YES!

This is awesome, and something we need to see more of in the Santa Clarita Valley. Santa Clarita just announced plans to break ground on a community garden at Central Park.

The details

There will be 40 plots. Each plot will be 10×20 is size. Some plots will be divisible into 10×10. There will even be raised above-ground plots for residents in wheelchairs.

There is an annual rental fee, for each plot. I haven’t verified, but KHTS reports that they will range from $50-100 per plot. I’m assuming that’s the annual cost since the announcement from the city noted the annual cost as being “nominal.” Beginning gardeners, and advanced gardeners are being encouraged to apply for a plot. Advice and how-to clinics will be offered. Under which circumstances people will be accepted and be able to rent a plot, the press release from the city wasn’t clear, however KHTS reported that it will be via a lottery system. (Update: several plots will be reserved for families in need who can’t afford the annual rent – documentation will be required).

The community garden at Central Park has a March 2011 date for its opening. The groundbreaking event is set for December 3, 2010, at 10am. For up-to-date details from the city of Santa Clarita, click here. 

A community resource like this is important for our growth as a valley, and I’m speaking culturally too. It’d be great to have a city and valley, that strives more and more, to be self-sustainable. This is a minor, super-small step. It is however, a step in the right direction.

I’m looking forward to writing more about this community resource and the benefits it brings to the Santa Clarita Valley. Who knows, I might even be able to tie it into real estate? Homebuyers, like many others these days, are looking for innovative communities to live in. A community garden is a feature that I’m sure plenty of homebuyers are starting to put on their community features wish-list.

Santa Clarita and Valencia Bike Trails A Huge Draw To Homebuyers

One of the main reasons people love Santa Clarita is the pedestrian friendly walking and biking trails. With over 60 miles of trails and paseos, Santa Clarita is truly an active lifestyle community. No matter which area of Santa Clarita you’re in, you’ll be near a park, or trail.

The best part of the trails and paseos is that they are accessible from many of the Santa Clarita housing communities, also called tracts.

Valencia is the best example of this. From the southern portion of Valencia near Lyons Avenue, to the northern portion near Copper Hill Drive, the paseo system is super accessible. We’re talking, at the end of your street accessible! Valencia is made up of numerous housing tracts that are not only attractive, but they are also made up of many cul-de-sac streets. At the end of, or near many of these cul-de-sac streets, you’ll find a trail head, or paseo entrance. That means you can leave your front door with your jogging shoes on or your bicycles tires inflated, and you’re already there – ready to explore 60+ miles of beautiful scenery.

Complete Santa Clarita Trails Map Download

Complete Valencia Paseo System Map Download

Check out Google Maps new feature showing these trails in Santa Clarita:

Check out Google Maps new feature showing these trails in the northern portion of Valencia:

Look at all that GREEN! Those are all pure, heart healthy, fun lovin’ trails and paseos!

This my friends, is one of the key factors that makes Valencia, Santa Clarita’s most popular community, and one of the most attractive. There is love in other areas too. These trails extend all the way east to Canyon Country. The trails there don’t really extend into many of the communities like they do in Valencia, but they’re there! And the city of Santa Clarita has done a great job in helping to make Santa Clarita a pedestrian friendly community.

More and more, people are starting to recognize this about Santa Clarita. Homebuyers can’t find these sort of active lifestyle amenities in any other nearby, comparable cities.

The Santa Clarita Trails and Paseos are just another reason to consider Santa Clarita when looking in Northern Los Angeles County for your next home. Whether you’re buying, or renting.

Want to see the homes that are for sale in Valencia? Check it out below! These are Northbridge Valencia listings. This info is always updated…. 

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 34. See more Valencia Northbridge community real estate.
(all data current as of 5/22/2012)

1. $549,900 : 23013 Weymouth Place, Valencia
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,730 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,669 sqft
2. $289,900 : 26507 Tahoe Drive, Valencia
   
   2 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 1,176 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.61 ac
3. $369,000 : 23341 Preston Way, Valencia
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,318 sq ft

   Lot size: 8,233 sqft
4. $425,000 : 23859 Bennington Drive, Valencia
   
   3 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 1,799 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,702 sqft
5. $134,000 : 26963 Hillsborough #72, Valencia
   
   1 bed, 1 full bath

   Home size: 592 sq ft

   Lot size: 2.10 ac
6. $585,000 : 23403 Westford Place, Valencia
   
   5 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,603 sq ft

   Lot size: 10,313 sqft
7. $585,000 : 23709 Wingate Court, Valencia
   
   5 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,859 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,241 sqft
8. $539,900 : 27418 Briars Place, Valencia
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,287 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,754 sqft
9. $699,900 : 23314 Lynham Place, Valencia
   
   5 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 3,460 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,519 sqft
10. $475,000 : 27500 Berkshire Hills Place, Valencia
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,071 sq ft

    Lot size: 8,790 sqft

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 I can think of a few communities that would qualify for the subject title – BEST SANTA CLARITA CONDOS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS, but, today I’ll just highlight these two.

