Newhall, CA

Newhall's rich history began in 1876 when Henry Mayo Newhall purchased the land, later selling it to a railroad company who gave the town its current name. In 1987, Newhall consolidated with the nearby communities of Valencia, Saugus and Canyon Country to create the city of Santa Clarita.

Standing as Santa Clarita's center point of art and culture district, Old Town Newhall houses historic sites like the William S. Hart Museum along with a host of art galleries run by local artists. Catch a play at the Canyon Theatre Guild, or channel your inner artist at Lidya's Fine Art Classes. Don't miss annual events like the Fourth of July parade or the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival for a taste of Newhall culture.

The district's culinary scene thrives in Old Town Newhall, where the area's rich history and fast-growing commercial developments have attracted a slew of local restaurants. Here you find old-time grills and cafes with a touch of fine dining flair. Think about lamb sliders and garlic roma tomato pizzas with a craft beer for good measure. Locals also enjoy cheap home-style breakfasts that transport you to Newhall's bygone days of ranchos and cowboys.

Even beer snobs find themselves drooling over Newhall Refinery, a trendy gastropub with dozens of craft beers like Bourbon County Brand Stout on tap. To maximize your experience, order a variety of brews in big taster cups for a few bucks each. Be sure to try the fish and chips and the refinery's famous blueberry bread pudding, and stop by in the morning for fresh-baked powdered donuts and coffee.

Head to the local bowling alley to find Lily's Cafe, a destination for older locals who stop by regularly for a hearty, old-fashioned breakfast. Go traditional with the breakfast combo complete with a stack of flapjacks, eggs and sausage, or try the pastrami omelette if you're feeling adventurous. Come back for lunch for some home-style sandwiches like the French dip at rock-bottom prices.

Stop into Pizza Di Marco for specialty pizzas like the BBQ chicken with cilantro that never skimp on the cheese and toppings. Enjoy free delivery if you feel like staying home, and remember to try the chicken pesto pasta or fresh-baked calzones for a filler-upper that's sure to keep you coming back for more.

Newhall holds a reputation as the beating heart of Santa Clarita's nightlife scene with its numerous pubs and cocktail bars nestled along Old Town's streets. For a night of fun, locals head to Liquid Volume to sip on signature drinks like the Blood Orange Cosmopolitan. Hit up the bar while enjoying live music by the local talent. Residents also pack the streets of Old Town Newhall on the second and third Thursday of the month for seasonal nightlife events like SLAM block parties and jam sessions for live music and dancing.

Whether you're driving, biking or trekking on foot, Newhall's well-planned street and trail system makes navigating the neighborhood a snap. For a commute to downtown L.A., take the Interstate 5 to the west or Antelope Valley Freeway to the east. When you're going out for coffee and donuts at Newhall Refinery, park your car for free at the Newhall Station or along the city streets. You can always call Yellow Star Taxi for a quick ride home, but ride-share services like Uber don't provide service way out here in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Public transportation options remain slim, but the Metrolink trains carry more than 500 passengers from Newhall Station to central L.A. and beyond every weekday. Also take advantage of the Santa Clarita Transit buses to get around the city.

Newhall stands out as a bike-friendly neighborhood with dedicated lanes along Wiley Canyon, Orchard Village and Tournament. Be sure to cruise down the underutilized bike trails connecting the city when you want to avoid traffic. Pedestrians also take advantage of these paved trails for a quick walk to the market.

Enjoy a picnic in one of Newhall's suburban public parks, or take a hike through the city's wilderness areas. Newhall Park provides a wide green space near Old Town with a children's playground and basketball courts. Locals stop by to walk their dogs on the grassy areas or take a dip in the swimming pool for a small fee.

When you want to escape the city, head to Quigley Canyon Open Space for some hiking and horseback riding. Hike deep into the canyon, or take your kids on the easy Coyote and Fox's loop. Enjoy beautiful vistas of the valley while searching for local wildlife like deer and coyotes.

Despite its upscale suburban atmosphere and trendy arts scene, Newhall's distance from central L.A. keeps the cost of living slightly below average for the metro area. Expect to pay an average of $1,219 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. If you need to reach downtown L.A., catching the Metrolink from Newhall to Union Station costs you about $9.25 for a one-way trip. Gas prices stay around 12 percent above the national average, and a glass of beer at the local bars runs you $7 to $8.

For a day of shopping, head to Old Town Newhall, the heart of the city that carries a cosmopolitan appeal with a rustic touch. Unlike most suburban communities that play it safe with retail giants and popular chains, Newhall serves up an adventurous mix of specialty stores catering to a varied palette of hobbies and interests. Explore everything from high-end fashion boutiques and vintage thrift shops to video stores, tanning salons and bead stores.

When you want to catch up on the latest fashions, take a look at Fresh Boutique. This little shop carries outfits for all body types, and the owner helps you find something that flatters your figure. Discover chic jewelry, color-splashed scarves and cute dresses at decent prices. This community gem also welcomes kids and dogs to come in while you browse.

For a piece of SoCal beach culture right here in Santa Clarita, head to Wolves Surf Shop. Browse a big selection of surf and paddle boards for your next beach day, or pick out some new wetsuits and surf clothes.

If you seek hand-crafted jewelry, head to Beads N Other Needs. Find a diverse assortment of beads ranging from Swarovski crystal and Japanese seed beads to stones and pearls to make your own unique jewelry. Feel free to ask the helpful staff to show you the basics or help you decide on the perfect bead combinations.

For your weekly groceries, make your way to popular supermarkets such as Vallarta and Vons. Be sure to stop by the seasonal farmers' market, the Old Town Newhall Farmers Market, for some organic veggies and fresh fruit. This quaint market on Lyons Avenue opens to the public on Saturday mornings year-round.