Ventura, CA

Officially called San Buenaventura, Ventura is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, National Blue Ribbon schools, and friendly locals who take an active part in enhancing the neighborhood.

Located between the Ventura River and the Santa Clara River valley, Ventura is a beautiful city sheltered by Mt. Pinos with 9,000 feet high peaks. It’s a land of great natural beauty with a laid-back Southern California beach vibe.

The median home price in Ventura, CA, is $787,595. According to real estate agents, home values have increased by approximately 5.2% over the past year. A standard house takes about 25 days to sell after being on the housing market.

The average rent for an apartment runs to about $2,696 – depending on several factors such as location, home size, and the neighborhood.

City highlights

Ventura is one of the oldest central coast communities that came into existence because of a mission. The lovely city features rolling hills and panoramic ocean views – almost like a European beach resort. No wonder Ventura has often been compared to Hawaii.

Downtown Ventura, which is near the beach, has a hip, laid-back atmosphere which gives you a wide variety of activities to do – be it dining, shopping, or entertainment.

Ventura residents and visitors love the vibrant art scene, the downtown galleries and museums, the Ventura Botanical Gardens, the gorgeous beaches, and the sight of content people just lazying around.

Geographic location

Ventura is located 30 miles south of Santa Barbara and 63 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Some part of the city stretches north along the Ventura River and its narrow valley – resulting in steeply sloped areas.

Climate

Like most coastal California communities, Ventura has a Mediterranean climate, with sea breezes off the Pacific Ocean regulating temperatures and not letting the weather become either too hot or too cold. The cold, damp, and partially cloudy winters contrast with the hot, arid, and clear summers.

Demography

As per the 2020 census, Ventura has a population of around 110,763. You can find various ethnic groups in the community. There are 44.1% Whites, 43.3% Hispanics, and 7.1% Asians.

According to experts, the population is growing rapidly, resulting in a lot more overcrowding than there was a few years ago. The main reasons for mass migration could be the booming economy and newer housing developments.

Unfortunately, many of the green spaces are now turning into communities as more and more people move in. This is also putting a strain on the existing resources.

Cost of Living

Ventura has a high cost of living – just like any other city in California. The high sales tax (hovering around 7%), property taxes, fuel costs, housing costs, rental costs, and other utility expenses are some of the reasons behind this. The cost of living is almost 41% higher than the national average.

Transportation

Public transportation is not something you can completely depend on when in Ventura. Although there’s Gold Coast Transit and the VCTC intercity bus, the distance these cover is fairly limited. Ventura has a walk score of 3 out of 100 which means it’s quite a car-dependent place. You’ll require a car for almost everything. However, you’ll need to get used to long commutes and heavy traffic. If you happen to live closer to where you work, you may be able to bike or walk to your workplace.

The closest airport to Ventura is Santa Barbara Airport which is at a distance of 30 miles north.

Schools

Ventura schools are highly rated. Some of the best schools in Ventura include Mound Elementary School, Ventura Charter School Of Arts and Global Education, Loma Vista Elementary School, Poinsettia Elementary School, Cabrillo Middle School, Balboa Middle School, Foothill Technology High School, Golden Valley Charter School, Buena High School, and Ventura High School.

What is the city like?

An attractive seaside community, Ventura is located alongside the North Pacific Ocean. There is no better destination than Ventura to go on an ideal getaway by the coast – away from any stress and worry. You can do a ton of fun activities here, including going to beautiful sandy beaches, exploring stunning gardens, relaxing in a park, sipping wine in a vineyard, visiting a nearby museum, shopping at a vintage store, going for a live music performance, and much more.

The best part about Ventura is that it has a small-town charm and yet is near major cities. What’s more, the schools are great and the weather is divine!