Living in Thousand Oaks vs. Camarillo: Pros and Cons Compared
Lets compare Thousand Oaks and Camarillo in terms of neighborhoods, cost of living, real estate, and community vibe to help you decide where to call home.
Video on Thousand Oaks Versus Camarillo
Location
Camarillo (dark green on map) and Thousand Oaks (pea green), are located on opposite sides of the mountainous Conejo grade. Camarillo lies on the western side and Thousand Oaks on the eastern Side.
That geographical line makes a big difference. Cities on the east side like Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Simi Valley are busier than Camarillo, and have more traffic.
These east side cities are also closer to Los Angeles.....and are around 10 to 15 degrees hotter in the summer.
Thousand Oaks lies in the Conejo Valley. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Residents are drawn here by the beautiful mountains, proximity to LA, Malibu and other California State beaches.
Camarillo is located in the Pleasant Valley and is surrounded by agriculture and open space. It draws people with its Mediterranean temperatures, mountain views, proximity to beautiful California beaches and its laid back, small town feel.
Schools
We’re not allowed to give school ratings as real estate agents, but there are plenty of websites out there—like GreatSchools.org—where you can look up ratings, reviews, and compare schools on your own.
As for higher education, both cities have great options. Camarillo is home to Cal State Channel Islands, which is a huge asset for the community and offers lots of continuing education programs too. And over in Thousand Oaks, you’ve got Cal Lutheran University, another solid choice right in the area.
Housing
The median home price in Camarillo is approximately $750,000, while in Thousand Oaks, it is approximately $900,000. Thousand Oaks is roughly 21% more expensive than Camarillo, but this is mainly due to the average lot size being considerably larger.
Click here for more information on Camarillo neighborhoods.
Clcik here for more information on Thousand Oaks neighborhoods.
Cultural Events
Camarillo has fewer opportunities for cultural events and residents tend to travel to Thousand Oaks, Los Angeles, or Ventura for arts and entertainment.
Shopping and Restaurants
Thousand Oaks tends to have more high-end shops in its strip malls and a large indoor/outdoor mall.
Thousand Oaks has more restaurant choices than Camarillo, but many of them are chains.
Camarillo is home to the Premium Outlets with over 160 shops and restaurants. It is a destination spot for shoppers from all over Ventura County.
Camarillo also has an historic and quaint downtown with shops and restaurants.
Have Questions about moving to Camarillo or Thousand Oaks?
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.
Parks, Golf, Hiking, BMX and Horse Back Riding
Both cities have a variety of beautiful parks, including skate parks, horse back riding trails and BMX tracks. Camarillo's track is actually certified by USA BMX.
Thousand Oaks is more directly located in the mountains and so it has more hiking trails, including the magnificent Santa Monica National Mountain Park and the Conejo Valley Botanic Gardens, which covers over 33 acres.
Both cities have golf courses with similar ratings, with likability and difficulty ranging from 6 to 8.5. One of the courses in Thousand Oaks is next to the highway, so noise may be a problem for some.
Equestrian communities: Both cities are very horse-friendly, with equestrian centers and trails that residents can go horseback riding on. Camarillo is known for its special white horse breed, while Thousand Oaks has more equestrian communities.
Nearby Beaches
The drive to Malibu from Thousand Oaks can be a little harrowing, as it is a winding mountain road with steep drop-offs. Some people might not actually enjoy that drive, although it is a beautiful and exhilarating route through the Santa Monica Mountains.
From Camarillo, you'll have a mellower drive to beaches in Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Ventura.
Weather
Both cities have great weather. Camarillo has a more temperate Mediterranean climate, while Thousand Oaks is hotter especially in the summer. Camarillo can be a little gray in the mornings with fog, but it dissipates by the afternoon. Camarillo was actually picked by National Geographic as one of the top cities in the world for a Mediterranean climate.
The nearby ocean helps keep things cooler in the Summer for Camarillo (up to a 10 degree or higher difference in temperature in the Summer.) Cities like Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Simi Valley can get much hotter.
They like to say in Ventura County.... you start the day in the summer in Oxnard with long sleeves. Then go to Camarillo and wear short sleeves and when you get to Thousand Oaks you'll want to wear a tank top.
Commuting
Residents of Thousand Oaks find it easier to commute to LA (roughly 45 minutes to an hour or more depending on when and exactly where you are trying to get to in LA).
Residents of Camarillo have an easier commute to Oxnard, Ventura, Point Mugu Naval base, and Port Hueneme (anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes or more depending on traffic).
Camarillo has the Metrolink station with access to LA, while Thousand Oaks does not.
Natural Disasters and Air Quality
Both cities have above-average air quality. But because of the open space and agriculture, there is a lot of pollen and other triggers that may affect asthma and allergies.
Both cities have a potential for earthquake, fire, high Santa Ana winds and drought.
The Ventura County Star has reported that there could be radioactive contamination in parts of Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and Westlake Village. We covered this topic more in depth in the Pros and Cons of Thousand Oaks video.
If you live closer to agriculture in Camarillo, you may smell a skunky, sulphurous type of smell.
