The growing appeal of master-planned communities is exemplified by families like Tony and Candy Straight, who recently moved to Valencia, a development by FivePoint in Santa Clarita Valley, California. Previously residing in Fillmore, the Straights were initially attracted by new home availability but ultimately chose a two-story detached home in the Marigold neighborhood by Lennar for its spacious living areas and design flexibility that accommodated home offices—essential for both working remotely. Tony, a career coach, and Candy, who runs an e-commerce gifting business called Flamingo Box Co., found the community's layout supported their professional needs while offering lifestyle benefits.
Valencia's family-centric approach has been particularly significant, with regular events like Easter egg hunts fostering community engagement. Candy noted the monthly activities are executed with professionalism that enhances participation, highlighting how programmed social opportunities contribute to resident satisfaction. The development's strategic location has also reduced commute times to destinations like their church, demonstrating how thoughtful planning can improve quality of life by minimizing travel stress. This accessibility factor represents a key consideration in modern community design as families seek to balance various aspects of daily living.
The community's extensive amenities have become central to the family's lifestyle, particularly Confluence Park, an award-winning core feature offering recreational options including open lawn areas, an adventure playground, trails, and multiple pools. The community clubhouse provides additional indoor and outdoor spaces for social interaction, while the broader design incorporates 10,000 acres of permanently protected open space. This balance between developed areas and preserved natural environments reflects a growing trend toward sustainable urban development that prioritizes both modern conveniences and environmental stewardship.
Tony described Valencia as "a real collection, not just a collection of homes," emphasizing the holistic approach to living spaces that extends beyond individual properties. The family's enthusiasm for amenities like pools and playgrounds illustrates how well-designed communities can meet diverse resident needs across age groups. Candy added a forward-looking perspective, stating the community "offers a vision for our children," suggesting such developments may have long-term impacts on family life and child development through their integrated environments.
Valencia offers diverse housing options from builders including Lennar, Toll Brothers, TriPointe Homes, Richmond American Homes, and KB Home, with information available at https://www.valencia.com. The community's success in attracting families like the Straights points to broader trends in development as more people seek environments that balance work, family, and leisure. This shift toward comprehensive community planning could influence future suburban and urban development, affecting city planning approaches, real estate models, and how communities foster social connections while addressing practical needs like reduced commutes and flexible living spaces.
