Moving to Santa Clarita, California: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide
Considering moving to Santa Clarita, California? Located just north of Los Angeles, Santa Clarita offers excellent schools, master-planned communities, and family-friendly atmosphere. This comprehensive relocation guide will provide you with valuable insights into the demographics, economy, and other pertinent information to help you make an informed decision about moving to Santa Clarita.
Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Santa Clarita:
Santa Clarita is a city located in northwestern Los Angeles County, California. With a population of approximately 228,000 residents, it is the third-largest city in Los Angeles County. Santa Clarita is actually a consolidated city comprising several communities including Valencia, Newhall, Saugus, and Canyon Country. The city is renowned for its excellent schools, master-planned communities, low crime rates, abundant parks, and family-oriented atmosphere. Santa Clarita has successfully maintained suburban character while growing, making it one of the most desirable family communities in the Los Angeles area. The city consistently ranks among the safest cities in California.
Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Santa Clarita:
Before making the move, it’s important to consider the cost of living in Santa Clarita. While higher than the national average as a Los Angeles County community, Santa Clarita generally offers better value compared to many other LA areas, particularly Westside Los Angeles and beach communities. The city provides newer housing in master-planned communities with good schools at more accessible prices. The median household income is strong, reflecting the community’s professional workforce. Many families find Santa Clarita attractive for balancing quality schools, safe neighborhoods, newer homes, and reasonable commuting access to Los Angeles employment centers while avoiding the highest LA area costs.
Economy and Job Market:
Santa Clarita has a growing local economy with strengths in healthcare, retail, entertainment, education, and professional services. Princess Cruises has its headquarters in Santa Clarita. Six Flags Magic Mountain is a major employer and tourism draw. Healthcare is anchored by Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Kaiser Permanente. The College of the Canyons contributes to education employment. Many residents commute to employment opportunities throughout Los Angeles County, including Burbank’s entertainment industry, downtown Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley. The city has been working to attract more businesses and create local jobs. The region’s diverse LA economy provides extensive employment opportunities.
Education:
Santa Clarita is served by multiple school districts including the William S. Hart Union High School District and several elementary districts, all highly regarded. The city’s schools consistently rank among the best in Los Angeles County with strong academic programs, comprehensive extracurricular activities, and high achievement levels. The community’s exceptional schools are the primary reason many families choose Santa Clarita. College of the Canyons is an excellent community college. The Master’s University is located in the area. Residents have access to numerous universities throughout Los Angeles County. The exceptional commitment to education makes Santa Clarita highly attractive to families.
Recreation and Lifestyle:
Santa Clarita offers outstanding recreational amenities and family-friendly lifestyle. Six Flags Magic Mountain is one of the world’s premier theme parks featuring thrilling roller coasters. The city maintains over 30 parks covering more than 1,700 acres. Central Park features beautiful facilities and hosts community events. Extensive trails throughout the city provide hiking and biking opportunities. The Santa Clarita Aquatic Center offers year-round swimming. Bridgeport Marketplace and Valencia Town Center provide shopping and dining. The Paseo entertainment district features restaurants and nightlife. The nearby Angeles National Forest offers extensive outdoor recreation. Community events including Cowboy Festival celebrate the area’s Western heritage. The family-oriented atmosphere, excellent facilities, and abundant activities create an exceptional lifestyle for families.
Healthcare and Services:
Santa Clarita has excellent healthcare services anchored by Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Kaiser Permanante Santa Clarita Medical Center. The area has comprehensive medical offices, urgent care facilities, and specialized care centers providing quality healthcare. Emergency services and advanced medical treatments are readily available locally and throughout Los Angeles County, including world-class facilities at Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Medical Center, and other premier hospitals.
Transportation:
The city of Santa Clarita is connected to Los Angeles by Interstate 5 and State Route 14, providing access throughout the region. Santa Clarita Transit provides local bus service. Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line serves Santa Clarita with commuter rail to downtown Los Angeles and throughout LA County. While commutes to central LA can be lengthy, many residents find the tradeoff worthwhile for better schools, newer homes, and safer neighborhoods. The city is also accessible to employment in Burbank and the San Fernando Valley with shorter commutes.
Conclusion:
Moving to Santa Clarita, California, offers exceptional family-friendly living with top-rated schools, safe master-planned communities, abundant amenities, and reasonable Los Angeles area access. With its excellent educational opportunities, low crime rates, newer housing, extensive parks and recreation, family-oriented atmosphere, and balance of suburban quality of life with LA proximity, Santa Clarita is an ideal destination for families seeking the best environment to raise children in the Los Angeles region.