We’ve talked a lot about them already here at SCREF. And we do so for one main reason. LOCATION!

Santa Clarita real estate, and all real estate, is about the location.  Ever take a drive to Las Vegas using highway 18 to connect to the 15 north? Ever wonder why a few people would build some of those nicer homes, right on that awful road? Me too. Great house. Bad location.

I think the most important thing for a first-time homebuyer to do, is focus on location first, and needs second, then wants. Sacrifice a bit, for the better location. And if you can save money in the meantime, then even better!

And you will save money by buying a condo in one of my two favorite condo communities with awesome locations, in Santa Clarita.

Siena Villas and Santa Fe condo communities.

The condos in these two communities are very affordable for first-time homebuyers in Santa Clarita. If you need a private garage – Santa Fe condos has you covered. If you like Tennis Courts, Siena Villas has you covered. They both offer community pool areas, and very nice landscaping which is essential for any nice community.

The floor plans aren’t huge, most are under 1,100 sq ft. If this is your first condo, perhaps you won’t need that 1,600 square feet townhome?

What you can’t find anywhere else in Santa Clarita, that you can find in these two Valencia condo communities, is the central location.

Places you can walk to from either Siena Villas or Santa Fe condos:

• Valencia Town Center Mall
• Regal Cinemas Movie Theater
• Whole Foods Market
• Kohl’s
• Pei Wei
• Corner Bakery Café
• Lazy Dog Café
• Wakano
• Santa Clarita City Hall
• Chase Bank
• YMCA
• Summit Park
• Macy’s
• JCPenney
• Sears
• Boarders
• Starbucks
• Wine 661
• But wait, THERE’S MORE! =)

That’s walking distance. No need for your car. It’s time to help the environment, right? In fact, we did a blog post not too long ago about the Walk Score of these Santa Clarita condo communities. Their Walk Score is among the highest in Santa Clarita!

The condos at Siena Villas or Santa Fe aren’t as new as some others. You’ll have someone above you, or below you. Much like apartment living in that respect. The floor plans aren’t better than some newer communities either. Remember though, this is about your first purchase. It’s important for your first purchase to be smart, and a good investment decision.

The condos at Santa Fe and Siena Villas will always be popular for one main reason – LOCATION. And if something is popular, that means there’s a demand for it. Where there’s a demand, there’s a buyer!

Interested in whats for sale their? Check it out! These homes are always updated, no matter when you find this blog post.

Santa Fe Condos in Valencia:

Sorry, but we couldn't find any results in the MLS that match the specified search criteria.

Siena Villas Condos in Valencia:

Sorry, but we couldn't find any results in the MLS that match the specified search criteria.

I wanted to spotlight the Valencia Creekside area today. It’s one of Valencia’s most popular communities. Located in the 91354 zip code of Valencia, Creekside consists of 6 different tracts of townhomes and single family homes (names in the graphic below).

 People are drawn to the Creekside area for numerous reasons. It’s location is phenomenal. You’re within walking distance of: Valencia Paseos and trail heads, a beautiful and modern City of Santa Clarita Park, shopping, restaurants, elementary school(s), a junior high, and a high school. That’s right. Walking distance! A bike is always helpful with the trails and paseo paths adjacent to the Creekside community.

Creekside also offers community pools and playgrounds from within the community. As you drive though, you’ll see these amenities, and you’ll probably experience the quaint turnabouts too. The landscaping, everywhere you go, is lush, and well taken care of. Sure, you can always find the dead spots, but, over-all, this community gets an A+ for curb appeal and presentation.

If you’re looking for a large lot, this isn’t the area you want to rent or buy in. Creekside is akin to cluster homes. There are townhomes at the Brookside Walk and Andorra communities of Creekside, and there are single family homes at the Somerset, Summer Grove, the Willows, and the Windsor Collection. All of the single family homes are pretty close to each other, and generally offer large patio areas, and or front yards only. Many of the single family homes offer alleyways to access the private attached garages.

