Acton

Lights, camera… Acton! Used as the backdrop for multiple major movies, including “Little Miss Sunshine” and Steven Spielberg’s early film “Duel,” scenic Acton offers a picture-perfect rural lifestyle just south of Palmdale. “It’s like living in the middle of the country, but you’re still minutes away from the benefits of the city — and there’s a whole lot less traffic,” says Roger Perry, Executive Estates Director of the Roger Perry team at Rodeo Realty.

Nestled between the San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona Mountains, Acton is a true High Desert community. Homes rest atop scrub-covered plains and low hills dotted with cacti, and mountain peaks rise above almost every rooftop. You’ll find diverse housing options here, ranging from humble ranch-style properties to petite Spanish-inspired cottages to sprawling estates. Lot sizes vary as well, but almost all are spacious compared to the size of the house — some lots are even so large you could fit an entire LA city block within the fence line. “The zoning also creates a lot of opportunities, so if you want horses or other animals, you’ll have plenty of room,” Perry notes.

Because of the sheer variety, home prices are just as variable as the styles, although you’ll still be spending much less than you would on a home closer to LA. “For the cost of a nice home with acreage out here, you’d probably end up with a condo or a small house without land in a more developed area,” Perry says. You might fall in love with a $500,000 ranch-style home with three bedrooms on a 2-acre lot, while others may covet the almost $2 million estate that features six bedrooms and a built-in pool. But no matter what kind of home you choose, you’ll be minutes away from exploring some of the most picturesque peaks in Southern California.

Whether you’re into camping, hiking or horseback riding, you’ll have options close to home in Acton. Head south to reach Angeles National Forest, where you can hop on the Pacifico Mountain Loop, an 11-mile trail leading to the Pacifico Mountain peak. In winter, you can experience the rare LA County snow at the 75-acre Acton Wash Sanctuary, which provides refuge for hundreds of native plant and animal species. If you’re up for a challenge, make the 6-mile drive over to the Indian Canyon Trailhead to join the Pacific Crest Trail, one of the country’s most popular long-distance hiking trails. Don’t even think about trying to complete the whole 2,000-plus mile journey on a whim, though — it takes even the most experienced hikers several months to conquer this mountainous route.

After spending a weekend in nature’s playground, take it easy with a stroll around the field at Acton Park, the community’s only conventional green space. Here, you’ll find a shaded playscape, a basketball court and a collection of picnic tables perfect for setting up a casual lunch or an afternoon birthday party. Animal lovers may want to book a tour at the local Farm Sanctuary, which was founded in 1986 as the first rescue charity to focus on farm animals. And if you’re hoping to learn the art of horseback riding, you can visit ranches such as Guevara Ranch, which also puts on the occasional local rodeo.

When it comes to shopping and dining options, Acton doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a small town, so you might find the retail and restaurant scene a bit lacking if you’re used to larger communities. Most residents will shop for groceries at New Acton Market on Crown Valley Road, where fresh bakery and deli items are available daily. For a casual breakfast out, head over to Crazy Otto’s Diner, an Antelope Valley staple for over 50 years and home of the world’s largest omelet. If you’re in need of a more comprehensive shopping trip or a fancy date night location, you can make the short, 15-mile drive north into Palmdale.

Students living in Acton can start their academic journey at Meadowlark Elementary School, which maintains a grade of B- on Niche. Most students will complete fifth through eighth grade at the High Desert School, which maintains a grade of B+ on Niche and helps students explore their creativity through video production, performing arts and keyboarding electives. And at Vasquez High School, which maintains a grade of B on Niche, students can earn early college credit by taking AP courses. With panoramic skylines, large lots and acres of land to explore nearby, Acton offers homebuyers a rural escape from the noise, traffic and prices of the city.

Written By

Hannah Rainey

Photography Contributed By

Joseph Choo

Video By

Jarrod Bock