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October 2026 Topanga Market Report

Current Topanga Listings

Featured Land Listings

Recently Sold

Our Blog

🌧️ When the Rain Comes to Topanga

If you’ve lived in Topanga for any length of time, you know how quickly a heavy storm can change things here. The creek comes up, water starts moving across the roads, rocks and mud can come down the hillsides, and a route that was fine earlier in the day can suddenly become difficult or unsafe.

This CBS Los Angeles video was filmed during the February 2024 atmospheric river, when heavy rain sent water rushing through parts of the canyon and turned some roads into fast-moving streams. It’s worth watching, especially with a strong El Niño developing for this winter, because it shows how quickly conditions can change when Topanga gets a lot of rain in a short period of time.

No one knows exactly what this winter will bring, but Topanga’s steep hillsides, narrow roads, creek crossings, and history of flooding and mudslides make it especially important to pay attention when storms are in the forecast.

Before the heavier rains arrive, it’s a good time to make sure you’re signed up for emergency alerts, clear drains and areas where water needs to flow around your property, know your alternate routes in and out of the canyon, and have a plan in case road conditions or evacuation warnings change quickly.

A little preparation ahead of time can make a big difference when the rain really starts coming down.

Watch: Streets in Evacuated Topanga Canyon Turn Into a Rushing River

📚 Topanga Library

📖 Smarty Pants Storytime
Get ready for school with stories, songs, rhymes and movement! Little ones will have fun while building early learning and school readiness skills. For children ages 2–5 accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

📅 Mondays, November 2, 9, 16 & 23 • 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
📍 Topanga Library, Children’s Area
👧 Ages 2–5 with a parent or caregiver
🎟️ Advance registration available

🎀 Hello Kitty® and Friends Craft Social
Slow down and get creative with a relaxing cardmaking session inspired by Hello Kitty and Friends. Create personalized cards using stamps, paper accents and scrapbooking tools. Supplies are available while they last.

📅 Saturday, November 7 • 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
📍 Topanga Library Meeting Room
👤 Adults 18+
🎟️ Supplies available while they last

🖤 Kuromi™’s Pixel Studio
Create a fuse bead design inspired by Kuromi and her friends, then turn it into a keychain or keepsake. A fun, hands-on workshop for adults who enjoy crafts and creative projects.

📅 Monday, November 9 • 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
📍 Topanga Library Meeting Room
👤 Adults 18+
🎟️ Supplies available while they last

💖 Hello Kitty® and Friends: Friendship Bracelets
Celebrate friendship and kindness by creating colorful bracelets and thoughtful notes to share with someone special. A fun afternoon of creativity for young crafters.

📅 Tuesday, November 10 • 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
📍 Topanga Library Meeting Room
👧 Ages 5–12
🎟️ Advance registration available

🧵 Hello Kitty® and Friends Embroidery Workshop
Learn simple embroidery stitches while creating a personalized piece inspired by a favorite Hello Kitty and Friends character. This hands-on workshop is designed for adults of all experience levels.

📅 Thursday, November 12 • 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
📍 Topanga Library
👤 Adults 18+
🎟️ Supplies available while they last

🐻 Make Your Own Animal Pal
Create a playful paper-bag animal puppet while building early learning skills. Give your new friend a name, prepare it for its forever home and learn about keeping pets happy and healthy.

📅 Monday, November 30 • 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
📍 Topanga Library Meeting Room
👧 Ages 2–5 with caregivers
🎟️ Advance registration available

🔗 Details & Registration for all Library events HERE

🌿 The Canyon Sages 

(Senior Programs + Events + Wellness)

The Canyon Sages offer regular programs for older adults in Topanga, with movement, music, meditation, book club, dancing, and social time throughout the month. Some events meet at the Topanga Community Center, while others are hosted on Zoom or at a private home. Check the Canyon Sages calendar for details before attending.

💃 Learn Argentine Tango!

Barbara Webb leads a weekly introduction to Argentine tango in a relaxed Topanga setting. The class is open to anyone interested in learning the basics, and participants should wear shoes or socks that allow them to pivot comfortably.

📅 Sundays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 • 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
📍 Barbara Webb’s house
👤 Leader: Barbara Webb
📞 RSVP: 213-448-8330

💪 Balance and Strength

Kat High leads this weekly class focused on improving balance, strength and stability for older adults. The exercises are designed to help with everyday movement while building confidence and reducing the risk of falls.

📅 Mondays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
📍 Sages Room, Topanga Community Center
👤 Leader: Kat High
✉️ katcalls@aol.com

🎶 Introduction to Ukulele

Learn the basics of playing ukulele in this weekly online class led by Melanie Kareem. It’s an approachable way for beginners to get comfortable with the instrument while learning chords, rhythm and simple songs.