For first-time homebuyers, and move-up homebuyers coming from a condo and such…this is a super popular community. We find that it’s also popular amongst those who are looking to downsize in sq ft and property lot size. No matter what style of home you’re living in now, Creekside in Valencia, may be the place for you!?

Homes For Sale in Valencia Creekside Area:

Browse the Valencia Creekside homes for sale below. Let us know if we can help you with any of them. Want to view them? Have questions? Just call us here at The Robert and Brian Team! 661-964-1760. Enjoy!

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 18. See more Valencia Creekside community real estate.
(all data current as of 5/22/2012)

1. $225,000 : 24060 Meadowbrook Lane, Valencia
   
   3 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 1,330 sq ft

   Lot size: 31,998 sqft
2. $270,000 : 19649 Babington Street, Valencia
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,358 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,871 sqft
3. $249,000 : 27439 Coldwater Drive, Valencia
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,352 sq ft
4. $350,000 : 27398 Coldwater Drive, Valencia
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,156 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,831 sqft
5. $375,000 : 24011 Cornelia Place, Valencia
   
   3 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 1,761 sq ft

   Lot size: 3.01 ac
6. $299,000 : 27406 DEARBORN DR,
   
   3 beds, 3.0 baths

   Home size: 1,804 sq ft

   Lot size: 3,190 sqft
7. $299,000 : 27402 DEARBORN DR,
   
   3 beds, 3.0 baths

   Home size: 1,804 sq ft

   Lot size: 3,117 sqft
8. $389,000 : 27360 Riverside Lane, Valencia
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,156 sq ft

   Lot size: 3,670 sqft
9. $309,000 : 27452 RIVERSIDE LN, Valencia
   
   3 beds, 3.0 baths

   Home size: 1,761 sq ft
10. $349,943 : 27505 Weeping Willow Drive, Valencia
    
    3 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,073 sq ft

    Lot size: 4,104 sqft

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

One of the most beautiful, and eclectic neighborhoods in the Santa Clarita Valley, is called, Happy Valley. I love Happy Valley. In fact, I think I’ve already done a post on how much I like Happy Valley (?), but who cares, it’s worth two blog posts.

If the burbs aren’t your idea of quality living, then I suggest checking out the non-burbs, next to the burbs. Happy Valley is a mish-mash of homes, and property types. There are equestrian lots, huge custom homes, Victorian styled homes, doll-house type homes, retro style homes, modern/contemporary homes, out of place 20 unit apartment buildings, homes with amazing valley/mountain views, and best of all, homes that enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

Get Away From It All, Without Being Far From It All

Happy Valley is in the Newhall community of Santa Clarita. It’s located just south of Lyons Avenue, west of Newhall Avenue, and east of Peachland Avenue (approximately).

I love how the streets seem a bit smaller in width. Perhaps that’s an effect of the Oak trees that tower over you, and provide for some excellent shade, as you walk or drive through the Happy Valley neighborhood.

We get quite a few clients who don’t like the cookie cutter Valencia neighborhoods. We usually take those clients directly to Happy Valley, to see if there’s something there for them.

Does Happy Valley Sound Like A Match For You?

Check out the homes that are for sale in Newhall’s Happy Valley tract, right here:

Sorry, but we couldn't find any results in the MLS that match the specified search criteria.

Today we wanted to show you the Siena Villas condo community located in Valencia. LOVE this community of condos. It has by far, one of the best locations in the Santa Clarita Valley. It's always nice to be able to walk directly across the street and be able to hit up the: Starbucks, Whole Foods, Corner Bakery, Kohl's, Valencia Town Center Mall, Wahoos Fish Tacos, Pei Wei, and so much more than I can really list here.

Living in the Siena Villas is very affordable too. Check out the module below for current Siena Villas listings and current pricing. The Siena Villas are condos. They don't have larger square footage stats like nearby townhome communities (ie: Arbor Park, Las Ventanas). The location at Siena Villas however is superior to anything nearby (in my honest opinion), and the savings you get compared to that of a larger Valencia townhome community a short distance away, is quite measurable.

The square footage of the Siena Villas range from the upper 600's and tops out in the low 1,100's.

Siena Villas offers multiple swimming pool locations for it's residents, a tennis court, gated subterranean parking, lush landscaping, and very neatly maintained buildings which feature nice common area walkways.

It's really a pleasure to take a stroll through. Aesthetically, it's very appealing, if not more so, than other communities in similar price ranges.

