Lancaster Living
Community
Lancaster Community Center
For decades, the City of Lancaster has created spaces for residents and visitors alike to congregate. Inspired to take togetherness to the next level, Lancaster's Community Center (LCC) houses multiple communal areas, each providing a unique function and serving as a one-stop-shop for invaluable services for many segments of our community. The LCC is driven by care for our community, which includes cultivating and caring for our shared spaces.
Lancaster Performing Arts Center
The Lancaster Performing Arts Center (LPAC) stands as a beacon of cultural excellence, hosting a diverse array of performances ranging from world-class theater productions to captivating musical concerts. Experience the vibrant arts scene and witness the transformative power of live entertainment at LPAC.
Museums
- Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH): Established in 1986, MOAH operates multiple sites across the City of Lancaster, serving the Antelope Valley and greater Los Angeles County areas. MOAH's primary space showcases large-scale curatorial initiatives celebrating Southern California's historical traditions and artistic revolutions, housing a collection of over 10,000 artworks and artifacts.
- MOAH:CEDAR, located at the Cedar Center for the Arts campus, features galleries highlighting experimental and emerging artists, alongside an artist-in-residence program engaging youth and young adults.
Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services
Lancaster's Parks, Arts, Recreation and Community Services Department is dedicated to helping our residents rediscover hidden talents, reconnect with friends and family, and relax in our beautiful desert landscape. Each season, the Department hosts over 100 athletic programs, community classes, art exhibits, and special events, as well as maintains twelve City parks.
Cultural programs, recreation activities, and educational classes all play a role in enhancing the quality of life in Lancaster. And, with the diverse array of programs offered, there’s something for everyone.
Parks
Lancaster features a sprawling 450-acre network of meticulously maintained parks, comprising a total of 12 locations throughout the City. These parks are equipped with diverse amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, picnic spots, and scenic walking trails, catering to the leisure and recreational needs of residents spanning all age groups.
AV Fair & Event Center
A hub for events and entertainment in the Antelope Valley, the AV Fair & Event Center is your local destination for all things Antelope Valley. Our sprawling facility hosts events year round including corporate gatherings, private weddings and galas, and of course, the AV Fair & Alfalfa Festival.
The BLVD
During 2010, Lancaster Boulevard underwent a dramatic transformation through a complete streetscape redesign. With the help of an innovative, modern design from architectural firm Moule & Polyzoides, the downtown that once served as the heart of the Antelope Valley has been restored to its former glory - with a modern twist.
More than 40 new businesses have flocked to the BLVD, attracted by its lively, upbeat vibe and sophisticated atmosphere. The BLVD has quickly become the Antelope Valley's premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It serves as a major center of community activity, with regular special events and a wide variety of businesses ready to serve our residents and visitors.
Events
Throughout the year, Lancaster hosts an exciting lineup of events that celebrate the city's diversity and spirit. From the California Poppy Festival™ to the Magical BLVD Christmas™, these events bring residents and visitors together for unforgettable experiences and foster a sense of community pride.
Housing
Lancaster is the high-value alternative for businesses seeking a strong presence in Southern California. Lancaster offers abundant commercial and industrial property at very affordable prices. Located just an hour north of Los Angeles, the City has improved sites ready for rapid development, large parcels for distribution centers, as well as a variety of multi-tenant spec and build-to-suit opportunities, all with significant price advantages.
Beyond the breathtaking desert scenery of scattered Joshua Trees and fields of Poppies, Lancaster provides countless parks and recreational facilities to enhance its family-oriented community focus. Affordable living has attracted many to Lancaster, yet the City’s ambiance and wide assortment of attractions keeps residents loyal and proud of their growing community. Rated among the top ten fastest-growing cities, Lancaster is an excellent example of how big development can be balanced with small-town values and amenities.
Lancaster's Housing division provides a range of services, housing programs, and projects designed to revitalize our neighborhoods and building a better future for members of our community. The City is dedicated to developing and offering programs to enhance our neighborhoods and support our community in achieving their financial and homeownership goals. These include:
- Housing Rehabilitation Program: Aimed at providing residents with the opportunity to enhance their living conditions through grants and loans for home repairs and renovations
- First-Time Homebuyer Program: Designed to alleviate the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers with home-buying assistance, closing costs, and deferring payments when needed.
Schools
Westside Union School District
Serving over 9,000 students spread across over 346 square miles, Westside Union School District prides itself on being “The District of Choice” with more choice-based programs than any other district in the Antelope Valley. The District operates 13 schools, providing world-class education to students from kindergarten to 8th grade. Continuing a tradition of high academic achievement, Westside has seven schools that have earned California Distinguished School, CSBA Golden Bell or Gold Ribbon School status. Importantly, all WUSD schools are also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
The District proudly serves the communities of Antelope Acres, Anaverde, Leona Valley, Quartz Hill, West Lancaster and West Palmdale. A caring, supportive and motivating learning environment is evident throughout all the schools. Our primary goal is to ensure each student’s academic success by carefully assessing their individual needs. All Westside schools maintain a positive school climate that promotes student progress. Westside is proud of the active parental participation that the schools receive through the PTA's, School Site Councils, School Advisory Councils, parent volunteer programs and the West Antelope Valley Educational Trust Foundation (WAVE).
