A historic dam and orchards shape Littlerock's identity
With leafy orchards and local fruit stands, Littlerock is known as “The Fruit Basket of the Antelope Valley.” This tiny agricultural town is southwest of Palmdale at the foot of the Sierra Pelona Mountains, about 50 miles from Los Angeles. It offers residents a laidback, rural lifestyle that's just a short drive from nearby amenities.
Littlerock is named for the Little Rock Wash, a stream that winds through the area. The area was settled in the mid-1800s and began to grow in population after several farmers moved there to plant almond and pear trees. In the early 20th century, the town opened its first schoolhouse and library. Shortly after, the Littlerock Dam was built to irrigate the town’s many orchards. At the time, it was the highest reinforced concrete dam with multiple arches in the world and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These days, Littlerock is home to around 1,500 residents, although the nearby community of Sun Village is also considered part of the town.
Calm neighborhoods along Pearblossom Highway
Several residential neighborhoods that are tucked away off Pearblossom Highway, Littlerock's main thoroughfare. Here, you’ll find an abundance of L-shaped ranch-style homes with light, earthy color schemes. Largely constructed in the 1980s, they typically feature between two and four bedrooms, attached garages and brick accents with lot sizes that vary from small yards to sprawling one- and two-acre lots. Quiet cul-de-sacs meet wide-open farmland and meadows, and some residents have stunning views of snow-capped mountains from their windows. Home prices range from $250,000 to upwards of $500,000 for larger homes with more acreage.
Two public schools for Littlerock students
Students in Littlerock can attend Alpine Elementary and Littlerock High School. Alpine Elementary serves kindergarten through eighth grade and is located at the center of town, making it walkable from many nearby homes. Littlerock High School, constructed in 1989, serves Littlerock as well as the surrounding communities of Lake Los Angeles, Pearblossom and Llano.
A few restaurants in town, and locals grocery shop in Palmdale
There are several shops, businesses, restaurants and taquerias on Pearblossom Highway, as well as U.S. Postal Service branch, several gas stations and the Littlerock Library. If you’re feeling famished, you can make a pitstop at the Littlerock Grill, a classic luncheonette, or Michel’s Restaurant, a Mexican eatery serving classic fare from south of the border. You would be remiss if you didn’t swing by Tibor’s Gourmet Hungarian Deli for a sandwich. This traditional European deli has been serving sausage and sandwiches in Littlerock since 1984. You might also stop by Charlie Brown Farms, a festive and eclectic shop and restaurant that claims it holds the Guinness World Record for hottest jerky. For groceries, you’ll have to head over to Palmdale where you can fill up your shopping cart at Walmart, Stater Bros. Markets and Target.
Hiking trails, parks and access to the Antelope Valley Freeway
If you’re looking for some fresh air, check out Everett Martin Park, a lovely little oasis with shady trees, a playground, walking paths and a public pool. Adventurers and nature lovers will find plenty to keep them occupied at Angeles National Park, whether you’re going on a moonlight hike at the Devil’s Punchbowl or climbing the challenging trails that lead to the top of Twin Peaks East. Littlerock is also just a few miles from the Antelope Valley Freeway. Residents can hop on the highway, and it’s about an hour drive to cultural destinations, sports arenas and job centers in Los Angeles.
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Choo
