Lancaster sits in the western Mojave Desert's Antelope Valley, where each spring the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve explodes with brilliant orange wildflower blooms across 1,800 acres. The city's revitalized downtown district, The BLVD Cultural District, features local eateries, shops, and entertainment venues anchored by the Lancaster Museum of Art and History and the Lancaster Performing Arts Center. Housing options include townhomes, single-family homes with desert landscaping, and apartment communities throughout the city.

The city offers distinct neighborhoods with varied rental opportunities. West Lancaster features the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, offering 3.5 miles of hiking trails and an interpretive center showcasing desert flora and fauna. The neighborhoods surrounding The BLVD put residents within walking distance of downtown amenities, while the Quartz Hill area features properties with larger lots and established landscaping. Many homes and apartments offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains and outdoor spaces adapted to desert living.

The Lancaster Metrolink Station on Sierra Highway provides rail service to Los Angeles, with the journey to downtown LA taking approximately two hours. The aerospace and defense industries form the backbone of local employment, with manufacturers like BYD Auto's electric bus facility contributing to the job market. The high-desert climate brings hot, dry summers and cool winters, with over 300 sunny days annually. Lancaster's solar initiatives have made it one of California's leading cities in renewable energy adoption. Residents have access to the Lancaster National Soccer Center's 35 fields, The Hangar baseball stadium, and multiple community parks across the city.