Lancaster School District
Lancaster School District is located in the high desert about 60 miles northeast of Los Angeles and serves students from preschool through eighth grade. Most of the District’s 82.5 square miles lies within the City of Lancaster, with a small portion extending into the unincorporated boundaries of Los Angeles County.
Educating Antelope Valley youth since 1885, the District provides excellent educational opportunities for over 15,000 students. Lancaster School District includes one alternative education school, one 6-8 STEAM school, four middle schools, and fourteen elementary schools. Additionally, the District serves more than 700 students in its preschool program, with all schools and the preschool operating on a traditional schedule.
The District actively collaborates with the seven other Antelope Valley elementary districts and the high school district to offer quality programs. Teams of teachers and administrators from these districts meet monthly to coordinate K-12 programs. The District’s well-maintained school buildings and grounds reflect its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff, and parents.
Antelope Valley Union High School District
The Antelope Valley Union High School District (AVUHSD) includes eight traditional and three alternative high schools, SOAR -- an early college high school on the Antelope Valley College campus, the no-cost, charter Academy Prep Junior High, an online education program and Antelope Valley Adult Education. The district serves 23,000 students in the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, and the surrounding area.
Our schools offer a variety of programs to prepare students for college and careers. Our career academies and pathways, which focus students’ coursework toward a specific field of interest, include industries such as agriculture, digital design, engineering, environmental science, health care, law and government, the arts and multimedia.
Higher Education
Antelope Valley College
Antelope Valley College is a comprehensive community college in the California Community College System dedicated to providing services to a broad range of students with a variety of educational goals. Antelope Valley College is dedicated to providing educational programs and services as expressed in the California Master Plan for Higher Education. The College is committed to equal educational opportunity and reinforces that commitment through a program of active affirmation of diversity.
Antelope Valley College is dedicated to meeting the dynamic needs of a changing community. The College addresses the educational needs of a diverse and evolving population. The College recognizes that it is uniquely capable of responding to the requirements of regional business, industry, and public service, as well as the social and cultural needs of the Antelope Valley.
California State University Bakersfield
The faculty and staff at California State University Bakersfield, Antelope Valley are excited to work with students to achieve their educational goals. CSUB AV is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC, formerly known as WASC). The CSUB Antelope Valley campus provides academic advising to help students with their choice of major or course selections. There are tutoring services, computer lab, library services, student life, counseling and health services... all in easy reach for enrolled students.
Antelope Valley Engineering Program
The Antelope Valley Engineering Program (AVEP) consists of two degrees accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET: the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering - Antelope Valley and the B.S. in Electrical Engineering - Antelope Valley. Degrees are awarded by the CSULB College of Engineering.
The objectives of the B.S. in Electrical Engineering - Antelope Valley program are to produce engineers who can innovate and advance in their chosen careers in industry, academia, and public institutions, while making creative contributions to the field of electrical engineering.
Medical Care
Lancaster boasts a vast medical care landscape providing best in class options for health care. Our city is home to state of the art facilities, dedicated specialists, and advanced imaging. Lancaster's community of health care services and medical providers keeps our city thriving.
Advanced Imaging Center
43731 N 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-8111
Antelope Valley Community Clinic-Adult Day Health Care
858 Jackman Street
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-1228
Licensed adult day health care
Antelope Valley Medical Center
1600 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93533
(661) 949-5000
City of Hope | Antelope Valley
44151 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(877) 828-3627 or (661) 902-5600
Heritage Sierra Medical Group of Lancaster
44469 10th Street W B
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-9411
High Desert Medical Group
43839 North 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-5984
24 Hour Nurse Advice Line
Urgent Care open from 8 AM - 8 PM
High Desert Regional Health Center
335 E. Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 471-4000
Hours: Mon - Fri, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Urgent Care: Daily, 8 AM - Midnight
Kaiser Behavioral Health and Nephrology Offices
44444 20th Street W
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 951-0070
Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Medical Offices
615 W Avenue L
Lancaster, CA 93534
(833) 574-2273
Kaiser Permanente Lancaster Medical Offices
43112 15th Street W
Lancaster, CA 93534
(877) 554-4404
RadNet Antelope
44725 10th Street W
Suites #130, #140 & #150
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-5855
Women & Infants Pavilion (WIP)
44155 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-5000
Attractions
Lancaster will surpass your expectations, allowing you to view the desert through a different angle. Against the backdrop of our ever-changing scenery, visitors and community members can discover new pastimes and challenge old perspectives. Find your FANCY and discovery experiences that vibe with you. Between our historic landmarks, national treasures, alluring arts culture, and colorful outdoor vistas you'll be sure to entertained and amazed.
Musical Road
Originally designed and constructed by Honda as part of an advertising campaign, The Musical Road became the first road of its kind in the United States. The international attraction was such a thrill the City relocated the road from its original location to a more secluded area to keep the music and good times rollin! The Musical Road is located on Avenue G in Lancaster, California in between 30th and 40th Street West.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster, CA comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. California’s poppy fields have drawn thousands of visitors to memorialize the ocean of orange seen throughout the Antelope Valley. The Poppy Reserve is a true must-see each spring.
