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

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.

Have Questions about moving to Oxnard or Ventura County?

Get answers—fast.

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.

And the best part? We truly love helping people.

Let’s connect.

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Balboa Real Estate Agents Bart Potter and Keziah Aaliyah

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.

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

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

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.
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:

    • The historic downtown neighborhood (Central, light green).
    • 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".
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, making it an exciting place for sports fans.

The Collection Shopping Center offers top-tier shopping and dining.

Stunning golf course communities, and easy access to world class beaches.

Newer neighborhoods like Riverpark and Wagon Wheel which are close to the Collection Shopping area and Highway 101.

North Oxnard, Windsor North and Sierra Linda Neighborhoods

Wagon Wheel Neighborhood, Oxnard, California

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.

Have Questions about moving to Oxnard or Ventura County?

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

Get answers—fast.

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.

And the best part? We truly love helping people.

Let’s connect.

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Balboa Real Estate Agents Bart Potter and Keziah Aaliyah

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.
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.
  • 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.
  • Oxnard Shores- Has a LARGE grassy park, boardwalk and trail system through the sand dunes (handicap accessible). There's a large free parking lot south of the park! Includes playgrounds, barbecue, exercise/yoga classes, dogs allowed,  concerts and a handy cap accessible boardwalk.
Hollywood Beach and Oxnard Shores neighborhoods in Oxnard, CA
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

  • The harbor (with over 2000 boat slips) has lots of sea lions, seals, dolphins, birds and fish.
  • There are 4 free parking lots and a public boat launch.
  • The harbor has it all (sports fishing, whale watching, Channel Islands tours..... jet ski, paddle board, kayak and sailboat rentals.

The Mystic Whaler and American Tall Ship Institute provide non profit youth education. More info at https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/

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. 

Because the Kiddie Swim Beach gets heavily used in the Summer, somtimes 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

  • Oxnard closes down on the earlier side as compared to larger cities. There's a lack of overall nightlife. If you're looking for a coastal city with more nightlife, check out....the Pros and Cons of Ventura, CA.
  • Residents tend to have loud kids and adult parties at home. Some parties go late into evening. Many residents complain about this and often call the police to shut the party down.
  • There's also fireworks year-round. 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.

Weather and Air Quality

Oxnard is rated ideal for weather by the  National Climatic Data Center. The average temp is in the mid 50’s to mid 70’s throughout the year., so most homes will not have air conditioning. It's hardly ever too hot, even when other parts of the state are baking.

In recent years there have been lots of fires unfortunately in California. Despite that, there were only five red days for air quality in the Oxnard area.

  • Oxnard feels noticeably colder than Ventura (neighbor to the north). That's because it is windier in Oxnard. When it is a cloudy, cooler day you will feel it combined with the dampness from the ocean. 

Cost of Living

Cons

  • 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. 

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

  • Oxnard has a slower job growth and higher unemployment than the national average.
  • It's difficult to commute from Oxnard to other cities as most neighborhoods are further from Highway 101. 
  • 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 chemicals being put in the air.

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
Balboa Real Estate Agents Bart Potter and Keziah Aaliyah
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"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)

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.

Have Questions about moving to Oxnard or Ventura County?

Get answers—fast.

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.

And the best part? We truly love helping people.

Let’s connect.

Invalid Email
Balboa Real Estate Agents Bart Potter and Keziah Aaliyah

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.

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

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

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.
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:

    • The historic downtown neighborhood (Central, light green).
    • 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".
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, making it an exciting place for sports fans.

The Collection Shopping Center offers top-tier shopping and dining.

Stunning golf course communities, and easy access to world class beaches.

Newer neighborhoods like Riverpark and Wagon Wheel which are close to the Collection Shopping area and Highway 101.

North Oxnard, Windsor North and Sierra Linda Neighborhoods

Wagon Wheel Neighborhood, Oxnard, California

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.

Have Questions about moving to Oxnard or Ventura County?

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

Get answers—fast.

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.

And the best part? We truly love helping people.

Let’s connect.

Invalid Email
Balboa Real Estate Agents Bart Potter and Keziah Aaliyah

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.
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.
  • 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.
  • Oxnard Shores- Has a LARGE grassy park, boardwalk and trail system through the sand dunes (handicap accessible). There's a large free parking lot south of the park! Includes playgrounds, barbecue, exercise/yoga classes, dogs allowed,  concerts and a handy cap accessible boardwalk.
Hollywood Beach and Oxnard Shores neighborhoods in Oxnard, CA
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

  • The harbor (with over 2000 boat slips) has lots of sea lions, seals, dolphins, birds and fish.
  • There are 4 free parking lots and a public boat launch.
  • The harbor has it all (sports fishing, whale watching, Channel Islands tours..... jet ski, paddle board, kayak and sailboat rentals.

The Mystic Whaler and American Tall Ship Institute provide non profit youth education. More info at https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/

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. 

Because the Kiddie Swim Beach gets heavily used in the Summer, somtimes 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

  • Oxnard closes down on the earlier side as compared to larger cities. There's a lack of overall nightlife. If you're looking for a coastal city with more nightlife, check out....the Pros and Cons of Ventura, CA.
  • Residents tend to have loud kids and adult parties at home. Some parties go late into evening. Many residents complain about this and often call the police to shut the party down.
  • There's also fireworks year-round. 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.

Weather and Air Quality

Oxnard is rated ideal for weather by the  National Climatic Data Center. The average temp is in the mid 50’s to mid 70’s throughout the year., so most homes will not have air conditioning. It's hardly ever too hot, even when other parts of the state are baking.

In recent years there have been lots of fires unfortunately in California. Despite that, there were only five red days for air quality in the Oxnard area.

  • Oxnard feels noticeably colder than Ventura (neighbor to the north). That's because it is windier in Oxnard. When it is a cloudy, cooler day you will feel it combined with the dampness from the ocean. 

Cost of Living

Cons

  • 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. 

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

  • Oxnard has a slower job growth and higher unemployment than the national average.
  • It's difficult to commute from Oxnard to other cities as most neighborhoods are further from Highway 101. 
  • 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 chemicals being put in the air.

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
Balboa Real Estate Agents Bart Potter and Keziah Aaliyah
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"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