Lancaster

Quartz Hill is a part of the Antelope Valley that residents like for the rustic, hometown feeling and space to spare. Kimberly Keil, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, says, "There's a mix of older properties with more land; there are certain lots that have over an acre of land. This is where you would go when you have horses. It's the most country living with small-town vibes in Lancaster." <br> <br>Separated from Los Angeles by the San Gabriel Mountains, the area has gorgeous mountain views, you can even see snow-capped peaks in the distance. There are spacious open areas showing off the high desert scenery, but along the residential streets, landscaped yards with drought-tolerant plants or greenery create a suburban oasis. Privacy walls and backyard pools add to the sense of seclusion and leisure. <br><br>The single-family homes here start at around $300,000 for modest midcentury models and can go over $1 million for multi-acre horse properties with up to five bedrooms. Styles include Spanish Revivals with distinct clay tile roofing, ranch-style homes with wide covered entryways and newer builds like large custom homes with multicar garages. If you don't need a ton of space but affordability is a priority, Quartz Hill Mobile Home Park offers manufactured homes from $100,000 for a two-bedroom to $175,000 for a four-bedroom, and park amenities include a pool and clubhouse. <br> <br>Children in Quartz Hill may start at public schools such as Quartz Hill Elementary and Joe Walker Middle School, both part of the Westside Union School District. Quartz Hill Elementary, which includes kindergarten through sixth grade, has a robotics team and regularly integrates STEM curriculum in all classrooms. This helps prepare students for Grades 7 and 8 at Joe Walker Middle, a STEALTH Academy that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with the arts and humanities. At the secondary level, Quartz Hill High — part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District — offers a wide assortment of activities, including ballroom dance, creative writing and Science Olympiad. The cross-country teams are outstanding. <br> <br>Another sport that area youth excel at is baseball. Quartz Hill Little League operates active programs and is supported by the community. A top site for sports facilities, 14-acre George Lane Park is beloved for its many resources, including a community center, pool and programs like summer camps, County Capers dance, Youth Cheer and Hoop Sanity for basketball fundamentals. <br> <br>In terms of retail, Leonard Egstrom, Realtor with eXp Realty of California, Inc., says, "It's a prime area because of the location. They are building higher-end shops. Quartz Hill has a hometown feel because it has one of the main roads that was built out in the '50s, 50th Street West; that's where all the small businesses are."<br> <br>One of the restaurants on 50th, Broken Bit Steakhouse, has a thoroughly Western theme, from the appetizers like Hillbilly Brussel Sprouts and the Cowboy Cheeseburger to cocktails like Ranch Hand Lemonade. It was named 2022's "Best" in five categories by Antelope Valley Press. Keil says, "Broken Bit is the most popular spot in Quartz Hill. It's a really good restaurant; their drink specials and everything on the menu is good. You can't go wrong with what you order. And you don't have to be a meat eater; they have nice vegetarian picks too."<br> <br>A smaller spot on 50th, which also sports a cool theme, is the Sagebrush Café Coffee & Art House. This spot delights literature lovers with sandwiches with names like E. Hemingway and Steinbeck. The independently operated café hosts special events like an after-hours gathering for art and an open mic. <br> <br>Some move to the area because it's an aerospace hub, perfect for employees of companies like Lockheed Martin. And for LA jobs, the 80-mile drive is considered a quick commute by some. With mountain and desert scenery, roomy equestrian land and Western themes, Quartz Hill is a great hometown.

