Are you thinking about living in Santa Clarita but want the real scoop on what it’s like? In this video, I’m going to share the five things that I hate about living in the Santa Clarita Valley. We’ll discuss everything from traffic to fire insurance so you can decide if the SCV is right for you.

#1: Traffic

The first reason I hate to live in Santa Clarita Valley has to be the traffic. I've lived here since 1985 and, when I moved here, there wasn't really a whole lot of traffic. Even commuting from here to the San Fernando Valley wasn't too bad.

While we are somewhat of a bedroom community, we are growing. Our industrial centers are getting larger and a lot more people are living and working here in the Santa Clarita Valley. Currently, we still have a lot of people that commute. This means we do have some traffic issues going from here down to the San Fernando Valley, LA, Burbank, and Glendale.

Within our town, it's also definitely gotten more congested, as the area has reduced in size. As bad as some of the other areas are—like in the San Fernando Valley or down in LA—it’s definitely a lot more congested. We don’t have that small town feel like we used to in some ways.

#2: The Heat

The second thing I hate about living in Santa Clarita is the heat. There are a couple of months in the summertime when it just gets really hot. You get up early and you can go do things right away. It does cool down in the evenings, which is really nice.

This means you can go do some outdoor activities early morning or late evening. Additionally, it does stay lighter a little later during the summer as well. While it’s not so bad, some days get up to 110 degrees. So if you don't like the heat, this may not be a place for you.

#3: Track Homes

The next thing to consider is that Santa Clarita also has track homes. A lot of our homes out here are track homes, which means that we have a little bit smaller lots. We have areas that are more in conformity with each other, so you don't have a whole lot of individuality in the neighborhoods. A lot of the houses do look similar.

#4: HOAs

Another thing that a lot of people don't like is the HOAs. A lot of our newer neighborhoods especially have an HOA. The great thing about an HOA is they normally have things like a community pool and spa, a clubhouse, and tennis courts. Others just do common area maintenance, which causes your fire insurance to be less.

There are different reasons and things that different HOAs have to offer. It does keep the neighborhood nice because everybody has to keep their house nice. You have to get your paint colors approved, so no one is going to be painting their house purple with pink polka dots. However, a lot of people want to have a choice.

#5: Fires

Because we are a valley, we are surrounded by mountains all the way around. Because of that, we do have fire hazards here. There are certain times of the year where most likely there is going to be a fire at some point in time almost every year.

This means you just want to be careful when you're choosing your home. Make sure you check into fire insurance first of all. If the fire is a concern for you, then make sure you stay away from the mountain areas and settle closer to the middle of town. Being up against the mountain is beautiful, as many homes are right against natural forest lands or natural desert land.

While these lots are very nice and do provide a lot of privacy, you just have to weigh the pros and the cons if you're looking at buying a home in one of those types of areas. Make sure you also check into fire insurance, as it has become more difficult to get fire insurance in California as a whole right now.

You want to make sure that, if you are in one of those communities that back up to mountains and has a lot of raw land around, to check what fire insurance is going to cost.

I’m Here To Help

I hope this gave you a good idea of some of the not-so-great things about living in Santa Clarita so you’re best prepared for your move. I'm a real estate agent here in Santa Clarita, so if you're thinking of making a move here, feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about living in the area.

Make you subscribe to our channel and click the bell icon so you get notified every time we post a new listing. We put out videos about every other week, and I want to make sure that you're getting notified every time we do. On this channel, we talk all about Santa Clarita Valley. This includes the pros, the cons, the good, and the bad.

We also share all the things to do here in Santa Clarita, including places to eat, breweries, wineries, things to do with the kids, and more. If there's something we haven't covered and that you have questions about, please drop it in the comments and I'd be happy to cover that in a future video. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!

Are you thinking about moving to Santa Clarita, California, and want to know if it’s the right move? In this video, I’m going to share the top five reasons why people want to move to Santa Clarita. We’ll talk about everything from the sense of community to our amazing weather so you can decide if Santa Clarita is for you.

A Close Community

The first reason people want to move to Santa Clarita is the great sense of community we have here. It's a very family-oriented area with a lot of nonprofits and many different types of activities. From cornhole competitions and bike rides to nighttime hikes, events are put on either by nonprofits or by the city of Santa Clarita.

Overall, there are tons of activities and things to do. It’s also a very sports-oriented area as well. There’s always a football, baseball, volleyball, or soccer game you can watch or participate in. People also tend to get involved with the schools and all the activities in the area. This creates a great sense of community and is part of the reason why people gravitate toward the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Schools

The second reason people want to move to Santa Clarita is the schools. These are highly ranked in the state of California, with a lot of them also highly ranked nationally. Schools include everything from elementary school up through high school, and we also have four colleges in the area.

If you are looking for good schools and want to make sure that your kids can go to public school, this might be the perfect place for you.

Affordability

The third reason why people choose Santa Clarita is its affordability. While this may sound a little crazy—as it is California and prices are high—it’s cheaper when compared with other cities. For example, if you're looking to live in the LA area, we are very affordable compared to the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Glendale, LA, and Santa Monica.

So if you are looking to be in LA County but you want something a little more affordable, Santa Clarita is the place for you. We’re on the outskirts, so you're not quite in all the hubbub of everything. This makes the SCV a great place to be.

