Living in Oak Park California: Pros, Cons & Neighborhoods

Oak Park, California is a small community in Ventura County known for its strong school district, outdoor lifestyle, and quiet suburban feel. Located in the Conejo Valley, it offers access to parks, hiking trails, and nearby cities like Westlake Village and Agoura Hills, while remaining primarily residential.

This guide isn’t based on rankings or recycled opinions. We’re Bart and Keziah — local Ventura County real estate agents who work directly in Oak Park and the surrounding Conejo Valley. In addition to helping buyers and sellers, Keziah also works locally as a residential real estate appraiser, bringing a valuation-first perspective to pricing, neighborhoods, and long-term livability. Everything shared here reflects firsthand experience, real client conversations, and what actually matters when choosing where to live.

Why Oak Park Is Unique (Unincorporated Community in Ventura County)

Oak Park (magenta on the map), is the smallest unincorporated community in Ventura County. Just a little over five square miles.

And get this: residents have repeatedly voted against becoming its own city or being annexed by Thousand Oaks.

Surrounded by those gorgeous rolling hills and mountains, it’s pretty easy to see why. Plus, with easy access to the 101 and 23 freeways, you’re super close to Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Agoura Hills, and even LA, Malibu, and Ventura. Talk about prime location!

Oak Park Location in Ventura County

Many residents will shop in Thousand Oaks, which is right next door and also commute to Los Angeles (varying from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours depending on time of day and your ultimate destination in L.A.).

Understanding the Cost of Living in Oak Park

The cost of living here is about 36% higher than the national average, which is pretty similar to Thousand Oaks.

And like most of California, that’s mostly due to housing.

The median home value in Oak Park? Around $1.2 million and it’s been steadily climbing.

Since there’s no real downtown or big economic base, most folks are either working from home, commuting, or enjoying their retirement.

Safety and Security

Like much of Southern California, Oak Park faces natural environmental risks that come with its location and climate.

Of course, like anywhere in SoCal, you’ve got natural disaster risks like floods, mudslides, earthquakes, wind, drought, and wildfires.

Wildlife Encounters in Oak Park: Living Close to Nature

Living here means living with nature. Oak Park is surrounded by open spaces and national preserves.

Fun fact: it’s known as the “snake capital of California.” Seriously, the police and fire departments get special training for dealing with venomous snakes.

You’ll also see deer, coyotes, and sometimes even mountain lions and black bears. So, keep your eyes peeled!

 Environmental Considerations

Environmental Considerations

Air quality in Oak Park is generally slightly above the national average. Some residents have reported occasional odors or water quality concerns, which is not uncommon in parts of Ventura County.

There has also been public discussion regarding potential environmental impacts from historic activity at a nearby mid-20th-century nuclear testing facility. Various studies and reports have produced differing conclusions, and buyers are encouraged to review publicly available information and conduct their own research.

The Ventura County Star has reported that ash from regional wildfires has, at times, affected areas including Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village.

Wildfire Risk and Insurance Considerations

Because Oak Park is surrounded by open space, hillsides, and preserved land, some neighborhoods fall within designated fire hazard severity zones. Homes located closer to open space or canyon areas may have additional requirements related to defensible space, vegetation management, and property maintenance.

In recent years, wildfire risk across California has also impacted homeowner insurance availability and cost. Buyers considering Oak Park should plan to review insurance options early in the process, as coverage and premiums can vary based on location, lot characteristics, and proximity to open land.

This is not unique to Oak Park, but it is an important factor to understand when comparing neighborhoods and evaluating long-term ownership costs.

Exploring Oak Park’s Neighborhoods: A Resort-Like Feel

Okay, let’s get to the neighborhoods! The views here are absolutely magical. Those hills and mountains? Movie-worthy.

And after all that rain, everything’s in full bloom! The homes are generally average to above-average tract homes, with mountain views and open space.

You’ll find at least one park within a mile of every neighborhood. It’s super peaceful.

Some neighborhoods were built in the 70s, but most are from the 90s and 2000s, with some even as recent as 2022. Lots of pools, thanks to the great weather.

Most neighborhoods have HOAs, but not all. You’ll find apartments and condos in one area, older homes and townhomes in another, and newer homes on the hillsides.

Homes range from $675,000 to over $2 million. You’ll see gated communities, manicured lawns, mature trees, and ranch and two-story homes.

Community pools are common, and you’ll see lots of people walking and kids playing. Traffic is minimal, except around schools during drop-off and pick-up.

If you’re considering Oak Park and want to compare it with nearby cities like Westlake Village or Agoura Hills, Bart and Keziah are happy to help you understand which neighborhoods truly fit your lifestyle.
Contact us here

Oak Park, California FAQs (What Buyers Want to Know)

Is Oak Park a good place to live?

Oak Park is a good place to live for buyers who value strong schools, outdoor access, and a quiet suburban environment. It is especially appealing to families and school-focused buyers who want a primarily residential community close to Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and Thousand Oaks.

Why are homes in Oak Park so expensive?

Home prices in Oak Park are influenced by limited housing inventory, strong demand tied to the Oak Park Unified School District, and the town’s small size. With little new development and no downtown commercial expansion, housing remains the primary driver of the cost of living.

Is Oak Park incorporated or part of a city?

Oak Park is an unincorporated community in Ventura County. Residents have repeatedly voted against incorporation or annexation, choosing to maintain local control and preserve the area’s residential character.

What kind of homes are in Oak Park?

Oak Park offers a mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. Older neighborhoods developed in the 1970s and 1980s often feature larger yards and traditional layouts, while newer areas from the late 1980s and 1990s tend to include higher ceilings, open floor plans, and more modern designs.

How far is Oak Park from Los Angeles?

Oak Park is approximately 35 to 45 miles from Los Angeles. Commute times typically range from about 45 minutes to over 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions, time of day, and destination.

Does Oak Park have a downtown?

Oak Park does not have a traditional downtown or commercial center. Most residents shop, dine, and access services in nearby Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and Agoura Hills.

Is Oak Park considered safe?

Oak Park is generally considered a quiet, residential community. Like much of Southern California, the primary safety considerations relate to natural risks such as wildfires, earthquakes, and wildlife due to the surrounding open space.

What wildlife is common in Oak Park?

Because Oak Park is surrounded by open space and preserves, residents commonly encounter wildlife such as deer, coyotes, and snakes. Sightings of larger animals like mountain lions or black bears are less common but can occur.

Who is Oak Park best suited for?

Oak Park is best suited for families, move-up buyers, and school-focused households. It is often compared with Westlake Village and Agoura Hills but appeals to buyers seeking a quieter, more residential setting.