Living in Oxnard- Pros, Cons, and Neighborhoods (With Videos)

Have Questions about moving to Oxnard or Ventura County?

Get your questions answered fast—we’ll respond within 2 hours.

We’re Bart and Keziah, local real estate experts who go way beyond the basics, helping you find hidden-gem neighborhoods, track down off-market listings, and negotiate the best deal.

Call/Text Bart and Keziah 805-256-2813

E-mail Bart and Keziah

Why do the Dallas Cowboys love Oxnard? It’s likely because of its 11 miles of uncrowded beaches, a scenic canals area we like to call the Venice of Ventura County, and more.

Explore the vibrant shopping scene and golf course communities in north Oxnard...and the charm of the historic downtown, including the iconic Heritage Square. Get the inside scoop on what it's really like to live in Oxnard.

Why do the Dallas Cowboys love Oxnard? It’s likely because of its 11 miles of uncrowded beaches, a scenic canals area we like to call the Venice of Ventura County, and more.

Potential Oxnard Cons

Housing prices have been increasing dramatically over the last couple years.
Multi-generational families often live together just so they can afford to keep their house. They are forced to rent out a room. This makes it harder on parking.
There's roughly a two-year wait for subsidized housing.
The city is slow with services like trimming trees. There can be a 2 year wait.
If there's a break in the sewer line in the middle of the street then the neighbors who live in that area will be charged by the city to fix that sewer line break.
There are still large tracts of agriculture that you may or may not like living next to.
Resdients complain about fireworks that go on way beyond or before 4th July, creating havoc for animals and anyone who doesn't like the noise.
Its the busiest city in Ventura County overall.

Homes and Neighborhood Diversity

Oxnard neighborhoods have something for everyone. 1) The north side has got it all with new construction, fantastic shopping access and even golf course neighborhoods.

2) The south western coast vibe is laid-back and resort-like, with beautiful beaches and vast agricultural lands. 3) Don’t miss the bustling and historic downtown!

Map of Oxnard, Neighborhoods, California

South Western

Oxnard is slower paced as you get closer to the south western side (peach) with the beach and ocean. These neighborhoods are mixed in with large tracts of agricultural land as well. They include for example:

Beach condos and townhomes (southwest).
The beachside communities of Silver Strand, Oxnard Shores and Hollywood Beach. (southwest).
Marina West, Via Marina, Sea View Estates and Sea Air are located in the Southwest section of Denver and just north of Port Hueneme.
These communities are super close to the beaches and an easy drive to Oxnard's downtown, Highway 101 and the Collections Shopping Center.
The Venice of Ventura County is in Oxnard, California.......with a vast geography of channels and canals.
Canal condos and dock homes.(southwest)....many of which were built in the 2000's.
These luxury homes enjoy all that this highly sought-after area has to offer. They are within walking distance to Seabridge shopping center, the long and beautiful Channel Harbor trail and close to the beach.

Mid to upper range tract style homes like this one in the Via Marina Neighborhood in Oxnard, California are available within 10 minutes from the beach.

Central and Eastern

More urban and densely populated neighborhoods some with adjoing agriculture..... commercial and industrial areas mixed in. These include:

Oxnard has a fascinating and historic downtown with beautiful and historic homes from the 1800's to early 1900's and even some new construction.

Explore the fascinating and historic Heritage Square, independent shops, restaurants and entertainment. There's even an Amtrak station for easy access to cities north and south.

As you go east from the downtown, you'll find large sections of suburban style neighborhoods with tract homes ranging from the 1950's to 2000's.

The Henry T. Oxnard Historic District from the early 1900s has some real gems, like this home. You’ll find Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, and Period Revival styles. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And during the holidays, it transforms into "Christmas Tree Lane".

North Oxnard

North Oxnard is home to the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp, golf course communities and newer neighborhoods like Riverpark and Wagon Wheel which are close to the Collection Shopping area and Highway 101 access to Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

The Collection Shopping Center is a popular destination in north Oxnard.....with Whole Foods and big-name box stores, restaurants and movie theaters.........its a destination shopping center for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
River Ridge Golf Course is Oxnard's gem with two 18-hole golf courses.The courses have stunning views of Ventura Foothills and Majestic mountains

Golf Course Communites include........

Victoria Estates offers mountain and golf course views, semi-custom homes, unique garage features, clubhouse, pool, jacuzzi, and low HOA fees.

Island Villas Gated Community includes homes that back up to the public golf course. They range from 700K to 1M, offering tennis, pickleball, putting green, and a pool.