Outdoor Activities And Weather

Number four is outdoor activities. While I've said this in so many of my different videos, one thing that I really love about Santa Clarita is that we have hiking, biking, boating, and swimming on the lake. Additionally, we also have skate parks and bike parks for practicing jumps, tricks, and more.

Lastly, part of the reason we have so many outdoor activities is that we have great weather. We do get really hot in the summer, with days over 100 degrees. However, compared to a lot of other areas, we have nice mild temperatures.

We don't get too cold in the winter, and we don't get crazy hot in the summer. It's not like Arizona or something where you’re going to get 120-degree temperatures. While you're going to see temperatures of 100 to 106 once in a great while, it only happens a couple of months out of the year when it's too hot to do too much outdoors. Even then, our evenings cool down, and it stays light until fairly late. This allows you to do activities later in the evening or early in the morning on hot days.

Is Santa Clarita Right For You?

I hope you enjoyed my five top reasons for people to move here to Santa Clarita. I've lived in Santa Clarita since 1985 and have been selling real estate since 1989. If you have any questions about moving to the Santa Clarita Valley or just about the area, feel free to reach out and give me a call and I'd be happy to answer all of those questions for you.

Be sure to subscribe to our channel and click the bell icon so you get notified every time we post a new video. We upload these videos a couple of times a month, and each one is all about the city of Santa Clarita—including Valencia, Newhall, Saugus, Canyon Country, Stephenson's Ranch, and Castaic.

We talk all about the schools, the pros and cons of living here, the bars, the restaurants, the brunches, the nightlife, the things to do with your kids, and more. If you have something specific you’d like us to cover, feel free to put it in the comments. Stay tuned to see what we talk about next!

Are you wondering whether you should buy a house now or if it’s better to wait? In this video, I’m going to share some real-life client examples of those who waited to buy and those who didn’t. We’ll look at the numbers so you have the best idea of what to do for your situation.

Paying Over Price

The prices of homes have indeed come down. Rates are a little higher than they were a year and a half ago—but they're also lower than they were four to six months ago. If you’re wondering whether this means you should buy now or wait, this is my recommendation.

I’ve had so many clients looking to buy a year to a year and a half ago that couldn't get into a home. If they did, they not only paid over asking price but also over the appraised value. This meant they had to bring that extra cash in.

A Case Study

We had one client that found a house they loved. They had lost out on quite a few homes because of multiple offers. They didn’t want to compete with cash offers, so they ended up paying over the appraised value.

This meant they had to bring in $25,000 over the appraised value. While they did get a rate of just over 3%, they paid not only their downpayment but an additional $25,000 on the property.

Easing Negotiations

If you get in a house now, we currently don't have as much of a competitive market as this client did when they decided to pay over appraisal. You don't have to give up appraisal contingencies or inspection contingencies—which I'd never recommend doing because you have no control over that.

People were removing loan contingencies with their offers. In this market, you don’t have to do that. You can actually buy a house without removing your contingencies, and you have time to get your inspections and appraisal done. You can also renegotiate if the property doesn't appraise because you have not removed that appraisal contingency.

Refinancing And Rates

Yes, the rates are now higher. But don't forget: we are going into a recession per the news. In a recession, historically speaking, rates actually will come down. So if you get into the house you really want and want to settle, you can always refinance and get that rate lowered later.

Of course, nobody has a crystal ball. I'm not saying prices might still come down a little bit. However, inventory is very low but demand is still high. With this supply and demand, it doesn't make sense that the market would crash.

Yes, the market could come down a little bit more. However, if you get locked in and get the house you really want and you're able to negotiate, you can often get the sellers to pay your closing costs.

The 2-1 Buydown

I just had a seller pay for my client to get a 2-1 buy down to buy down their interest rate. If rates come down, they can refinance. Let's just say right now rates are in the high 5s and low 6s; with a 2-1 buydown, they're able to get a rate of around 4%.

With this program, they're going to be at 4% for the next year, 5% the year after, and then at today’s rates a year after that. However, if rates come down to 5%, they can not only refinance but they can get that lower rate and have it locked in for 30 years.

In addition, the money for that 2-1 buy down—which the seller paid in this case—will be paid back if there’s anything left on the table. For example, let's just say it was $20,000 and they didn’t use it all. If it was a difference of $500 a month and there was $5,000 left that was not used, the seller will get that back.

I know that's confusing, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions about how it all works. I'd be happy to go over that with you in a little bit more detail.

Is Now The Right Time To Buy?

If you want to get the house you really want, buying now may be the right time. While I'm not saying prices won't come down a little bit more, you can always refinance when rates are lower. If you buy now, you're not going to have to compete with other people—especially for FHA and VA buyers.

In many cases, sellers will also help you with your closing costs so it’s less expensive to get into the home. Going back to our first case study, the buyer did get a 3% rate. However, they paid $25,000 over appraised value to get the home. They had to put in their 10% down plus that $25,000.

Instead of spending a few $10 more per month, they had to come up with $25,000 in one lump sum.  that money is gone, going to rather spend a few $100 more per month than have to come up with $25,000 in one lump sum. And if the market comes down, that means that the extra $25,000 is gone.

Mind you, they are locked in at a really low rate that they’ll be able to keep for 30 years—assuming they stay in the house and they're still in a great position.

