Moving to Ventura County (Thousand Oaks area)

[studenteconomist]

Hello all,

As a long time reader and infrequent poster, I have a favor to ask. Who has good knowledge of the Thousand Oaks/Camarillo area of Ventura county? I just accepted a great job offer in Westlake Village, but currently live in San Diego, for the last 6 years completing my PhD. I have recently read a bit about Thousand Oaks, but know nothing about Camarillo, except it seems to be analogous to Chula Vista in San Diego (newer houses, further from jobs, not sure about the schools). Could anyone give me some info? I will have a good salary but would like to pay $2000 per month for rent and have one child in a small house. I am looking to rent for 12-18 months, and hopefully buy after that.

Looking at the housing prices, it appears starter homes (1500 sf) are about 450-500k right now in some areas, which seems awfully high. Is Ventura county trailing San Diego in terms of price reductions right now? How much further behind is it from San Diego in the peak and total decline to date? Is it 1 year behind, or more? Any answers to these questions is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Matthew H

[studenteconomist]

One more thing, is there much of a difference in the weather between Camarillo and Thousand Oaks? Is either one have similarly mild weather in the summer to SD? I know they get more rain, and that doesn’t bother me, but I don’t want to live east of Thousand Oaks because of the heat in the summer and I like San Diego’s moderate summer highs.

[Anonymous]

We did the opposite thing a couple years ago – moved from the Westlake area to San Diego (and then out of SD before the crash *whew*).

Westlake Village is expensive – and just that imho.
Take a look at Moorpark or Simi Valley for some decent priced homes, you may also find nice ones in Newbury Park.

I would not recommend going down the hill to Oxnard or Camarillo, simply because
a) they are gang-ridden communities
b) lots of cookie-cutter developments (eg Rose Avenue) plus a)
c) the weather downhill is different – a lot of fog throughout the year, cooler temps than in the uphill cities
d) the 101 grade is a horrible drive – esp for commuting

BTW: Good luck with your job – if it’s at in-phy or similar do yourself a favor and don’t buy !

[Anonymous]

We did the opposite thing a couple years ago – moved from the Westlake area to San Diego (and then out of SD before the crash *whew*).

Westlake Village is expensive – and just that imho.
Take a look at Moorpark or Simi Valley for some decent priced homes, you may also find nice ones in Newbury Park.

I would not recommend going down the hill to Oxnard or Camarillo, simply because
a) they are gang-ridden communities
b) lots of cookie-cutter developments (eg Rose Avenue) plus a)
c) the weather downhill is different – a lot of fog throughout the year, cooler temps than in the uphill cities
d) the 101 grade is a horrible drive – esp for commuting

BTW: Good luck with your job – if it’s at in-phy or similar do yourself a favor and don’t buy !

[Anonymous]

We did the opposite thing a couple years ago – moved from the Westlake area to San Diego (and then out of SD before the crash *whew*).

Westlake Village is expensive – and just that imho.
Take a look at Moorpark or Simi Valley for some decent priced homes, you may also find nice ones in Newbury Park.

I would not recommend going down the hill to Oxnard or Camarillo, simply because
a) they are gang-ridden communities
b) lots of cookie-cutter developments (eg Rose Avenue) plus a)
c) the weather downhill is different – a lot of fog throughout the year, cooler temps than in the uphill cities
d) the 101 grade is a horrible drive – esp for commuting

BTW: Good luck with your job – if it’s at in-phy or similar do yourself a favor and don’t buy !

[Anonymous]

We did the opposite thing a couple years ago – moved from the Westlake area to San Diego (and then out of SD before the crash *whew*).

Westlake Village is expensive – and just that imho.
Take a look at Moorpark or Simi Valley for some decent priced homes, you may also find nice ones in Newbury Park.

I would not recommend going down the hill to Oxnard or Camarillo, simply because
a) they are gang-ridden communities
b) lots of cookie-cutter developments (eg Rose Avenue) plus a)
c) the weather downhill is different – a lot of fog throughout the year, cooler temps than in the uphill cities
d) the 101 grade is a horrible drive – esp for commuting

BTW: Good luck with your job – if it’s at in-phy or similar do yourself a favor and don’t buy !

[Anonymous]

We did the opposite thing a couple years ago – moved from the Westlake area to San Diego (and then out of SD before the crash *whew*).