Wagon Wheel Neighborhood in North Oxnard

The Wagon Wheel nieghborhood is just minutes to Highway 101. That makes it easy to commute for work and travel to other cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Clarita.
Includes walking trails, playgrounds, green space parks, gorgeous landscaping and an historic wishing well which was rebuilt using the original bricks. You'll see many residents out walking their dogs and playing in the park.

Futre Development plans include...........Building more trails that go along a nearby riverbed, two dog parks, basketball and pickle-ball courts, ping pong and picnic tables, more barbecues, a sand volleyball court, brewery, fine dining, coffee shop, upscale convenience store, barber shop, bowling alley and nail salon.

There are three different townhome styles in Wagon Wheel (Park Place), including features like:

Quartz countertops, large bedrooms and really nice cabinetry.
Three story units some with rooftop decks and amazing mountain views.
Two-car garage that is EV equipped (set up for an electric car).

The ranch style condos (Oxford Flats) in this division also have features like:

They are very large and each unit has a little patio that you can walk out on.
These flats have a fob entrance. If you invite somebody over, they have to push a button to ask for you permission to ride the elevator to your floor.
The lobbies are absolutely beautiful.

Potential Cons Include........

When you do go out on the patio, there is currently some noise from the highway and also construction going on in the neighborhood. However, when you are inside the windows are really thick, blocking off the noise.
There is some road noise from nearby Highway 101, which varies depending on your location in the neighborhood.
Because this is an urban setting with condos, apartments and townhomes, there could be more congestion with traffic and limited street parking.
There are some homeless passing through and also hanging out in the park area..... as it is so close to a couple of different shopping centers.

• • You may hear dogs barking as people allow their dogs to go out on their patios or decks. However, one of the residents told us that the HOA does not allow this.

There is currently still construction in the Wagon Wheel Neighborhood, resulting with some noise, dust and traffic disruption.

Wagon Wheel Neighborhood, Oxnard, California

River Park Neighborhood in North Oxnard

The River Park development has high quality homes and a park like setting including:

Miles and miles of trails that go around this large development with mountain views. There's also playgrounds, barbecues and a large dog park with two separate sections (one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs).

There are different detached home styles available including:

Large lots are available (around 6 to 7,000 square feet) with home sizes ranging from 1600 up to around 2500 square feet.
There are detached homes available on smaller lots (around 3- 5,000 square feet). Some of these homes have ADU's (Additional Home Units) that are built over the garage. They have a separate entrance and living space with kitchen, bathroom and studio.

There are also townhomes available:

Most of them have granite countertops. The ones with tile sell for significantly less.
The main living area is on the main floor. The bedrooms and bathrooms are on the second floor.
They have a two car garage.
Some of the units have views from the second floor of the mountains or a mini park.

There are condos available:

Some of them have views of the mountains or a mini park from their balcony.
They have a two car garage.

The schools are close to the neighborhood and there is a low student to teacher ratio.

Cons River Park

Because of recent water restrictions, many of the park sections are browning up when there is little rainfall.
The townhomes tend to use the same color palette so most of them look very similar.
There is an HOA fee and also a Mello Roos tax which residents pay yearly to fund city services to the neighborhood. River Park doesn't currently have an end date for this tax which many residents are upset about.
There is a shortage of available street parking on some of the streets.

• • Because of their low test scores, the schools are rated below average.

Windsor North: Tranquility Meets Convenience in North Oxnard

Windsor North is all about peace and quiet. You could be living right next to the prestigious River Ridge Golf Course (a major perk for some!)......... enjoying mountain views and a secluded atmosphere.

All this serenity is just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and beaches!

This neighborhood offers a variety of housing options, from gated communities with low HOA fees to the picture-perfect Victoria Estates, known for its mountain and golf course views, unique garages, and fantastic community amenities.

The island Villa gated community also features homes that back up to the golf course and they have have a putting green pickle ball pool and tennis courts.

The Gallery at riveridge has high-end cluster homes low HOA fees a clubhouse swimming pool and the homes start in the low 800s.

Sierra Linda features ranch-style homes or a beautiful Spanish-style two-story. Homes here tend to be more affordable than many north Oxnard neighborhoods.

Oxnard Neighborhoods

Ventura County Cities and Neighborhoods

Ocean Access

Oxnard's coastline and Channel Islands Harbor are some of the most beautiful areas in southern California. There are 11 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches including a large, grassy state beach park. You'll marvel at all of the of sea life including dolphins, sea lions in the harbor, seals and a wide variety of waterfowl.

The Kiddie Swim Beach is in the Silver Strand Neighborhood in Oxnard, CA and is a beautiful, protected place to swim, snorkel and an excellent launching point for paddleboard or kayak.

