Cities of Ventura County-Video, Maps and Guide
The cities of Ventura County offer such an amazing lifestyle that 80% of residents choose to stay right here when they sell and buy their next home.
Video On Cities of Ventura County
The cities of Ventura County offer such an amazing lifestyle that 80% of residents choose to stay right here when they sell and buy their next home.
Video on Cities in Ventura County.
You'll find a variety of lifestyles in Ventura County cities including:
- Historic downtowns with nearby shopping and restaurants.
- Slower paced coastal and agricultural areas.
- Suburban neighborhoods and newer high-end custom homes
- Breathtaking coastline, mountains, agriculture and open spaces.
Coastal Cities- Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme
Map of Coastal Cities: Oxnard, Ventura and Port Hueneme
Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura boast cooler, coastal weather and stunning beaches with seaside festivals and concerts. These areas are so much cooler in the Summer. For example, it could be around 72 on the coast and at the same time 90 degrees and higher as you move into the mountain areas like Ojai or Thousand Oaks.
An introductory, detached home in Ventura is around $750,000. Oxnard is around $100,000 less for a comparable home and Port Hueneme is even about $25,000 less than Oxnard.
Ventura, CA: Historic Downtown, Vibrant Arts and an Outdoor Paradise
Map of City of Ventura Neighborhoods
Ventura is known for its smaller beach town vibe (population just over 100,000). It also has one of the best small city downtowns in the country.
We love going to Surfers' Point with the boardwalk, Pier, restaurants and brewery.
And there's so much more to Ventura including:
- An arts district, historic downtown and a thriving outdoor pedestrian mall with independent shops, restaurants and hangouts.
- A mix of neighborhoods and a variety of architecture with Spanish style homes from the 1900's, new construction condos, 50's-2000's suburban style tract homes and custom hillside houses with panoramic mountain and ocean views.
- Easy highway access to LA, Santa Barbara, Ojai, Santa Clarita and Santa Paula with an Amtrak stop to cities north and south.
- Great hiking as well over at Harmon Canyon Preserve, Arroyo Verde Park and the Botanical Gardens.
Oxnard, a Coastal Vibe, Historic Downtown and a Busy Urban Area as Well.
Map of City of Oxnard
Oxnard with a population just over 200,000, is a tale of three cities.
A) The South West, slower paced coastal side dazzles you with 11 miles of gorgeous beaches. We love going for long walks here with our dogs and also swimming and paddle boarding at the Channel Islands Harbor. There are distinct neighborhoods with beach condos, and townhomes on the Channel Islands Harbor.
B) The eastern side is -on the go- including a busy and historic downtown with over 300 merchants, shops, restaurants bars and an Amtrak stop. There are beautiful homes surrounding the downtown with established trees. There are also large sections of suburban neighborhoods on the east side.
C) The north side, provides a totally different feel as well with new construction and planned communities including River Park and Wagon Wheel.
There is easy access here to Highway 101 and destination Collections Shopping Center, including a Whole Foods, Target and many brand name, chain stores.
In Depth Pros and Cons of Oxnard
Thinking About Relocating to 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.
- Find hidden gem neighborhoods
- Learn the cons as well
- Negotiate the best deal
And the best part? We truly love helping people.
Let’s connect.
Port Hueneme, Slower Paced and Gorgeous Ocean Access
Port Hueneme is like the cul-de-sac of Ventura County. It's located on the southern end of Oxnard (red dot on Oxnard map shown above). It's so far removed from major highways that it's really quiet and slower paced.
And that's exactly what locals love about living there—plus the stunning beach park!
Port Hueneme is the smallest of these three cities, spanning just five miles. The upside? You're always close to the ocean. Plus, the naval base and international port provide a strong economic foundation.
Shopping options are limited here, but Oxnard is just a short drive away for more variety.
Central Ventura County
Camarillo, Moorpark, and Santa Paula sit in beautiful farmland with mountain views. They're just 20 to 30 minutes from gorgeous beaches and offer easier access to Los Angeles than the coastal cities.
Camarillo, Slower Paced, Suburban And An Historic Downtown
Map of City of Camarillo Neighborhoods
Camarillo has a slower paced, small town feel even though the population is around 70,000.
There’s so much to love about living in Camarillo:
- Fantastic views of surrounding mountains and agriculture.