Westlake Village is expensive – and just that imho.
Take a look at Moorpark or Simi Valley for some decent priced homes, you may also find nice ones in Newbury Park.

I would not recommend going down the hill to Oxnard or Camarillo, simply because
a) they are gang-ridden communities
b) lots of cookie-cutter developments (eg Rose Avenue) plus a)
c) the weather downhill is different – a lot of fog throughout the year, cooler temps than in the uphill cities
d) the 101 grade is a horrible drive – esp for commuting

BTW: Good luck with your job – if it’s at in-phy or similar do yourself a favor and don’t buy !

[studenteconomist]

One more thing, is there much of a difference in the weather between Camarillo and Thousand Oaks? Is either one have similarly mild weather in the summer to SD? I know they get more rain, and that doesn’t bother me, but I don’t want to live east of Thousand Oaks because of the heat in the summer and I like San Diego’s moderate summer highs.

[studenteconomist]

One more thing, is there much of a difference in the weather between Camarillo and Thousand Oaks? Is either one have similarly mild weather in the summer to SD? I know they get more rain, and that doesn’t bother me, but I don’t want to live east of Thousand Oaks because of the heat in the summer and I like San Diego’s moderate summer highs.

[studenteconomist]

One more thing, is there much of a difference in the weather between Camarillo and Thousand Oaks? Is either one have similarly mild weather in the summer to SD? I know they get more rain, and that doesn’t bother me, but I don’t want to live east of Thousand Oaks because of the heat in the summer and I like San Diego’s moderate summer highs.

[studenteconomist]

One more thing, is there much of a difference in the weather between Camarillo and Thousand Oaks? Is either one have similarly mild weather in the summer to SD? I know they get more rain, and that doesn’t bother me, but I don’t want to live east of Thousand Oaks because of the heat in the summer and I like San Diego’s moderate summer highs.

[meadandale]

Camarillo is just down the hill from Thousand Oaks down on the coastal plains. Camarillo and Oxnard are definitely more Chula Vista-ish than either TO or Ventura. Lots of agriculture in the area.

I used to live in Santa Paula, which is about 10 miles north of Ventura up the 126. Lots of Citrus and Avocado farming in the area with a nice old downtown area and some newer developments (at the time in the early 90’s).

Ventura county prices aren’t as inflated as Santa Barbara to the north but they rival San Diego to a large degree.

Expect to see a similar housing market. Note that a major employer in the area is Amgen. As goes Amgen so goes the TO market. That area is also a bedroom community to LA and the San Fernando Valley.

For housing, you can look in Moorpark (just a short ride up the 118 from TO) as well as southern Ventura, Oxnard and Simi Valley. Note that the nicer areas in Oxnard are down near the beach and are likely to be expensive.

[meadandale]

Camarillo is just down the hill from Thousand Oaks down on the coastal plains. Camarillo and Oxnard are definitely more Chula Vista-ish than either TO or Ventura. Lots of agriculture in the area.

I used to live in Santa Paula, which is about 10 miles north of Ventura up the 126. Lots of Citrus and Avocado farming in the area with a nice old downtown area and some newer developments (at the time in the early 90’s).

Ventura county prices aren’t as inflated as Santa Barbara to the north but they rival San Diego to a large degree.

Expect to see a similar housing market. Note that a major employer in the area is Amgen. As goes Amgen so goes the TO market. That area is also a bedroom community to LA and the San Fernando Valley.

For housing, you can look in Moorpark (just a short ride up the 118 from TO) as well as southern Ventura, Oxnard and Simi Valley. Note that the nicer areas in Oxnard are down near the beach and are likely to be expensive.

[meadandale]

Camarillo is just down the hill from Thousand Oaks down on the coastal plains. Camarillo and Oxnard are definitely more Chula Vista-ish than either TO or Ventura. Lots of agriculture in the area.

I used to live in Santa Paula, which is about 10 miles north of Ventura up the 126. Lots of Citrus and Avocado farming in the area with a nice old downtown area and some newer developments (at the time in the early 90’s).

Ventura county prices aren’t as inflated as Santa Barbara to the north but they rival San Diego to a large degree.

Expect to see a similar housing market. Note that a major employer in the area is Amgen. As goes Amgen so goes the TO market. That area is also a bedroom community to LA and the San Fernando Valley.

For housing, you can look in Moorpark (just a short ride up the 118 from TO) as well as southern Ventura, Oxnard and Simi Valley. Note that the nicer areas in Oxnard are down near the beach and are likely to be expensive.

