Quartz Hill

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.

Written By

Robin Silberman

Photography Contributed By

Joseph Choo

Video By

Peter Medawar