- Highly rated schools district. Be sure to check online sources like https://school-ratings.com/
- Easy access to classic California beaches at Point Mugu State Park, Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Ventura.
- Since it’s right off of Highway 101, it’s convenient for commuting and trips to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles (in non rush hour).
- An historic and quaint downtown with shops and restaurants.
Also, Camarillo's Premium Outlet Mall is a destination shopping area for all of Ventura County.
Moorpark, Agricultural, Slower Paced and Suburban
You drive north on Highway 23, crest a peak, and then head down into the expansive valley of Moorpark. Just take a deep breath.
Endless views of agriculture, hills, and mountains........and feels more low-key and friendly.
It’s so easy to stop by Underwood Family Farms and get fresh produce. They even let you pick your own blueberries when the season’s right!
Moorpark (about 35,000 people) was picked as the 3rd best place to live in Ventura County....according to Niche.com. There’s a lot to love, and even a few downsides coming up.
- Highly rated schools district. Be sure to check online sources like https://school-ratings.com/
- Hiking, biking, horseback riding. Moorpark has a top-rated Community College with a Zookeeper training program and a bachelor’s degree option.
Housing here? A mix of suburban neighborhoods, larger lots, horse trails, and an historic downtown..... with new construction right next to the MetroLink for easy access to LA.
And the best part? It's more affordable than Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, or Westlake Village. You get more house and space for the same money.
Some Cons-
- Fewer shopping and entertainment options. It gets hotter in the summer than Camarillo or coastal cities. Way less nightlife. You’ll drive to Thousand Oaks for that—and hospitals too.
Video- Moorpark Niche.com's Top Ranked Gem
Santa Paula, Historic Downtown, Agricultural and Mountain Views
Santa Paula is known as the citrus capital of the world and it gets hot there in the summer. But you're still only about a 20-minute drive to the beaches in nearby Ventura where it will be much cooler.
The charming, historic downtown includes many shops, restaurants and hangouts. The old clocktower gleams in the sunlight. There are gorgeous mountain views and hiking trails including one to a water fall.
In the older neighborhoods, there are often large established trees providing cooling and a break from the sun. "The Harvest" is a large planned and well thought out, new construction community on the east side of the city.
For Fun-
- In October make sure to visit their historic ghost walk. They also have an inn where you can go and have dinner and a paranormal experience. There is even a book written about all the ghost stories in Santa Paula.
- Anna’s Cider is located right in the heart of the downtown with an outdoor patio, organic cider, trivia night, live music and sometimes food trucks.
Hidden Treasure, Santa Paula Living
Eastern Ventura County
Video on 5 Best Cities in Ventura County as Picked by Niche.com
Now we're going to head east over the mountainous Conejo Grade to Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, with beautiful mountains, forests and established trees. They're also busier, have more traffic and closer to LA.
Thousand Oaks, Suburban, Mountain Views, Beautiful Trees and LA Access
Thousand Oaks feels quieter than nearby cities but is still busier than Moorpark and Camarillo, thanks to its proximity to LA.
Homes are attractive, with a mix of semi-custom and tract styles..... nestled in suburban-style neighborhoods with beautiful oaks and other varieties of trees.
The highly rated school district stands out if you check online sources like https://school-ratings.com/.
The Oaks Mall and the Performing Arts Center add to the city's appeal.
The city extends into Newbury Park, offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Malibu is 25 minutes away, and LA is about 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cons:
-
Hot summers, sometimes exceeding 100°F.
-
Wildfire risk, with increased insurance premiums.
-
Higher home prices compared to nearby Moorpark and Camarillo.
-
Oak tree restrictions—the city has rules about maintaining these trees
Westlake Village, Breathtaking Mountain Views and Lakes
We refer to Westlake Village as the Swiss Alps of Southern California because you have these beautiful mountains and lakes and really high end custom homes.
Westake Village is some of the most expensive real estate in Ventura County. There's celebrities living here, a highly rated school district and high end restaurants and shops.
Because you are closer to Los Angeles, there's also more traffic and hustle and bustle. It really is the fastest paced city in Ventura County.
Video: Westlake Village, Would You Live Here?
Small Town Cities
These smallest cities and one community have a small town feel and are scattered from western to eastern Ventura County. They have amazing mountain and agricultural views, as well as an historic downtown with shops and restaurants.