[meadandale]

Camarillo is just down the hill from Thousand Oaks down on the coastal plains. Camarillo and Oxnard are definitely more Chula Vista-ish than either TO or Ventura. Lots of agriculture in the area.

I used to live in Santa Paula, which is about 10 miles north of Ventura up the 126. Lots of Citrus and Avocado farming in the area with a nice old downtown area and some newer developments (at the time in the early 90’s).

Ventura county prices aren’t as inflated as Santa Barbara to the north but they rival San Diego to a large degree.

Expect to see a similar housing market. Note that a major employer in the area is Amgen. As goes Amgen so goes the TO market. That area is also a bedroom community to LA and the San Fernando Valley.

For housing, you can look in Moorpark (just a short ride up the 118 from TO) as well as southern Ventura, Oxnard and Simi Valley. Note that the nicer areas in Oxnard are down near the beach and are likely to be expensive.

[meadandale]

Camarillo is just down the hill from Thousand Oaks down on the coastal plains. Camarillo and Oxnard are definitely more Chula Vista-ish than either TO or Ventura. Lots of agriculture in the area.

I used to live in Santa Paula, which is about 10 miles north of Ventura up the 126. Lots of Citrus and Avocado farming in the area with a nice old downtown area and some newer developments (at the time in the early 90’s).

Ventura county prices aren’t as inflated as Santa Barbara to the north but they rival San Diego to a large degree.

Expect to see a similar housing market. Note that a major employer in the area is Amgen. As goes Amgen so goes the TO market. That area is also a bedroom community to LA and the San Fernando Valley.

For housing, you can look in Moorpark (just a short ride up the 118 from TO) as well as southern Ventura, Oxnard and Simi Valley. Note that the nicer areas in Oxnard are down near the beach and are likely to be expensive.

[rocket science]

Sounds like weather is a big factor.
Camarillo is a bit cooler in the summer than TO and Westlake
But both are a lot better than the San Fernando Valley, the area east to which I believe you refer.
As long as you stay in Camarrilo and not go into Oxnard there are not too many problems.
If the commute is only to Westlake Village, the 101 commute up the grade from Camarillo isn’t too bad.
As another posted, Moorpark and Simi Valley are slightly less expensive alternatives but until they finish the HWY 23 widening project the commute to Westlake would suck. Also, the weather there is a bit warmer in the summer
If the child is of school age, the schools in general in all of the above ar OK with some areas being a little better than others.
Good luck finding a reasonable price place to rent. $2000 seems a bit on the optomistic side.
rs

[bob007]

thousand oaks seems like a safe place. Countrywide is alos located in the area

[bob007]

thousand oaks seems like a safe place. Countrywide is alos located in the area

[bob007]

thousand oaks seems like a safe place. Countrywide is alos located in the area

[bob007]

thousand oaks seems like a safe place. Countrywide is alos located in the area

[bob007]

thousand oaks seems like a safe place. Countrywide is alos located in the area

[rocket science]

Sounds like weather is a big factor.
Camarillo is a bit cooler in the summer than TO and Westlake
But both are a lot better than the San Fernando Valley, the area east to which I believe you refer.
As long as you stay in Camarrilo and not go into Oxnard there are not too many problems.
If the commute is only to Westlake Village, the 101 commute up the grade from Camarillo isn’t too bad.
As another posted, Moorpark and Simi Valley are slightly less expensive alternatives but until they finish the HWY 23 widening project the commute to Westlake would suck. Also, the weather there is a bit warmer in the summer
If the child is of school age, the schools in general in all of the above ar OK with some areas being a little better than others.
Good luck finding a reasonable price place to rent. $2000 seems a bit on the optomistic side.
rs

[rocket science]

Sounds like weather is a big factor.
Camarillo is a bit cooler in the summer than TO and Westlake
But both are a lot better than the San Fernando Valley, the area east to which I believe you refer.
As long as you stay in Camarrilo and not go into Oxnard there are not too many problems.
If the commute is only to Westlake Village, the 101 commute up the grade from Camarillo isn’t too bad.
As another posted, Moorpark and Simi Valley are slightly less expensive alternatives but until they finish the HWY 23 widening project the commute to Westlake would suck. Also, the weather there is a bit warmer in the summer
If the child is of school age, the schools in general in all of the above ar OK with some areas being a little better than others.
Good luck finding a reasonable price place to rent. $2000 seems a bit on the optomistic side.
rs

