What to Know Before Moving to Lancaster

Tucked away from the hustle & bustle of the LA metropolitan area (but still within arm’s length for work and play), Lancaster provides SoCal living for a much more pleasant price.

Community Tidbits

As a city situated in the western portion of the Mojave Desert, Lancaster is obsessed with energy, specifically solar power. In fact, the city is ranked amongst the highest producers of power from the sun in the state. People here are crazy about solar! The community is also well-known for its art scene, cultural events, and gorgeous wildflowers (more on this below).

City Attractions

Though it’s not as exciting as its neighbor to the south – it’s hard to compete with the glitz and glamour of LA – Lancaster offers its own flavor of fun. Home of renowned wildflowers, some 60,000 visitors flock to the city during the annual California Poppy Festival. Along with the acclaimed festival, Lancaster is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene. Popular attractions include the Museum of Art & History, Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park, and Lancaster Performing Arts Center. Into unique destinations? Civic Musical Road was designed with grooves that, when driven over, play the “William Tell Overture.”

Jobs And Employers

From education to retail to healthcare, Lancaster offers a number of career opportunities. Looking for a teaching position? Antelope Valley Union High School District is one of the largest employers in the area. Those in the medical field should definitely consider Antelope Valley Hospital, another big employer in the city. When it comes to the military, there’s Edwards Air Force Base and Naval Air Weapons Station at China Lake. Of course, Los Angeles is just a little over an hour to the south, offering a plethora of opportunities.

Lifestyle

Offering a sparse suburban feel, Lancaster is a contrast to the congestion, noise, and rat race of Los Angeles. It can be a little rough around the edges in some areas of the city, but for the most part, folks are friendly. Ideal for retirees and families, the community offers a variety of amenities. With a “big sky” atmosphere, residents appreciate the openness of the surroundings. You can stretch your legs out here at one of the cities 12 well-maintained parks, which offer 450 acres of recreational space. As a diverse community that upholds its values, Lancaster is a fine place to call home, raise a family, and enjoy a simpler lifestyle while still being surrounded by some of the most popular attractions in California!

Cost Of Living

For many, Lancaster offers the dream of owning their own house a reality. While still located within Los Angeles County, home to some of the most expensive properties in the world, this community in the northern section of the county offers amazing value. Though it’s still over 15% higher than the national average, Lancaster’s median home value is nearly a whopping 60% lower than Los Angeles. And there’s more good news. When looking at the overall cost of living (including groceries, utilities, and health), the city offers a savings of 35% compared to LA. That’s big-time savings you can put into any number of things!