📅 Mondays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 • 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
📍 Via Zoom
👤 Instructor: Melanie Kareem
✉️ melanie@getstartedplayingukelele.com

🧘 Gentle Yoga

Justine Lewis leads a gentle weekly yoga class designed to support flexibility, balance, breathing and comfortable movement. The slower pace makes it especially well suited to older adults and anyone who prefers a more accessible yoga practice.

📅 Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17 & 24 • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
📍 Topanga Community Center, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Blvd.
👤 Instructor: Justine Lewis
✉️ jlewis@visibleleadership.com

🪑 Yoga/Chair Yoga

Lola Babalon leads this weekly class with movements that can be adapted for participants who prefer the support of a chair. The practice focuses on gentle stretching, flexibility and mindful movement.

📅 Thursdays, November 5, 12, 19 & 26 • 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
👤 Leader: Lola Babalon
✉️ lola4babalon@yahoo.com

🧘‍♀️ Meditation

Join Frank Harper for a weekly online meditation gathering. Take time to slow down, practice mindfulness and enjoy a peaceful pause in the week from the comfort of home.

📅 Thursdays, November 5, 12, 19 & 26 • 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
📍 Via Zoom
👤 Leader: Frank Harper
✉️ f.harper@yahoo.com

📚 Canyon Sages Bookclub

Enjoy an afternoon of books and conversation with fellow Canyon Sages. Led by Janice Harmon, this monthly gathering is an opportunity to share perspectives and connect with other local readers.

📅 Thursday, November 12 • 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
📍 Sages Room, Topanga Community Center
👤 Leader: Janice Harmon

🩺 Medicare Presentation with Bruce Johnston

Join Canyon Sages for an online Medicare presentation with Bruce Johnston. This session offers an opportunity to learn more about Medicare and hear information relevant to those navigating their coverage options.

📅 Wednesday, November 18 • 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
📍 Via Zoom • Link to be provided before the event
👤 Presenter: Bruce Johnston

🎵 Canyon Sages Song Circle

Spend an afternoon sharing songs and making music with neighbors at the Topanga Community Center. The Song Circle is a welcoming opportunity to connect through music and enjoy time together.

📅 Thursday, November 19 • 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Topanga Community Center, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Blvd.
👤 Contact: Linnea Richards
✉️ linric10@hotmail.com

🔗 Details for all events HERE

🎤 Karaoke

Grab the mic for an adults-only karaoke night at the Topanga Community Center, with three hours of singing, music, and a beer and wine bar for guests 21 and over. Tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance, so it’s worth grabbing yours online before heading over.

📅 Saturday, November 7 • 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
📍 Topanga Community Center
👤 Ages 18+
🍺 Beer & wine bar • 21+ with ID
🎟️ $10 online • $12 at the door
♿ Stroller & wheelchair accessible
🔗 Details & Tickets HERE

🎨 Watercolor Magic & Music

Tuesday mornings at Endless Color combine watercolor painting with a different musical soundtrack each week. Will Henry provides watercolor instruction and creative guidance while leaving plenty of room to experiment, and all of the painting supplies are included.

📅 Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17 & 24 • 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
📍 Endless Color, 123 S Topanga Canyon Blvd.
👤 Instructor: Will Henry
🎟️ $20 per person • Supplies included
🔗 Details & Registration HERE

🍂 Inn of the Seventh Ray

🎨 Watercolor Wednesdays in Topanga Canyon

Spend a couple of hours painting in the garden setting at the Inn of the Seventh Ray with the Topanga Plein-Air Art Meetup Group. Beginners and more experienced painters are welcome, and supplies are provided for this relaxed weekly watercolor gathering led by Will Henry.

📅 Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18 & 25 • 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

📍 Inn of the Seventh Ray

👤 Instructor: Will Henry

🎟️ $15 to $20 suggested donation • Supplies included

🔗 Details HERE

🤝 Topanga Chamber Morning Mixer

Start the morning with coffee, breakfast and conversation at the Inn of the Seventh Ray. The Chamber’s monthly mixer is open to Topanga residents, local business owners, nonprofits and home-based businesses, making it an easy way to meet people and stay connected with what’s happening around the canyon.

📅 Wednesday, November 11 • 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM

📍 Inn of the Seventh Ray

🔗 Details HERE

🌶️ Topanga Swap Meet & Chili Cook-Off

The annual Topanga Swap Meet returns with local vendors, live music, homemade chili, and a pie contest at the Community Center. Browse used household goods and clothing, sample the cook-off entries, or sign up for a booth, the chili competition, or the pie contest if you’d rather join in.