[rocket science]

Sounds like weather is a big factor.
Camarillo is a bit cooler in the summer than TO and Westlake
But both are a lot better than the San Fernando Valley, the area east to which I believe you refer.
As long as you stay in Camarrilo and not go into Oxnard there are not too many problems.
If the commute is only to Westlake Village, the 101 commute up the grade from Camarillo isn’t too bad.
As another posted, Moorpark and Simi Valley are slightly less expensive alternatives but until they finish the HWY 23 widening project the commute to Westlake would suck. Also, the weather there is a bit warmer in the summer
If the child is of school age, the schools in general in all of the above ar OK with some areas being a little better than others.
Good luck finding a reasonable price place to rent. $2000 seems a bit on the optomistic side.
rs

[rocket science]

Sounds like weather is a big factor.
Camarillo is a bit cooler in the summer than TO and Westlake
But both are a lot better than the San Fernando Valley, the area east to which I believe you refer.
As long as you stay in Camarrilo and not go into Oxnard there are not too many problems.
If the commute is only to Westlake Village, the 101 commute up the grade from Camarillo isn’t too bad.
As another posted, Moorpark and Simi Valley are slightly less expensive alternatives but until they finish the HWY 23 widening project the commute to Westlake would suck. Also, the weather there is a bit warmer in the summer
If the child is of school age, the schools in general in all of the above ar OK with some areas being a little better than others.
Good luck finding a reasonable price place to rent. $2000 seems a bit on the optomistic side.
rs

[trex]

Lucky you.

I’m a Ventura native, now in San Diego, and miss it terribly.

Based on what you’ve posted, I’m guessing: single, 30ish, and a new Amgen employee? Here are some thoughts:

Ventura is a great town, population 100k, but a little quiet if you are single. It is great if you have a family or really love surfing (esp long board). Or if you love the outdoors, most of Ventura County is National Forest.

Thousand Oaks / Newbury Park / Westlake are very nice and have more going on if you are single. Plus, it’s an easy shot to LA for a night out. The UCLA chancellor lived in TO for years, and commuted.

Avoid Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Camarillo has few redeeming qualities.

[studenteconomist]

Sorry, Trex, you struck out. I am in my late 20’s, married with a 6 month old and working for the other large healthcare company in the area. So a family oriented neighbor hood is definitely what we are looking for.
Rocket Science, how can I find out about the schools for different areas. Is there some governmental website that tracks them? I guess I should poke around on the state of California website, but any direct links would save me time. It seems like you know the 101 well, and I trust that the commute would not be that bad if I go that route.
I know that $2000 is a bit optimistic, and I can pay up to $2500, but am hoping to bargain. Amgen is laying off right now, so the economy is not that hot generally in TO, so there is bound to be some desperate people.

[mixxalot]

Ventura living

I spent some time on a Navy project at Port Hueneme. My choice would be either Ventura or TO. Since you have a family, Ventura would be a nice area. I am single so would live in TO. But it is COLD up there and I am glad to be back in San Diego. Its EXPENSIVE in Ventura and Los Angeles even worse than San Diego which surprises me as not many jobs are there.

[seattle-relo]

The website http://www.greatschools.com can give you some information on different schools. It uses both the state specific scores and their own system for rating public schools. We have used it when trying to pin point an area to live. Good Luck!

[CBad]

Wellpoint? If so, welcome!

[CBad]

Wellpoint? If so, welcome!

[CBad]

Wellpoint? If so, welcome!

[CBad]

Wellpoint? If so, welcome!

[CBad]

Wellpoint? If so, welcome!

[seattle-relo]

The website http://www.greatschools.com can give you some information on different schools. It uses both the state specific scores and their own system for rating public schools. We have used it when trying to pin point an area to live. Good Luck!

[seattle-relo]

The website http://www.greatschools.com can give you some information on different schools. It uses both the state specific scores and their own system for rating public schools. We have used it when trying to pin point an area to live. Good Luck!

[seattle-relo]

The website http://www.greatschools.com can give you some information on different schools. It uses both the state specific scores and their own system for rating public schools. We have used it when trying to pin point an area to live. Good Luck!

[seattle-relo]

The website http://www.greatschools.com can give you some information on different schools. It uses both the state specific scores and their own system for rating public schools. We have used it when trying to pin point an area to live. Good Luck!