I’m Here To Help

I hope you enjoyed hearing my thoughts on whether now is a great time to buy. I know that there's going to be some controversy about what I just said, so feel free to leave me a comment. I'd love to hear what you have to say and what your thoughts are.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of my show, all about the Santa Clarita Valley. We post new videos to the channel regularly, featuring everything about living in Santa Clarita. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!

Are you thinking about buying new construction but aren’t sure what to expect? In this video, I’m going to go over some of the pros and cons of buying new construction. We’ll look at everything from brand-new appliances to Mello-Roos tax so you can make the best decision on your next home.

A Brand-New Home

First, let’s start with some of the pros of buying new construction. As we all know, one of the biggest pros is that no one's ever lived there. No one has used appliances, no one has been on the carpet, and no one has sat on the toilet. Everything in the property is brand new, which is great.

Another pro is that you’re going to have all brand new windows. This means everything is going to be state of the art. Additionally, most of them are smart homes, so they're going to come with all kinds of features that you just don't usually find in a resale home.

In addition, a lot of new homes also come with solar. And because the home is brand new, it will have the most up-to-date insulation and everything for the property. This means your utility bills are usually a little bit less.

Upgrades And Lot Features

Of course, there are some cons to buying new construction. One con is that with new construction, you’re usually paying a little bit of a higher price because it’s brand new. If you want to pick out all of those upgrades—which is awesome because you get to pick exactly what you want—you’ll need to be prepared to pay a premium for those options.

Another con is that a lot of the homes are closer together. The lots are a lot smaller these days than the older homes have. in addition, some of the neighborhoods feel very cookie-cutter, partly because they have not been developed enough.

Because of this, people have not been able to go in and put their own touches on their homes. Over the years, things will change in most neighborhoods. When this happens, you will be able to get away from that cookie-cutter feel. However, a lot of the homes do have associations, so you won’t be able to get away from that cookie-cutter feel completely.

Landscaping And Windows

Another con is that you don't have the mature trees that you get in an older neighborhood. Because of this, you don't have the shading and the feel of having vegetation around you. The vegetation is going to be very minimal. Also, when you buy new construction, most of them don't come with landscaping—at least not in the backyard. You will have to think about putting landscaping in the backyard of the home.

Another con of buying new construction is that you are going to have to put in all of your window treatments. Those usually come with a resale home and may not be exactly what you're looking for. However, you won't have to do them before you can move into the house, so you don't have to worry about window treatments.

Mello-Roos Tax

A big con is that most of our new construction has Mello-Roos, which you do have to factor in. Of course, there are resale homes that have this tax, too. If you buy a little bit older home, however, they often don’t include a Mello-Roos tax.

In about 95% of new construction, we do have an additional Mello-Roos tax. If you don't know about Mello-Roos, please reach out and I'd be happy to explain it to you and how it all works.

Getting Into Your New Home

I hope this gave you a good idea of the pros and cons of buying new construction here in Santa Clarita. We have quite a bit of new construction going on in the area, and I'd be happy to go over that with you. Also, a lot of new construction builders are actually offering incentives to buy as of December 2022. This includes things like buying down your interest rate, paying some of your closing costs, and giving you a credit towards upgrades.

So if you’re thinking of buying new construction, give us a call. We have all the information about different neighborhoods here and what they're offering, and we'll be happy to share that with you. Don’t forget to subscribe to this so you're notified every time we put out a new video. We talk about all things Santa Clarita, from pros and cons to activities to do with your kids.

If there’s something we haven't covered that you're interested in hearing about, please put it in the comments and we'd be happy to make a video about it. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!

Are you thinking about living in Santa Clarita and want to know how walkable it is? In this video, I’m going to break down the walkability of Valencia, an awesome neighborhood here in Santa Clarita. We’ll go through all the main areas of Valencia to give you an idea of how you can get around.

Santa Clarita, as a whole, is not known as a very walkable area. Most people have to commute or have to drive to work because we aren't close to a lot of businesses. However, in my opinion, there are some great walkable areas here in Valencia. We also have bikeable areas as well, with tons of bike paths, paseos, and passageways to get through different neighborhoods.

Granary Square

The first place we’ll visit is Granary Square, located on McBean Parkway between Del Monte and Avenue Navarre. It extends all the way up both sides of the McBean Parkway; one side we refer to as “Granary Square” and the other side we call “The Summit.”

In the Granary Square area, you’ll find a variety of different neighborhoods. This includes the Discovery Tract, the Bungalows, the Heritage, the Sunrise, the Santa Fe condos, the Siena Villa condos, Las Ventanas, Arbor Park, and Royal West.

On the Summit side, you’ll find the Chelsea, the San Marino, Stratford, and the Windemere. That area is pretty walkable, as it features the Granary Square Shopping Center. Here you’ll find Ralph's grocery store, some restaurants, a bank, and a few different places to go shopping. It's just a nice little hangout area that you can walk to.

Valencia Crossroads

What people love about the area are the paseos. You don’t have to limit your walking to the sidewalk by busy streets and noisy cars. The paseos are passageways that go throughout the neighborhood, many of which include little bridges crossing over the streets. In most cases, you don't even have to cross the street in those areas.

In addition to Granary Square, there is now a shopping center called Valencia Crossroads. Located at the corner of Valencia and McBean Parkway. Here you'll find a Kohl’s, Whole Foods, an Islands restaurant, and a bunch of little central restaurants and bakeries. You can also enjoy wine tasting, a spa, a place to get your hair, and more.

