Find Family Counselors Serving
Santa Clarita, CA

Frequently asked questions

Santa Clarita, CA

Santa Clarita is a city in northwestern Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California. With a 2020 census population of 228,673, it is the third-largest city by population in Los Angeles County, the 17th-largest in California, and the 98th-largest city in the United States.] It is located about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and occupies 70.75 square miles (183.2 km2)of land in the Santa Clarita Valley, along the Santa Clara River. It is a classic example of a U.S. edge city, satellite city, or boomburb.

Human settlement of the Santa Clarita Valley dates back to the arrival of the Chumash people, who were displaced by the Tataviam circa 450 AD. After Spanish colonists arrived in Alta California, the Rancho San Francisco was established, covering much of the Santa Clarita Valley. Henry Mayo Newhall purchased the Rancho San Francisco in 1875 and established the towns of Saugus and Newhall. The Newhall Land and Farming Company played a major role in the city's development. In December 1987, the city of Santa Clarita was incorporated, encompassing the communities of Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia. The four communities retain separate identities, and residents commonly refer to one of them when asked where they are from. Santa Clarita is bounded on the west by the Golden State Freeway (I-5). The Antelope Valley Freeway (CA-14) runs northeast–southwest forming part of the city's irregular east boundary. The two freeways meet at Newhall Pass, near the city's southernmost point.

Santa Clarita is home to three institutions of higher education: California Institute of the Arts, an internationally renowned art university; The Master's University, a Christian liberal arts university; and College of the Canyons, a community college. Companies headquartered in or near the city include Princess Cruises, Sunkist, Remo, and the Newhall Land and Farming Company. The unincorporated communities of Castaic and Stevenson Ranch, located to the north and west of the Santa Clarita city limits, respectively, are closely associated with the city. Six Flags Magic Mountain, though commonly thought to be in the Valencia part of Santa Clarita, is also west of Interstate 5 and outside of the Santa Clarita city limits.

Santa Clarita, according to the United States Census Bureau, covers an area of 70.82 square miles (183.4 km2), of which 70.75 square miles (183.2 km2) is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km2) (0.10%) is water. Nearly half of the city's land area has been acquired via annexations; the city's area at the time of incorporation was just 39.09 square miles (101.2 km2). The Newhall Pass is located at the southern end of the city, south of Newhall and north of the San Fernando Valley communities of Granada Hills and Sylmar.

Santa Clarita lies within the Santa Clarita Valley, bounded by the San Gabriel Mountains to the east, the Santa Susana Mountains to the south and west, and the Sierra Pelona Mountains to the north, all part of the Transverse Ranges.

The broad Santa Clara River passes through the city from east to west. Though usually dry, the river exhibits significant surface flow during seasonal episodes of heavy rainfall. The river's numerous tributaries incise the hilly terrain of the valley to form steep canyons after which many of the city's major streets are named. The largest of these canyons are Bouquet Canyon, San Francisquito Canyon, Sand Canyon, and Soledad Canyon.

Santa Clarita focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the City of Santa Clarita's Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Santa Clarita Athletic Club, and Gold's Gym - Santa Clarita. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Santa Clarita, such as the Santa Clara River Trail and the Placerita Canyon Nature Center trails. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Santa Clarita, CA are William S Hart Museum, Central Park, Canyon Theatre Guild, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Population: 224,028 (2023). Area code: 661. Zip codes: 91321–91322, 91350–91351, 91354–91355, 91380, 91385–91387, 91390. Elevation: 1,207 ft (368 m). Area: 62.16 sq mi (161 km2).

FAQ

Is Santa Clarita, CA a wealthy area?

The per capita income in Santa Clarita in 2018 was $42,435, which is upper middle income relative to California, and wealthy relative to the rest of the US. This equates to an annual income of $169,740 for a family of four. However, Santa Clarita contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.

Is Santa Clarita, CA a good place to live?

Living in Santa Clarita offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Santa Clarita, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Santa Clarita and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Santa Clarita are highly rated.

What is Santa Clarita, CA best known for?

A popular destination for both filmmakers and theme park thrill-seekers, Santa Clarita is where movie magic meets Magic Mountain. Set in the hills northwest of Los Angeles, Santa Clarita is best known as the home of Six Flags Magic Mountain. The theme park earned its title as the “Thrill Capital of the World” thanks to 20 roller coasters—including Full Throttle, the tallest and fastest looping roller coaster on the planet. Things are plenty wet and wild next door at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a water park with giant slides that will send you plunging and racing for hundreds of feet. But fear not: Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor also have plenty of rides and attractions suitable for younger kids and anyone looking for mellower fun.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Santa Clarita

Planet Fitness

Santa Clarita Athletic Club 

Gold's Gym - Santa Clarita

Santa Clara River Trail 

Placerita Canyon Nature Center trails

NeighborhoodScout

Niche

Visit California

William S Hart Museum 

Central Park 

Canyon Theatre Guild 

Six Flags Magic Mountain

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.