There are FOUR free parking lots and street parking with access to the beaches. Most southern California beach towns charge for beach parking and are not nearly as accessible.
The beaches have very few people on weekdays. They are not nearly as crowded in the Summer as the beaches in nearby Ventura.
Beaches are dog-friendly (with leashes and some time restrictions during the day).

We love taking our dogs for long walks on all three beach areas, with amazing sunsets and views of the Channel Islands.

Silver Strand Beach- There's an outdoor shower, restrooms and lifeguard tower. The beach is walking distance to a protected swim beach with no waves and funky little local shops.

This area has a lagoon that's perfect for swimming,snorkeling....and there are even volley ball courts and a fun local hangout called the Rudder Room.

It's also a great spot for a peaceful sunset and offers more seclusion compared to Silver Strand. Plus, you can bring your dog here during permitted hours.

Hollywood Beach- Even on the busiest days this beach is way less crowded than Silver Strand. There's a protected cove....great for swimming and snorkeling.
The Rudder Room(with a Key West vibe) backs up to Hollywood beach with cocktails, lounge chairs, volleyball courts and ocean views.
Ololkoy Beach Park: Voted Best Beach Park!-We can't talk about Oxnard beaches without mentioning Ololkoy Beach Park, recently voted the best beach park in all of Southern California!
This gem boasts a huge grassy area, volleyball courts, BBQ pits, and a paved trail that winds through sand dunes and leads to the beach. And guess what? You don't even have to pay for parking!

Hollywood Beach and Oxnard Shores neighborhoods in Oxnard, CA

Many parking lots fill up quickly on the weekends and summer holidays.
Sometimes people bring their dog to the beach off-leash.
Tar collects on the beach at different times, so you may need a little dawn soap and water to clean your feet.

The water can be cold! There's only a few Summer/early Fall months where you'll see people (mostly kids) swimming without wetsuits.
It can be windy in Oxnard in the Winter and Spring. This creates lots of drifting sand and paint damaged houses.
The beach areas are in a tsunami danger zone.
There is a disabled power plant on the north end and a naval base on the very southern end of Oxnard's beaches. However, there's around 10 miles of beaches in between that are wide and gorgeous.

Channel Islands Harbor And Canals

Q: What makes the Channel Islands harbor area special?

Channel Islands Harbor has over 2,000 boat slips with abundant sea life (sea lions, seals, dolphins, birds, fish), four free parking lots, public boat launch, and full water sports rentals.

.The harbor connects to a large canals area.......with dock homes, shops, walking trails, grassy park, benches and town square. You can rent a guided Venetian gondola for a tour.

There are 4 free parking lots and a public boat launch.

The Mystic Whaler and American Tall Ship Institute provide non profit youth education.

Because the Kiddie Swim Beach gets heavily used in the Summer, sometimes it can get a little trashy. However, it is common to see local residents out picking up the trash.

Lifestyle And Non Beach Activities

There is an abundance of cheap and free, community activities. This includes:

Classes, concerts and plays at the Performing Art Center.
Traditional music, dance and drama at the Cultural Arts Center.
A comedy club, winery, museums, car shows and an arts walk near the beach
Festivals- Salsa, Multicultural, Steampunk and Jazz.
Commuity college classes, concerts, plays and performances.
3 different shopping and restaurant areas near the harbor, a farmers market, music festivals, swap meets, museums, art and car shows.

Cons

Some neighborhood parties go late into the evening. Many residents complain about this and often call the police to shut the party down.
There's also fireworks at odd times. It can be May or September and somebody shoots off a few loud fireworks.
Some shopping areas in town are run down. This includes the Fisherman's Wharf area next to the harbor.

Q: How's the nightlife and social scene?

Oxnard closes down earlier compared to larger cities and lacks overall nightlife. If you're looking for a vibrant nighttime scene, nearby Ventura might be better. However, there are abundant free community activities including concerts, festivals (Salsa, Multicultural, Steampunk, Jazz), farmers markets, and cultural centers.

Weather, Air Quality, Environment, Safety, Community

Q: Is Oxnard air quality affected by fires?

Often when there are fires in other parts of California, the onshore breeze has been beneficial in keeping Oxnard smoke-free. And this onshore breeze is overall benefical for air quality.

However, there were issues last year with the mountain fire in Camarillo, combined with Santa Ana winds that blowed the opposite direction.......resulting in lots of smoke blowing into Oxnard.

Q: What's the weather really like year-round in Oxnard?

Oxnard has ideal weather according to the National Climatic Data Center, with average temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-70s throughout the year. Most homes don't need air conditioning since it's rarely too hot, even when other parts of California are baking. However, Oxnard feels noticeably colder than neighboring Ventura due to being windier, and you'll feel the ocean dampness on cloudy, cooler days.

Q: Are there any environmental concerns I should know about?

