Nearly three decades ago, discussions began about forming a city in Santa Clarita Valley. This region, initially consisting of four distinct communities—Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, and Canyon Country—has experienced tremendous growth. Developers saw potential in this area, located 45 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, ideal for subdivisions and office parks. Today, Santa Clarita ranks as the third largest city in Los Angeles County, following Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Santa Clarita’s growth stands out, especially as other parts of Los Angeles County have seen slower population increases. From 2010 to 2024, the county’s population increased marginally by 0.5%, from 9.76 million to 9.81 million. A shortage of available land has often hindered expansion in other areas. However, Santa Clarita has become the county’s growth leader over the past 25 years, according to an analysis of U.S. census data.
The Antelope Valley follows with its expansion, offering affordable housing for those willing to endure long commutes. Other unexpected boomtowns have emerged as well. Downtown Los Angeles, renowned for its high-rise residential development, has become a major winner within the city. Chinatown has also seen significant growth, characterized by lower-rise apartments and condos. Meanwhile, Playa Vista, located miles west of downtown, has become the city’s main growth area, offering a distinct atmosphere.
Santa Clarita’s Development Journey
Santa Clarita’s growth was facilitated by available land and the annexation of nearby territories. This expanded the city’s footprint as the population increased. Data reveals that the Newhall census county division, which includes Santa Clarita, grew only 9% over 14 years. Much of the city’s growth resulted from incorporating residents from nearby unincorporated areas, transforming open lands into residential developments.
“We don’t encourage growth, people have babies,” stated Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste.
To accommodate the rise in population, Santa Clarita has constructed 43 parks and acquired 16,000 acres of open space. Mayor Weste acknowledges the pressure the city faces from the state to add more housing, noting the challenges that come with rapid growth.
While distant suburbs often suffer from long commutes due to homes being far from job centers, Santa Clarita has attracted businesses, especially in entertainment. The area has been a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. Disney’s establishment of an 800-acre movie ranch near Placerita Canyon has also had an impact.
The Broader Impact of Growth in L.A.
North County residents face long commutes despite available commuter buses and Metrolink services. However, affordable single-family homes have drawn many to the area. The Antelope Valley, with cities like Lancaster and Palmdale, reported a population growth of over 10% from 383,000 to 423,000 people over 14 years.
Zev Yaroslavsky, former L.A. city councilmember, noted that northern cities had more room to grow than built-out urban areas elsewhere in the county. The Antelope Valley added housing without facing resistance from neighbors, offering affordability crucial to many residents.
“Homes are cheaper than in the Westside of Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, or Encino, but they’re still expensive,” Yaroslavsky explained.
Affordable housing remains a challenge, with nearly half of Los Angeles County households earning less than $90,000 annually—insufficient to afford many new units. Yaroslavsky cited a study indicating that current rents are high. Despite this, the North L.A. County boom might continue. Developers intend to construct a new city in the Tejon Pass, though regulatory and legal challenges have delayed the project.
Understanding the Growth of Downtown L.A. and Playa Vista
Analyzing downtown Los Angeles reveals an area transformed by a construction boom, mainly around the Crypto.com Arena, Bunker Hill, and the Arts District. Downtown’s population surged from 57,000 in 2010 to 82,000 in 2024, marking a 44% increase as numerous apartments emerged.
Nick Griffin, executive vice president of the DTLA Alliance, noted that downtown accounted for a quarter of all multifamily growth in L.A. County during this period. Despite office vacancies rising since the COVID-19 pandemic, the neighborhood’s residential expansion provides a counterbalance.
Griffin suggested converting office spaces into residential units to further capitalize on growth. He emphasized that downtown attracts residents keen on a dense, urban environment, seeking more community and neighbors.
Playa Vista, a planned community on the Westside, doubled its population in 10 years by acquiring unused land to develop thousands of housing units. It reflects a different vibe from Los Angeles, with manicured streets and a planned community feel more common in places like Irvine.
“The area offers rare opportunities for large-scale housing development within Los Angeles,” Griffin remarked.
Overall, these regions exemplify the varied growth patterns in L.A., highlighting areas outside traditional urban spaces as new residential hubs.