Characterized by clear skies and open landscapes, East Lancaster has seen significant development over the years, transitioning from a sparsely populated region to a more structured community with an increasing number of amenities and services. "Lots of people are moving from LA because they get larger homes and more space out here," says Realtor Leonard Egstrom with eXp Realty. "Despite how old this town is, it's becoming more and more popular." East Lancaster differs from the west side in that it was developed first, starting in the 1960s when the local aerospace industry took off. Today, it’s a popular landing spot for those looking for large, modern homes at palatable price points. According to Egstrom, a key part of Lancaster's appeal is that it offers a beautiful setting without the premium prices found elsewhere in the region. "Our affordability is fantastic," he says. The housing market in the neighborhood is composed of midcentury ranches closer to central Lancaster and more recently developed tracts on the east side of the neighborhood, which typically feature 2-story new traditional and Spanish-style homes. "New builders are building like crazy right now,” Engstrom says. “We have a lot of land, so they're taking advantage of it." Smaller midcentury homes on the west side typically sell for between $350,000 and $480,000, while the more spacious modern builds usually go for $500,000 to $650,000. East Lancaster is served by the Antelope Valley Union High School District and the Lancaster School District. Columbia Elementary School and Gifford Cole Middle School both have a C-minus rating on Niche. Eastside High has a B grade and features a biomedical science academy, digital arts pathway and ed academy geared toward education and social work careers. The neighborhood is home to a number of well-maintained public parks, though most of these are found closer to the city center. The area’s most popular outdoor space is, without a doubt, the Lancaster National Soccer Center. It has 35 premium fields, five of which meet International FIFA specifications, and hosts youth and adult soccer tournaments and leagues throughout the year. While there isn’t much in the way of hiking in East Lancaster itself, the neighborhood does sit on the edge of the Mojave Desert, and residents are just a short drive from an assortment of desert parks, preserves and equestrian clubs. East Lancaster is home to an array of shopping centers and major supermarkets like Vallarta, Superior Grocers and Stater Bros., along with a Walmart Supercenter located in the center of the neighborhood. Additional shopping can be found along State Highway 14, which runs along the west side of the neighborhood. There are a number of popular restaurants in the area. Challenger Tap House Bar and Grill is a favorite for handcrafted bites and beverages, while old-school Italian eatery offers pizza and pasta in a low-key setting. There are a number of Mexican restaurants in the neighborhood, ranging from regional chain El Pollo Loco to popular local spots like Roca del Mar. State Highway 14 connects East Lancaster, and Lancaster as a whole, to Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and the rest of LA County. Palmdale is just a 10-mile drive from the neighborhood, while Santa Clarita and Downtown LA are 45 and 70 miles away, respectively. The Antelope Valley Transit Authority oversees bus routes in East Lancaster, offering direct connections to the center of town. However, some houses in the neighborhood are miles from the nearest bus stop, and it can require multiple transfers to get from the neighborhood to parts of Palmdale and elsewhere in the community. Palmdale Regional Airport currently doesn’t have scheduled passenger airline service, so when locals need to book flights they usually head down to Burbank International Airport, a 60-mile drive from the neighborhood.

West Lancaster is a side of this Antelope Valley city you won't want to miss. "The west side of Lancaster is more popular for real estate," Kimberly Keil, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, says. "There are good schools and more opportunities for shopping; it's a much busier area than the east side."<br><br>Though the area is called high desert, as you walk along the residential sidewalks, you'll notice plenty of green foliage, flowering plants and nicely landscaped yards. The single-family homes here start at around $300,000 for modestly sized models and range from $900,000 to $1.6 million for large homes of 3,000 to 5,000 square feet. <br><br>As space filled up in the east side of Lancaster, residential construction shifted to the west. So, you will see some midcentury homes with custom wood or stone detailing, but much of the development here is newer. More space means there also are larger lots, many with a quarter acre of land and some with more than half an acre, a draw for horse owners. Homes built in recent decades may show off Spanish Revival elements like clay tile roofing or feature single-level living with lots of room in a wide layout. Most homes have multicar garages and driveways. <br><br>Children in West Lancaster have many options, with private, faith-based and public schools, like Nancy Cory Elementary School, a Visual and Performing Arts Academy. Endeavor Middle School's enrichment opportunities include "Boosts," after-school activities focused on academic topics, as well as sports such as soccer, volleyball and track and field. <br><br>Older students may attend National Blue Ribbon School SOAR High, which partners with Antelope Valley College, a public community college. The college's Performing Arts Theater hosts musical and theatrical performances and showcases local events like Lancaster Pageants, naming Miss Lancaster and her court to benefit community scholarships and service work. Other secondary schools include Lancaster