Ojai, Fabulous Mountain Views and Charming Small Town Feel
Ojai nestles in the mountains of Western Ventura County, sometimes glowing with pink sunrises and sunsets. This small city of about 8,000 is long known as a haven for artistic and mystical types. We really enjoy going over to Ojai for the fantastic restaurants, parks and charming downtown.
If you enjoy your veggies, you'll relish (no pun intended) their wonderful farmers twice a week with lots of organic vegetables, citrus, berries, honey, mushrooms, meats, herbs and lots more.
Ojai is only a 20-minute drive to Ventura. However, it is a lot hotter in the Summer. It could be in the 70's down at the beach and up around 90 in Ojai.
Many of the homes have thick wall adobe construction, which makes them cooler even on hotter days. Housing varies anywhere from smaller ranch style and two story homes all the way up to multi million dollar acreage property.
Fillmore, Small Town Feel, Agriculture and Mountain Views
Fillmore's downtown is so reminiscent of the town in the movie Back To The Future, that groups will meet there to reenact famous scenes from that movie.
It really is enjoyable to stroll the streets of this low key, small city of around 16,000 which has been dubbed the last, best, small city in California. Movies and commercials are filmed here because it's so photogenic and historic.
Fillmore is really hot with temperatures in the Summer often being around 100 degrees. Although in the older sections there are lots of older and established trees providing welcomed shade.
The older neighborhoods are amongst the most affordable in Ventura County with introductory home prices around $550,000.
Lots of new construction, planned and gated communities are happening here with townhomes and large semi-custom homes.
New Construction at Heritage Grove
Oak View, a Tucked Away Neighborhood Next to Ojai, With Gorgeous Outdoor Access
Oakview is a small community nestled in between Ojai and Ventura
There is not really a downtown area here, but there are some local shops, businesses and restaurants along Highway 33.
The amazing thing about Oakview is its access to the ocean and surrounding mountains. You're only about 15 minutes to the beach and 10 minutes to Ojai. So you could easily go surfing in the morning and hiking in the afternoon.
Oakview is spectacularly beautiful and also has more affordable real estate than Ojai.
Somis, Agricultural and Much Larger Lots and Acreage
Somis (an unincorporated community), is so lovely, and rural with panoramic views of agriculture and mountains. You'll find a long stretch of landscaping stores with the endless rows of gorgeous plants. Even if you are not buying plants, these stores are a wonderful place to -zen out- on all the beauty.
In Somis you would never hear somebody say, "well, if you need to borrow a roll of toilet paper from your neighbor, you can just stick your arm out the window and they can pass it over.:"
In other words, Somis is spread out! There is so much land and agriculture. You'll find a diversity of homes including:
- The highest amount of undeveloped land for a new home build.
- Small detached homes on larger lots.
- A large gated community with custom homes on 40 acres of land that is very equestrian friendly.
Oak Park, Hiking, Gorgoeus Mountains and Isolation but Still Close To LA
Oak Park is the independent free spirit of the Conejo Valley with a population around 14,000. It is the smallest unincorporated community in all of Ventura County (a little over 5 miles wide). The residents have repeatedly voted not to become its own independent city or annexed into Thousand Oaks.
There is not really much going on in Oak Park as far as nightlife or shopping. Many residents will travel to nearby Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village for those activities.
Oak Park is known for its gorgeous trees, trails, mountains, excellent school district and also an abundance of rattle snakes.
It is also really hot here in the Summer with temperatures often ranging from the 90's to 100 degrees.
So for example on a day where its around 72 degrees in Ventura, then as you travel over to Camarillo it's going to be more in the 80 degree range. And then as you get up to Thousand Oaks it's going to be into the 90s and Oak Park is going to be the hottest probably up around 95.
Would you like to get such a clear picture of your top neighborhoods....that you feel like a local?
- 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.
- 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.
Hear from Ventura County buyers like YOU! Real stories, real homes, real happiness.
"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 16, 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
"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 18, 2024
Happy Home Buyers
"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 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
"I can’t say enough positive comments about Bart and Kaziah , they are fantastic, they are on top of all transactions, I was quickly informed of any issues , good and bad. They went well above and beyond any expectations I had to help me out with circumstances that came up. I highly recommend them and would definitely work with them again to sell/buy property." -Elizabeth Lewis, Seller, Google Review, 11/2024
Thinking About Relocating to Ventura County?
Let us be your boots on the ground—giving you real, honest insights so you can win!
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.
