Welcome to one of the country’s most sought-after places to live! If you’re lucky enough to be a resident, you’ll know that owning a home here feels like living in a modern paradise. Imagine working for established firms in legal, financial, health, and food industries, and unwinding at the beach during your lunch hour!
Explore the big and vibrant community of Ventura, CA, formally known as the City of San Buenaventura.
Get your bearings
Known for its lively beaches, Ventura sits on the coast northwest of Los Angeles. Its land spans 21.66 square miles and features a diverse mix of residential and commercial properties.
The city is bordered by the Ventura River on the west and the Santa Clara River on the south. The landscape features steeply sloped mountains, rugged foothills, and well-preserved valleys. Meanwhile, an alluvial plain lies on the eastern side of Ventura connecting to Oxnard Plain.
Some points of interest in the area include the historic Mission Plaza sites, as well as numerous vintage residences and farmhouses. You’ll also see Mission Norfolk pine trees, which were designated as California’s Millennium Landmark Trees in 2000.
Population and history
Ventura now has an estimated population of 109,100 according to the US Census. It is expected to exceed 111,000 in 2020. This translates to more than 41,000 households or a population density of about 5,000 people per square mile.
The colorful history of the City of San Buenaventura dates back to 1782. Saint Junipero Serra established the ninth of the California missions. He named it after Italian Saint Bonaventure, whose name means “good fortune.” The city was incorporated in 1866 as “the town of San Buenaventura.” Later in 1873, it became the county seat of Ventura County.
Homes and neighborhoods
Ventura, CA consists mostly of single-family homes. There are also condos, townhouses, and multi-family units. There’s a good variety of property sizes – from spacious lofts to homes with 4 or more bedrooms.
The area is split into Ventura Harbor Village, Downtown, and other neighborhoods, each of which is distinctive:
- Downtown Ventura – Dwell within or amongst historic buildings and browse vintage shops in an area that’s easily accessible from the 101 Freeway.
- Ventura Harbor Village – Delight in seaside entertainment and picturesque sunsets all year round.
- Pierpont | South Seaward – Live in a beachfront neighborhood complete with modern community amenities.
- Midtown – Work in diverse industries in unique communities.
- East End – Feel right at home with a family-friendly vibe and excellent schools for your kids.
- College Area – Settle within the city’s premier cultural and recreational facilities.
- Westside – Be part of the oldest, most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Ventura, where residents actively preserve the area’s character and small-town feel
Why Ventura, CA is ‘the most desirable place to live in America’
The resources of the city and its optimal location make Ventura very attractive. In fact, the Washington Post once described Ventura County as “the absolute most desirable place to live in America” because of the natural amenities that give the area environmental qualities most people prefer.
The city has received similar accolades from Sunset Magazine (“20 best value towns in the West,” February 2017) and Men’s Journal (“Best Places to Live Now,” April 2015). Among the factors that made Ventura a contender were its competitive housing prices and cost of living, thriving employment and business opportunities, a rich culture, and dining options.
Education and employment
Are you moving to the town with kids? Or, are you planning to start a family? Here’s a list of the schools in the county that belong to the Ventura Unified School Districts (VUSD):
- Homestead Elementary and Middle School
- Sunset Elementary and Middle School
- ATLAS (Saticoy) Elementary
- DeAnza (DATA) Middle School
- Foothill Technology HS
- Buena High School
- Ventura High School
The city also hosts around 13,000 licensed businesses. More than half are home-based or brick-and-mortar businesses. There are three renowned medical institutions here, and a few progressive companies are headquartered in the area. Startups and other dynamic brands thrive in the City of Ventura.
Top attractions
Among the top idyllic attractions in the city are:
- San Buenaventura State Beach
- Ventura Pier
- Emma Wood State Beach
- Oxnard State Beach Park
- Surfers Point at Seaside Park
- Mondo’s Beach
Beyond the coastal attractions, the community gets to enjoy the parks, historic sites, and more than 800 acres of open, green space. There’s also a state-of-the-art aquatic center and the Channel Islands National Park for wildlife and marine discovery.
Plus, citizens enjoy numerous outdoor activities, including:
- Biking
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Surfing
Is Ventura, CA the kind of community you’d like to live in? Would you like a peek into your housing options in the area? Reach our team at 805.798.0516. Or contact us today at Donna4Remax(at)aol(dotted)com. You can also get in touch with me, Donna Sallen, here.
With more than 20 years of experience, I can help you explore your real estate options and help you finalize your decision to move to this slice of paradise.
Inquire, too, about our Virtual Tours of Ventura, CA homes for sale today.
Sorry we are experiencing system issues. Please try again.