Job in Lancaster/Palmdale.. need Housing opinions (San Francisco, Oakland: real estate, apartment)

[telleme15]

I'm originally fr San Francisco/Berkeley/Oakland and I've taken on a job in Lancaster, which will eventually be moved to Palmdale. I've read the threads on the areas extensively so I already have a picture of what I could expect... However, I just have to say that for the few days I had driven through the area during my interview, what I saw did not correlate with the picture painted by the people in those threads. I was actually somewhat pleasantly surprised... but I digress...

My question is, is it realistic to commute up to Palmdale area from Santa Clarita and how long would it take? I plan to do this when the position moves to Palmdale. As for now, I will be a single female renting an apartment in the Lancaster area until I'm comfortably situated. Which areas should I look into that will be relatively safe and quiet? Would Craigslist be a good source? Thanks.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by telleme15

My question is, is it realistic to commute up to Palmdale area from Santa Clarita and how long would it take?

A buddy of mine commutes from Filmore to Palmdale, 75 minutes. From eastern Santa Clarita to Palmdale looks like 40 minutes from google maps, so yes it is doable especially since you would be going against traffic (but into the sun).

[kanati]

"what I saw did not correlate with the picture painted by the people in those threads. I was actually somewhat pleasantly surprised... but I digress... "

I'm looking at moving to somewhere withen driving distance of Palmdale for work. From everything I've read on here I was beginning to get a really bad picture of what the area was like. What pleasantly surprised you about the area?

[VickyVicky]

What time of day will be your commute times? There are nice spots, stay on the WESTSIDE of Palmdale and Lancaster. Rancho Vista/Palmdale area is one of my favorites if your going to be in this area.

[Suzzeee]

You must stay on the Westside of Palmdale/ Lancaster/ Rancho Vista... I have family and friends that live up there and do just fine. But, you must be careful...it is a rough area..oh, also Lake Elizabeth is nice. My Dr lives there and drives into Palmdale everyday...1/2hour and more country. Great Shopping up there. It is a real diverse area and yes, there are gangs there. I live in Santa Clarita and I drive up all the time it is about 50 miles and thakes me about an hour, not more than that. It is a quick hour because you are going against traffic coming up. It is really not bad driving down to Santa Clarita either and down to the Valley and Santa Monica or Ventura Beach for the day. Again, you must stay on the west side and I really stress not to live on the East side. Especially being a single women. You can rent a house for a decent price up there too. I wish you the best. Just rent before buying so you can learn the area and Santa Clarita to see where you want to live.

[Out_of_Palmdale]

I have lived in both Palmdale and Lancaster over the course of the last 15 years. I have to say that it has been the most miserable 15 years of my life but, hey, I get paid well for living here. My kids hate it too and swear they will never return once they leave. Once I hit retirement (which is still a ways off) you will see me driving south on the freeway, my car covered in bunting and flags at the joy at which I will be experiencing at leaving.

If you insist on moving here (j/k) do NOT move to the east side of either Palmdale or Lancaster. If I had to make a choice between west Palmdale and west Lancaster (I have lived in both) I would opt for the west side of Lancaster as close to the college as you can get. The reason I say that is because (a) if you buy, your property will retain value better and (b) there is now a sheriff's department on campus which seems to have cut way down on the loitering of the unemployable in the immediate area. The people also seem friendlier in west Lancaster than in west Palmdale where the stress is so thick you could cut it with a knife along with the dusty air on windy days.

[hwang2010]

I have just bought a single family home next to Rancho Vista Blv in west palmdale. It is in process of complete remodeling. It will be ready in one month for rent. Personally, I feel safe and have no problem with the west part of the palmdale. That is the reason why I start purchasing the property for investment. If you are interested in settling down in west palmdale, please let me know.

[citygirlindesert]

Hello! I love all your answers! You seem to feel the same way I do! How come I only seem to meet the anti-social, depressed and heads buried in the sand people when I'm out? Maybe we should start a group or something! At least we might be able to all tolerate this town a little better right?

And yes, stay on the west side of town. I only recommend Palmdale if you buy-resale is higher in Palmdale. I'm in the business of real estate.