Lancaster, CA, known as "The Aerospace Capital of America," is a vibrant city with a rich history and a strong community spirit. Located in northern Los Angeles County, Lancaster is approximately 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles and 30 miles southwest of Edwards Air Force Base. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its aerospace industry, beautiful desert landscapes, and cultural attractions.
Lancaster's climate features hot, dry summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Lancaster City Park and the expansive Apollo Community Regional Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics.
The cultural scene in Lancaster is dynamic, with attractions like the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, the Museum of Art and History (MOAH), and the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the California Poppy Festival and the Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a priority in Lancaster, with the Antelope Valley Union High School District providing education to its students. The city is also home to higher education institutions such as Antelope Valley College and nearby California State University, Bakersfield - Antelope Valley. This focus on education makes Lancaster an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as Antelope Valley Hospital, also supports a strong job market and ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care.
Living in Lancaster combines the benefits of urban amenities with the warmth of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and Metrolink, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its aerospace heritage, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Lancaster offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Schools
Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.
Located in the state of California, Lancaster is a mid-sized city with a population of 157,697 residents. More than a quarter of the residents of Lancaster identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 24% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. With an average age of 33 years old, Lancaster could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 48% of the Lancaster population is married. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Lancaster entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 31 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Lancaster is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Lancaster and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
Lancaster, CA receives 71/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #229 in California and #5,612 in the USA. If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Lancaster ranks well for amenities (B+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Lancaster. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: crime (F), cost of living (F) and education (D).
If you're considering living in Lancaster, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Lancaster provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Lancaster apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Lancaster meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Lancaster. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Lancaster are simply unattainable. The median home price for Lancaster homes is $280,300, which is 31.5% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Lancaster, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.8, which is 25% lower than the California average.
| Statistic | Lancaster | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.9% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.4% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.9% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.0% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.6% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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