Town Center

Between those two shopping centers, I would consider the area very walkable area. While it's a little further, there's also a bridge that goes to the Town Center parking lot—our major mall in the area. Town Center has Macy's, an Apple store, all kinds of shops, tons of restaurants, and a movie theater.

While it's a little bit further of a walk, the paseos and bridges allow you to get all the way to the mall without ever having to cross the street. So even though they say that Santa Cruz is not considered a very walkable area, it’s one of our most walkable neighborhoods in Santa Clarita.

Bridgeport

The second area we’ll explore is Bridgeport, a really nice community that features a lake within its boundaries. It’s located right near McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road. If you live in Bridgeport, you have access to that lake and a clubhouse. While you can’t swim in the lake, you can enjoy it via a paddle boat or paddle board. There are lots of ducks to watch, and the scenery is very pretty.

Bridgeport has quite a few neighborhoods. These include Cabot Bay, Back Bay, Spinnaker Pointe, Stoney Point, the Colony, the Cove, the Islands, the Landing, and Waterford. All of those are townhomes located within the Bridgeport neighborhood.

The Bridgeport Marketplace

The Bridgeport Marketplace is right across the street from the lake. It features its own pond full of ducks, and they do actually cross the street. You’ll spot the duck crossing signs on the major streets in the area, so be careful whenever they’re crossing. When you're stuck and aren’t in a hurry, it’s really cute to watch them walk across the street.

Bridgeport Marketplace is a very nice area. It has quite a few restaurants including California Pizza Kitchen, Marston’s (which has a great brunch), a sushi bar, a Mexican restaurant, and a brand new breakfast restaurant opening in that shopping center. You’ll also find the Valley Marketplace, a small family-owned market that carries all kinds of different items.

If you're looking for something that you can't find at a regular grocery store, you can often find it at Valley Marketplace. They have plenty of fresh produce along with international foods and spices. If you’re looking for something new or different, be sure to check it out.  

Along The Riverbed

If you want to go to the other side of Bridgeport towards the mall, you’ll find a riverbed between Bridgeport and River Oaks Shopping Center. It's not a very far walk to get there, where you’ll find Target, some small restaurants, Ulta Beauty, Sprouts, and more.

Traveling along the riverbed on the paseo is very enjoyable. It’s walkable, and you’ll find a lot of people strolling and biking on the path. So whether you want to ride your bike or travel on foot, you can easily get where you need to go while enjoying the scenery.

Northbridge

The next area to consider is the Northbridge neighborhood, located between Newhall Ranch Road, Decoro Drive, and McBean Parkway. I’m going to include Creekside in this as well because it's just on the other side of McBean Parkway. Again, all of these areas have a ton of bike paths.

When it comes to walkability in the Northbridge area, there are paseos—but not as extensive as in other neighborhoods in the Granary Square area. Still, they do have quite a bit. You’ll find quite a few neighborhoods in Northbridge, which has 20 tracts of homes. This includes communities like Cottage Hill, Country Gate, Cheyenne, Castle Rock, and more.

As you go across the street to Creekside, you’ll find Andorra, Brookside Walk, Somerset, Summer Grove, the Willows, and the Windsor Collection. The Bridgeport Marketplace is nearby, giving you access to all of those amenities.

The Northpark Village Square

Close to Northbridge, you’ll find the Northpark Village Square. This area features the Wolf Creek Brewing Company, S & S Donuts, Ralph's, McDonald's, Trader Joe's, Rite Aid, and more. Northbridge is within walking distance of both shopping centers, depending on exactly where you're at.

Northpark Village Square also has a variety of restaurants and more. From Northbridge, this is a fairly walkable area where you can walk to grab dinner or get some groceries. We also have Northpark, which is not quite as walkable as some of the other neighborhoods. However, I want to mention it because it's really close to Northpark Village Square and all its amenities.

Walkability In Valencia

I hope this gave you a good idea of some of our most walkable areas of Valencia. If you have any questions about Valencia or any area in the Santa Clarita Valley, feel free to reach out to me and I’d be happy to connect. I sell real estate, so I’d be glad to answer any of your real estate-related questions as well.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you never miss a new video, all about living in Santa Clarita. If you have a topic you’d like us to cover, make sure you leave a comment so we can talk about it in a future video. Stay tuned for more information on the SCV!

Are you thinking about moving to Santa Clarita and you're wondering what are you going to eat for breakfast and brunch? In this video, I’m going to share some of my favorite places to go for breakfast and brunch here in Santa Clarita, California. We’ll explore everything from pancakes to omelets so you know where to start your day off right.

The Egg Plantation

I don't know about you, but I love going to breakfast and brunch. The first place you’ll want to check out is Egg Plantation, a local eatery that’s been here forever. I moved out here to Santa Clarita in 1985 and it was here then, though it opened even earlier in 1973.

Though they’re also open for lunch, Egg Plantation is most well-known for its omelets. They include ingredients from classic bacon, cheese, avocado, peppers, and onions to some weird stuff like peanut butter and jelly. And while I've never tried this odd combination, I have heard from some people that it's good.

Overall, you’ll find 101 different omelets at Egg Plantation. It’s a great spot if you are looking for a really traditional breakfast. They do have outdoor dining as well as inside dining, and there are also some little shops in that same shopping center that you can check out after your meal.

