and the largest age group is between 25 and 64 years old. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
16,370
TOTAL POPULATION
HIGH
POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
47.4
MEDIAN AGE
48.85 / 51.15%
MEN VS WOMEN
POPULATION BY AGE GROUP
0-9: 8.03%
0-9 Years
10-17: 11.35%
10-17 Years
18-24: 6.53%
18-24 Years
25-64: 53.92%
25-64 Years
65-74: 12.01%
65-74 Years
75+: 8.15%
75+ Years
EDUCATION LEVEL
1%
17%
82%
- Less Than 9th Grade70 (1%)
- Associate Degree780 (17%)
- Bachelor Degree3833 (82%)
Schools in Topanga, CA
All (3)
Primary Schools (1)
Middle Schools (1)
Mixed Schools (1)
The following schools are within or nearby Topanga. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
TYPE
NAME
CATEGORY
GRADES
SCHOOLRATING
22450 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA, 91302
Public
6th – 8th
4/5
22075 Topanga Sch Rd., Topanga, CA, 90290
Public
K – 5th
4/5
Manzanita School And Institute
1717 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA, 90290
Private
4th – 12th
No rating available