Several factors to consider: the area is in a tsunami danger zone. There's wind and drifting sand in winter/spring that can damage paint on houses....... and agricultural areas can create dust and possible chemical exposure. The ocean water is cold most of the year. There's also maturally occurring tar that collects on beaches at different times......which you can wash off your feet with dish soap.

Q: What about traffic and pedestrian safety? A: While traffic is generally less than big cities..... Victoria and Harbor Roads have become increasingly busy and high-speed. There's insufficient police patrolling to slow traffic, and cyclists and pedestrians have been hit.

A large section (southwest) of Oxnard is further from Highway 101, making commuting more difficult.

Q: Are there any ongoing community issues?

Residents complain about loud parties that go late into the evening (police are often called), fireworks (not just July 4th), some run-down shopping areas like Fisherman's Wharf, and higher sales tax than Ventura (many residents drive to Ventura to shop).

Cost of Living

Oxnard's cost of living is considerably higher than the rest of the country.
The average entry-level home in Oxnard is $650,000, with pockets that are slightly lower.
Food, childcare, gas, water, electricity and taxes are all considerably higher compared to the rest of the country.

Q: How's the cost of living compared to the rest of the country?

Oxnard's cost of living is considerably higher than the national average. The average entry-level detached home is around $700,00....... food, childcare, gas, water, electricity, and taxes are all significantly higher than national averages.

Pros

Oxnards downtown is a modern urban center that includes an Historic Plaza, park and farmers market. There are over 40 mom and pop resturants, eclectic boutiques, thrift stores, antique shops, restaurants, bars, and historical sites.
The newly built -Collection Shopping Center- is close to the downtown as well. It features a Whole Foods, REI and many other chain stores. It is an incredibly popular shopping and entertainment area.

Cons

The sales tax is higher in Oxnard than Ventura, so many residents will actually go to Ventura to shop.

Traffic and Travel

Oxnard has an Amtrak station in the downtown for travel to coastal cities north and south.

Traffic is far less than other nearby cities like Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

Map of Cities and towns in Ventura County, California

Oxnard with a population around 200,000, is located in Western Ventura County right off Highway 101. It is a short drive to to the neighboring small cities of Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme.

Cons

Most of Oxnard is further off of Highway 101, which can make commuting more difficult to other cities.
Victoria and Harbor Roads have become increasingly busy and high speed. Sometimes bicyclists and pedestrians have been hit. There is not sufficient police patrolling these areas to slow the traffic down.

Is Oxnard a Safe City To Live In?

For more information on crime, there are statistics at Neighborhood Scout and other online sources.

The city provides an effective app called Oxnard 311 so residents can report graffiti and other issues for city services as well.

Schools

For more information on Oxnard school statistics, you can check out Great Schools and other online sources.

Oxnard also has a 2 year community college that gives incredible support to students. The classes are very affordable and the school has great reviews online.

The college offers a two-year associate's degree and degrees and certificates in 26 fields.

Economy

Pros

Oxnard's economy is a mixture of defense, international trade, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. There are lots of farms and in particular strawberry fields.
There is a busy private airport and a thriving international port nearby in Port Hueneme. It is the only deep water port in between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
There is tons of local produce that you can buy at roadside stands including wonderful juicy strawberries, mangoes oranges and lemons.

Cons

Many neighborhoods are close to the flight path of the airport. So if you don't like the sound of smaller planes, you would want to avoid those neighborhoods.
The abundant agriculture provides dust and possibly farm chemicals into the local environment.

Q: What's the job market like?

Oxnard has slower job growth and higher unemployment than the national average. The economy is diverse (defense, international trade, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture) but commuting can be challenging since most neighborhoods are further from Highway 101.

Thinking about buying a home in Ventura County?

We’re Bart & Keziah, and this is what we do—7 days a week. We help people buy and sell real estate in Ventura County.

You get the golden nuggets—what it’s really like to live here. And the best part? We truly love helping people.

Let’s connect.

Bart Potter and Keziah Aaliyah Buy and Sell Real Estate Ventura County

Call/Text Bart and Keziah 805-256-2813

"My family and I just completed a whirlwind move to Ventura with the help of Keziah & Bart. We contacted them in the Spring about our desire to move to Ventura and a ton of questions. Before we were even clients, Keziah and Bart took the time to really get to know us and help us figure out which neighborhoods we should target based on our needs. We are a family of 4 with two little kids, so we needed info on everything from schools, to community services, to public spaces and employement. We then came to the area and spent a day with them looking at neighborhoods and houses. They are both full of great info and experience, and I could tell they really wanted us to find the right spot for our family. A house popped up 2 weeks later that fit our checklist, and they worked very hard to help us get through the process and close the deal, even with several twists and turns along the way. Keziah's knowledge of appraising and home values in the area was incredibly helpful, and they guided us to an awesome deal, on a fantastic house and we are THRILLED to say the least. I would highly recommend Keziah and Bart to anyone looking in Ventura County." --Annie Levitt Heller, Yelp Review, Aug, 2024

