Santa Clarita, officially theCity of Santa Clarita, is the third largest city inLos Angeles County, California,and the seventeenth largest in the state of California.The city has annexed a number of unincorporated areas, contributing to the large population increase. It is located about 35 miles (56km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and occupies most of theSanta Clarita Valley.
Santa Clarita was incorporated in December 1987 as the union of four unincorporated communities, includingCanyon Country,Newhall,Saugus, andValencia, all of which are situated on the land of the formerRancho San Francisco.
Santa Clarita is often associated with theSix Flags Magic Mountainamusement park, though the park is located just outside the city limits, and theCalifornia Institute of the Arts(CalArts), located in Valencia.