The Tea Garden

The next spot I recommend is the Tea Gardens, a cute, small quaint place located at the back of a shopping center. The setting features lots of trees and foliage, which is perfect for outside dining.

When you order your tea, they bring it out in small custom pots for each person at the table. They also have a great breakfast menu, and the portion sizes are huge. The Tea Gardens is really difficult to find if you don't know where you're going, so be sure to map it out before you go.

Eggs ‘N’ Things

Another great breakfast place you’ll want to check out is Eggs ‘N’ Things. Featuring both indoor and outdoor dining, this spot has been around for quite some time. Portion sizes here are also huge. My husband and I just went there the other day and we actually shared an omelet because they are so big.

Eggs ‘N’ Things also has really good burgers, really good lunch foods, and great salads as well. Don’t get this place confused with Egg Plantation, as they’re two separate restaurants. Egg Plantation is located in Newhall, while Eggs ‘N’ Things is located in Valencia.

The Way Station, Saugus Café, And Marston’s

If you’re looking for a greasy spoon for breakfast, we have two that are pretty well-known here in Santa Clarita that have been around forever. One is the Way Station, and the other one is the Saugus Café. They both have a greasy spoon, coffee shop type of atmosphere and food.

Saugus Café is known for the fact that it was James Dean’s very last stop before he had his car accident and passed away. While that’s its claim to fame, the food is good.

Another spot you don’t want to miss is Marston’s. This restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining and is located in the Bridgeport Shopping Center. They have great breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I've never been disappointed when I've gone there. If you like champagne on the weekends, they have a full brunch as well.

Brunch Options

Let’s go ahead and get to our weekend brunch. Salt Creek Grille has a great brunch, including delicious Mimosas. They only have brunch on the weekends, so make sure you plan ahead. We also have the Newhall Press Room, which has brunch only on Sundays.  

Another weekend brunch spot is The Junction. I just went the other day with my daughter and it was so delicious. Their potatoes served with brunch are different that hashbrowns or home fries. They’re almost as big as potato quarters, crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside—almost like a baked potato.

If you want to go by the mall, check out Lazy Dog and Solita Tacos, which have breakfast on the weekend and brunch every Saturday and Sunday. You’ll also find Margaritas Mexican Grill, a Mexican restaurant with great brunch and great margaritas.

Start Your Day Right In Santa Clarita

I hope this gives you some great breakfast and brunch options here in Santa Clarita to check out. These are just a few of the few places that I personally have been to and really like. When I think of going to breakfast or brunch, these are the places that come to my mind.

If you want to know more about Santa Clarita, make sure you subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of my show. There's something new coming every week where I tell you all about Santa Clarita—and not just about brunches. We talk about everything from schools, different areas of Santa Clarita, and pros and cons to things to do and places to go.

If you have any real estate-related questions, I am a realtor here in Santa Clarita, so feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to connect with you. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!

Are you thinking of living in Valencia and want to know more about this neighborhood? In this video, I’m going to give you the pros and cons of living in Valencia, California. We’ll explore everything from safety and schools to HOAs so you can decide if this community is right for you.

A Safe City

Valencia is one of the areas within the city of Santa Clarita, which is ranked the 17^th safest city in the nation and the 5^th safest city in the state of California per size of the city. This is why a lot of people want to live here, as you're in a really safe area.

Of course, Santa Clarita is not perfect, and we do have some crime in this area. However, when you compare it to other areas that are similar in size, you know we are definitely a safe area to be in.

Schools And Location

The second reason why people love living in Valencia is the schools. We have some of the best schools, not only in the state but also in the nation. So if you have kids and you're considering making a move here, we have great K-12 schools and even some really good preschools.

The third reason why a lot of people want to move here to Valencia is the proximity to the freeways. If you're moving to the Santa Clarita Valley area, Valencia is pretty much located right off the freeway. This is helpful, especially if you are commuting.

Job Options

The good thing about moving to Valencia now versus 15 years ago is that back then, we were pretty much just a bedroom community. There weren't very many businesses out here. Now, however, we do have some large companies like Sunkist, Scorpion, Princess Cruises, and Boston Scientific—just to name a few.

We also have a huge aerospace industry that includes some of the smaller companies in aerospace. These make parts and different things for some of the bigger companies like Lockheed and Boeing. They’re located out in Antelope Valley, which some do commute to when living in the SCV.

Paseo Systems

Another reason why people love living in Valencia is the very robust paseo system. In most of Santa Clarita, we have bike paths that go throughout the city. Valencia, however, also has the paseo system. These go throughout the neighborhoods and allow you to ride bikes, rollerblade, roller skate, or simply just walk.

The paseos also include walking bridges that go over the streets. This means that, for the most part, you're not going to cross any streets. You can enjoy traveling on the paseos surrounded by green space—and away from the exhaust of people's vehicles driving by.

Shopping Centers And Magic Mountain

The next pro of living in Valencia is our shopping options. We have a large mall and a few different large shopping areas located in Valencia. The mall is the Westfield Town Center Mall, which is quite large. It has a lot of different stores, restaurants, bars, and even places to go dancing in the evenings.

Having the Westfield Town Center Mall in Valencia provides you with another attraction. You’re close to a lot of restaurants, movie theaters, and more, all right in the vicinity of the mall. You also have shopping at the Bridgeport Shopping Center, which also has some nice restaurants. There’s a little pond where kids can play as well, making it a nice place to spend the day.

