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Living In Camarillo, Guide, Video and Maps
Video on Living in Camarillo
There’s so much to love about living in Camarillo, CA as it really offers some of the best features of Ventura County:
- Fantastic views of surrounding mountains and agriculture.
- Easy access to classic California beaches.
- Convenient for commuting and trips to Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
- An historic and quaint downtown with shops and restaurants.
Video on Living in Camarillo
Cons To Camarillo
If you love nightlife, are single and want an active social and dating life, this probably isn’t the place for you. Camarillo closes early. However, Ventura is within a 20 minute drive and features an historic downtown with lots of locally owned shops, bars, restaurant and way more nightlife.
Many residents travel to Los Angeles for entertainment as well.
You will hear mixed reviews from residents who either love their local restaurants, whereas other claim the food is bland.
Location
Camarillo is just a short, scenic drive to both the mountains and the ocean. Take your pick and within 20 to 30 minutes you can be beaching at Port Hueneme, Malibu, Point Mugu or hiking in the gorgeous Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Mountain High Ski Resort is just over 2 hours away and LA is only an hour (in non-rush hour). Camarillo is also convenient for driving to Oxnard, Ventura and Ojai. However, off-times are better and rush hours can get pretty bad.
Outlet Mall
The biggest draw attracting people from all over Ventura County to Camarillo, is the outlet malls! It is a super busy place for shopping and also a social center for teenagers.
Camarillo also has the most beautiful, Spanish style library which is a real focal point with two schools right next door.
What's It Like?
Camarillo has a suburban and also a small-town feel - but not claustrophobic! You get the advantage of knowing your neighbors but not running into them everywhere you go!
There's also an historic and quaint downtown with shops and restaurants.
The pure scenic beauty of Camarillo can really take your breath away as you explore it.
If you think Camarillo might be a little too low key for you, then also check out nearby Thousand Oaks.
Climate
The ocean breeze helps Camarillo stay cooler in the summer with an average high in the mid-80s and lows in the 50’s during the winter.
However, in September of 2022 there were some days that got as hot as the low 100’s and as low as 40 at night in December. Camarillo is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than nearby Westlake Village and Calabasas.
Neighborhood Living
Most of the neighborhoods have a suburban feel, mature trees, lovely landscaping and views of agriculture and mountains.
SOAR legislation recently passed to protect open spaces and vast agricultural lands near Highway 101.
That’s important because if you enjoy the beautiful landscape, like we do, you can know that a sizable portion of it is being preserved after you move here. This will also help curb the ever-increasing traffic as a result of new developments.
Home Prices
Home Styles
Camarillo has 14 distinct neighborhoods with mature trees and landscaping, foliage and character including:
- A 55+ retirement community with manufacture homes
- Mission-style architectural-themed neighborhoods capturing the history of the city.
- Ranch style from the 50’s-60’s,
- 2 story homes from the 80’s to 90’s.
- Gated communities with custom homes on hilltops with inspiring and expansive views.
Video On Buying a Home In Camarillo
Natural Disasters
The risk of earthquakes is high and the city has been doing a lot to mitigate the risk of fire.
Schools
There are two high schools in Camarillo, one of which is a newer performing arts-based school.
There is a variety of school ratings online including at great schools.org.
California State University Channel Islands is a big asset as well including lots of continuing education opportunities as well.
Crime
One resident said “People are nice. When we first moved here from L.A, the difference was so striking, it seemed almost artificial. It isn’t. Try looking like you are going to step off a curb as a car approaches. They will almost always stop to let you cross.”
Neighborhood Scout reported that the crime rate in Camarillo is almost half the crime rate compared to the rest of California. While as in any city, you will have some areas with more crimes than others, overall, Camarillo is pretty safe.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Camarillo is one of the highest in the Nation but is moderate when compared to other cities in southern California.
The average home cost in Camarillo is around $750,000. That’s similar to Ventura. however, you get a bigger house in Camarillo for that price.
Venturans are now moving to Camarillo because they also get more space, less tourists, a larger yard and its still an easy drive to amazing hiking and beaches. They’re also moving to Santa Paula for the same reasons and Santa Paula is even more affordable. Click here to learn about Santa Paula.
Child care is similar to what you would pay for in other cities like Los Angels, around 1400 per month.
Water has become increasingly more expensive with the drought. However, Camarillo has addressed this issue by building a desalination plant. It recently opened and is projected to create two thirds of the water the city needs.
The unemployment rate is lower than the national average and most people work outside of the city with a commute of about 30 minutes.
Air Quality
There is an average of 237 of -good-rated- days with only 4 days out of the year being rated unhealthy and zero hazardous days reported in 2022.
Sometimes there may be a skunk odor that permeates in this area. This is caused by industrial hemp farms. There is also sometimes a sulfur smell that is caused by the minerals in the groundwater and for those who live near agriculture, there can be smells related to agriculture.
Activites
28 fantastic local parks and a renowned BMX track.
Equestrian centers, an Equestrian Pilates gym and even Las Posas Equestrian Park (a 2-acre park with two dirt horse arenas and a beautiful undeveloped horse path at the back of the park.)
The Camarillo House (former home of the founder of Camarillo), Old Town Camarillo, the library or the Commemorative Air Force museum.
Visit Studio Channel Islands Art Center on Ventura Blvd in Old Town.
The New West Symphony performs concerts at the Performing Arts Center at Rancho Campana High on Sundays.
What do you think, about Camarillop? Could You Live Here? We'd also love to hear about any other topics you would like us to cover. Please comment below and email us team@living-inventuracounty.com. Thanks:), Keziah and Bart
Hi there, we are Bart and Keziah
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"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)
You haven’t mentioned the New West Symphony. concerts are held on Sunday afternoons at the auditorium next to the high school
of the arts. Excellent orchestra.
Thanks for the great suggestion Diane, I will definitely add that!