[mixxalot]

Ventura living

I spent some time on a Navy project at Port Hueneme. My choice would be either Ventura or TO. Since you have a family, Ventura would be a nice area. I am single so would live in TO. But it is COLD up there and I am glad to be back in San Diego. Its EXPENSIVE in Ventura and Los Angeles even worse than San Diego which surprises me as not many jobs are there.

[mixxalot]

Ventura living

I spent some time on a Navy project at Port Hueneme. My choice would be either Ventura or TO. Since you have a family, Ventura would be a nice area. I am single so would live in TO. But it is COLD up there and I am glad to be back in San Diego. Its EXPENSIVE in Ventura and Los Angeles even worse than San Diego which surprises me as not many jobs are there.

[mixxalot]

Ventura living

I spent some time on a Navy project at Port Hueneme. My choice would be either Ventura or TO. Since you have a family, Ventura would be a nice area. I am single so would live in TO. But it is COLD up there and I am glad to be back in San Diego. Its EXPENSIVE in Ventura and Los Angeles even worse than San Diego which surprises me as not many jobs are there.

[mixxalot]

Ventura living

I spent some time on a Navy project at Port Hueneme. My choice would be either Ventura or TO. Since you have a family, Ventura would be a nice area. I am single so would live in TO. But it is COLD up there and I am glad to be back in San Diego. Its EXPENSIVE in Ventura and Los Angeles even worse than San Diego which surprises me as not many jobs are there.

[cashflow]

Okay, since I am a former Amgen employee, I’ll take a guess too….I’ll guess that you’re going to Baxter, which isn’t a bad place to be.

We lived in Moorpark and loved it, but if you can swing it, I’d probably stay in Thousand Oaks for all the conveniences it has to offer. School system in TO is also known to be a bit better.

Ventura County is more expensive. Since we sold in early ’06 house prices have inched downward. So I would say that any decline started a year after it did here in San Diego.

Although the immediate Ventura cty. area doesn’t have a ton of job growth, many people commute into LA from there. So you get all the LA jobs (that pay higher) feeding the demand for housing as well. Living in Moorpark, there were many people I met working at different studios (burbank and la area). Point is, this tends to prop up the housing market even if the local economy (ie. amgen and countrywide) are laying off. I’m sure it will go down like all, but I don’t think it will as much as SD.

Also, I’d say half my coworkers lived in Camarillo and loved it. If you are used to a more coastal climate, than you may want to consider it. I should mention that Oxnard is just like Oceanside here…gangs in the area (probably not for you if you are going to be sending your kid to school). People were moving there because it was quite a bit cheaper 5 years ago, but now alot of the Santa Barbara priced out couples have moved in. From what we saw this demand has brought pricing inline with the area. I wouldn’t think it would be worth looking at.

I’m going to save you a ton of time finding a rental (it took me awhile after selling our home to find these obscure sources)…look at

http://ads.thekittyletter.com/

http://www.aceslist.com/

Also, you can check out the Thousand oaks Acorn (a local paper), or Newbury Park Realty (however I found most their properties to be a bit cheaper, but you get what you pay for).

Good luck with your move!

[mixxalot]

Just dont move to Moorpark

Any town spelled KRAPROOM backwards would disturb me as a place to live.

Ventura gets my vote.

[mixxalot]

Just dont move to Moorpark

Any town spelled KRAPROOM backwards would disturb me as a place to live.

Ventura gets my vote.

[mixxalot]

Just dont move to Moorpark

Any town spelled KRAPROOM backwards would disturb me as a place to live.

Ventura gets my vote.

[mixxalot]

Just dont move to Moorpark

Any town spelled KRAPROOM backwards would disturb me as a place to live.

Ventura gets my vote.

[mixxalot]

Just dont move to Moorpark

Any town spelled KRAPROOM backwards would disturb me as a place to live.

Ventura gets my vote.

[cashflow]

Okay, since I am a former Amgen employee, I’ll take a guess too….I’ll guess that you’re going to Baxter, which isn’t a bad place to be.

We lived in Moorpark and loved it, but if you can swing it, I’d probably stay in Thousand Oaks for all the conveniences it has to offer. School system in TO is also known to be a bit better.

Ventura County is more expensive. Since we sold in early ’06 house prices have inched downward. So I would say that any decline started a year after it did here in San Diego.