"I'm leo. Keziah and Bart Are definitely the best agent Ever. We are first home buyer. A lot of fresh things i don't know. keziah and bart was Answer every question of ours patiently.He showed us several houses, all of which introduced their advantages and disadvantages in detail. Explain the potential problems very honestly, for example, I offer the first house, but someone near that house deliberately scratched the car.They all explained it in detail.
We cancelled the offer for the first house.，They patiently helped us find the next house, Keziah and Bart Have very good communication skills, and help us communicate with the sell agent.particular, we have five offers competion for this house. Keziah and Bart They are so nice. Very responsible and very reliable. Communication is very smooth, I am very grateful to have such a great agent." --Leo Wu, Google Review, April 2024

"We feel so grateful to have found Bart and Keziah to act as our agents in purchasing our home. They consistently went above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. They were always available to answer questions, manage anxieties and give excellent advice. They have always been respectful of our wants and desires and we felt truly listened to. At the critical moment they were able to reflect back our wishes and guide us into a beautiful home that fits our lifestyle and our future. I would recommend them without reservation. You couldn't find better agents, or people." --Cathy Patterson, Yelp Review, March 2025

"Bart and Keziah are one of the most professional and empathetic real estate teams that we have ever worked with. Since we moved from the East Coast, they answered our unending set of questions both before and after all of the wildfires so that we could assess which community would be the best fit for us. Over nine long months they engaged with us and the builder of our new home so that we were updated on the status of the construction from the very beginning to the closing day. If you are considering an out of state move to California, Bart and Keziah are your go to real estate team."

--Chris Chamberlain, Google Review, May 2025

"Wow!! Keziah and Bart were fantastic to work with!! I feel so grateful to have gotten them as my agents!! I found this house on Zillow and couldn't get into the website to see more without an agent. So I googled the location and Keziah had a video and tour of the entire property and location!! I called them and voila! I had an agent. I was remote and couldn't physically be there to check things out. Keziah and Bart went the extra mile and took videos of the actual house for me. Sent me measurements so I could have an idea of how big the rooms were. She advocated for me with the builder and even met up with me to go to the design center! Every step of the way they supported me through the process!!
And the best part was they shared in their earnings from the builder!! I got $5000 after the sale of the home!! Who does that??
I am so grateful that they have come into my lives. I highly recommend them if you need a real estate agent in Ventura county!!"-- Kathleen P, Yelp Review, Aug, 2024

"Bart and & Keziah are absolutely outstanding realtors and truly kind and genuine people. My husband and I worked with them to buy our very first home and we truly felt cared for throughout the whole process. They did not want to just help us buy a house. They helped us find a location and neighborhood that would really be a good fit for our family and future. They do their research; and not just behind a computer screen! They get out and explore communities to understand the area’s personality, amenities, and social demographic in addition to house styles and market details. 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!
Bart and Keziah are very reliable, trustworthy, professional, available to contact and ask questions, and very communicative. We could not have asked for a better agent. If we ever sell or buy in the Ventura or greater-Ventura county area, we will definitely want to work with them again." --Amanda Gurrola, Yelp Review, Jan 8, 2024

"I had the pleasure of working with Keziah and Bart in purchasing my first property. I am an early 30s first-time homebuyer who is local to the area. I initially reached out to inquire about new builds, telling Keziah that I was only beginning my search and didn't think I would realistically purchase until the following year. She was very respectful of this and still offered to take my husband and I to look at properties, knowing our possible long timeline. When we spent a long afternoon together looking at properties, she educated us on possible market trends, which ultimately helped us narrow down our search to one area.

A few weeks later, a condo went back onto the market that checked many of our boxes. Keziah and Bart were immediately available to show us the property, educate us on the process, and advocate for us. They both worked so well with our lender and the seller's agent, providing clear and consistent communication. When things got mentally draining, they both were insightful enough to remind us to take our time in making these big decisions." -Britney Carbajal, Yelp Review 12/2024

Living in Oxnard- Pros, Cons, and Neighborhoods (With Videos)

Have Questions about moving to Oxnard or Ventura County?

Get your questions answered fast—we’ll respond within 2 hours.

We’re Bart and Keziah, local real estate experts who go way beyond the basics, helping you find hidden-gem neighborhoods, track down off-market listings, and negotiate the best deal.