The last pro is, of course, Magic Mountain. It’s located right in Valencia and is part of the Santa Clarita Valley. It’s the perfect spot to ride some rollercoasters and have some fun.

Home Prices

Now that you know about some of the great reasons to move to Valencia, let’s look at a couple of cons. The first one is that for the most part, Valencia is the most expensive area in Santa Clarita. There are a couple of pockets in Sand Canyon and other areas that have some ranch-style or larger homes that are a little bit more inexpensive. However, for the most part, Valencia is our most expensive area in Santa Clarita.

Despite the price, living in Valencia offers proximity to freeways, the paseo system, and great schools. You’re also close to the mall and all the activities that are going on in the area, which is within walking distance from a lot of homes via the paseo system. Just remember that you're going to pay for a little bit more of your home.

HOA And Lot Size

The other con of living in Valencia is that 95% of the community have an association. For some people, that's a really good thing. Others, though, don't like having associations. They don't want to have rules and regulations that tell them what colors they can paint their house or what they can do with landscaping.

HOAs can be positive or negative. Additionally, homes with HOAs tend to have smaller lots, meaning the houses are set a little closer to each other. Most HOAs also don't allow RV or boat parking on your side yard, even if you have room for it. 

So if you are considering moving to Valencia and you're looking at an area that has an HOA, make sure that the HOA rules are not going to be something that conflicts with what you want to do with your home.

Is Valencia Right For You?

I hope this gave you a good idea of the pros and cons of living in Valencia. If you're thinking about moving to the Santa Clarita area and want more information about Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, or any of the areas within Santa Clarita, feel free to reach out and give us a call.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you get notified every time we post a new video all about the Santa Clarita Valley. We feature the pros and cons of living in different areas of Santa Clarita, places to go, and things to do for both kids and adults. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!

Are you ready to dive into the holiday season and want to know more about local activities? In this video, we’re going to talk all about what Santa Clarita has to offer during the holiday season. We’ll explore events from the Jingle Fest to the Innovation Show Choir’s Friends and Family Benefit Concert so you can start planning your holiday fun.

The Jingle Fest

With the holidays right around the corner, Santa Clarita starts the fun on November 13^th with the Jingle Fest. This outdoor event takes place at Central Park and is a lot of fun. The event features a live band, Santa Claus from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and plenty of artisans and vendors.

Jingle Fest is a great place to get your Christmas shopping started. You’ll also find food trucks and lots of activities for the kids. It’s free to get in and is a great way to start off the season right.

Festival Of Trees

November 19^th and 20^th is a big weekend for holiday activities. The Boys & Girls Club has a big event called the Festival of Trees, held this year at the brand-new Canyon Country Community Center. The event features Christmas trees decorated in a variety of themes.

Companies or individuals donate and decorate these trees and then auction them off. While you can simply go to take a look, you can bid on the one you like best—and have it delivered to you if you win. You’ll also find gingerbread houses and tabletop treats as well.

Light Up Main Street

After checking out the Festival of Trees during the day, head over to Newhall to check out Light Up Main Street. This is where they light up the big Christmas tree on Main Street in Newhall. It's a lot of fun and an activity you don’t want to miss.

The street gets shut down for the party, and Santa will be there as well. People can take pictures of the tree and enjoy all the lights at night. I definitely recommend going and checking that out.

Winter Wonderettes

On the same weekend—November 18^th through the 20^th—you’ll also want to check out the Winter Wonderettes play. Showing at the Newhall Family Theatre and presented by Olive Branch Theatricals, the show features 1960s renditions of classic holiday songs.

You can catch the show on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at various showings. Check out the Olive Branch Theatrical’s website for more information and to get your ticket. You won’t want to miss the fun!

Painting With A Twist

Another fun activity in Santa Clarita will be going on all season long. If you like painting, wine, or doing both at the same time, you’ll definitely want to visit Painting With A Twist. Their studio offers all kinds of events every month, many themed around the holiday season.

If you want to get together with some friends and do something a little different, Painting With A Twist is a lot of fun. Reserve a spot for a group or a pair and get ready to paint a whimsical snowman, a custom stocking, a dazzling Christmas tree, and more.

The Combat Radio Christmas Carol Event

On November 20^th at The Canyon, get your tickets to experience the Combat Radio Christmas Carol Event. This 1940s-themed event is an audience-interactive reading of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ similar to the style of ‘A Prairie Home Companion.’

While I’ve never been to an event like this and don’t know what to expect, it promises to be an interesting experience. There will be comedians along with talent from a variety of your favorite TV shows, so you’ll definitely want to see what it’s all about. And while The Canyon is more of an adult-oriented place, kids under 18 can come in as long as they are with an adult.

Bridgeport Tree Lighting And Master’s College

On December 1^st, don’t miss the Bridgeport Tree Lighting. If you miss the November 19^th tree lighting at Light Up Main Street, it’s not too late to experience some holiday magic. The Bridgeport neighborhood has a huge tree in front of the lake that will be lit up at 6:00 pm.

If you want to catch some Christmas singing, head over to The Master’s College on December 2^nd and 3^rd.  Their choir is putting on a performance that should be really fun. So if you miss the Christmas caroling event at The Canyon room, you can always go to Master’s College and see their concert.

