Valencia was planned and developed in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s by the powerful Newhall Land Company. It is notable for its well-landscaped boulevards connecting a balanced mix of apartment buildings, single-family detached homes, shopping centers, office parks, and industrial warehouses.
Valencia also has an extensive system of paved pathways with grade separations over and under the boulevards. The pathways are called paseos. Landowners in the Valencia area pay special taxes to maintain the lush landscaping and the paseo system.