Living in Santa Clarita

Listings appearing in this guide are not endorsed or guaranteed by California Institute of the Arts. You are solely responsible for your choice of landlord and rental unit.

The listings in this guide are provided as a convenience to the CalArts community. CalArts requires that landlords report information accurately and fairly; however, the Institute is unable to verify the accuracy of information contained in listings.

The Institute cannot and does not vouch for the fairness or accuracy of information posted on third-party sites. If a property is listed in this guide, it does not mean the Institute endorses or approves the landlord, its properties, or business practices. It is not a guarantee that the property complies with building, safety, or fire codes, or that it is clean, safe, or otherwise suitable for your use.

Before signing a lease, you are responsible for learning about the property, landlord, and the landlord’s property manager. You are also responsible for understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. The Institute is not responsible for any problems that may occur with your rental unit or any disputes that may arise between you and your landlord. All prospective tenants are encouraged to exercise common sense and good judgment when evaluating prospective rental units and landlords.

How to search for housing

Looking for housing can take time, so begin your search as early as possible. In addition to this guide, consider:

• Online housing platforms (e.g., Apartments.com, Zillow)
• Community bulletin boards and local newspapers
• Word of mouth from classmates, faculty, or staff
• Social media groups and housing-specific Facebook pages
• Additional apartment brochures are available in the Office of Residential Life.

Finding a place to call home

When evaluating options, consider more than just the monthly rent:

• Distance from campus and commute time
• Utility costs (electricity, water, internet, trash, gas)
• Lease length and flexibility
• Safety and neighborhood environment
• Parking availability and public transit options
• Amenities (laundry, furnishings, appliances, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, etc.)

Off-campus housing options

When looking for housing, students typically consider a range of options:

• Apartments
• Shared houses
• Studios/guest houses
• Temporary or sublet housing

If you have questions about rates, availability, or amenities, please contact each property or landlord directly. CalArts does not endorse or inspect any specific property, nor does it guarantee vacancies.

Rather than maintaining an up-to-date list of complexes, which can quickly become outdated, we encourage you to use reliable housing search websites and rental platforms, such as:

• Apartments.com
• Apartment List
• Zillow Rentals
• HotPads
• College Student Apartments

You can also join the CalArts Exchange Facebook Group, where students post roommate requests and available rooms.

Additionally, some complexes in Santa Clarita are popular among students because of their proximity to campus, though they can be competitive and fill quickly. Be sure to apply early, ask questions, and review leases carefully before signing.

Please note: Rates, policies, and availability are subject to change without notice. The information provided here is for general reference only. You are responsible for reviewing leases, researching properties, and ensuring housing meets your needs before making a commitment.

Neighborhoods and community

CalArts is located in Valencia, part of the Santa Clarita Valley, about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. The valley includes several communities, each with different housing options and character.

• Valencia - Closest to campus, Valencia is a planned community with single-family homes, condominiums, and some newer apartment complexes. It’s the most convenient but also among the more expensive areas.
• Stevenson Ranch - Directly west of campus across the I-5, about two miles away. A newer community with some apartments and condos. Generally higher rents than nearby areas.
• Newhall - The oldest area in the valley, about two miles southeast of Valencia. It offers older apartments, guest houses, small homes, and some newer condos. Popular with students for more affordable options and an arts district feel.
• Canyon Country & Saugus - Located east/northeast of campus. Both areas offer a mix of older and newer housing, including apartments, condos, and single-family homes. Typically more affordable but with longer commutes.
• Castaic - Ten miles north of Valencia. Has limited apartment buildings but some houses and small rentals. More rural and farther from campus.
• Val Verde - A small, rural community about ten miles northwest of CalArts off Highway 126. Known for quiet surroundings and small houses for rent.

Beyond Santa Clarita

Some students choose to live outside the immediate area, especially if they want to be closer to Los Angeles. Popular neighborhoods include:

• Burbank
• Glendale
• Downtown Los Angeles
• West Hollywood
• Eagle Rock
• Highland Park
• Echo Park
• Silver Lake
• West LA
• San Fernando Valley (various areas)

Living outside Santa Clarita typically requires a car, as public transportation is limited and commutes can be long. Wherever you choose, start your search early and connect with fellow students to make the process easier.

Students making the transition to college often face major decisions, including where to live and how to manage their responsibilities. Parents and guardians may still play a role, but it is important to shift from directing to supporting.

