Lancaster is a charter city in northern Los Angeles County, in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert, about 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. It is one of the two main cities of the valley and a center for jobs, shopping, and services. The 2020 census recorded a population of 173,516.
Economy and jobs
Aerospace remains one of Lancaster’s biggest industries. Defense contractors active in the area include Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Virgin Galactic, and BAE, along with NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. The city also leans into solar. In 2013 Lancaster became the first United States city to require solar panels on new homes, and it reports the highest solar production per capita in California. Health care, manufacturing, and advanced transportation add to the job base.
Lifestyle and housing
Lancaster draws families, aerospace workers, and commuters who want more home and land for their money than the Los Angeles basin offers. The high desert setting brings hot, dry summers and cool winters, with open space close at hand. Housing runs from established neighborhoods near the city center to newer subdivisions on the edges, plus larger lot and semi rural properties farther out. Buyers find single family homes, ranch style properties, and room to spread out.
Getting around
Lancaster connects to the region through State Route 14 and the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line, which terminates in Lancaster and runs to downtown Los Angeles. To the north and west, State Route 58 links toward Tehachapi and Bakersfield. Many buyers weigh Lancaster against Tehachapi or Bakersfield as they balance commute, climate, and price.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Lancaster?
The 2020 census recorded a population of 173,516, making it one of the larger cities in California.
What is the housing like?
Lancaster offers a mix of established neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, and larger lot properties on the outskirts, with single family homes the most common type.
Is Lancaster good for solar?
Yes. Lancaster requires solar on new homes and reports the highest solar production per capita in California.
Explore the area
- Antelope Valley overview
- Palmdale homes and area guide
- Search homes across the region
- Find out what your home is worth
- Moving from Los Angeles
Homes for Sale in Lancaster
Browse every active Lancaster listing on the live map below. Pan the map or use the filters to narrow by price, bedrooms, and more. Newest listings show first.