Antelope Valley Walls
International and local artists take over downtown Lancaster for two weeks during the annual Antelope Valley Walls event (formerly POW! WOW!). The mural extravaganza provides an excellent walking tour to see the incredible artworks – both current and from years past – that color the City.
Lancaster National Soccer Center
The Lancaster National Soccer Center is the largest soccer complex in the West. The facility includes 35 premium fields, with 11 fields fully lighted. A highlight of the Soccer Center is the five FIFA fields, so designated due to meeting the International FIFA specifications for turf quality. With an ongoing relationship with Cal South Youth Soccer Organization, the Lancaster National Soccer Center has been designated as an Official Cal South Venue.
Prime Desert Woodlands Preserve
Enjoy the preserve’s scenic paved trails winding through a beautiful, 100-acre desert landscape. This hidden gem, nestled in the suburbs, is also home to jack rabbits and an impressive variety of birds.
This 2,955-acre park not only offers plenty of hiking trails for you to truly experience the desert, but delivers a front row view to the region’s native animals and insects. Keep your eyes peeled for a jumping jack rabbit, ambling tortoise, soaring golden eagle, and slithering green rattler.
Going Green
A Clean Energy Future - A Booming Industry
The City of Lancaster is a pioneer in the clean energy revolution, dedicated to creating a sustainable and prosperous future. Our commitment to clean energy solutions goes beyond just embracing solar and hydrogen technology; it's about saving money, creating jobs, and building a brighter tomorrow.
Leading the Way to Net-Zero
In 2019, the City of Lancaster achieved a historic milestone by becoming the nation's first net-zero city. This achievement showcases our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. By effectively balancing our energy consumption with renewable energy generation, we are setting the standard for clean energy excellence.
Clean Energy for a Thriving City
Our clean energy initiatives have attracted federal grants and private companies, both domestic and international. These investments are driving the growth of clean energy in Lancaster and providing job opportunities for our residents. The City's dedication to clean energy is a catalyst for economic development and a testament to our commitment to our community's well-being.
Empowering Lancaster with Lancaster Energy
At the heart of our clean energy success story is "Lancaster Energy," our very own solar and clean energy utility company. Established as a not-for-profit power program by the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Energy is a beacon of local innovation, exclusively available to those who live and work within Lancaster. With Lancaster Energy's programs like Clear Choice, customers save on average 3% of their monthly energy bills, and Smart Choice, allowing you to opt for 100% renewable energy, you benefit economically and help us pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
Power Choice with Tesla
We are proud to announce our partnership with Tesla through "Power Choice." This collaboration brings the cutting-edge technology of Tesla's solar solutions to our city. By choosing Power Choice, residents and businesses can harness the power of the sun to generate clean energy and reduce their environmental footprint. Together with Tesla, we are making sustainable energy choices more accessible than ever before.
A Sustainable Future
Clean energy is not just about today; it's about securing a sustainable future for generations to come. By embracing clean energy technologies we are reducing harmful emissions, combatting climate change, safeguarding our planet and most importantly trying to save you money Join us on this journey towards a sustainable, green, and prosperous Lancaster.
Retail & Restaurants
Offering desirable commercial locations, with an array of shopping and dining easily accessible from the 14 freeway, Lancaster is a proven beacon for retail and restaurant ventures. Lancaster’s community offers a diverse customer base hungry for culinary delights and unique shopping experiences. The city’s picturesque desert backdrop, landmarks, and festive collection of year-round events attract locals, tourists and day-trippers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
With an assortment of apparel, specialty shops, and boutiques, Lancaster offers a variety of options to provide you the ultimate shopping and dining experience. It’s easy to find a treasure for yourself or, pick up the perfect gift for a special occasion…all before enjoying a delicious and savory meal. Shop and eat your heart out! Don’t forget to earn rewards while doing so with the Open Rewards, Shop Local program!!
Parris Center
A new emergency shelter is on its way to the AV Fair & Event Center, bringing a space that will serve both in times of crisis and as a hub for various activities and gatherings. Lancaster and the Antelope Valley Fair Authority were awarded a $20 million dollar grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture as part of our new Parris Center. This funding will pave the way for transformative renovations and the development of new facilities at the AV Fair & Event Center, enhancing emergency sheltering and providing additional resources to civilians during times of crisis.
Among the new facilities will be an Emergency Operations Center, a culinary community kitchen, and later, a renewable energy center; all built with the goal of enhancing our regional resilience in times of disaster. But that’s not all – the revamped facilities will also be open for everyone’s enjoyment throughout the year. Lancaster celebrated the ground breaking for the Parris Center in July 2024!
In a remarkable step towards sustainability, the facility is set to be powered by renewable sources, such as hydrogen. The anticipated renovations will not only bolster regional emergency response efforts but will also create an inviting space with enhanced services and amenities for the community. Stay tuned for more updates as we move towards a safer and more energy conscious City.
