Santa Clarita is a master-planned city in northern Los Angeles County, known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, scenic surroundings, and high quality of life. Located about 35 miles northwest of Downtown Los Angeles, it offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to urban amenities, while maintaining a distinctly self-contained, small-town atmosphere. With its strong school system, expansive parks, and low crime rates, Santa Clarita consistently ranks among the best places to live in Southern California.
Formed in 1987 through the unification of several communities—including Valencia, Newhall, Canyon Country, and Saugus—Santa Clarita has grown into the third-largest city in Los Angeles County by population. Each of its communities retains its own identity and charm, contributing to the city’s unique blend of character and diversity. Despite its size, the city is known for being well-organized, with clean streets, carefully planned development, and an overall sense of order and safety.
One of the defining features of Santa Clarita is its commitment to green space and outdoor recreation. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Angeles National Forest and the Santa Clarita Woodlands Park. More than 80 miles of biking and hiking trails, along with dozens of public parks, encourage residents to stay active and connected to nature. Central Park, a local favorite, regularly hosts concerts, sports leagues, and community events. The Santa Clara River Trail and paseos throughout Valencia provide scenic, car-free routes ideal for jogging or biking.
Santa Clarita’s neighborhoods are largely composed of single-family homes, townhouses, and newer condo developments, with architectural styles ranging from traditional suburban to Spanish-inspired designs. Master-planned communities like Valencia are especially known for their amenities—pools, playgrounds, walking paths, and access to top-rated schools. These features make the area especially appealing to families, and the city’s growth has been largely fueled by people seeking more space and comfort than what’s typically available in central Los Angeles.
Education is a strong point for Santa Clarita. The city is served by multiple high-performing school districts and is home to College of the Canyons and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), a globally respected arts institution that contributes to the city’s cultural richness. The presence of CalArts gives the city a creative energy not often found in suburban areas, and many artists and designers maintain studios or teaching roles in the area.
Economically, Santa Clarita supports a healthy mix of retail, professional services, healthcare, and entertainment. The city is home to several major corporate employers, and its proximity to the Valencia Industrial Center provides thousands of jobs in manufacturing, tech, and logistics. Six Flags Magic Mountain, a world-renowned amusement park, is also located here, drawing tourism and serving as a local entertainment staple.
Santa Clarita is also well connected to the rest of Southern California. The Metrolink commuter train offers direct service to Downtown Los Angeles, making it possible for residents to live in Santa Clarita while working in the city. Major freeways such as the 5 and 14 intersect nearby, giving drivers efficient access to the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, and beyond.
The city’s leadership places a strong emphasis on sustainability, public safety, and civic engagement. It has earned a reputation for efficient governance, with well-maintained infrastructure, proactive policing, and a commitment to community development. Events like farmers markets, holiday parades, and summer concerts help foster a strong sense of belonging and civic pride.
Santa Clarita is a place where suburban comfort meets natural beauty, and where a well-structured community fosters both growth and connection. Its combination of family-focused living, outdoor amenities, and economic opportunity continues to make it one of the most desirable places to call home in the Greater Los Angeles area.