Scenic and peaceful, Val Verde’s legacy lives on
Since it was founded in the early 20th century, Val Verde has been a place where people went to get away from it all. The community began life as a resort space for African Americans, the area was wildly popular from the 1930s through the 1950s. Today, the resort is gone, but the beautiful scenery and peaceful ambience that once drew thousands of vacationers each year are very much intact.
Mix of cottages and custom homes with mountain views
Driving down the streets of Val Verde, you’ll encounter a mix of mid-century cottages and modern houses, often with stables attached. It’s also very common for new residents to buy land in the area and develop it themselves. Home prices range from $450,000 to $800,000, while the homes themselves typically offer 1,000 to 2,500 square feet, while undeveloped lots can go for anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000 depending on size and location. No matter where you are in town, you can expect fantastic mountain views and trails perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Trails and lakes offer year-round outdoor recreation
For many residents, the best part of living in Val Verde is the proximity to nature. Trails wind their way through the hills that surround the city, offering endless opportunities for exploration, whether you’re on foot, on horseback or riding your bike. Lake Piru, Castaic Lake and Los Padres National Forest offer additional opportunities for outdoor recreation. Those just looking to get outside for a few minutes can stop by Val Verde Park and enjoy the pool, playground or athletic facilities.
Shopping and dining options are mostly outside Val Verde
When locals need to do a bit of shopping, they generally head to the town of Castaic, about 10 minutes northeast of Val Verde, where they can find supermarkets like Ralphs and a selection of smaller shopping centers. If you’re looking for major retailers, Santa Clarita has multiple expansive shopping malls featuring everything from major department stores to upscale boutiques. As for Val Verde itself, the local convenience store is the only shop in town, however, local farmers, like those at Urban Fresh Farm often sell fresh produce straight from the source.
While there aren’t any restaurants in Val Verde, there are a number of highly-rated eateries within a ten-minute drive, including popular Mexican spot Laco Taco and Japanese fusion restaurant Sushi Story. Those looking for a bit of entertainment can always head down to Old Town Santa Clarita, which regularly hosts festivals and events — or just head across the river to Six Flags Magic Mountain, which sits just a couple of miles south of Val Verde.
Public schools in Santa Clarita serve most Val Verde students
Most students in the area attend Santa Clarita’s public schools, which are quite strong. Younger students are in the attendance zone of Live Oak Elementary and Castaic Middle School, while older kids can attend Valencia High, which has an A grade on Niche and a 9 out of 10 rating on Greatschools.
Country living with nature access and nearby conveniences
Living in the country isn’t for everyone — you’ll need to do a bit of driving to get everything from groceries to dental care — but if you’re looking for a place where you can reconnect with the great outdoors, without sacrificing too many modern conveniences, it’s hard to imagine a more serene landing spot than Val Verde.
![Piter Beyt]()
Photography Contributed By
Piter Beyt