✔ Find hidden gem neighborhoods
✔ Track down off-market listings
✔ Negotiate the best deal
✔ Hear the pros and cons—no sales pitch
And the best part? We truly love helping people.
Let’s connect!
Cities of Ventura County-Video, Maps and Guide
The cities of Ventura County offer such an amazing lifestyle that 80% of residents choose to stay right here when they sell and buy their next home.
Video On Cities of Ventura County
The cities of Ventura County offer such an amazing lifestyle that 80% of residents choose to stay right here when they sell and buy their next home.
Video on Cities in Ventura County.
You'll find a variety of lifestyles in Ventura County cities including:
- Historic downtowns with nearby shopping and restaurants.
- Slower paced coastal and agricultural areas.
- Suburban neighborhoods and newer high-end custom homes
- Breathtaking coastline, mountains, agriculture and open spaces.
Coastal Cities- Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme
Map of Coastal Cities: Oxnard, Ventura and Port Hueneme
Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura boast cooler, coastal weather and stunning beaches with seaside festivals and concerts. These areas are so much cooler in the Summer. For example, it could be around 72 on the coast and at the same time 90 degrees and higher as you move into the mountain areas like Ojai or Thousand Oaks.
An introductory, detached home in Ventura is around $750,000. Oxnard is around $100,000 less for a comparable home and Port Hueneme is even about $25,000 less than Oxnard.
Ventura, CA: Historic Downtown, Vibrant Arts and an Outdoor Paradise
Map of City of Ventura Neighborhoods
Ventura is known for its smaller beach town vibe (population just over 100,000). It also has one of the best small city downtowns in the country.
We love going to Surfers' Point with the boardwalk, Pier, restaurants and brewery.
And there's so much more to Ventura including:
- An arts district, historic downtown and a thriving outdoor pedestrian mall with independent shops, restaurants and hangouts.
- A mix of neighborhoods and a variety of architecture with Spanish style homes from the 1900's, new construction condos, 50's-2000's suburban style tract homes and custom hillside houses with panoramic mountain and ocean views.
- Easy highway access to LA, Santa Barbara, Ojai, Santa Clarita and Santa Paula with an Amtrak stop to cities north and south.
- Great hiking as well over at Harmon Canyon Preserve, Arroyo Verde Park and the Botanical Gardens.
Oxnard, a Coastal Vibe, Historic Downtown and a Busy Urban Area as Well.
Map of City of Oxnard
Oxnard with a population just over 200,000, is a tale of three cities.
A) The South West, slower paced coastal side dazzles you with 11 miles of gorgeous beaches. We love going for long walks here with our dogs and also swimming and paddle boarding at the Channel Islands Harbor. There are distinct neighborhoods with beach condos, and townhomes on the Channel Islands Harbor.
B) The eastern side is -on the go- including a busy and historic downtown with over 300 merchants, shops, restaurants bars and an Amtrak stop. There are beautiful homes surrounding the downtown with established trees. There are also large sections of suburban neighborhoods on the east side.
C) The north side, provides a totally different feel as well with new construction and planned communities including River Park and Wagon Wheel.
There is easy access here to Highway 101 and destination Collections Shopping Center, including a Whole Foods, Target and many brand name, chain stores.
In Depth Pros and Cons of Oxnard
Thinking About Relocating to 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.
- Find hidden gem neighborhoods
- Learn the cons as well
- Negotiate the best deal
And the best part? We truly love helping people.
Let’s connect.
Port Hueneme, Slower Paced and Gorgeous Ocean Access
Port Hueneme is like the cul-de-sac of Ventura County. It's located on the southern end of Oxnard (red dot on Oxnard map shown above). It's so far removed from major highways that it's really quiet and slower paced.
And that's exactly what locals love about living there—plus the stunning beach park!
Port Hueneme is the smallest of these three cities, spanning just five miles. The upside? You're always close to the ocean. Plus, the naval base and international port provide a strong economic foundation.
Shopping options are limited here, but Oxnard is just a short drive away for more variety.
Central Ventura County
Camarillo, Moorpark, and Santa Paula sit in beautiful farmland with mountain views. They're just 20 to 30 minutes from gorgeous beaches and offer easier access to Los Angeles than the coastal cities.
Camarillo, Slower Paced, Suburban And An Historic Downtown
Map of City of Camarillo Neighborhoods
Camarillo has a slower paced, small town feel even though the population is around 70,000.