📅 Saturday, November 14 • 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
📍 Topanga Community Center
🎶 Live music
🌶️ Chili judging • 12:00 PM
🥧 Pie judging • 11:00 AM
🎟️ Free admission for shoppers
🛍️ Vendor booths • $63.60 non-members • $42.61 TCC members
🌶️ Chili Cook-Off entry • $26.50
🥧 Pie Contest entry • $5.30
🔗 Details & Signups HERE

Creekside in Old Topanga:
Living Beneath a 350-Year-Old Heritage Oak

Set along Old Topanga Canyon Road, this two-bedroom, two-bath home sits beneath a 350-year-old heritage oak that stretches across much of the backyard. The fully fenced property has mature gardens, flat usable yard space in both the front and back, several decks, and a creekside setting. A sunken hot tub sits beneath the oak, surrounded by the garden and shaded by the tree’s enormous canopy.

Inside are hardwood floors, exposed beams and wood ceilings, skylights, French doors, and a wood-burning stove in the main living area. The kitchen has been remodeled, and individual split systems in each room provide heating and cooling throughout the house. There is also a separate-entry lower-level room with direct access to the backyard, along with a laundry area on the same level.

Two detached structures provide additional space for an office, studio, workshop, storage, or other uses. Between the creek, the gardens, the decks, the usable yard, and an oak that has been there for centuries, the property has many of the features people hope to find in Old Topanga and very few properties can actually offer all in one place.

Learn more HERE

🏡 November 2026 Topanga Market Outlook

Where the Market Is

Topanga is heading into November firmly in a buyer’s market, and the latest numbers leave little doubt about who’s holding the negotiating power. As of October 23, there were 82 listings in the MLS, up from 67 in late August, with asking prices ranging from $699,000 to $7,450,000.

What’s particularly striking is how long homes are staying on the market. Of the 78 active listings, 34 have been available for at least 90 days, including 12 that have passed the 180-day mark. Meanwhile, the latest report shows only 1 pending sale and 6 properties active under contract.

Sales haven’t kept up with inventory. From August through October 23, there were 11 recorded closings, and 9 sold below their final asking prices. The differences varied considerably. At one end, 21513 Highvale Trail sold for $1,263,000 after being last listed at $1,149,000. At the other, 437 Short Trail closed at $800,000 after being last listed at $1,100,000.

Those sales illustrate something important about Topanga. Buyers aren’t treating every property the same. They’re willing to pay for a home that meets their needs, but they’re also prepared to walk away from a property they believe is overpriced. With so many alternatives available, sellers can no longer count on limited inventory to make up for an ambitious asking price.

Price adjustments have become increasingly common, and comparing recent MLS reports reveals some notable changes.

• 21149 Entrada Rd was $4,395,000, now $3,995,000

• 21269 Entrada Rd was $2,600,000, now $2,295,000

• 21625 Saddle Peak Rd was $2,695,000, now $2,495,000

• 21254 Colina Dr was $2,700,000, now $2,525,000

• 20939 Hillside Dr was $1,849,000, now $1,700,000

• 1421 Fernwood Pacific Dr was $1,795,000, now $1,695,000

• 20634 Medley Ln was $2,075,000, now $1,995,000

• 2411 N Topanga Canyon Blvd was $1,499,000, now $1,449,000

Some of these properties have been relisted under new MLS numbers, which is worth paying attention to. A listing that appears relatively new isn’t necessarily a home that’s only recently come onto the market. Looking at the full pricing and listing history often tells a different story.

The Bigger Picture

Topanga isn’t alone in experiencing a slower housing market. Higher borrowing costs and affordability concerns are affecting buyers throughout California and across the country.

Freddie Mac reported an average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 7.32% on October 22, compared with 6.19% a year earlier. That increase makes a meaningful difference in monthly payments, especially in a market where many homes cost well over $1 million.

The California Association of REALTORS® reported that statewide home sales fell 6.5% in September compared with a year earlier. Nationally, pending home sales declined 7.3% from August to September, reflecting weaker buyer demand and the continued effects of higher mortgage rates.

These national and statewide figures don’t determine what an individual Topanga property is worth, but they help explain the slowdown we’re seeing locally.

Topanga also presents challenges that buyers don’t encounter in many conventional neighborhoods. Homeowners insurance, septic systems, access, drainage, permits, and fire safety can all affect the cost and practicality of owning a property. When inventory was scarce, buyers sometimes had fewer alternatives. Today, they can afford to be much more particular about those details.

