Set along Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County, the city of Castaic balances two identities—as a secluded hillside suburb and a key rest area for truckers traveling the Golden State Freeway. Castaic’s namesake reservoir serves as a major water supply for L.A. County, as well as a popular local spot for boating, swimming and fishing. “We’re nestled up against the hills here, and the ability to get outside and have an adventure is probably the biggest draw to the area,” says Mark Allan of RE/MAX of Santa Clarita, who has sold over 170 homes in the area. “The hiking is great, but Castaic Lake and it’s lower lagoon are the real stars.” Past the highway’s busy exits, neighborhoods overlook the city of Santa Clarita, 10 miles away.
From 1860 to 1916, Castaic was the site of the Castaic Range War, a bloody fight over local territory between ranchers and farmers. These days, though, a major source of local debate is the safe management of truck traffic to area distribution centers. Many Castaic residents commute to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, the region’s largest employer, and local families gather at lakefront picnics and summer fairs.
Exit the freeway on Hasley Canyon and you're greeted by the Castaic sign at the roundabout.
A woman takes her dog for a walk through Del Valle Park in Castaic.
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Horse-friendly estates in Hasley Canyon
The median home sale price in Castaic is about $840,000, higher than Santa Clarita’s $785,000 but lower than L.A.'s $1 million. The city's most expensive properties are generally found in planned neighborhoods with winding streets; most homes were built in the 21st century, and are either modern farmhouses or new traditional with Spanish Revival or Craftsman-style details. The especially large homes in Hasley Canyon are often set on multi-acre lots where homeowners keep horses. On the lower end of the price range, late 20th-century manufactured homes are clustered near Lake Hughes Road.
Hasley Canyon Park in Castaic was created after the spring of 1988.
Horses enjoy the shade on one of the properties in the Hasley Canyon neighborhood.
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Top-rated public schools lead to healthcare degrees
Local students are served by two school districts. Castaic Union includes a preschool, three elementary schools and a middle school, and is rated B-plus by Niche. William S. Hart Union High School District, rated an overall A-plus, includes several junior high and high schools. The local College of the Canyons offers associate degrees in fields that include education and health science.
Serene lakeside spaces and a nearby amusement park
The Castaic Lake Recreation Area serves as the city’s centerpiece, featuring a nearly 13,000-acre park split into two distinct zones: the motorized Upper Lake for boating and fishing, and the Lower Lake for swimming and paddle sports. While currently closed for fire damage assessments as of early 2025, it provides 29 miles of shoreline, hiking trails with panoramic views and the towering Castaic Dam. Nearby, Castaic Rock (Raven’s Roost Rock) draws adventurers with its mile-long trail leading to 360-degree vistas of the Angeles National Forest.
The Paseo Club in the Santa Clarita Valley—7 miles from Castaic—features 11 tennis courts with professional coaching and pickleball leagues, complemented by a fitness center and seasonal pool access. Thrill-seekers converge at Six Flags Magic Mountain, home to 20 roller coasters alongside family-friendly attractions such as Bugs Bunny World.
People fish at Castaic Lake while the sun sets over the mountains.
A boat is ready and heads out to the start of the race at Castaic Lake.
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Convenient grocery runs and expansive shopping centers
Castaic Road serves as the city’s commercial corridor, but options are limited to grocery and convenience stores, fast-casual restaurants and service providers. For shopping sprees, residents head 9 miles away to the Valencia Town Center, which is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney and a 12-screen theatre. Old Town Newhall, 12 miles from Castaic, offers a historic downtown atmosphere among sit-down restaurants, coffee shops, wineries and bars.
Families enjoying their dinner Friday night at Ameci Pizza in Castaic.
Luv ‘n Donuts is a local morning favorite in Castaic.
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Commuting to LA and Burbank via Interstate 5 and public transit
Interstate 5 (locally known as "the 5") leads about 30 miles west to Burbank in the San Fernando Valley, and about 40 miles west to downtown Los Angeles. The freeway also connects Castaic to much of Southern California. “The 5 either turns into the 118 or the 405,” says Lauren Richardson, who lives in Castaic and regularly commutes to the San Fernando Valley. “The 118 leads to Granada Hills and Northridge, and the 405 leads to Van Nuys and eventually, Ventura County.”
Santa Clarita Transit bus routes travel to local schools and neighborhoods, as well as Valencia’s McBean Regional Transit Center. The Metrolink station in Santa Clarita, about 11 miles east, provides service to Downtown Burbank and L.A.'s Union Station. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is about 15 miles away. The small Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is roughly 30 miles away, and the larger Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a 46-mile trip.
Regional challenges in Castaic
As of early 2025, community is currently grappling with the aftermath of the Hughes Fire, which burned over 10,000 acres near Castaic Lake. The fire prompted mass evacuations. The Chiquita Canyon Landfill closure also took place in early 2025, following lawsuits alleging negligent management led to toxic chemical emissions that endangered residents’ health. Despite these crises, recent FBI data indicates Santa Clarita Valley—including Castaic—maintains violent and property crime rates below state and national averages.
Having grown up and lived in Santa Clarita for over 34 years, I have seen our wonderful valley go through many changes. Outside of the 8 years I was in the Marine Corps the Santa Clarita Valley has and will continue to be home for me. I believe that today more than ever as a real estate professional you need to be specialized in a specific area. That is why I have chosen to focus my business in the valley where I went to school, go to church, played multiple sports, where I currently coach and most importantly where I chose to settle down and raise my family. My clients are expecting me to advise them correctly on every aspect of the home buying/selling experience and I take that job very seriously. First rate customer service and an excellent knowledge of the market is what has allowed me to be extremely successful and which is why so far in my career over 50% of my business has come from past clients. If you are looking for an agent who knows Santa Clarita like nobody else and who has a business model made up of first rate customer service, integrity, knowledge and honesty then I am am your guy. Have a great day and I look forward to working with you soon.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
