I work on both sides of the hill, which is less common than it sounds. Most agents pick a valley. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and moved to Santa Clarita after I got married, so I have lived the move that many of my clients are making.
Use these guides to narrow down where you actually want to be before you start touring. It saves weekends.
Santa Clarita Valley
Not one market. A set of communities with real differences in price, lot size and carrying costs. Start with the Santa Clarita Valley overview, or go straight to the one you are considering.
- Valencia, the master-planned heart of the valley, built around the paseo path network
- Saugus, its own identity, established neighborhoods, the sweet spot for move-up buyers
- Canyon Country, several distinct pockets rather than one, with real variety in price
- Newhall, Old Town and the community-driven pockets around it
- Stevenson Ranch, closer to the county line with its own character
- Sand Canyon and Circle J Ranch, larger lots, custom homes, some gated
- Castaic, unincorporated Los Angeles County rather than part of the city
San Fernando Valley
The valley I grew up in, and still where a good share of my business is.
- Woodland Hills, the West Valley’s most established address
- Sherman Oaks, the Boulevard, the flats and the hillside above Mulholland
- Porter Ranch, master planned and newer, at the north edge of the valley
- Northridge, distinct micro-neighborhoods, with Sherwood Forest’s larger lots among them
- Lake Balboa, park access and value against Encino and Sherman Oaks
- Encino
Crossing between the two
Moving from the San Fernando Valley up to Santa Clarita is the single most common move I handle. Buyers do it for space, newer homes and schools, and they trade commute and pace for it. I wrote the honest version in why I left the San Fernando Valley for Santa Clarita.
Two things to check in any community here
Mello Roos and HOA dues. They vary by tract and by phase, and they change. Two homes at the same list price can carry very different monthly payments. Always get the current figures in writing for the specific address.
School boundaries. They do not always follow the tract line. Verify the boundary for the exact address with the district rather than relying on the neighborhood’s reputation.
Not sure where to start?
Tell me what you are trying to solve and I will point you at the two or three communities worth your time. Call or text me at (818) 605-1220. If you are selling before you buy, start with a current value for your home.
Marite Matassa, Pinnacle Estate Properties. California DRE #01867409. Serving the Santa Clarita Valley and San Fernando Valley from 24501 Town Center Dr #104, Valencia, CA 91355. English and Spanish.
