Agoura Hills

Nestled amongst the Santa Monica Mountains, Agoura Hills is considered the western gateway to Los Angeles County. Originally inhabited by the Chumash Indians, the area was a well-known stagecoach stop for early settlers heading west thanks to its accessibility to well water. In 1927, Paramount Pictures purchased a ranch and started making movies; hence, the town became known as Picture City, having drawn the likes of silent film star Laura LaPlante (for whom a street was named), Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, and Claudette Colbert. The town was renamed by the Post Office to Agoura Hills after French settler Pierre Agoure. In 1982, the residents voted to officially incorporate the 7.9-square-mile region, making Agoura Hills Los Angeles County's 82nd city. Today, Agoura Hills is a flourishing, family-friendly community known for its award-winning schools, lush and beautiful parks, biking and hiking trails, and burgeoning businesses. The area has become one of the most desirable places to live in Los Angeles, yet the population remains relatively low at approximately 20,000 residents.

Author Susan M. Pascal is a journalist and editor currently raising a family in Agoura Hills. Pascal, with her husband, David, and two children, moved to Agoura Hills for its Blue Ribbon schools.