There’s so much to love about living in Camarillo:
- Fantastic views of surrounding mountains and agriculture.
- Highly rated schools district. Be sure to check online sources like https://school-ratings.com/
- Easy access to classic California beaches at Point Mugu State Park, Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Ventura.
- Since it’s right off of Highway 101, it’s convenient for commuting and trips to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles (in non rush hour).
- An historic and quaint downtown with shops and restaurants.
Also, Camarillo's Premium Outlet Mall is a destination shopping area for all of Ventura County.
Moorpark, Agricultural, Slower Paced and Suburban
You drive north on Highway 23, crest a peak, and then head down into the expansive valley of Moorpark. Just take a deep breath.
Endless views of agriculture, hills, and mountains........and feels more low-key and friendly.
It’s so easy to stop by Underwood Family Farms and get fresh produce. They even let you pick your own blueberries when the season’s right!
Moorpark (about 35,000 people) was picked as the 3rd best place to live in Ventura County....according to Niche.com. There’s a lot to love, and even a few downsides coming up.
- Highly rated schools district. Be sure to check online sources like https://school-ratings.com/
- Hiking, biking, horseback riding. Moorpark has a top-rated Community College with a Zookeeper training program and a bachelor’s degree option.
Housing here? A mix of suburban neighborhoods, larger lots, horse trails, and an historic downtown..... with new construction right next to the MetroLink for easy access to LA.
And the best part? It's more affordable than Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, or Westlake Village. You get more house and space for the same money.
Some Cons-
- Fewer shopping and entertainment options. It gets hotter in the summer than Camarillo or coastal cities. Way less nightlife. You’ll drive to Thousand Oaks for that—and hospitals too.
Video- Moorpark Niche.com's Top Ranked Gem
Santa Paula, Historic Downtown, Agricultural and Mountain Views
Santa Paula is known as the citrus capital of the world and it gets hot there in the summer. But you're still only about a 20-minute drive to the beaches in nearby Ventura where it will be much cooler.
The charming, historic downtown includes many shops, restaurants and hangouts. The old clocktower gleams in the sunlight. There are gorgeous mountain views and hiking trails including one to a water fall.
In the older neighborhoods, there are often large established trees providing cooling and a break from the sun. "The Harvest" is a large planned and well thought out, new construction community on the east side of the city.
For Fun-
- In October make sure to visit their historic ghost walk. They also have an inn where you can go and have dinner and a paranormal experience. There is even a book written about all the ghost stories in Santa Paula.
- Anna’s Cider is located right in the heart of the downtown with an outdoor patio, organic cider, trivia night, live music and sometimes food trucks.
Hidden Treasure, Santa Paula Living
Eastern Ventura County
Video on 5 Best Cities in Ventura County as Picked by Niche.com
Now we're going to head east over the mountainous Conejo Grade to Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, with beautiful mountains, forests and established trees. They're also busier, have more traffic and closer to LA.
Thousand Oaks, Suburban, Mountain Views, Beautiful Trees and LA Access
Thousand Oaks feels quieter than nearby cities but is still busier than Moorpark and Camarillo, thanks to its proximity to LA.
Homes are attractive, with a mix of semi-custom and tract styles..... nestled in suburban-style neighborhoods with beautiful oaks and other varieties of trees.
The highly rated school district stands out if you check online sources like https://school-ratings.com/.
The Oaks Mall and the Performing Arts Center add to the city's appeal.
The city extends into Newbury Park, offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Malibu is 25 minutes away, and LA is about 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cons:
-
Hot summers, sometimes exceeding 100°F.
-
Wildfire risk, with increased insurance premiums.
-
Higher home prices compared to nearby Moorpark and Camarillo.
-
Oak tree restrictions—the city has rules about maintaining these trees
Westlake Village, Breathtaking Mountain Views and Lakes
We refer to Westlake Village as the Swiss Alps of Southern California because you have these beautiful mountains and lakes and really high end custom homes.
Westake Village is some of the most expensive real estate in Ventura County. There's celebrities living here, a highly rated school district and high end restaurants and shops.
Because you are closer to Los Angeles, there's also more traffic and hustle and bustle. It really is the fastest paced city in Ventura County.
Video: Westlake Village, Would You Live Here?
Small Town Cities
These smallest cities and one community have a small town feel and are scattered from western to eastern Ventura County. They have amazing mountain and agricultural views, as well as an historic downtown with shops and restaurants.