For Buyers

If you’ve been hoping to buy in Topanga, this is one of the more favorable markets we’ve seen in quite some time. There’s a substantial selection of homes, sellers are adjusting prices, and buyers have considerably more room to negotiate.

I’d pay particular attention to properties that have been sitting for several months or have gone through multiple price changes. That doesn’t automatically make them bargains, but it can indicate that a seller may be more receptive to an offer that reflects today’s market.

It’s equally important to look beyond the asking price. A house with a beautiful setting might still need expensive septic work, repairs, drainage improvements, or insurance coverage that costs more than expected. A significant reduction doesn’t necessarily make a property a good purchase if those expenses haven’t been considered.

This is a good time to be thorough, ask questions, obtain estimates, and negotiate terms that make sense. There’s far less reason to compromise simply because you’re afraid another buyer will get there first.

That said, well-priced properties can still attract competition, as some recent sales demonstrate. The advantage today is having more time and information to recognize the difference between a genuinely good opportunity and a property that’s merely been reduced.

For Sellers

Selling in Topanga today requires a different approach than it did during the more competitive years. Buyers have choices, and they’re taking full advantage of them.

One of the biggest problems I’m seeing in the numbers is the amount of inventory that’s been sitting for months. When a property has been available for 90, 180, or even 400 days, it’s worth taking a serious look at why buyers haven’t responded.

Sometimes the price is the primary obstacle. Other times it’s the property’s condition, access, insurance, documentation, or the amount of work a buyer anticipates taking on. Often it’s a combination.

Simply reducing the price by a small amount every few weeks isn’t always enough to change the situation. A more meaningful adjustment, combined with better presentation or clearer information about the property, may be necessary to attract serious interest.

Topanga homes have always been individual. The land, privacy, architecture, outdoor space, and character can make two properties with similar square footage completely different in value. But those differences need to be reflected realistically in the asking price.

Sellers who understand their competition, address potential concerns early, and price according to current conditions have a much better chance of selling than those waiting for the market to return to where it was a few years ago.

Looking Ahead

I expect the buyer’s market to continue through November and into the final weeks of 2026. With inventory elevated, sales activity limited, and mortgage rates still weighing on affordability, there’s little in the current numbers to suggest a sudden shift back in sellers’ favor.

The holidays may bring fewer new listings and some existing properties may be withdrawn until next year. But a drop in inventory alone wouldn’t necessarily signal an improving market. What matters is whether more homes are actually going under contract and closing.

For motivated buyers, the coming weeks could offer worthwhile opportunities, particularly with sellers who would prefer to complete a sale before the end of the year. For sellers, it may mean making a realistic decision about pricing now rather than carrying an unsold listing into 2027.

I’ll be watching closed sales, properties going under contract, price changes, and mortgage rates closely as we move toward the new year.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Topanga, I’m always happy to discuss your options and help you understand what the current market means for your particular property or situation.

👨‍🌾 Topanga Farmers Market

Certified market with local, often organic producers and makers. Expect peak-season produce, fresh bread and pastries, flowers, pantry staples, small-batch foods, and occasional live music.

📅 Every Friday • 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

📍 Topanga Community Center
🔗 Details HERE

👩‍🍳 Chef Rashi D’Lugoff — The Village Kitchen

Topanga local chef offering bespoke catering and personal-chef menus that match your vision, with warm, seamless service for you and your guests.

• Services: Personal chef and catering for family gatherings, birthdays, and small events
• Serving: Topanga, Malibu, and nearby communities
✉️ rashidlugoff@yahoo.com 
📞 Call/Text: (310) 424-8486
🔗 Facebook

🎶 Free Introductory Ukulele Lessons with Melanie Lawson Kareem

Melanie Lawson Kareem teaches beginner ukulele lessons for retired adults and anyone who has always wanted to play but never learned. Her original “Melanie Method” is designed for true beginners, with daily live Zoom lessons from home, a 7-Day Free Trial, and a friendly group setting for students across the country. The beginner Zoom lesson runs from 1:45 PM to 2:00 PM Pacific Time, with the next level immediately after from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Pacific Time. Local adults can also find Melanie at the Topanga Farmers Market, where she offers free, on-the-spot introductory lessons.

📅 Fridays • 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
📍 Topanga Farmers Market
💻 Daily live Zoom lessons available from home
🔗 GetStartedPlayingUkulele.com
🎥 Watch a short video HERE
✉️ melanie@getstartedplayingukulele.com
📞 310-403-3159

🌮 La Chingona Tacos

Handmade organic corn tortillas with tacos, bowls, and salads, plus vegan and gluten-free options. Casual, community vibe with house salsas and from-scratch prep.