Check out our community tour of the Siena Villas for our SCVRealEstate360 YouTube Channel.

Want to check out what's for sale at the Siena Villas? This module is always updated, no matter when you're finding this:

I figured, instead of telling you what my top 5 favorite restaurants are, you’d rather read something I actually know about – homes.

With that said, here are my top 5 favorite housing communities in Santa Clarita, not necessarily in any particular order:

• Miramonte  - located in the Copper Hill area of Saugus, the Miramonte community is one of my favorites because of the homes. It doesn’t necessarily win me over due to nearby parks, walking paths, or greenery. Nope. It’s just the homes for Miramonte. These homes are huge and priced RIGHT, right now. I love the exterior construction, the largest floor plan with the turret at the front is a personal favorite, and best yet, these homes do NOT have any HOA fees, or Mello-Roos-like property taxes. Check out the map below for current listings in the Miramonte community in Saugus.

• Stratford Collection – located in the Valencia Summit area, the Stratford Collection is a community of gated townhomes, which come in two-level and tri-level models. I personally love the tri-level floor plans. My favorite part of the community are the beautiful views and nice sized backyards. These backyards are similar to those of some detached homes, and the views of the gorgeous natural area and rolling hills will make you feel like you’re on a vacation somewhere, when simply relaxing in your own yard. The townhomes are quite large as well. The prices aren’t so entry-level however. You usually pay for what you get! Check out the map below for current listings in the Stratford Collection in the Valencia Summit.

• Mariposa Townhomes – located in the Plum Canyon area of Saugus, the Mariposa townhomes have a ton to offer, especially to budget conscience first-time homebuyers. With multiple floor plans, spanning from a small two bedroom layout to a very large three bedroom two story townhome, Mariposa has it all. The backyard sizes for most floor plans are very generous compared to most other communities in similar price range offerings. Also, all units come with a garage, and all three bedrooms come with a two car garage. Not only were they built around 2005 and 2006, and have that new feeling, but you get that piece of mind of buying something not so old and worn down, at a very affordable price. If the prices don’t strike you as affordable, the HOA fees certainly will. Compared to most communities, the Mariposa townhomes have one of the lowest HOA fees around. In many cases more than half that of similar communities in the Santa Clarita Valley. Of course HOA fees can change, so please always check with a Realtor (like us) for an update. Check out the map below for current listings in the Mariposa Townhomes in Plum Canyon (Saugus).

• Happy Valley - located in Newhall, just south of Lyons Avenue, Happy Valley is a jewel, as far as housing communities in the Santa Clarita Valley goes (IMHO). I don’t consider it a housing tract per-say, but more an eclectic mix of non-tract type housing in a country setting, with narrow oak tree lined streets throughout much of it. It’s Newhall at its best. There are super small two bedroom one bath single family homes, a few random tiny apartment buildings, some retro-style single family homes, and there are also incredible custom million dollar homes with lots to die for. It’s the perfect place for those of you moving from an eclectic area, and wish to keep it a bit quaint and funky. I love Happy Valley. I think most residents there do too. It’s something special, and has been for a long time. That isn’t changing! Check out the map below for current listings in the Happy Valley community of Newhall.

• Old Orchard 1 & 2 – located in the most southern portion of Valencia, Old Orchard 1 and 2 were the first housing communities built as part of the Valencia master plan, by Newhall Land and Farm. Built around 1967-1968, one thing comes to mind when I think about the Old Orchard communities…and that’s pride of ownership. Each have very well managed HOA’s, and extremely low HOA fees. Take a drive through the Old Orchard communities of Valencia. Most homes there look so nice, that you’d probably not guess that they were built in the late 1960′s. Homeowners in Old Orchard have made many improvements over the years to their homes. And it shows. Old Orchard offers moderate sized single family homes, most of them on cul-de-sac streets, with the Valencia paseo system accessible from the end of each cul-de-sac. Prices are very reasonable. If you’re looking for freeway close, Old Orchard is a great choice. The I-5 is just a short hop away, yet you can’t see it or hear it (unless you have special powers).  Check out the map below for current listings in the Old Orchard 1 and Old Orchard 2 communities of Valencia.

For help with your home search in Santa Clarita, give us a call here at The Robert & Brian Team. We’d love to help. You can reach us @ 661-964-1760, or come say hello to us over at our Facebook Page. If you don’t mind, I’d love to hear what your favorite Santa Clarita communities are? Comment below, and share.