High, which features groups such as the Robotics Club, Mathletes and Women of Character and sports like volleyball, soccer and tennis. A highly ranked private Catholic school, Paraclete High, offers a STEAM focus and boasts NCAA-qualified athletics. <br><br>If you enjoy the outdoors, check out the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve and learn about the wildlife and habitats of the region at the 120-acre site. There's an interpretive center, an excavation station and over 3 miles of trails to explore. Twenty-acre Rawley Duntley Park has been important to the community for nearly 40 years — you can shoot some hoops with friends or rent a picnic shelter for your next family gathering. <br><br>When it's time to get groceries or dinner out, head toward State Route 14, where much of the retail is found. Valley Central is a shopping center with over 50 stores for whatever is on your list. And on a free afternoon, your destination is Antelope Valley Winery for indoor and outdoor tastings or a vineyard picnic. The venue hosts wine and cheese pairings, Wine Club parties, and a certified farmer's market on Saturdays from May to November. <br><br>Some move to the city because it's an aerospace hub, perfect for commuting to companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Keil says residents also work at the new Amazon facility in West Palmdale or drive to LA, about 80 miles south. Wherever you work, once you make your home in West Lancaster, you'll realize you chose a great side of the city.

The heart of a mid-sized city in the Antelope Valley, Central Lancaster’s appeal — first and foremost — is logistics. Those looking for quick commutes to companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are in luck. "We're a military aerospace community and the last city in LA County north of LA," says Realtor Leonard Egstrom, who works with eXp Realty of California, Inc. and has over a decade of experience in the area. Proximity to a wealth of career opportunities is the standout reason to choose Central Lancaster. "People are relocating here for the jobs, and they're also commuting to LA," Egstrom says. Separated from LA by about 80 miles and the San Gabriel Mountains, Lancaster has easy access to travel north or south via State Route 14. "We're an hour away from everything — the mountains, the city, the ocean,” Egstrom says. “That's the beauty of this place." Amid the desert landscapes and aerospace advantages, a home in Central Lancaster is within reach of everything by car, although commuters can also access public transportation with Antelope Valley Transit Authority buses or hop on a train at Lancaster Metrolink Station. The closest hospital is Palmdale Regional Medical Center. For further travel, residents can take flights from Palmdale Regional Airport. Within Central Lancaster, residents can frequent a one-mile-square downtown area. Its streetscape was redesigned about a decade ago and the vibrant scene along the BLVD thrives — it's the area's premier site for shopping, dining and entertainment. La Papillion is known for fine dining, with French dinners such as filet mignon and coq au vin served in an elegant atmosphere. To step back in time, people can visit Katz N' Jammers Café, a '50s-style diner with classic car décor, oldies music and breakfast foods. Meanwhile, those wanting to cook at home can find groceries at On The Blvd Market. "Downtown Lancaster is really cute. They have live music, art galleries and different events like car shows, holiday celebrations and entertainment for families,” says Realtor Kimberly Keil, who works with Keller Williams Realty and has over 5 years of experience in the area. Events in downtown Lancaster include the BLVD farmers market on Thursdays, a summer concert series, BLVD Glo block party and a Magical BLVD Christmas. When residents are ready for showtime, they can check out the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, which has hosted performances including ballet, theatre and a hip-hop rendition of Grimm's fairy tales. Surrounded by mountain ranges, the area features scenic landscapes from deserts to poppy fields. At Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, a state nature reserve, residents can walk on trails through hills covered in yellow and orange blooms. Jane Reynolds Park features an outdoor pool and a skate park added in 2019. American Heroes Park, named in honor of those who gave their lives in battle, offers ballfields as well as gazebos by a fountain. Pet owners can bring their pups to frolic off-leash at the dog park, which is shaded by tress and nearly an acre in size. Along Central Lancaster’s loose grid of residential streets, neighbors pass by small yards often landscaped with succulents, palms and birch trees that add greenery to a dry environment. Architecture includes midcentury ranch-style homes and newer homes that may show off Spanish Revival flair with tile roofing and stucco. There are some apartments and condos as well, allowing for maintenance-free living. Contemporary homes can range from $450,000 to $680,000, while ranch-style houses often start from $370,000 and go up to $550,000. Prospective buyers should prioritize getting a house with a garage, since the area’s CAP Index is a seven out of 10, higher than the national average of four. Motor Vehicle Theft is a particularly high-rate crime with an eight out of ten score. Students in the area are served by the Lancaster Elementary School District, which has a C rating according to Niche. Schools include Linda Verde Elementary School, which has a C-minus grade, for kindergarten through eighth grade. Students can then transition to Antelope Valley High School, which has a B-minus rating on Niche. The school also offers a district-wide dental assisting program. It also has over 25 clubs, including Future Farmers of America and Robotics.