📅 Tuesdays & Fridays • 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📅 Sundays • 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Hidden Treasures, 152 S Topanga Canyon Blvd

📸 Instagram
🔗 lachingonatacos.com

🌄 Topanga Historical Society

The Topanga Historical Society plays an important role in preserving the people, places, photographs, recordings, and stories that make the canyon so distinctive. Through talks, films, gatherings, publications, and special programs, the Society gives residents the opportunity to learn more about Topanga’s past while connecting with others who care about the community and its history.

Becoming a member is one of the easiest ways to support that work and take part in the many interesting events the Society hosts throughout the year. Annual memberships begin at only $20, with individual, family, contributing, sustaining, patron, and lifetime options available.

Membership helps ensure that Topanga’s stories and archives are preserved for future generations while also supporting the programs that bring those stories back into the community.

🙋 Become a member HERE

📖 Get The Topanga Story book HERE

🗣️ See past events and speakers HERE

🐾 Used Pets

A small, independent rescue with adoptable cats and dogs, including puppies, kittens, seniors, and special needs pets. They specialize in giving second chances to animals who need them most.

• See available pets HERE
• Read reviews HERE
📞 Call/Text Cate at (310) 344-3869
✉️ usedpets@icloud.com

RockRose Risk clients save 21–35% on wildfire insurance. As the brokerage built for the climate-risk era, we quantify property-level mitigation and translate it into language underwriters trust. Serving residential homeowners, high-value estates, and commercial properties nationwide. Carriers want the risk we bring them.

📞 (878) 778-7998
✉️ info@rockroserisk.com
📍 1300 First Street, Suite 368, Napa, CA 94559
🔗 rockroserisk.com

❓ Before it became Topanga Mineral Springs, what was the name of the inn located at the big curve near Santa Maria Road?

Hint: Its proprietor, retired Baptist minister Alva Gustavus, built a small chapel behind the inn in 1926.

Last month’s question: What was the name of the community hall that occupied the former 1925 Topanga School building at 1105 N Topanga Canyon Blvd before its restaurant era?

Answer: It was Prier Hall, home of American Legion Post 796. The former school later entered its restaurant era as The Goldrush, followed by Shemrun and eventually Froggy’s.

🌶️ Eat With the Season: 

Creamy One-Pan Chipotle Chicken

Ingredients: 
• 3 tbsp neutral oil, divided  
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 8 to 9 oz each  
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper  
• 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided  
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped, about 2/3 cup  
• 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped  
• 2 tbsp canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped  
• 1 tsp adobo sauce from the can  
• 1 tbsp tomato paste  
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin  
• 3/4 tsp dried Mexican oregano  
• 1 cup unsalted chicken broth  
• 1 cup heavy cream  
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems  
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice  
• 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, optional  

For Serving:
• Cooked rice  
• Warm tortillas  
• Roasted vegetables  
• Extra lime wedges, if you like  

Instructions:
1. Season the chicken on both sides with black pepper and 1 1/2 tsp salt.  

2. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until well browned on the first side, about 8 minutes. Flip and cook the second side for about 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.  

3. Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil and the onion. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes.  

4. Add garlic, chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, tomato paste, cumin, and oregano. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly darkened, about 2 minutes.  

5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes.  

6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes.  

7. Return the chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet. Simmer, turning the chicken halfway through, until cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes more.  

8. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Sprinkle with Cotija, if using, and serve with plenty of the creamy chipotle sauce spooned over the chicken.  

Serving Suggestions:
🍚 Spoon the chicken and plenty of sauce over steamed rice  
🌮 Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas for scooping up the sauce  
🥦 Add roasted vegetables for an easy complete dinner  
🥑 Top with sliced avocado to balance the smoky heat  
🧀 Add Cotija for a salty, tangy finish  
🍋 Serve with extra lime wedges if you like a little more brightness  

Tip: Chipotles in adobo can be fairly spicy. For a milder version, use 1 tbsp chopped chipotle instead of 2 tbsp, but keep the full teaspoon of adobo sauce for that smoky flavor. If you can’t find Mexican oregano, use about 1/2 tsp regular dried oregano instead. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce gets too thick.

📰 Want to be included in next month’s newsletter?

If you have a local event, class, concert, recipe, or anything Topanga-worthy coming up, we’d love to feature it in next month’s issue.

📨 Please send it at least one week before the end of the month. The newsletter goes out the morning of the 1st each month.

📬 Reach us HERE