Although the immediate Ventura cty. area doesn’t have a ton of job growth, many people commute into LA from there. So you get all the LA jobs (that pay higher) feeding the demand for housing as well. Living in Moorpark, there were many people I met working at different studios (burbank and la area). Point is, this tends to prop up the housing market even if the local economy (ie. amgen and countrywide) are laying off. I’m sure it will go down like all, but I don’t think it will as much as SD.

Also, I’d say half my coworkers lived in Camarillo and loved it. If you are used to a more coastal climate, than you may want to consider it. I should mention that Oxnard is just like Oceanside here…gangs in the area (probably not for you if you are going to be sending your kid to school). People were moving there because it was quite a bit cheaper 5 years ago, but now alot of the Santa Barbara priced out couples have moved in. From what we saw this demand has brought pricing inline with the area. I wouldn’t think it would be worth looking at.

I’m going to save you a ton of time finding a rental (it took me awhile after selling our home to find these obscure sources)…look at

http://ads.thekittyletter.com/

http://www.aceslist.com/

Also, you can check out the Thousand oaks Acorn (a local paper), or Newbury Park Realty (however I found most their properties to be a bit cheaper, but you get what you pay for).

Good luck with your move!

[cashflow]

Okay, since I am a former Amgen employee, I’ll take a guess too….I’ll guess that you’re going to Baxter, which isn’t a bad place to be.

We lived in Moorpark and loved it, but if you can swing it, I’d probably stay in Thousand Oaks for all the conveniences it has to offer. School system in TO is also known to be a bit better.

Ventura County is more expensive. Since we sold in early ’06 house prices have inched downward. So I would say that any decline started a year after it did here in San Diego.

Although the immediate Ventura cty. area doesn’t have a ton of job growth, many people commute into LA from there. So you get all the LA jobs (that pay higher) feeding the demand for housing as well. Living in Moorpark, there were many people I met working at different studios (burbank and la area). Point is, this tends to prop up the housing market even if the local economy (ie. amgen and countrywide) are laying off. I’m sure it will go down like all, but I don’t think it will as much as SD.

Also, I’d say half my coworkers lived in Camarillo and loved it. If you are used to a more coastal climate, than you may want to consider it. I should mention that Oxnard is just like Oceanside here…gangs in the area (probably not for you if you are going to be sending your kid to school). People were moving there because it was quite a bit cheaper 5 years ago, but now alot of the Santa Barbara priced out couples have moved in. From what we saw this demand has brought pricing inline with the area. I wouldn’t think it would be worth looking at.

I’m going to save you a ton of time finding a rental (it took me awhile after selling our home to find these obscure sources)…look at

http://ads.thekittyletter.com/

http://www.aceslist.com/

Also, you can check out the Thousand oaks Acorn (a local paper), or Newbury Park Realty (however I found most their properties to be a bit cheaper, but you get what you pay for).

Good luck with your move!

[cashflow]

Okay, since I am a former Amgen employee, I’ll take a guess too….I’ll guess that you’re going to Baxter, which isn’t a bad place to be.

We lived in Moorpark and loved it, but if you can swing it, I’d probably stay in Thousand Oaks for all the conveniences it has to offer. School system in TO is also known to be a bit better.

Ventura County is more expensive. Since we sold in early ’06 house prices have inched downward. So I would say that any decline started a year after it did here in San Diego.

Although the immediate Ventura cty. area doesn’t have a ton of job growth, many people commute into LA from there. So you get all the LA jobs (that pay higher) feeding the demand for housing as well. Living in Moorpark, there were many people I met working at different studios (burbank and la area). Point is, this tends to prop up the housing market even if the local economy (ie. amgen and countrywide) are laying off. I’m sure it will go down like all, but I don’t think it will as much as SD.

Also, I’d say half my coworkers lived in Camarillo and loved it. If you are used to a more coastal climate, than you may want to consider it. I should mention that Oxnard is just like Oceanside here…gangs in the area (probably not for you if you are going to be sending your kid to school). People were moving there because it was quite a bit cheaper 5 years ago, but now alot of the Santa Barbara priced out couples have moved in. From what we saw this demand has brought pricing inline with the area. I wouldn’t think it would be worth looking at.

