Ventura or Camarillo, Which City is Right For You?
Ventura is a great fit if you want a more walkable, beach-oriented lifestyle with constant activity, dining, arts, and direct access to the coast. Camarillo tends to appeal to those who prefer a quieter, more suburban environment with larger lots, less congestion, and a slower pace — while still being within a short drive to the beach.
Both cities offer excellent quality of life, but the right choice comes down to how you want to live day to day — coastal energy and walkability versus space, calm, and a more residential feel. We help buyers compare these differences in real life, not just on paper, by walking neighborhoods and showing how each city actually feels.
Ventura- So Many Activities
One of the biggest reasons people choose Ventura is the vibrant community and the endless activities. Whether it’s at the County Fairgrounds with concerts/events, eating, people watching and biking near the Pier, The Pedestrian Mall downtown, you’ll never run out of things to do! Plus, Midtown Ventura has amazing shopping, dining, and thriving local businesses.
Ventura is known for its beautiful beaches, and if you’re an outdoor lover, you’ll find hiking trails in Arroyo Verde Park and Harmon Canyon. Not to mention, biking up the coast is one of the most gorgeous rides you can experience. The city’s mix of urban, beach, and nature really offers something for everyone. So, if you’re wondering what you’ll be doing in Ventura today, the answer is likely, “Having fun!”
Living in Ventura Pros and Cons
Camarillo: A Quiet, Laid-Back Lifestyle
On the flip side, Camarillo offers a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle. While Ventura is more urban, Camarillo feels more like a close-knit community. Residents enjoy spending time at local parks…. from dog parks to BMX parks, or visiting the Channel Islands Art Center and weekly farmers market right next to it on Saturday. Camarillo has more of a slow paced feel, with a variety of easy access to local shopping and great restaurants. You’ll also find great theater and symphony performances, including from the New West Symphony.
Living in Camarillo Pros and Cons
Cost of Living: Which City Is More Affordable?
When it comes to cost of living, there’s not much difference between Camarillo and Ventura. Things like gas, food, and entertainment are priced similarly. For homebuyers, the prices in both cities are relatively close, though when we first moved here, Camarillo had more affordable housing options. However, home prices in Camarillo have risen, and now, the median price for homes in both cities is quite similar.
If you’re trying to decide between Ventura and Camarillo and want to see how the neighborhoods feel in person, you can reach out to Bart and Keziah — we’re happy to help you compare areas that actually fit your lifestyle. Contact us here.
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Housing & Neighborhoods
One of the great things about Ventura is its diversity in neighborhoods. Whether you want a historic home, a brand-new construction, or something in between, you’ll find it here. The closer you get to downtown, the more historic homes you’ll encounter. As you move east, you’ll see mid-century homes and more suburban areas. Some homes in Ventura are nestled in the hills, offering breathtaking ocean views.
Camarillo used to be the more affordable option with larger homes and bigger lots, but now it’s catching up to Ventura in terms of home prices. You have more consistency in the age of suburban neighborhoods mostly from the 60’s to 2000’s. There is also new construction happening with Williams and Lenar.
Ventura…..A mix of Urban to Suburban and New Construction
If you’re looking for more of an urban vibe, downtown Ventura has bungalows, ranch-style homes, historic homes and lots of new to newer condos. Plus, with Midtown offering smaller homes on more compact lots, you’ll be in the heart of things…….where almost everything is a hop, skip and a jump away. Head east and things get more spread out and slower paced with suburban style tract homes and new construction by Shea.
Camarillo’s Homes: Spacious and Relaxed
Camarillo offers homes that feel more spread out. You’ll find larger lots and panoramic mountain views in some areas. The homes here are typically Spanish-style, and if you’re into a more peaceful and private lifestyle, Camarillo is perfect for that. 55+ communities, like Leisure Village, are also a huge draw for those looking for active senior living.
With luxury estates and more traditional homes, Camarillo offers a wider variety of styles, from 1950s bungalows to modern homes. If you like having a little more space between you and your neighbors, Camarillo’s neighborhoods are perfect.
Quiet vs. Busy: The Noise Factor
Ventura has more of an urban feel, with busy streets, neighborhoods near highways, and even train traffic. There’s more noise overall, including helicopters near the hospitals and the train station downtown. The hustle and bustle might be great for some, but it can be overwhelming for others.
On the other hand, Camarillo has fewer busy streets and lower traffic levels. The major complaint from residents here is the airport noise, especially near the Camarillo Airport.
Transportation
Ventura offers a more car-free lifestyle if you prefer it. With bike-friendly routes and a convenient Amtrak station downtown, you can easily get around without a car.
It’s also easy to reach the beach or downtown Ventura by walking or biking. The city has great public transportation options.
Camarillo, while still accessible, is a more car-heavy town….although there is also an Amtrak and bus station right in the downtown. You’ll need a car to get around since the city isn’t as pedestrian and bicyclist friendly.
However, if you’re commuting to Los Angeles, Camarillo’s location makes it a great option as it’s just a short drive to the freeway and the train is very accessible. Ventura’s commute to LA is a bit longer, making Camarillo a better choice for those needing to travel frequently.
Weather: Sunshine vs. Gloomy Days, Temperatures
Both cities enjoy California weather, but there are differences. Ventura has more of the cool coastal climate, with May Gray and June Gloom often bringing overcast days. On the other hand, Camarillo enjoys more sunny days and Mediterranean-style weather with less wind. If you love the sun and some more classic Meditterranean sytle weather, Camarillo might be the better fit.
The Bottom Line: Which City Is Right for You?
Both Ventura and Camarillo offer outstanding quality of life, but they feel very different day to day. Ventura tends to attract people who want a more active, coastal lifestyle with walkability, dining, arts, and constant energy. Camarillo is often a better fit for those who value space, quieter neighborhoods, and a more relaxed, residential pace — while still staying close to the coast.
There’s no universally “better” choice here — just the city that aligns best with how you actually want to live.
If you’re deciding between Ventura and Camarillo and want to experience the neighborhoods in person, Bart and Keziah are happy to help. We’ll walk the areas with you and help you compare what really matters for your lifestyle.
👉 Contact us here: https://living-inventuracounty.com/contact/
Would you like to get such a clear picture of your top neighborhoods….that you feel like a local?
- We routinely talk to homeowners in neighborhoods. That way we can get you the most up to date info on what its actually like to live there.
- For our VIP clients, we (Bart and Keziah) will take you on an in depth area tour……and can even guide you to some spots that you may not have thought of.
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