Call/Text Bart and Keziah 805-256-2813

E-mail Bart and Keziah

Why do the Dallas Cowboys love Oxnard? It’s likely because of its 11 miles of uncrowded beaches, a scenic canals area we like to call the Venice of Ventura County, and more.

Potential Oxnard Cons

Housing prices have been increasing dramatically over the last couple years.
Multi-generational families often live together just so they can afford to keep their house. They are forced to rent out a room. This makes it harder on parking.
There's roughly a two-year wait for subsidized housing.
The city is slow with services like trimming trees. There can be a 2 year wait.
If there's a break in the sewer line in the middle of the street then the neighbors who live in that area will be charged by the city to fix that sewer line break.
There are still large tracts of agriculture that you may or may not like living next to.
Resdients complain about fireworks that go on way beyond or before 4th July, creating havoc for animals and anyone who doesn't like the noise.
Its the busiest city in Ventura County overall.

Homes and Neighborhood Diversity

Oxnard neighborhoods have something for everyone. 1) The north side has got it all with new construction, fantastic shopping access and even golf course neighborhoods.

2) The south western coast vibe is laid-back and resort-like, with beautiful beaches and vast agricultural lands. 3) Don’t miss the bustling and historic downtown!

South Western

Beach condos and townhomes (southwest).
The beachside communities of Silver Strand, Oxnard Shores and Hollywood Beach. (southwest).
Marina West, Via Marina, Sea View Estates and Sea Air are located in the Southwest section of Denver and just north of Port Hueneme.
These communities are super close to the beaches and an easy drive to Oxnard's downtown, Highway 101 and the Collections Shopping Center.
The Venice of Ventura County is in Oxnard, California.......with a vast geography of channels and canals.
Canal condos and dock homes.(southwest)....many of which were built in the 2000's.
These luxury homes enjoy all that this highly sought-after area has to offer. They are within walking distance to Seabridge shopping center, the long and beautiful Channel Harbor trail and close to the beach.

Mid to upper range tract style homes like this one in the Via Marina Neighborhood in Oxnard, California are available within 10 minutes from the beach.

Central and Eastern

More urban and densely populated neighborhoods some with adjoing agriculture..... commercial and industrial areas mixed in. These include:

Oxnard has a fascinating and historic downtown with beautiful and historic homes from the 1800's to early 1900's and even some new construction.

Explore the fascinating and historic Heritage Square, independent shops, restaurants and entertainment. There's even an Amtrak station for easy access to cities north and south.

As you go east from the downtown, you'll find large sections of suburban style neighborhoods with tract homes ranging from the 1950's to 2000's.

North Oxnard

The Collection Shopping Center is a popular destination in north Oxnard.....with Whole Foods and big-name box stores, restaurants and movie theaters.........its a destination shopping center for Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
River Ridge Golf Course is Oxnard's gem with two 18-hole golf courses.The courses have stunning views of Ventura Foothills and Majestic mountains

Golf Course Communites include........

Victoria Estates offers mountain and golf course views, semi-custom homes, unique garage features, clubhouse, pool, jacuzzi, and low HOA fees.

Island Villas Gated Community includes homes that back up to the public golf course. They range from 700K to 1M, offering tennis, pickleball, putting green, and a pool.

Wagon Wheel Neighborhood in North Oxnard

The Wagon Wheel nieghborhood is just minutes to Highway 101. That makes it easy to commute for work and travel to other cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Clarita.
Includes walking trails, playgrounds, green space parks, gorgeous landscaping and an historic wishing well which was rebuilt using the original bricks. You'll see many residents out walking their dogs and playing in the park.

There are three different townhome styles in Wagon Wheel (Park Place), including features like:

Quartz countertops, large bedrooms and really nice cabinetry.
Three story units some with rooftop decks and amazing mountain views.
Two-car garage that is EV equipped (set up for an electric car).

The ranch style condos (Oxford Flats) in this division also have features like:

They are very large and each unit has a little patio that you can walk out on.
These flats have a fob entrance. If you invite somebody over, they have to push a button to ask for you permission to ride the elevator to your floor.
The lobbies are absolutely beautiful.

Potential Cons Include........

When you do go out on the patio, there is currently some noise from the highway and also construction going on in the neighborhood. However, when you are inside the windows are really thick, blocking off the noise.
There is some road noise from nearby Highway 101, which varies depending on your location in the neighborhood.
Because this is an urban setting with condos, apartments and townhomes, there could be more congestion with traffic and limited street parking.
There are some homeless passing through and also hanging out in the park area..... as it is so close to a couple of different shopping centers.

• • You may hear dogs barking as people allow their dogs to go out on their patios or decks. However, one of the residents told us that the HOA does not allow this.

There is currently still construction in the Wagon Wheel Neighborhood, resulting with some noise, dust and traffic disruption.

