I feel like whenever people talk about living in LA, the Valley gets dismissed pretty quickly because of the heat, traffic (and yeah it sucks) and the whole “it’s not really LA” attitude.
But rents seem to be a little more reasonable, you usually get more space, parking seems easier. Not sure about the night life and food spots.
How do you feel about the Valley?
Underrated if you actually need a bedroom and a parking spot. Overrated if you think you’re still “in the mix.”
A friend moved to NoHo for the space and now every plan is “meet us on the other side.” I guess the apartment is nicer. The night is not.
I was surprised when I went up for the first time and saw all the prostitution on Sepulveda Blvd. Like it’s normal. 
The valley has certainly a different vibe, but some of the food spots like Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen are actually top.
The Valley is flatter, hotter, more spread out, more parked cars than street life. You feel the difference the second you come over Cahuenga, Laurel Canyon, or the 405.
The Valley has some very upscale areas like Calabasas, Hidden Hills or Bell Canyon, but don’t expect cheaper rents over there.
The San Fernando Valley isn’t that bad.
I have friends who love living there and don’t want to make the move over the hill. Some enjoy the space more than the action. People seem to be more down to earth and there are actually nice neighborhoods.
The traffic to the Valley is horrific, the heat exhausting, but I like the calmer vibes sometimes. The food there is also great. There are more of these little run family places. I love Tacos El Arbitro (Arleta) for example. Not everything is black and white.
Would I move there and leave WeHo? Nope, but I guess that wasn’t the question. 
There are worse places in LA County. The Valley is huge, some areas are better than others, but even the bad areas don’t compare to places like Watts. 
Yeah.. “not really LA”.. are mostly people who are too judgmental and ignorant. The Valley is LA. It’s just LA with strip malls, worse summers and a 45-minute penalty every time you want to do anything after 8. 
It’s actually considered “normal” on Sepulveda. Wouldn’t be my vibe either, but as others mentioned, Sepulveda isn’t the entire Valley.
Some areas are very upscale. Just a bit far from everything.
Same with some of my friends. That said, most of them don’t need to commute far for work. I bet otherwise it would be a different story.
That makes literally the difference, yes.
I like going to the Valley. It’s obviously a very different vibe to what I have in downtown. More calm, different types of restaurants, different types of people. There is a lot to explore as well.
I considered the San Fernando Valley when I moved to L.A., but felt the drive wasn’t worth it. Not regretting that choice.