How a fictional jungle hero gave his name to a real Los Angeles neighborhood
In short: Tarzana was not always a suburban enclave. Before it became a residential hub for celebrities and families, the land was a massive ranch owned by the man who created Tarzan. Today, this San Fernando Valley neighborhood stands as a unique testament to the intersection of literary history and urban development.
The land that constitutes modern-day Tarzana has undergone dramatic transformations over the last two centuries. Following the establishment of the San Fernando Mission in 1797 and the subsequent transfer of the region from Mexico to the United States in 1848, the area evolved from mission territory into expansive cattle ranches. By the 1870s, investors had converted these grazing fields into large-scale wheat farms, setting the stage for the suburban expansion that would follow in the early 20th century.
The neighborhood’s distinct identity emerged in 1919 when Edgar Rice Burroughs, the author of the globally popular Tarzan novels, relocated his family from Illinois to Southern California. Captivated by the climate, Burroughs purchased a 550-acre tract of land from General Harrison Gray Otis, the founder of the Los Angeles Times. He established the Tarzana Ranch, eventually subdividing the property for residential development. This act of land management effectively cemented the literary character’s name into the geography of the San Fernando Valley.
Today, Tarzana is a sprawling neighborhood of 8.79 square miles with a population of 38,184 as of November 2025. It is characterized by a hot-summer Mediterranean climate and a relatively low population density compared to the rest of Los Angeles. The community is notably diverse, with a significant foreign-born population, particularly from Iran and Mexico. Beyond its history, the area remains a residential destination for professionals, athletes, and entertainers, maintaining a high median household income and a well-educated demographic, with over 40% of residents aged 25 and older holding a four-year degree.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Tarzana, Los Angeles
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