Families can be helpful in specific ways, such as:

• Serving as a co-signer on a lease if required
• Assisting with timely rent payments
• Offering guidance during roommate or housing conflicts

The most effective approach is to encourage independence while remaining available as a resource. Parents and guardians can support their student’s success by:

• Knowing what campus resources are available
• Reinforcing that both academic progress and personal growth are central to the college experience
• Encouraging open communication and decision-making
• Recognizing when to step back and when appropriate support is needed

The Office of International Students and Programs (OISP) is available to assist CalArts international students with navigating housing, including help with securing a driver’s license, opening a bank account, or obtaining a Social Security number—documents that may be required when renting.

Off-campus housing offers more options but often demands more planning and documentation. When contacting landlords or property managers, inform them you are an international student so they can guide you on necessary documentation and application procedures. Many schools recommend—or even require—consulting with the international office before signing a lease to understand visa implications, required lease terms, and documentation.

Santa Clarita is home to CalArts and offers a mix of suburban convenience, outdoor recreation, and local entertainment. Students living in the area will find a variety of shopping, dining, and leisure options.

Shopping and entertainment

• Shopping: Westfield Valencia Town Center is the largest shopping mall in the area, with department stores, specialty shops, and a wide selection of restaurants. There are also grocery stores and major retailers located throughout Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, and Newhall.
• Entertainment: Movie theaters, community events, hiking trails, and local parks offer a range of activities for students during their downtime. Six Flags Magic Mountain is also one of the city’s major attractions and is located just a few miles from campus. 

Visitor guides

The City of Santa Clarita and Visit Santa Clarita provide updated information about local events, dining, and attractions.

Commuting and transportation

Santa Clarita has a local bus system (Santa Clarita Transit) with limited routes that connect to CalArts, shopping centers, and neighborhoods in the valley. Metrolink trains run between Santa Clarita and downtown Los Angeles, but most students find a car essential for daily convenience and flexibility. Parking is widely available in most housing complexes and neighborhoods, though some apartment communities may charge extra for reserved spaces.

Signing a lease

A lease is a written agreement that outlines rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords (e.g., rent due dates, move-out date, privacy rights, how quickly reported problems are addressed). Always obtain a signed copy for your records.

Types of leases

• Entire unit (joint lease): All residents sign the same lease for the apartment or house.
• Individual lease (room): A single tenant rents a room in a home or apartment.

Read everything, ask questions if anything needs clarification, and remember you have the right to consult an attorney about the lease and any legal questions. 

Tenants’ rights and renter’s education 

The California Department of Consumer Affairs provides guidance on tenant-landlord rules and rights:

California Tenants Guide

Both tenants and landlords have protected legal rights. Examples include:

• Tenants: when rent is due, how to handle property damage, moving out, security deposits.
• Landlords: access to the rental property, respecting tenant privacy, repair timelines.

Additional information is available from HUD (California):

HUD California

Renter’s Insurance

It is a good idea to obtain renter’s insurance to protect your personal property. Policies typically cover losses caused by fire, theft, or other damage. Coverage applies only to the policyholder, not roommates, so each resident needs their own policy in order to be protected. Renter’s insurance is widely available through most major insurance providers and is generally considered affordable.  

Utilities

When you move into your new place, you’ll likely need to set up utilities. Below are the primary providers for Santa Clarita:

• Southern California Edison (Electric) – sce.com | 800-684-8123
• SoCal Gas Company (Gas) – socalgas.com | 800-427-2200
• Spectrum (TV and Internet, formerly Time Warner) – spectrum.com | 888-892-2253
• AT&T (TV, Internet, Telephone) – att.com | 800-222-0300

Moving and storage

Whether you’re relocating across the country or just across town, these services are commonly used by students in Santa Clarita:

• Go Mini’s of San Fernando Valley (serves Santa Clarita Valley) - Delivers portable storage containers for loading; pick-up or drop-off available at your convenience.
• U-Haul - Truck and trailer rentals, storage units, U-Box containers, and packing supplies.
• PODS - Drop-off storage containers you pack at your pace; they pick up and deliver.

Move-in checklist

Moving into a new apartment can feel overwhelming, and it helps to have a guide so you don’t forget essentials. Review a checklist before your move and bring a copy with you on move-in day. Below is a checklist and guide you can download and use to stay organized:

• HUD move-in inspection checklist (PDF) — Standard inspection template used by housing providers
• Allstate Moving Guide (PDF) — Contains pointers on packing, timelines, and first-night essentials: