Valencia: A Santa Clarita Valley Success Story

Nearly 60 years ago, Los Angeles County approved the master plan for a “new town” called Valencia. It has since become a Southern California success story.

When Southern Californians think of Valencia in the heart of the Santa Clarita Valley, some may recognize it as the home of Six Flags Magic Mountain, the landmark amusement park directly off the I-5 freeway whose roller coasters and iconic red sky tower rise high into the sky.

For many others – Valencia is so much more. It is home.

More than 60,000 Valencia residents now live in its safe neighborhoods. Their children attend award-winning schools. They hike its trails and explore its open spaces. They enjoy its abundant recreation opportunities. And they operate successful businesses that form the valley’s powerful economic engine.

“I wanted to live in a community that’s good for kids,” said Ilisa J., who moved from North Hollywood to Valencia by FivePoint with her daughter and husband last year.

“Quality schools nearby and the feeling of safety were big factors for us. If I wanted to walk outside at 2 a.m., I would feel comfortable. We are enjoying this feeling immensely.”

Origins of Valencia

Henry Mayo Newhall first purchased a 48,000-acre mix of valleys, oak-studded hills and towering mountain peaks north of the City of Los Angeles 150 years ago. He would name the property Newhall Ranch, and his wife and five sons established The Newhall Land and Farming Company (Newhall Land) eight years later to carry on his stewardship of the Ranch lands.

Since the master plan for Valencia was first unveiled by Newhall Land and approved by Los Angeles County nearly 60 years ago, Valencia has evolved into a crown jewel and modern-day success story.

Valencia’s first community – Old Orchard – debuted in 1967 with an accompanying park, shopping center and school. Other unincorporated L.A. County communities (including Westridge, Stevenson Ranch, Castaic and Agua Dulce) and business centers (such as Valencia Commerce Center) were established since then.

The City of Santa Clarita was formed in 1987 and has since become the county’s third largest city with a population of more than 230,000. It would incorporate the completed Valencia community east of Interstate 5, plus Newhall, Saugus, and Canyon Country.

Together, these communities make up a vibrant Santa Clarita Valley, which encompasses 520 square miles and has an approximate population of 300,000.

Valencia's Foundations

Newhall Land planted the seed for Valencia’s regional-serving services and infrastructure. In addition to building its roads, freeway offramps, utilities and government center, Newhall Land played a significant role in introducing amenities into its award-winning master-planned community that include:

Newhall Land has since blossomed into a series of richly-diverse, mixed-use communities, while still keeping its agricultural history and personality intact. The company, which became a subsidiary of FivePoint in 2016, continues its community-building mission today with a new community just west of Interstate 5 called Valencia by FivePoint.

Valencia's Future

“The focus moving forward is to create a community that builds upon the experience and success in building communities and amenities in Santa Clarita Valley for nearly 60 years, while also reflecting the needs and interests of future generations,” said Don Kimball, SVP of FivePoint.

“Protecting natural resources and open space are important whether you’re new to Valencia or a longtime resident. Valencia by FivePoint demonstrates that a thoughtful balance between sustainable development and land preservation is achievable.”

Now home to more than 1,300 new households and approximately 3,000 residents, Valencia by FivePoint elevates sustainability and land conservation to a whole new level.

FivePoint will permanently protect approximately 10,000 acres of natural open space (which is equal to approximately 2/3 of its new community and about twice the size of LA’s Griffith Park).

FivePoint also plans to create 50 miles of walking and hiking trails, and connect them to the existing trail network. The company has also put $15 million toward conserving natural habitats and landscape features (including the once-feared-extinct San Fernando Valley Spineflower).

As one of the largest planned communities of its kind in the nation to pledge to maintain net zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero-net-energy homes and buildings, Valencia by FivePoint is poised to become a leader in sustainable living.

While connecting to a larger sustainability mission is important, it is the human connection and neighborhood feel that are most important to Valencia by FivePoint residents like Christina Dove.

“As a new mom, I love to take walks around the neighborhood and meet other new moms,” Dove says. “I’ve gotten to know my neighbors through events at nearby Confluence Park. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“Valencia set the bar very high, with a development plan that was masterfully done. I’m excited about the future.”