Overview
Located in Southern California, Valencia is a small neighborhood in the Santa Clarita Valley area. It is popular for its downtown shopping and dining center, as well as its proximity to other neighborhoods in the valley. In addition, its pleasant year-round temperatures and abundant hiking opportunities make it a popular retirement destination for active adults.
Climate & Geography
Valencia experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and wetter, mild winters. Residents can expect less than average rain, no snow, and about 280 days of sun throughout the year.
Technically part of Santa Clarita, Valencia is one of four previously unincorporated, master-planned areas that were eventually merged to create Santa Clarita. Valencia lies between the Angeles National Forest and Los Padres National Forest, and is north of the Santa Clarita River.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
With so many canyons nearby, outdoor recreation is easy to find in the Santa Clarita area. There are dozens of individual hiking trails and canyons, as well as popular historic sites like the Vasquez Rocks and Placerita Canyon Nature Center. Residents seeking water recreation can head north to Castaic Lake for fishing, boating, and swimming.
The Santa Clarita area has several entertainment and cultural offerings for retirees, including two local farmers markets, numerous art galleries, historic museums, and several performance arts centers. More specifically, the Westfield Valencia Town Center is a shopping and dining center of Valencia, and also features a movie theater and a winter ice-skating rink. Residents can also head to the nearby Old Town Newhall, another commercial destination with a more rustic feel.
In addition, the entertainment, cultural, and dining options of bustling Los Angeles are only a one-hour drive to the southeast.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Valencia’s cost of living is higher than the national average because of high home costs. Transportation costs are also higher, whereas health care is much lower.
California does not tax Social Security, but it does fully tax all other forms of retirement income. Property taxes in the state are low and may be eligible for a Homeowners' Exemption, whereas sales taxes are some of the highest in the country.
Health Care
The Los Angeles metro area scores well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 45 communities.
Valencia has one hospital that is rated as high performing by U.S. News: Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Other nearby high performing hospitals include Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, Northridge Hospital Medical Center in Northridge, and Simi Valley Hospital in Simi Valley.