Reviews & Comments
Santa Clarita, CA
Thirty years a resident - and leaving soon. -
1/15/2020My husband and I moved into our first home in 1989 - just as the Valencia Mall broke ground. I still miss the Bob's Big Boy at the corner of Valencia Blvd. and Magic Mountain Parkway. I miss the 30-minute commute to North Hollywood. I also miss the independent restaurants that have been replaced by the generic, bland, unidentifiable franchises like Olive Garden and Mimi's Cafe. I guess that's what you call "progress".
Over the last 30+ years, we have certainly seen many changes to our little valley, some for the better, some maybe not so much. Still, Santa Clarita is a lovely suburb; "Generica" as it were. There are many retired or currently employed members of law enforcement, which creates a safe environment. The school system is excellent, shopping is plentiful and public transportation is not bad - even for Southern California. Infrastructure is good however, it could be better. Thousands of new houses were built which has created a lot more traffic on our local streets. Community spirit is also pretty good. Nightlife, except for movie theaters is pretty much non-existent. The powers that be discourage any businesses that might create a "party" atmosphere. If you're single, Santa Clarita is not the place for you.
Santa Clarita's cost of living has also increased - you get what you pay for.
Basically, a nice, boring little Suburbia, not unlike any other "good" area of Southern California. Big box stores, franchised restaurants, etc. If Santa Clarita has a specific "identity", it vanished about 20 years ago. It's been a good home for us over the last 3 decades - now I'm just bored.