Welcome to Ventura
The quintessential California beach town that’s grounded in authenticity and a congenial local vibe.
Ventura is a city on the rise, and this bustling coastal treasure has been growing at a rapid rate, exemplified by the expansion of desirable neighborhoods such as the homes around The Collection at RiverPark. The town is interwoven with wonderful biking and hiking trails, and its beaches beckon to surfers, kayakers, swimmers, and all water-loving adventurers.
The town’s full, official name is San Buenaventura and began its development after the creation of the eponymous nearby mission in the late 18th century. After a period of steady growth post-WWII, modern-day Ventura has over 100,000 residents and serves as the county seat.
Due in part to its long history — which resulted in a bevy of historical landmark buildings — the residential architecture of Ventura is highly varied. Closer to town amenities and nestled away in harmonious suburbs, single-family homes come at affordable price ranges and in styles traditional for the area: quaint ranches, California bungalows, and turnkey properties. Further out into the hills or pressed right along the shore, more lavish, million-dollar estates stand as architectural masterpieces with ocean and mountain views.
What to Love
- Only 30 minutes to Santa Barbara and a little over an hour to Los Angeles
- Foodie-approved dining and stellar breweries
- Steeped in nature and opportunities for adventure
Local Lifestyle
Ventura is known for its popular beaches and marina, as well as its signature pier and bounty of historic landmarks. From the effervescent Main Street lined with palms, 19th-century buildings, and high-end local eats to the contemporary luxury of The Collection at RiverPark, visitors are constantly enticed to get out and enjoy the endless excitement of Ventura.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Retail enthusiasts more than get their fill in Ventura, which contains multiple commercial districts each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Along sun-soaked Main Street, sea-scented breezes accentuate the airy shopping options. During the day, trendy clothing boutiques and specialty stores await perusal, and at night, the retro-chic Century 10 Cinema is a glowing focal point when the neon marquee lights up.
Exceptional dining is also sprinkled throughout the entire city, such as the family-owned Lure Fish House close to Downtown. A sleek, modern interior is the perfect setting for the sustainably sourced, always fresh, and local seafood that’s crafted with masterful techniques. Topa Topa Brewing Company is the place to go for the finest, locally brewed craft beers made for the adventurer at heart.
Things to Do
Living life to its fullest extent for Ventura residents means exploring the majestic natural landscape of the area, beginning with the Harmon Canyon Preserve. As Ventura’s first large-scale preserve, Harmon Canyon holds over 2,000 glorious acres of towering oaks, hills, gentle streams, and astonishing views of the California mountains and coastline.
The Ventura bike paths are an additional option for outdoor recreation, ones that can appeal to an assortment of skill levels. Seasoned cyclists might choose to take the entire 15-mile stretch from Ventura to Ojai in the north, while more leisurely rides are available by taking the half-mile-long path on the Ventura Promenade.
Music connoisseurs will want to make sure they don’t miss out on the concerts at Ventura Music Festival, a staple in the community for live entertainment. The venue hosts an invigorating assortment of trained musicians and performers throughout its season and shows always leave the audiences hungering for more.
Schools
Ventura is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
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Villanova Preparatory School, 9-12, highly rated private high school ranked in the top 100 best of the state
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Ojai Valley School, PK & K-12, highly rated private school ranked in the top 100 best of the state