Located in the Santa Clarita Valley, Valencia is a community that was merged with three nearby towns — Newhall, Canyon Country and Saugus — in 1987 to form the city of Santa Clarita. The area saw its first settlement by Europeans in 1769 when the Spanish Portola expedition camped near what would become known as the Santa Clara River. Today, the community of Valencia is known for being a prime tourist destination as visitors and residents alike head to Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park.
Valencia: A Model of Master Planned Conveniences and Amenities
Much of Valencia is part of a master planned community that was developed beginning in 1967. Each of its residential areas has its own characteristics, such as home styles and lifestyle. This diversity is designed to appeal to different home buyers.
Nearly all of its neighborhoods offer amenities like shopping and entertainment nearby. Most also boast a homeowner’s association that is tasked with ensuring that the village maintains a uniform and attractive appearance. Neighborhood watch programs are also prevalent throughout the city. Not only do these provide the opportunity for the community to care for its own and ensure the safety of its residents, they also serve as a way to build close-knit relationships with neighbors.
Neighborhood Schools Abound in Valencia
Valencia is also home to numerous neighborhood schools. These include Meadows Elementary, Oak Hills Elementary, Old Orchard Elementary, Valencia Valley Elementary — all of which serve grades kindergarten through sixth.
Arroyo Seco Junior High School provides educational services to students in grade seven and eight while Valencia High School and West Ranch High School do so for grades 9 through 12. Valencia is also home to a private university, California Institute of the Arts or CalArts.
Valencia: A Model of Interconnectivity
A unique facet of Valencia is how connected the entire community is. Using its network of paved pathways located both under and over the streets, residents can traverse almost the entire area on foot or bicycle without the need to cross a road. This network of pathways — which are called paseos — also connects the community to the Santa Clara River Trail that meanders beside the Santa Clara River.