Housing in Sunland is predominantly single-family, ranging from modest mid-century homes in the lower areas to larger hillside properties with mountain views and, in the upper reaches, equestrian zoning that allows residents to keep horses. The stock is established rather than newly developed, and lots tend to be larger than in many Valley neighborhoods, particularly as the streets climb toward the foothills. The area's semi-rural character, open space, and relative affordability within Los Angeles draw buyers seeking more room and a quieter setting. For those wanting a foothill lifestyle with horse facilities, Sunland is one of the city's more practical options.

Sunland is part of the larger Sunland-Tujunga community, and the two neighborhoods are closely linked by shared schools, a branch library, a neighborhood council, and civic organizations. Sunland occupies the western portion of the area, with residential streets rising from the valley floor into the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains and toward the Angeles National Forest. The upper hillsides are known for equestrian properties and larger lots, while the lower areas are more suburban. Big Tujunga Canyon and Mount Lukens anchor the area's northern edge, and the Angeles National Golf Club sits within the community, giving Sunland a distinctly foothill-oriented geography.

Sunland offers a foothill lifestyle that feels distinct from the flat, dense neighborhoods of the San Fernando Valley. The community has a semi-rural, outdoors-oriented character, with many residents keeping horses, hiking the nearby mountain trails, or golfing at the Angeles National Golf Club. Daily life balances the quiet of the foothills with the practical realities of being part of Los Angeles, and many residents commute to Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, or downtown. The neighborhood shares schools, a library, and civic organizations with adjacent Tujunga, giving it a cohesive small-town identity within the larger city, while the Angeles National Forest provides an immediate escape into open space.

Sunland is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school district in the nation. Students in the area attend local elementary and middle schools, and the Sunland-Tujunga community shares Verdugo Hills High School as its comprehensive high school. Some area schools offer specialized programs, including dual-language immersion, and families also have access to charter and private options. For higher education, residents can reach Los Angeles Valley College, Glendale Community College, California State University, Northridge, and other institutions across the region within a reasonable commute.

Sunland is connected to the Los Angeles region by the Foothill Freeway (Interstate 210), which runs along the southern edge of the area and links the neighborhood to Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, and the broader freeway network. The community is about 12 miles from Burbank and Glendale, and downtown Los Angeles is reachable in roughly 30 to 40 minutes, traffic permitting. Commuting is by car, and the area's foothill location means many residents travel to jobs in the Valley, Glendale, Burbank, or Pasadena. Bob Hope Airport in Burbank and Los Angeles International Airport provide air service within the region.

Recreation in Sunland is dominated by its mountain setting. The Angeles National Forest begins just north of the community, offering extensive hiking, mountain biking, and trail access through Big Tujunga Canyon and the slopes of Mount Lukens, one of the highest points in the city of Los Angeles. The Angeles National Golf Club provides golf with mountain views, and the community's equestrian zoning means horseback riding is part of life for many residents. Neighborhood parks and the shared facilities of Sunland-Tujunga round out local recreation, while the larger parks and cultural amenities of Los Angeles, including Griffith Park, are within a short drive.