Wagon Wheel Neighborhood, Oxnard, California

River Park Neighborhood in North Oxnard

The River Park development has high quality homes and a park like setting including:

Miles and miles of trails that go around this large development with mountain views. There's also playgrounds, barbecues and a large dog park with two separate sections (one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs).

There are different detached home styles available including:

Large lots are available (around 6 to 7,000 square feet) with home sizes ranging from 1600 up to around 2500 square feet.
There are detached homes available on smaller lots (around 3- 5,000 square feet). Some of these homes have ADU's (Additional Home Units) that are built over the garage. They have a separate entrance and living space with kitchen, bathroom and studio.

There are also townhomes available:

Most of them have granite countertops. The ones with tile sell for significantly less.
The main living area is on the main floor. The bedrooms and bathrooms are on the second floor.
They have a two car garage.
Some of the units have views from the second floor of the mountains or a mini park.

There are condos available:

Some of them have views of the mountains or a mini park from their balcony.
They have a two car garage.

The schools are close to the neighborhood and there is a low student to teacher ratio.

Cons River Park

Because of recent water restrictions, many of the park sections are browning up when there is little rainfall.
The townhomes tend to use the same color palette so most of them look very similar.
There is an HOA fee and also a Mello Roos tax which residents pay yearly to fund city services to the neighborhood. River Park doesn't currently have an end date for this tax which many residents are upset about.
There is a shortage of available street parking on some of the streets.

• • Because of their low test scores, the schools are rated below average.

Windsor North: Tranquility Meets Convenience in North Oxnard

All this serenity is just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and beaches!

The island Villa gated community also features homes that back up to the golf course and they have have a putting green pickle ball pool and tennis courts.

The Gallery at riveridge has high-end cluster homes low HOA fees a clubhouse swimming pool and the homes start in the low 800s.

Sierra Linda features ranch-style homes or a beautiful Spanish-style two-story. Homes here tend to be more affordable than many north Oxnard neighborhoods.

Oxnard Neighborhoods

Ventura County Cities and Neighborhoods

Ocean Access

The Kiddie Swim Beach is in the Silver Strand Neighborhood in Oxnard, CA and is a beautiful, protected place to swim, snorkel and an excellent launching point for paddleboard or kayak.

There are FOUR free parking lots and street parking with access to the beaches. Most southern California beach towns charge for beach parking and are not nearly as accessible.
The beaches have very few people on weekdays. They are not nearly as crowded in the Summer as the beaches in nearby Ventura.
Beaches are dog-friendly (with leashes and some time restrictions during the day).

We love taking our dogs for long walks on all three beach areas, with amazing sunsets and views of the Channel Islands.

Silver Strand Beach- There's an outdoor shower, restrooms and lifeguard tower. The beach is walking distance to a protected swim beach with no waves and funky little local shops.

This area has a lagoon that's perfect for swimming,snorkeling....and there are even volley ball courts and a fun local hangout called the Rudder Room.

It's also a great spot for a peaceful sunset and offers more seclusion compared to Silver Strand. Plus, you can bring your dog here during permitted hours.

Hollywood Beach- Even on the busiest days this beach is way less crowded than Silver Strand. There's a protected cove....great for swimming and snorkeling.
The Rudder Room(with a Key West vibe) backs up to Hollywood beach with cocktails, lounge chairs, volleyball courts and ocean views.
Ololkoy Beach Park: Voted Best Beach Park!-We can't talk about Oxnard beaches without mentioning Ololkoy Beach Park, recently voted the best beach park in all of Southern California!
This gem boasts a huge grassy area, volleyball courts, BBQ pits, and a paved trail that winds through sand dunes and leads to the beach. And guess what? You don't even have to pay for parking!

Hollywood Beach and Oxnard Shores neighborhoods in Oxnard, CA

Many parking lots fill up quickly on the weekends and summer holidays.
Sometimes people bring their dog to the beach off-leash.
Tar collects on the beach at different times, so you may need a little dawn soap and water to clean your feet.

The water can be cold! There's only a few Summer/early Fall months where you'll see people (mostly kids) swimming without wetsuits.
It can be windy in Oxnard in the Winter and Spring. This creates lots of drifting sand and paint damaged houses.
The beach areas are in a tsunami danger zone.
There is a disabled power plant on the north end and a naval base on the very southern end of Oxnard's beaches. However, there's around 10 miles of beaches in between that are wide and gorgeous.

Channel Islands Harbor And Canals

Q: What makes the Channel Islands harbor area special?

Channel Islands Harbor has over 2,000 boat slips with abundant sea life (sea lions, seals, dolphins, birds, fish), four free parking lots, public boat launch, and full water sports rentals.