Northwest Palmdale, an unincorporated community in the Antelope Valley, provides plenty of space, the final frontier in Los Angeles County. “There’s a lot of land there and room to build, and with L.A. getting squeezed, people are moving to the suburbs,” says Brandon Ilic, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Westlake Village. “With the advent of remote work, people can move to an area like Northwest Palmdale and find a bigger house for a better price and enjoy more of their home life.”<br><br>The neighborhood offers a variety of single-family housing on spacious lots. Custom-designed estate-style homes sit on at least 2 acres, providing room for luxury amenities such as pools. Ranch-style homes, from the traditional to more modern builds, are common throughout the neighborhood and sit on expansive lots as well. Some are even zoned for agriculture/livestock. Also prominent is a collection of multi-level homes featuring new construction and styles as varied as Spanish Mediterranean and modern on the same block. You also can find the occasional cozy remodel, which, of course, comes with 3 acres of land. Prices typically range from under $500,000 to more than $1.5 million, depending on the accompanying acreage. “The entry-level price is one of the most affordable in L.A. County,” says Ilic. “That draws a lot of people to the area.”<br><br>Students can attend Esperanza Elementary, Hillview Middle and Highland High schools -- all B-rated institutions by Niche. Highland High is a magnet school whose academic programs include instruction in sports medicine, fire technology and robotics, the latter offering the chance to compete in an international robot-building competition.<br><br>A technological background is especially helpful in Northwest Palmdale, as the aerospace industry is the city’s primary employer. NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman all have facilities nearby, roughly a mile east of the Antelope Valley Freeway, also known as Aerospace Highway. Those companies have engaged in research, development, assembly and testing of the Space Shuttle and many of the military’s high-performance planes in Palmdale for decades. “They provide a strong, sustainable economy that offers a lot of opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math,” says Ilic. <br><br>Along the freeway business corridor is an array of nearby retail and dining options concentrated around the Antelope Valley Mall. Residents have easy access to stores such as Walmart, Dillard’s and Macy’s and restaurants that include Fire Island Grill, a highly rated Hawaiian eatery, and Yard House, a New American restaurant known for its selection of beer.<br><br>Northwest Palmdale’s open spaces are perfect for horsing around. The neighborhood is home to the Antelope Valley Desert Riders Equestrian Center, a Palmdale institution since 1939. The oldest equestrian club in the county puts on monthly shows for children and adults to show off their skills. Marie Kerr Park, located just outside the neighborhood, is a sprawling recreational center that features a regional softball complex, an aquatic center and colorful basketball courts among its athletic amenities. It also includes the Palmdale Amphitheater, site of the annual Kaleidoscope Art & Music Festival each October as well as movie nights throughout the year.<br><br>Settle down in Northwest Palmdale, where you can live long and prosper. “It’s a great place to raise a family,” says Ilic. “It’s quiet suburban living.”