Fabulous Living Near Los Angeles  

Working in the Los Angeles area but looking for an affordable area with lots of local things to do for yourself or the family? One of California's best kept real estate secrets is the Santa Clarita Valley located just thirty-five miles northwest of Los Angeles. Homeowners enjoy picturesque vistas, beautiful lakes, recreation to fit every family member's need, award winning schools, cultural venues of varying genres; and best of all, Santa Clarita Valley is close to metropolitan areas surrounding and including Los Angeles.

Santa Clarita Valley consists of smaller communities like Newhall, Valencia, Saugus, and Canyon Country. These areas incorporated in 1987, so the valley is able to keep that comfortable, small town ambience with beautiful homes, friendly neighbors, and safe neighborhoods. In fact the FBI ranks the Santa Clarita Valley as the sixth safest area in the United States.

Housing prices are on the rise slightly with the average price of a single-family detached home being $540,000. There are, however, many choices for home buying including town houses and condominiums.

There is also plenty of entertainment available in the Santa Clarita Valley, so those family outings will never be lacking. Within a few minutes of Canyon Country, there are five beautiful lakes for those who prefer water sports. Maybe your tastes lie in a quiet browse through a museum. Yes, Santa Clarita has plenty of them to choose from including the Museum of the American West and the Norton Simon Museum. If hiking and soaking up the great outdoors is your preference, try a visit to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. It also sports several golf courses and will soon have two new PGA approved courses. Golfers can enjoy a round at Vista Valencia, Valencia Country Club, and Elkins Ranch Golf Courses.

Home sales in the city of Santa Clarita proper are breaking records and have been for the past three years due to favorable interest rates and high demand. The population, as of March 2006, is estimated at 177,418 with a median resident age of 33 years old. Santa Clarita was the fastest growing city among the cities with a population of 150,000 in 2003.

Choices for Homes in Santa Clarita range from single-family residences to condos, apartments, and even assisted living facilities. Over 40% of the new homes sold in 2004 were condominiums. There is a distinct increase in these dwellings since the prices are more affordable, and there is less maintenance. Apartments are not as readily available because living in Santa Clarita is highly desirable and rents continue to rise. Santa Clarita, while supporting business development, has a strong respect for the environment making it a safe and hospitable location for both families and businesses. In fact, California Business magazine states "The city is the second best mid-sized city in which to conduct business." And City & State magazine named "Santa Clarita one of the top five up-and-coming cities in the entire nation."

If you are seeking a single-family home, an apartment, or a condominium, somewhere near the Los Angeles basin, then the Santa Clarita Valley could be a great place for you.

About the Author

Alison Leaderman does online marketing for Gold Feather Realty where traditional channels and new Internet advertising channels are used to market your home to the widest possible audience. See current Santa Clarita Valley real estate for sale through our MLS home search capability and also get free daily email updates on personal search choices.