.The harbor connects to a large canals area.......with dock homes, shops, walking trails, grassy park, benches and town square. You can rent a guided Venetian gondola for a tour.

There are 4 free parking lots and a public boat launch.

The Mystic Whaler and American Tall Ship Institute provide non profit youth education.

Because the Kiddie Swim Beach gets heavily used in the Summer, sometimes it can get a little trashy. However, it is common to see local residents out picking up the trash.

Lifestyle And Non Beach Activities

There is an abundance of cheap and free, community activities. This includes:

Classes, concerts and plays at the Performing Art Center.
Traditional music, dance and drama at the Cultural Arts Center.
A comedy club, winery, museums, car shows and an arts walk near the beach
Festivals- Salsa, Multicultural, Steampunk and Jazz.
Commuity college classes, concerts, plays and performances.
3 different shopping and restaurant areas near the harbor, a farmers market, music festivals, swap meets, museums, art and car shows.

Cons

Some neighborhood parties go late into the evening. Many residents complain about this and often call the police to shut the party down.
There's also fireworks at odd times. It can be May or September and somebody shoots off a few loud fireworks.
Some shopping areas in town are run down. This includes the Fisherman's Wharf area next to the harbor.

Q: How's the nightlife and social scene?

Weather, Air Quality, Environment, Safety, Community

Q: Is Oxnard air quality affected by fires?

Often when there are fires in other parts of California, the onshore breeze has been beneficial in keeping Oxnard smoke-free. And this onshore breeze is overall benefical for air quality.

However, there were issues last year with the mountain fire in Camarillo, combined with Santa Ana winds that blowed the opposite direction.......resulting in lots of smoke blowing into Oxnard.

Q: What's the weather really like year-round in Oxnard?

Q: Are there any environmental concerns I should know about?

A large section (southwest) of Oxnard is further from Highway 101, making commuting more difficult.

Q: Are there any ongoing community issues?

Cost of Living

Oxnard's cost of living is considerably higher than the rest of the country.
The average entry-level home in Oxnard is $650,000, with pockets that are slightly lower.
Food, childcare, gas, water, electricity and taxes are all considerably higher compared to the rest of the country.

Q: How's the cost of living compared to the rest of the country?

Pros

Oxnards downtown is a modern urban center that includes an Historic Plaza, park and farmers market. There are over 40 mom and pop resturants, eclectic boutiques, thrift stores, antique shops, restaurants, bars, and historical sites.
The newly built -Collection Shopping Center- is close to the downtown as well. It features a Whole Foods, REI and many other chain stores. It is an incredibly popular shopping and entertainment area.

Cons

The sales tax is higher in Oxnard than Ventura, so many residents will actually go to Ventura to shop.

Traffic and Travel

Oxnard has an Amtrak station in the downtown for travel to coastal cities north and south.

Traffic is far less than other nearby cities like Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

Oxnard with a population around 200,000, is located in Western Ventura County right off Highway 101. It is a short drive to to the neighboring small cities of Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme.

Cons

Most of Oxnard is further off of Highway 101, which can make commuting more difficult to other cities.
Victoria and Harbor Roads have become increasingly busy and high speed. Sometimes bicyclists and pedestrians have been hit. There is not sufficient police patrolling these areas to slow the traffic down.

Is Oxnard a Safe City To Live In?

For more information on crime, there are statistics at Neighborhood Scout and other online sources.

The city provides an effective app called Oxnard 311 so residents can report graffiti and other issues for city services as well.

Schools

For more information on Oxnard school statistics, you can check out Great Schools and other online sources.

Oxnard also has a 2 year community college that gives incredible support to students. The classes are very affordable and the school has great reviews online.

The college offers a two-year associate's degree and degrees and certificates in 26 fields.

Economy

Pros

Oxnard's economy is a mixture of defense, international trade, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. There are lots of farms and in particular strawberry fields.
There is a busy private airport and a thriving international port nearby in Port Hueneme. It is the only deep water port in between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
There is tons of local produce that you can buy at roadside stands including wonderful juicy strawberries, mangoes oranges and lemons.

Cons

Many neighborhoods are close to the flight path of the airport. So if you don't like the sound of smaller planes, you would want to avoid those neighborhoods.
The abundant agriculture provides dust and possibly farm chemicals into the local environment.

Q: What's the job market like?

Thinking about buying a home in Ventura County?

We’re Bart & Keziah, and this is what we do—7 days a week. We help people buy and sell real estate in Ventura County.

You get the golden nuggets—what it’s really like to live here. And the best part? We truly love helping people.

Let’s connect.

Call/Text Bart and Keziah 805-256-2813

--Chris Chamberlain, Google Review, May 2025