Harley-Davidson Photos With Santa

On December 3, Harley Davidson is also doing pictures with Santa. How fun is that! My understanding is that they will even allow pets. So if you want to bring your dog, cat, pig, or whatever pet you’ve got, just bring them with you to get a picture with Santa.

The Grinch’s Holiday

Another great event will be held at The Cube on December 10^th. The Cube is our ice skating rink here in Santa Clarita, and they are going to have a skating show featuring the Grinch. Kids can watch the fun and have a great time. There are two different showings, so be sure to check out their website and see which one works with your schedule.

The Innovation Show Choir’s Friends and Family Benefit Concert

On December 18^th, check out the Innovation Show Choir’s Friends and Family Benefit Concert. The Innovation Show Choir does s a lot of different events throughout the community and performs a lot of different events.

This nonprofit organization is hosting a Friends and Family Benefit Concert that features a full set of their group numbers, solos, duos, and trios. It costs just $10 to get in (or whatever donation you would like to make), which you can RSVP for here.

Enjoy The Holidays In Santa Clarita

I hope this gave you an idea of just a few holiday events you can enjoy here in the Santa Clarita Valley. Of course, there are lots of other things going on around town. If you have any questions about other local events or want to know more about Santa Clarita Valley real estate, please reach out and I’d be happy to answer them for you.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you never miss one of my videos, all about living in the SCV. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Do you want to get the kids out of the house and let them burn off some energy? In this video, I’m going to share some of the fun, sporty things you can do with your family right here in Santa Clarita. We’ll talk about everything from BMX biking to walking on our paseo system so you know the best local spots to get active.

Bike Tracks

The first sporty thing you can do with the kids here in Santa Clarita is to visit the BMX bike track. A lot of my clients love taking the kids to the bike track. This dirt track features jumps and all kinds of stuff, broken down into different skill levels.

Little ones there can go to the easy track, while older kids can ride on either the medium or advanced track. Just make sure you pick the right track to go on; they’re marked so you can tell which one is which. The track is free, with no appointments or reservations necessary.

Aquatic Centers

The second fun thing to do is swimming, splashing, and diving—which you can do at either one of two local aquatic centers. One is located in Canyon Country, called the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center, while the other is in Castaic and is called the LA County Aquatic Center.

Both places offer a variety of activities. There are little areas for the kids to run and play in if they're too little to actually swim. They also have diving boards and swim areas, including a free swim pool and a lap pool.  I recommend checking out both locations to see which one you like the best.

Castaic Lake

For more water activities, the third thing you can do with the kids is paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming in Castaic Lake. They also have those little paddle boats as well. The Lower Lake has all kinds of activities that are really going to burn some energy and get them going—including great playground areas.

If you have a boat and want to go waterskiing, wakeboarding, or wakesurfing, the Upper Lake does accommodate those activities as well.

Horseback Riding

I don't know if you've thought about taking the kids horseback riding yet or not, but the Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian Center has some great horseback riding. They can accommodate younger kids in the arenas, or take your older kids out on the trail for a day of fun.

Skate Parks

Another great option is skate parks. Whether they're on a little scooter, skateboard, rollerblades, or roller skates, the kids will love it. There are two skate parks here in the area, one in Santa Clarita and one in nearby Castaic.

The Santa Clarita Skate Park is located right near the bike park, while the Spohn Ranch Skate Park is located in Castaic next to the aquatic center. So if you're going to check out the Aquatic Center, bring the skates and skateboards to extend the fun. The skate park in Castaic is a little smaller than the one that's out in Canyon Country.

Top Out Climbing

For kids five and older, Top Out Climbing is a cool option to check out. Kids can climb the walls, some of which are quite high, for the ultimate challenge. For those eight and older, climbing courses are another fun option to test their skills. And of course, it's for adults, too—make this a perfect sporty activity to do together as a family.

Top Out Climbing has almost 11,000 square feet of space with lots of climbing and lots of stuff to do. This includes yoga and fitness classes and more. This is a cool spot to tire out the kids and have a lot of fun.

Open Spaces

Another great option is simply checking out the open spaces here in Santa Clarita. I know I say this a lot, but I really enjoy hiking. We have so many nice, open spaces to enjoy. For example, there's Towsley Canyon, which features both a shorter loop and a longer loop. Depending on your kid’s age, it might be a little advanced.

Another great spot is the Summit right off Lindsey Boulevard on the hill. They have some cool, more gradual terrain that you can hike. You’ll be surrounded by oak trees as you're walking through, and it’s a bit of an easier trek for the kids. Don’t forget the Golden Valley Open Space, the Quigley Ranch Open Space, and the Haskell Canyon Open Space—all of which are really nice.

I can go on and on when it comes to hiking in Santa Clarita. The website for the city of Santa Clarita does have a list of all the different hiking trails here, so be sure to check it out. Hiking is just so much fun, it’s a great way to get the kids outside, and it's free.

The Paseo System

My last sporty activity to do with the kids is walking and biking on the paseo system here in Santa Clarita. This paseo system is mainly in the Valencia area, though we have bypasses all the way out through Santa Clarita that you’ll want to check out.

If you're walking on the paseo system or on the bike path, very rarely do you have to cross a busy street. Most of the paseos are completed, so you can either go under the larger streets or over them on a bridge. This allows you to go on long rides for miles and miles without ever having to enter or cross into traffic.