"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
Living in Thousand Oaks vs. Camarillo: Pros and Cons Compared
Lets compare Thousand Oaks and Camarillo in terms of neighborhoods, cost of living, real estate, and community vibe to help you decide where to call home.
Video on Thousand Oaks Versus Camarillo
Location
Camarillo (dark green on map) and Thousand Oaks (pea green), are located on opposite sides of the mountainous Conejo grade. Camarillo lies on the western side and Thousand Oaks on the eastern Side.
That geographical line makes a big difference. Cities on the east side like Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Simi Valley are busier than Camarillo, and have more traffic.
These east side cities are also closer to Los Angeles.....and are around 10 to 15 degrees hotter in the summer.
Thousand Oaks lies in the Conejo Valley. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Residents are drawn here by the beautiful mountains, proximity to LA, Malibu and other California State beaches.
Camarillo is located in the Pleasant Valley and is surrounded by agriculture and open space. It draws people with its Mediterranean temperatures, mountain views, proximity to beautiful California beaches and its laid back, small town feel.
Schools
We’re not allowed to give school ratings as real estate agents, but there are plenty of websites out there—like GreatSchools.org—where you can look up ratings, reviews, and compare schools on your own.
As for higher education, both cities have great options. Camarillo is home to Cal State Channel Islands, which is a huge asset for the community and offers lots of continuing education programs too. And over in Thousand Oaks, you’ve got Cal Lutheran University, another solid choice right in the area.
Housing
The median home price in Camarillo is approximately $750,000, while in Thousand Oaks, it is approximately $900,000. Thousand Oaks is roughly 21% more expensive than Camarillo, but this is mainly due to the average lot size being considerably larger.
Click here for more information on Camarillo neighborhoods.
Clcik here for more information on Thousand Oaks neighborhoods.
Cultural Events
Camarillo has fewer opportunities for cultural events and residents tend to travel to Thousand Oaks, Los Angeles, or Ventura for arts and entertainment.
Shopping and Restaurants
Thousand Oaks tends to have more high-end shops in its strip malls and a large indoor/outdoor mall.
Thousand Oaks has more restaurant choices than Camarillo, but many of them are chains.
Camarillo is home to the Premium Outlets with over 160 shops and restaurants. It is a destination spot for shoppers from all over Ventura County.
Camarillo also has an historic and quaint downtown with shops and restaurants.
Have Questions about moving to Camarillo or Thousand Oaks?
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.
Parks, Golf, Hiking, BMX and Horse Back Riding
Both cities have a variety of beautiful parks, including skate parks, horse back riding trails and BMX tracks. Camarillo's track is actually certified by USA BMX.
Thousand Oaks is more directly located in the mountains and so it has more hiking trails, including the magnificent Santa Monica National Mountain Park and the Conejo Valley Botanic Gardens, which covers over 33 acres.
Both cities have golf courses with similar ratings, with likability and difficulty ranging from 6 to 8.5. One of the courses in Thousand Oaks is next to the highway, so noise may be a problem for some.
Equestrian communities: Both cities are very horse-friendly, with equestrian centers and trails that residents can go horseback riding on. Camarillo is known for its special white horse breed, while Thousand Oaks has more equestrian communities.
Nearby Beaches
The drive to Malibu from Thousand Oaks can be a little harrowing, as it is a winding mountain road with steep drop-offs. Some people might not actually enjoy that drive, although it is a beautiful and exhilarating route through the Santa Monica Mountains.
From Camarillo, you'll have a mellower drive to beaches in Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Ventura.
Weather
Both cities have great weather. Camarillo has a more temperate Mediterranean climate, while Thousand Oaks is hotter especially in the summer. Camarillo can be a little gray in the mornings with fog, but it dissipates by the afternoon. Camarillo was actually picked by National Geographic as one of the top cities in the world for a Mediterranean climate.
The nearby ocean helps keep things cooler in the Summer for Camarillo (up to a 10 degree or higher difference in temperature in the Summer.) Cities like Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Simi Valley can get much hotter.
They like to say in Ventura County.... you start the day in the summer in Oxnard with long sleeves. Then go to Camarillo and wear short sleeves and when you get to Thousand Oaks you'll want to wear a tank top.
Commuting
Residents of Thousand Oaks find it easier to commute to LA (roughly 45 minutes to an hour or more depending on when and exactly where you are trying to get to in LA).
Residents of Camarillo have an easier commute to Oxnard, Ventura, Point Mugu Naval base, and Port Hueneme (anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes or more depending on traffic).
Camarillo has the Metrolink station with access to LA, while Thousand Oaks does not.
Natural Disasters and Air Quality
Both cities have above-average air quality. But because of the open space and agriculture, there is a lot of pollen and other triggers that may affect asthma and allergies.
Both cities have a potential for earthquake, fire, high Santa Ana winds and drought.
The Ventura County Star has reported that there could be radioactive contamination in parts of Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and Westlake Village. We covered this topic more in depth in the Pros and Cons of Thousand Oaks video.
If you live closer to agriculture in Camarillo, you may smell a skunky, sulphurous type of smell.
"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