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June 10th, 2019 at 11:00 am

ventura-neighborhoods

A quick guide to Ventura neighborhoods

If you’re not already familiar with the area, Ventura County encompasses the larger cities of Ventura, Oxnard, and Thousand Oaks. Some of the safest communities within the United States are also located in Ventura County, including Simi Valley and Moorpark.

When deciding where to live in Ventura County, it’s important to consider all of the communities available to make the best choice for you.

Many people love the city of Ventura due to its proximity to the beach and its laid back atmosphere. Located in Southern California, Ventura is situated perfectly between both Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, two larger and more famous regions within California. With beautiful hiking trails, impressive ocean views, and a variety of bars and eateries located in its inviting downtown area, it’s easy to see why so many people say that Ventura neighborhoods are some of the best places to live. If you are looking for a neighborhood that offers a high quality of life while still providing all the convenient amenities of a big city, then Ventura may just be your perfect paradise.

Background on Ventura neighborhoods

Ventura is known for its amazing beaches, surf breaks, and eclectic culture. Located between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez mountains, Ventura offers beautiful views of the coastline and close proximity to the nearby Channel Islands. It is also about a 45-minute drive to Santa Barbara and an hour and a half to Los Angeles, making it the perfect fit for people who want a more relaxed, beachy, vibe while also being in close proximity to a number of communities.

We’re breaking down some of Ventura’s most popular neighborhoods in this guide. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of which area is the best fit for you. 

Downtown Ventura

Ventura’s Downtown district is known for its lively culture and thriving community. With a large population of artists, the downtown area welcomes locals and tourists alike to explore a number of family-owned art galleries, bars, and local eateries. These palm tree-lined streets are also full of antique shops, boutiques, and beautiful historical buildings. While often the main destination for visitors, Ventura’s downtown area also offers residents close proximity to all of the action. If you are looking for a neighborhood with a preserved Southern California culture, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and welcoming community members, Downtown Ventura may be the perfect spot for you.

East Ventura

Known for being a family-friendly neighborhood with walkable homes, East Ventura is a little more rural than some of the other parts of Ventura County. Spacious homes and a bustling community center that thrives on outdoor activity are at the heart of East Ventura. Community members within East Ventura get to enjoy drives through orange and avocado trees on their morning commute and beautiful sunshine all year-round. For people who are looking for a slower pace of life, this area is the perfect place to live in. With a gorgeous landscape and amazing weather, East Ventura is a core neighborhood any prospective residents should consider.

Thousand Oaks

Located just north of Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks is an amazing option for families that are looking for a safe and suburban area with great public schools. Known for being extremely safe and having a wonderful selection of parks and recreational areas, Thousand Oaks offers residents a true sense of community. If you’re looking for a more spacious and affordable alternative to some of the more popular neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks may be the perfect fit for you.

Oakpark

Known for its fantastic schools, Oakpark is a popular choice for young families that are looking for a place where they can truly settle down and find a sense of community. While it has more of a small-town feel to it, Oak Park is surrounded by neighboring communities such as Westlake which offer a larger selection of stores and restaurants. Additionally, it is about a 30-minute drive to the beach and about an hour from Los Angeles making it a central location that gives families access to many activities. If a small-town suburban feel is what you are looking for, Oakpark may be the perfect place for you!

Moorpark

Often ranked as one of the best places to live, Moorpark is a prime option for families that are looking for a safe and spacious place to raise their families. Moorpark is on the smaller side when compared to Thousand Oaks or Simi Valley but is known for having an extremely strong sense of community that quickly welcomes in new residents. Plus, only 30 minutes from the beach, Moorpark gives residents additional landscape to explore outside of its many parks.

Ojai

Located in the valley of the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai is a tight-knit community that gives residents the privacy and space they desire. About an hour away from Santa Barbara and an hour and a half from Los Angeles, Ojai is tucked up in the hills with a population of about 8,000. Residents escape the fast-paced lifestyle for a truly unique and eclectic culture that reflects Ojai’s artist community. Whether you are looking to go explore its beautiful hiking trails or you want to check out a local winery, Ojai offers a variety of things to do and places to see for people of all ages. If you’re looking for a slower paced community set it a gorgeous environment, Ojai just may be the place for you.

Choosing the right Ventura neighborhood

Ventura County offers a variety of wonderful neighborhoods to live in for people of all ages. For those looking for a laid back California neighborhood with an eclectic style and plenty of things to do, Downtown Ventura may be the perfect place for you. If you are looking for a slower pace of life with wide open fields and complete tranquility, Ojai can become your perfect paradise. At the end of the day, what your decision will boil down to is your personal preferences. Before making your final decision, it is highly advised to get out there and explore each area yourself. That way you can get a greater understanding of the people, its food and shopping scene, as well as its overall culture.

When deciding on the right place for you, it’s important to truly get a feel for all of your options available. When picking your future neighborhood, it’s also wise to consider your family dynamic and think of how it may change over the next ten years. Do you have kids? Are you looking for a community with young professionals? What are the most important factors you are looking for in a hometown? All these points should be factored in before you make your final decision.

Working with a REALTOR® who knows the ins and outs of every neighborhood can often be the best way to identify neighborhoods and homes you often would have never discovered on your own. Whether you are looking in Ventura, Oxnard, or Thousand Oaks, our team is happy to assist you in your search.

For more information on the neighborhoods in Ventura, please call one of our helpful Ventura REALTORS® at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties today.

Reviewed by Dede Madsen
Dede Madsen is the VP of Technology and Innovation for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.  A native of Southern California and a real estate and lending expert, Dede enjoys traveling to each of the Southern California counties covered by the company, introducing technology to its markets and agents.

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