I’m going to save you a ton of time finding a rental (it took me awhile after selling our home to find these obscure sources)…look at

http://ads.thekittyletter.com/

http://www.aceslist.com/

Also, you can check out the Thousand oaks Acorn (a local paper), or Newbury Park Realty (however I found most their properties to be a bit cheaper, but you get what you pay for).

Good luck with your move!

[cashflow]

Okay, since I am a former Amgen employee, I’ll take a guess too….I’ll guess that you’re going to Baxter, which isn’t a bad place to be.

We lived in Moorpark and loved it, but if you can swing it, I’d probably stay in Thousand Oaks for all the conveniences it has to offer. School system in TO is also known to be a bit better.

Ventura County is more expensive. Since we sold in early ’06 house prices have inched downward. So I would say that any decline started a year after it did here in San Diego.

Although the immediate Ventura cty. area doesn’t have a ton of job growth, many people commute into LA from there. So you get all the LA jobs (that pay higher) feeding the demand for housing as well. Living in Moorpark, there were many people I met working at different studios (burbank and la area). Point is, this tends to prop up the housing market even if the local economy (ie. amgen and countrywide) are laying off. I’m sure it will go down like all, but I don’t think it will as much as SD.

Also, I’d say half my coworkers lived in Camarillo and loved it. If you are used to a more coastal climate, than you may want to consider it. I should mention that Oxnard is just like Oceanside here…gangs in the area (probably not for you if you are going to be sending your kid to school). People were moving there because it was quite a bit cheaper 5 years ago, but now alot of the Santa Barbara priced out couples have moved in. From what we saw this demand has brought pricing inline with the area. I wouldn’t think it would be worth looking at.

I’m going to save you a ton of time finding a rental (it took me awhile after selling our home to find these obscure sources)…look at

http://ads.thekittyletter.com/

http://www.aceslist.com/

Also, you can check out the Thousand oaks Acorn (a local paper), or Newbury Park Realty (however I found most their properties to be a bit cheaper, but you get what you pay for).

Good luck with your move!

[studenteconomist]

Sorry, Trex, you struck out. I am in my late 20’s, married with a 6 month old and working for the other large healthcare company in the area. So a family oriented neighbor hood is definitely what we are looking for.
Rocket Science, how can I find out about the schools for different areas. Is there some governmental website that tracks them? I guess I should poke around on the state of California website, but any direct links would save me time. It seems like you know the 101 well, and I trust that the commute would not be that bad if I go that route.
I know that $2000 is a bit optimistic, and I can pay up to $2500, but am hoping to bargain. Amgen is laying off right now, so the economy is not that hot generally in TO, so there is bound to be some desperate people.

[studenteconomist]

Sorry, Trex, you struck out. I am in my late 20’s, married with a 6 month old and working for the other large healthcare company in the area. So a family oriented neighbor hood is definitely what we are looking for.
Rocket Science, how can I find out about the schools for different areas. Is there some governmental website that tracks them? I guess I should poke around on the state of California website, but any direct links would save me time. It seems like you know the 101 well, and I trust that the commute would not be that bad if I go that route.
I know that $2000 is a bit optimistic, and I can pay up to $2500, but am hoping to bargain. Amgen is laying off right now, so the economy is not that hot generally in TO, so there is bound to be some desperate people.

[studenteconomist]

Sorry, Trex, you struck out. I am in my late 20’s, married with a 6 month old and working for the other large healthcare company in the area. So a family oriented neighbor hood is definitely what we are looking for.
Rocket Science, how can I find out about the schools for different areas. Is there some governmental website that tracks them? I guess I should poke around on the state of California website, but any direct links would save me time. It seems like you know the 101 well, and I trust that the commute would not be that bad if I go that route.
I know that $2000 is a bit optimistic, and I can pay up to $2500, but am hoping to bargain. Amgen is laying off right now, so the economy is not that hot generally in TO, so there is bound to be some desperate people.

[studenteconomist]

Sorry, Trex, you struck out. I am in my late 20’s, married with a 6 month old and working for the other large healthcare company in the area. So a family oriented neighbor hood is definitely what we are looking for.
Rocket Science, how can I find out about the schools for different areas. Is there some governmental website that tracks them? I guess I should poke around on the state of California website, but any direct links would save me time. It seems like you know the 101 well, and I trust that the commute would not be that bad if I go that route.
I know that $2000 is a bit optimistic, and I can pay up to $2500, but am hoping to bargain. Amgen is laying off right now, so the economy is not that hot generally in TO, so there is bound to be some desperate people.