Ojai, Fabulous Mountain Views and Charming Small Town Feel
Ojai nestles in the mountains of Western Ventura County, sometimes glowing with pink sunrises and sunsets. This small city of about 8,000 is long known as a haven for artistic and mystical types. We really enjoy going over to Ojai for the fantastic restaurants, parks and charming downtown.
If you enjoy your veggies, you'll relish (no pun intended) their wonderful farmers twice a week with lots of organic vegetables, citrus, berries, honey, mushrooms, meats, herbs and lots more.
Ojai is only a 20-minute drive to Ventura. However, it is a lot hotter in the Summer. It could be in the 70's down at the beach and up around 90 in Ojai.
Many of the homes have thick wall adobe construction, which makes them cooler even on hotter days. Housing varies anywhere from smaller ranch style and two story homes all the way up to multi million dollar acreage property.
Fillmore, Small Town Feel, Agriculture and Mountain Views
Fillmore's downtown is so reminiscent of the town in the movie Back To The Future, that groups will meet there to reenact famous scenes from that movie.
It really is enjoyable to stroll the streets of this low key, small city of around 16,000 which has been dubbed the last, best, small city in California. Movies and commercials are filmed here because it's so photogenic and historic.
Fillmore is really hot with temperatures in the Summer often being around 100 degrees. Although in the older sections there are lots of older and established trees providing welcomed shade.
The older neighborhoods are amongst the most affordable in Ventura County with introductory home prices around $550,000.
Lots of new construction, planned and gated communities are happening here with townhomes and large semi-custom homes.
New Construction at Heritage Grove
Oak View, a Tucked Away Neighborhood Next to Ojai, With Gorgeous Outdoor Access
Oakview is a small community nestled in between Ojai and Ventura
There is not really a downtown area here, but there are some local shops, businesses and restaurants along Highway 33.
The amazing thing about Oakview is its access to the ocean and surrounding mountains. You're only about 15 minutes to the beach and 10 minutes to Ojai. So you could easily go surfing in the morning and hiking in the afternoon.
Oakview is spectacularly beautiful and also has more affordable real estate than Ojai.
Somis, Agricultural and Much Larger Lots and Acreage
Somis (an unincorporated community), is so lovely, and rural with panoramic views of agriculture and mountains. You'll find a long stretch of landscaping stores with the endless rows of gorgeous plants. Even if you are not buying plants, these stores are a wonderful place to -zen out- on all the beauty.
In Somis you would never hear somebody say, "well, if you need to borrow a roll of toilet paper from your neighbor, you can just stick your arm out the window and they can pass it over.:"
In other words, Somis is spread out! There is so much land and agriculture. You'll find a diversity of homes including:
- The highest amount of undeveloped land for a new home build.
- Small detached homes on larger lots.
- A large gated community with custom homes on 40 acres of land that is very equestrian friendly.
Oak Park, Hiking, Gorgoeus Mountains and Isolation but Still Close To LA
Oak Park is the independent free spirit of the Conejo Valley with a population around 14,000. It is the smallest unincorporated community in all of Ventura County (a little over 5 miles wide). The residents have repeatedly voted not to become its own independent city or annexed into Thousand Oaks.
There is not really much going on in Oak Park as far as nightlife or shopping. Many residents will travel to nearby Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village for those activities.
Oak Park is known for its gorgeous trees, trails, mountains, excellent school district and also an abundance of rattle snakes.
It is also really hot here in the Summer with temperatures often ranging from the 90's to 100 degrees.
So for example on a day where its around 72 degrees in Ventura, then as you travel over to Camarillo it's going to be more in the 80 degree range. And then as you get up to Thousand Oaks it's going to be into the 90s and Oak Park is going to be the hottest probably up around 95.
Would you like to get such a clear picture of your top neighborhoods....that you feel like a local?
- 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.
- 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.
Hear from Ventura County buyers like YOU! Real stories, real homes, real happiness.
"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 16, 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
"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 18, 2024
Happy Home Buyers
"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 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
"I can’t say enough positive comments about Bart and Kaziah , they are fantastic, they are on top of all transactions, I was quickly informed of any issues , good and bad. They went well above and beyond any expectations I had to help me out with circumstances that came up. I highly recommend them and would definitely work with them again to sell/buy property." -Elizabeth Lewis, Seller, Google Review, 11/2024
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