Lancaster is the eighth-largest city in Los Angeles County and the 9th fastest growing city in the United States. Lancaster is located approximately 70 miles (110 km) north (by road travel) of the city of Los Angeles in Southern California's Antelope Valley. It is separated from the Los Angeles Basin by the San Gabriel Mountain Range to the south and from Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Balley by the Tehachapi Mountain Range to the north. Lancaster is the second-largest city on the California side of the Mojave Desert.
"Getting from here to there" has come a long way. As we have grown, our transportation system has grown. In 1977, there were only 20 traffic signals in the City; there were few roads that were wider than two lanes in each direction; many intersections flooded with every rain shower and intersections were controlled by stop signs. There were no railroad overpasses, no commuter rail services and no local commuter transit services. Today, the City has 118 signalized intersections, many roads that are three or four lanes in each direction, and railroad and freeway overpasses. Commuter rail service has been available since 1994 with the arrival of Metrolink and our own beautiful Metrolink Station. We now have an extensive bus system operated by the Antelope Valley Transit Authority.
Lancaster residents don't have to go far to have a little fun. Many of the Antelope Valley's award-winning parks, recreation and cultural opportunities are located right here in Lancaster. In 1977, the City acquired its first three parks from Los Angeles County. Soon after, the City began to build Lancaster City Park. Today, participation in recreational programs offered by the City tops the one million mark annually. Whether it's watching a baseball game, enjoying a play or concert, visiting an art museum or learning about the City's history, taking time for a little rest and relaxation is easy when you live in Lancaster. That's because we offer so many opportunities for fun and play.
Housing
The affordability of housing and the friendly atmosphere of our residential neighborhoods make Lancaster an ideal place to call home. Homes in the City of Lancaster are more affordable than almost anywhere else in California, making it easy for young families to attain the dream of home ownership. Over the years, the City has experienced growth in housing development as a direct result of growth in aerospace and other industries, the rising cost of houses in the Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley areas and the quality of life that is present in our community. When our City was incorporated in 1977, only 18,127 homes were located in Lancaster. Today, there are approximately 45,000 housing units in Lancaster and a remarkable 70 percent of Lancaster residents own their own homes. This very high home ownership statistic means that our residents are committed to being long-term members of the Lancaster community.
Demographics
Population in July 2008: 145,469. Lancaster covers 94.0 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 2,355 feet above sea level. Area code: 661
Weather
Lancaster, CA climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 95.50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is December with an average minimum temperature of 28.70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be relatively big during summer with a difference that can reach 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 26 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Lancaster is 7.40 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is February with an average rainfall of 1.62 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
