California Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Lancaster, California

Population: 118,718

Located in Los Angeles County

We are celebrating twenty-five years of accomplishments in our city, twenty-five years of civic pride in our home town and twenty-five years as a community of friends and neighbors. Since our incorporation in 1977, with a population of 37,000 residents, we have seen many positive changes, including the growth in population to more than 122,000 residents. The changes we have experienced have been the result of sound leadership working jointly with a concerned and active citizenry. We have reason to be proud of our city.

We cannot be a great City if our citizens don't feel safe. This feeling of safety comes by solving small problems early so they don't become big problems. Central to the effort of safety are law enforcement and fire professionals who are trained and ready for any emergency situation that may arise. It is safer to be out and about in Lancaster as a result of ongoing teamwork and community efforts. Today, Lancaster is ranked in the top 20 percent of safest cities of its size by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Lancaster's overall public safety has increased as a result of hard work and commitment by the City of Lancaster and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, making our neighborhoods safer places within which to live.

The affordability of housing and the friendly atmosphere of our residential neighborhoods make Lancaster an ideal place to call home. Homes in the City of Lancaster are more affordable than almost anywhere else in California, making it easy for young families to attain the dream of home ownership. Over the years, the City has experienced growth in housing development as a direct result of growth in aerospace and other industries, the rising cost of houses in the Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley areas and the quality of life that is present in our community. When our City was incorporated in 1977, only 18,127 homes were located in Lancaster. Today, there are approximately 45,000 housing units in Lancaster and a remarkable 70 percent of Lancaster residents own their own homes. This very high home ownership statistic means that our residents are committed to being long-term members of the Lancaster community.

The City of Lancaster has one of the most successful and active Redevelopment and Economic Development programs in California. We have made a commitment to attracting and retaining a prosperous business community. Programs policies are initiated by elected officials and carried out by a profession staff assisting the business community. In 1978, there were approximately 29,000 jobs in Lancaster. Now, more than 40,000 residents have jobs and working in Lancaster because of our superior business climate. Innovation and the introduction new business into our thriving business community are keys to future growth and tax base expansion in Lancaster. Growth in local commerce demonstrates the City's continuing efforts to bring good-paying job opportunities and job diversity to Lancaster. As a result of this effort, major companies have all located here, creating thousands of jobs for local residents.

"Getting from here to there" has come a long way. As we have grown, our transportation system has grown. In 1977, there were only 20 traffic signals in the City; there were few roads that were wider than two lanes in each direction; many intersections flooded with every rain shower and intersections were controlled by stop signs. There were no railroad overpasses, no commuter rail services and no local commuter transit services. Today, the City has 118 signalized intersections, many roads that are three or four lanes in each direction, and railroad and freeway overpasses. Commuter rail service has been available since 1994 with the arrival of Metrolink and our own beautiful Metrolink Station. We now have an extensive bus system operated by the Antelope Valley Transit Authority.

Lancaster residents don't have to go far to have a little fun. Many of the Antelope Valley's award-winning parks, recreation and cultural opportunities are located right here in Lancaster. In 1977, the City acquired its first three parks from Los Angeles County. Soon after, the City began to build Lancaster City Park. Today, participation in recreational programs offered by the City tops the one million mark annually. Whether it's watching a baseball game, enjoying a play or concert, visiting an art museum or learning about the City's history, taking time for a little rest and relaxation is easy when you live in Lancaster. That's because we offer so many opportunities for fun and play.