I think the paseo system is pretty awesome. Many of the paths run along the riverbeds, which makes for a very scenic walk or ride. If you’re on your bike, you’re not out in traffic breathing in all the exhaust and smog. Rather, you’re getting great exercise while having fun.

Enjoy Santa Clarita Living

I hope you enjoyed my eight suggestions for sporty things to do with the kids here in the Santa Clarita Valley. These activities will ensure they have a great night’s sleep.

If you’re thinking of moving to the Santa Clarita Valley and would like more information, feel free to reach out to me and I’d be happy to connect with you. I do sell real estate in the Santa Clarita area, and I'd be happy to answer any of your questions regarding purchasing a home. If you're planning on making a trip out just to check it out, let us know as well we'd be happy to sit down with you and go over what's out here. We’ll even give you a driving tour of the area so that you can see what we're talking about.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more information on the Santa Clarita Valley. I share the pros and cons of living here along with the good, bad, and ugly—so you know exactly what to expect. Stay tuned to the next episode to see what Santa Clarita gems I feature next!

Do you have kids who love animals or you’re an animal lover yourself? In this video, I’m going to share seven family-friendly places in Santa Clarita where you can go and see some animals. We’ll explore everything from birds and apes to starfish and sharks so you can plan your animal activities.

Placerita Canyon Nature Center

Our first stop is the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, a great spot to bring the kids. Outside in the courtyard are cages with birds in them, featuring hawks, ravens, and more local species. A docent is there with a hawk that sits on his arm, available to answer any questions about these magnificent animals.

Go inside to find all kinds of reptiles, from venomous snakes to lizards. There’s also a taxidermy exhibit as well that features animals from the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding mountains. You’ll find information on little plaques around the Center to learn more. Make sure you also take the kids out for a hike on one of the great trails in the area.

Gibbons Conservation Center

The next area where you can see animals in Santa Clarita is the Gibbons Conservation Center. Gibbons are small apes that include a handful of different types. The Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization that offers tours of the facilities, allowing you to see these animals up close.

Unlike the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, you can’t just walk in. Be sure to book an appointment, which costs just $17 for adults and $7 for kids. It’s a cool experience to see all the gibbons and learn about their habits and behaviors.  

Depending on the weather, tours are one to two hours long. The tour that’s held first thing in the morning at dawn is a special experience. The monkeys are waking up and you get to hear them start singing. I highly recommend checking out the Gibbons Conversation Center if you've never been.

Gilchrist Farm

Another place that kids love is Gilchrist Farm, which features an amazing petting zoo area for the kids. They can go in and pet the animals at an entry price of just $5. This will get you a basic farm tour where see and interact with all the barnyard residents.

In addition, Gilchrist Farm offers horseback riding and pony rides at four different levels. Depending on how old the kids are, some are hooked up to a small circle that goes around. Older kids can be led by hand or ride on their own. It’s a great option for kids—and adults—of all ages.

Gilchrist Farm also hosts a variety of festivals, including a Halloween Festival that opens up on October 1. For the entire month, there are all kinds of autumn activities at a variety. Entrance is free, while price points vary depending on the activity you want to participate in. You can visit their website to get all of the details and plan your trip.

William S. Hart Park And Bridgeport Shopping Center

The next spot to check out is the William S. Hart Park, which I’ve talked about in other videos. They also have a really cool petting zoo that’s free to the public. You can go in and pet the animals and feed them for a few coins, or take a hike to see some of the park’s bison population.

The next one might seem a little silly, but it’s a free way to get up close with some animals. Located right across the street from the Bridgeport shopping center is a neighborhood with a manmade lake in it. You’ll find it at the corner of Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway. In the pond, you’ll find ducks and geese that are tons of fun to visit.

The geese and ducks sometimes cross the street, so you’ll notice signs up on the road to caution drivers. I drive by that area at least twice a day to and from the office, so please be careful. After all, the ducks and geese don’t know how to use the crosswalk or look both ways.

There are also little machines that provide food for the ducks, which only cost a quarter or two. So get some feed and watch the pond animals enjoy a snack; your kids will love it.

The Newhall Aquarium

Albeit small, we do have an aquarium here in Santa Clarita: the Newhall Aquarium. A lot of people don't even know it exists; to be honest with you, I didn't either until not that long ago. At the aquarium, kids can reach in and touch starfish along with some of the different types of underwater plants.

There's also a shark you can feed, though not everyone gets to because the shark can only eat so much a day. It costs a minimum of a $5 donation to get into the aquarium, which kids are sure to love.

The Gentle Barn

Last but not least is The Gentle Barn, a barnyard that has rescued abused animals like cows, sheep, goats, turkeys, and more. This nonprofit organization asks for a $20 donation for adults and $12 for kids to get in.

The Gentle Barn offers different types of events as well. During the fall, they have hay rides and other fall festivities. With over 200 animals there, your kids will have no shortage of something fun to see and do.

An Animal Lover’s Paradise

If you and your kids love animals, I hope you enjoyed these ideas of things to do in Santa Clarita where you can some animals. If you have any questions about these or other local activities, feel free to reach out to me and I’ll be happy to connect with you.

If you’re thinking about moving to Santa Clarita and aren't sure what area you want to be in, make sure to subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of my show. On this channel, we feature information on areas all over Santa Clarita, from neighborhoods to nightlife and everything in between. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!