Offering small-town ambiance with all the big-city advantages, Palmdale benefits from clear blue skies and a four-seasons climate. The city has grown to a population of more than 140,000 due to a thriving economy centered around the Palmdale Regional Airport. The airport is home to United States Air Force Plant 42, a federally owned military aerospace facility with contractors including Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Plans for the airport include expanded commercial service.

Palmdale is a perfect place for families, with seasonal activities throughout the year. In spring, it’s the Children’s Springfest & Egg Hunt, while fall brings the two-day Fall Festival. Summertime events include a gala Fourth of July Celebration with fireworks spectacular at Palmdale High School, and the Starlight Concert Series and Clear Channel Concert Series under the stars at Palmdale Amphitheater. Summer Theatre Camps are available for teens and children from ages 9 through 12. Many families participate together in the annual 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and Children’s 1K and 400-meter runs, presented by the City of Palmdale Department of Parks and Recreation. In 2006, the city’s first-ever Tournament of Roses Parade float won the coveted Princess’ Trophy for the most beautiful float 35 feet or under.

An impressive parks and recreation program centered around numerous parks, athletic facilities and gathering places is offered by the City of Palmdale. Right down the street from Pacific Garden is the Palmdale Oasis Park, which includes a year-round swimming pool, a recreation center and the wet-and-wild fun of DryTown Water Park. This six-acre Old West mining town-themed aquatic park is home to the Devil’s Punch Bowl, the Wildcatter and other rides. The city’s new Best of the West Softball Complex includes four lighted fields for girls’ and women’s play and three lighted fields for men’s slow-pitch. Palmdale also has two skateboard parks.

Throughout the Antelope Valley, residents enjoy such picturesque locales as the Barrel Springs Trail for horseback riding and the Joshua Ranch Trail for equestrian, pedestrian and bicycle use. Also nearby is the vast Angeles National Forest, offering facilities for camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, water sports and more.

There’s abundant shopping and dining variety and a movie theater complex, at the Antelope Valley Mall. Several smaller retail plazas also are located in the area. The Palmdale Playhouse draws residents of all ages for concerts, dance programs, plays, musicals, opera, an annual Shakespeare Festival, holiday events and more. The playhouse even has an art gallery. Thursday Night on the Square is a summer staple for many residents, offering an open-air farmers market, along with live entertainment, unique arts and crafts, scrumptious food and free children’s activities.

Children who live at Pacific Garden will attend elementary and middle schools in the Palmdale School District, and Palmdale High School in the Antelope Valley Union High School District. Several opportunities are available for higher education in the area, beginning with the Antelope Valley Community College District’s main campus in Lancaster and a satellite campus in Palmdale. The Lancaster campus also is a satellite branch of California State University, Bakersfield. Chapman University and the University of La Verne both have satellite campuses in Palmdale, and the University of Phoenix has a satellite campus in Lancaster. The Aerospace Education, Research and Operations Institute (AERO Institute) is a unique facility in Palmdale, which offers college-credit courses in aerospace technology from public and private colleges and universities around the country.

---

Helpful Links:
City of Palmdale
Edwards Air Force Base
LA County Raceway
Palmdale School District
Antelope Valley Union High School District
Dry Town Water Park