The following interview is a part of Michelle Schwartz‘s series of interviews showcasing dynamic moms and dads and the neighborhoods they live in.
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Jen Levinson is the ‘supermom’ founder of Jen’s List, a popular subscription e-mail newsletter and website that shares the latest in family activities, kid-friendly products and services. A mother of five, including two sets of twins, Jen had the idea for her newsletter when she was on bed rest for five months awaiting the birth of her first set of twins. Strictly by word of mouth, the Jen’s List email/networking group has now grown to over 16,000 families (and growing) all around the LA area.
Jen was born and raised in Encino, CA, where she attended Birmingham High School, and graduated college from San Diego State University. She met her husband Mike in 2000 and they were married in 2002. Jen and her family live in Calabasas, an upscale community located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains just west of the San Fernando Valley. With a population of 23,000 people, Calabasas is a tight-knit community known for its great, family-friendly neighborhoods and for offering an exceptional California lifestyle, with an abundance of restaurants, shops and cafes as well as beautiful natural surroundings.
I caught up with Jen to learn more about Calabasas and what it’s like to live there as a busy mom of five.
You’re a lifelong SoCal resident, growing up in Encino and going to college in San Diego. You now live in Calabasas. What drew you to live in this neighborhood?
We chose Calabasas to buy a home because of the excellent school district, and it’s a very family friendly neighborhood. Plus the incredible public schools make it so that our five boys can get a great education in the Las Virgenes School District, without breaking the bank!
What are the best ways to keep your kids active in the neighborhood?
We participate in a lot of team sports. When the kids were younger, they spent a lot of time at Playsource and now go to Sky High Trampoline Park.
Would you say you live in a kid-friendly area?
Our neighborhood is full of kids. They have tons of friends of all ages. Definitely family friendly, for sure! Lots of good places to eat and go with the kids. We love Fresh Brothers, the mall, Islands and Red Robin.
Where are you and your husband’s favorite places to go without the kids?
We enjoy going to sushi, the movies, Island Foot Spa and Cinépolis. Anything quiet and relaxing, quite honestly!
Tell us about any rare gems or best-kept secrets in the area that make your life a bit easier.
We love to hike as a family. Typically we go the amazing hiking trails in Malibu and finish it up with the little places to eat in Topanga.
Share with us your quick, go-to places for the kids to shop and get haircuts?
Michelle Schwartz is a founding agent at The Agency, a Los Angeles native, a wife and mom of 2 (ages 3 & 19 mo). Having been born and raised in Beverly Hills, and now living in Studio City, she is savvy to the city as a whole and the nuances of the areas that make LA so special. Now with 2 young children, she is more and more aware of how her life revolves around the needs and conveniences of the children. Michelle has asked her friends to help her create this series to serve as a neighborhood resource for parents and soon-to-be parents in and around Los Angeles. Should you need any assistance or want more information on finding or selling a home, please feel free to contact Michelle.
