The city of Chatsworth is a surprising one. It's got some great hidden gems like Chatsworth Park…read moreSouth (North needs some love), Artvanta Art Museum (which needs some Yelp love ;) #AddABusiness if you've been) and Hand-Brewed Beer (just refreshing for craft brew enthusiasts).
And a lot of familiar chains like Ralph's, Dollar Tree, Vons, Trader Joe's, Grocery Outlet (my fav), Del Taco (fast food taco king in the SFV) and one of the cleanest Burger Kings I've set foot inside more than once.
The Anytime Fitness (so nice, clean and full of wonderful people) is just above the Chatsworth Metrolink station where you can also connect with several city and local busses as well as the Metro G Orange Line for the San Fernando Valley.
Like all cities there is some grime, grit, graffiti (though not as much) and interesting characters, but also some charm and history.
They have several public and private schools (almost 50/50) including Chatsworth High School which has a ton of notable alumni including Alex Borstein, Kirk Cameron, Lori Beth Denberg, basketball player Dwight Evans... and even Mr. CrossFit himself Greg Glassman.
In terms of living and housing it's a little more on the secluded side in parts as most residences are in small neighborhoods and communities. It's not as cost affordable though you can possible find a nice spacious studio under $2K, but you're looking at much more for a 1 bedroom and up for an apartment, condo or townhome.... though Northridge, which borders Chatsworth has some more reasonable property being a college city (CSUN).
I had a friend who lived up near the Garden of the Gods (trails and additional local flavor) and the old infamous Iverson Movie Ranch I'd visit a lot and got to see a lot of this city I never knew with some beautiful views.
It's easy to drive, cruise and take it all in. You can enjoy some good cuisines including Indian, Vegan, Thai, Japanese, Comfort, American, Mexican and numerous others. Vegan My Thai is a must, Woodlands on Topanga Canyon Blvd has an incredible Indian Buffet and Paint with A Twist (a paint and sip creative space) is high up on my must try list.
Topanga Nursery is great for plant enthusiast as well as Paradise Nursery, which lives up to its name and known more so for it's incredible fruit trues (planting + delivery services are available).
For entertainment you have the California Conservatory of Performing Arts, Harley's Valley Bowl in Simi Valley... not to far away from the Santa Susana Depot/Railroad Museum plus local Magician and DJs for your party bliss or pop-up events pleasure.
The closest movie theaters are the AMC Northridge, AMC Porter Ranch or Regency Granada Hills, but non directly in the city itself... for night/barlife you have more laidback or niche fun like the Cowboy Palace Saloon, The Rabbit Hole (technically in West Hills), 818 Brewery (Canoga Park), Olive & Fig (which borders West Hills, Canoga Park and Chatsworth) and a few others including several dive bar and venues, which can sometimes surprise you much like the city of Chatsworth itself.