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Living in Ventura County: Ventura vs. Camarillo – What’s Best for You
Camarillo vs. Ventura: Which City Should You Choose to Live In?
When it comes to choosing a place to live in Ventura County, we get asked all the time: Should I live in Camarillo or Ventura?
It's such a common question for our clients, and for good reason! Both cities offer fantastic lifestyles, but they're quite different.
We're here to break it all down and give you a clear comparison of what each city has to offer.
Ventura's Amazing Beaches and Parks
Ventura is known for its beautiful beaches, and if you're an outdoor lover, you'll find hiking trails in Arroyo Verde Park and Harmon Canyon. Not to mention, biking up the coast is one of the most gorgeous rides you can experience. The city's mix of urban, beach, and nature really offers something for everyone. So, if you're wondering what you'll be doing in Ventura today, the answer is likely, "Having fun!"
 Ventura- So Many Activities and Amazing Weather
One of the biggest reasons people choose Ventura is the vibrant community and the endless activities. Whether it’s at the County Fairgrounds with concerts and events or The Pedestrian Mall downtown, you’ll never run out of things to do! Plus, Midtown Ventura has amazing shopping, dining, and thriving local businesses.
Camarillo: A Quiet, Laid-Back Lifestyle
On the flip side, Camarillo offers a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle. While Ventura is more urban, Camarillo feels more like a close-knit community. Residents enjoy spending time at local parks.... from dog parks to BMX parks, or visiting the Channel Islands Art Center to view local artist exhibits. You’ll also find great theater and symphony performances, including from the New West Symphony.
Destination Shopping, Camarillo's Outlet Mall
One unique feature of Camarillo is its proximity to the outlets, where you can score great deals while shopping. While Ventura might be known for its busy beach lifestyle, Camarillo gives you a chance to relax and enjoy a more peaceful pace. You can easily head over to Ventura for a festival or a beach day, but coming back home means enjoying that more relaxed vibe.
Cost of Living: Which City Is More Affordable?
When it comes to cost of living, there’s not much difference between Camarillo and Ventura. Things like gas, food, and entertainment are priced similarly. For homebuyers, the prices in both cities are relatively close, though when we first moved here, Camarillo had more affordable housing options. However, home prices in Camarillo have risen, and now, the median price for homes in both cities is quite similar.
Housing & Neighborhoods: Ventura's Diverse Options
One of the great things about Ventura is its diversity in neighborhoods. Whether you want a historic home, a brand-new construction, or something in between, you'll find it here. The closer you get to downtown, the more historic homes you'll encounter. As you move east, you’ll see mid-century homes and more suburban areas. Some homes in Ventura are nestled in the hills, offering breathtaking ocean views.
Camarillo used to be the more affordable option with larger homes and bigger lots, but now it’s catching up to Ventura in terms of home prices.
Faster Paced Ventura.....At Least For Ventura County
If you're looking for more of an urban vibe, downtown Ventura has bungalows, ranch-style homes, historic homes and lots of new to newer condos. Plus, with Midtown offering smaller homes on more compact lots, you'll be in the heart of things.......where almost everything is a hop, skip and a jump away.
Camarillo's Homes: Spacious and Relaxed
Camarillo offers homes that feel more spread out. You'll find larger lots and panoramic mountain views in some areas. The homes here are typically Spanish-style, and if you're into a more peaceful and private lifestyle, Camarillo is perfect for that. 55+ communities, like Leisure Village, are also a huge draw for those looking for active senior living.
With luxury estates and more traditional homes, Camarillo offers a wider variety of styles, from 1950s bungalows to modern homes. If you like having a little more space between you and your neighbors, Camarillo’s neighborhoods are perfect.
Quiet vs. Busy: The Noise Factor
Ventura has more of an urban feel, with busy streets, neighborhoods near highways, and even train traffic. There’s more noise overall, including helicopters near the hospitals and the train station downtown. The hustle and bustle might be great for some, but it can be overwhelming for others.
On the other hand, Camarillo is much quieter, with fewer busy streets and lower traffic levels. The major complaint from residents here is the airport noise, especially near the Camarillo Airport.
Transportation: Getting Around
Ventura offers a more car-free lifestyle if you prefer it. With bike-friendly routes and a convenient Amtrak station downtown, you can easily get around without a car.
It’s also easy to reach the beach or downtown Ventura by walking or biking. The city has great public transportation options.
Camarillo, while still accessible, is a more car-heavy town. You’ll need a car to get around since the city isn’t as pedestrian-friendly.
However, if you're commuting to Los Angeles, Camarillo's location makes it a great option as it’s just a short drive to the freeway. Ventura’s commute to LA is a bit longer, making Camarillo a better choice for those needing to travel frequently.
Weather: Sunshine vs. Gloomy Days, Temperatures
Both cities enjoy California weather, but there are differences. Ventura has more of the cool coastal climate, with May Gray and June Gloom often bringing overcast days. On the other hand, Camarillo enjoys more sunny days and Mediterranean-style weather with less wind. If you love the sun, Camarillo might be the better fit.
The Bottom Line: Which City Is Right for You?
Both Ventura and Camarillo offer amazing living experiences, but it really comes down to what kind of lifestyle you want. If you love a busy, outdoor lifestyle with lots of things to do, Ventura might be your perfect match. If you prefer a quiet and spacious home with a more relaxed pace, Camarillo might be the place for you.
We would love to help you find your dream home in either city. Reach out to us anytime – we’re here to answer your questions, take you on tours, and help you make the best decision for your new life in Ventura County!
Hi there, we are Bart and Keziah
When helping our customers buy and sell real estate — it’s all about using our experience, effective communication and teamwork to simplify the process and get the best results for you.
Give us a call/text/email. Let’s have a short talk. Absolutely no pressure. Let's figure out if we will be a good fit to work together.
"When we looked at homes together, they took us out into local grocery stores and parks, and Keziah sparked conversations to introduce us to the locals and neighbors. This allowed us to ask questions about the area that could not be answered on a home-buying app or even by other realtors. We were getting honest responses from the actual people who lived there. That feedback was very valuable and helpful!" --Amanda Gurrola (google, Jan 2024)