[trex]

Lucky you.

I’m a Ventura native, now in San Diego, and miss it terribly.

Based on what you’ve posted, I’m guessing: single, 30ish, and a new Amgen employee? Here are some thoughts:

Ventura is a great town, population 100k, but a little quiet if you are single. It is great if you have a family or really love surfing (esp long board). Or if you love the outdoors, most of Ventura County is National Forest.

Thousand Oaks / Newbury Park / Westlake are very nice and have more going on if you are single. Plus, it’s an easy shot to LA for a night out. The UCLA chancellor lived in TO for years, and commuted.

Avoid Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Camarillo has few redeeming qualities.

[trex]

Lucky you.

I’m a Ventura native, now in San Diego, and miss it terribly.

Based on what you’ve posted, I’m guessing: single, 30ish, and a new Amgen employee? Here are some thoughts:

Ventura is a great town, population 100k, but a little quiet if you are single. It is great if you have a family or really love surfing (esp long board). Or if you love the outdoors, most of Ventura County is National Forest.

Thousand Oaks / Newbury Park / Westlake are very nice and have more going on if you are single. Plus, it’s an easy shot to LA for a night out. The UCLA chancellor lived in TO for years, and commuted.

Avoid Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Camarillo has few redeeming qualities.

[trex]

Lucky you.

I’m a Ventura native, now in San Diego, and miss it terribly.

Based on what you’ve posted, I’m guessing: single, 30ish, and a new Amgen employee? Here are some thoughts:

Ventura is a great town, population 100k, but a little quiet if you are single. It is great if you have a family or really love surfing (esp long board). Or if you love the outdoors, most of Ventura County is National Forest.

Thousand Oaks / Newbury Park / Westlake are very nice and have more going on if you are single. Plus, it’s an easy shot to LA for a night out. The UCLA chancellor lived in TO for years, and commuted.

Avoid Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Camarillo has few redeeming qualities.

[trex]

Lucky you.

I’m a Ventura native, now in San Diego, and miss it terribly.

Based on what you’ve posted, I’m guessing: single, 30ish, and a new Amgen employee? Here are some thoughts:

Ventura is a great town, population 100k, but a little quiet if you are single. It is great if you have a family or really love surfing (esp long board). Or if you love the outdoors, most of Ventura County is National Forest.

Thousand Oaks / Newbury Park / Westlake are very nice and have more going on if you are single. Plus, it’s an easy shot to LA for a night out. The UCLA chancellor lived in TO for years, and commuted.

Avoid Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Camarillo has few redeeming qualities.

[trex]

Here’s my $.02:

Ventura County has lagged San Diego on prices – cheaper, later peak, slower decline. But it’s coming. There’s a place on my parents’ street that has been listed for about 600k for 4 months, probably 2000 sf, 4 bedroom, 1970’s but kept up. My sister’s condo peaked at around 335k, and are now listed for 275k (lower end, 2 bedroom condos). You’ll see prices go up as you go toward LA. There’s ALOT more money in LA than in San Diego, and it spills out into the suburbs. But fewer people are willing to commute from Ventura than from Thousand Oaks.

TO is more upscale and has lots of restaurants, culture, and easy access to LA. It’s hotter (behind the hill, so less ocean breeze), and has fantastic mt biking and hiking. It’s more expensive, so your $2k will probably be a condo or a run down house.

Camarillo is NOT Chula Vista. It’s very much a bedroom community, less character, no real downtown, but very centrally located between TO and beach. It will be cheaper than TO, but there are some very high end homes and communities up in the hill. Off the hill, there’s alot of generic tract housing. You can probably rent a house for 2k there.

Ventura is a bit more isolated small town, though it’s evolving. The downtown has charm. The outlying areas have the usual generic tract homes. You can rent a house for 2k there, but you’ll be getting a 20-40 minute commute. 20 off rush hour, 40 during.

You might find something different in one of the more rural communities, like Somis or Santa Rosa. Some stuff there is very high end, but there might be something interesting if you want something different.

You won’t go wrong in any of these communities. Since you aren’t buying yet, visit all three, and see which looks most interesting. If you don’t like it, you can move when you buy. And I wouldn’t worry too much about schools with a six month old, unless s/he’s brilliant and will be in kindergarten next year.

Enjoy!

[trex]

Here’s my $.02:

Ventura County has lagged San Diego on prices – cheaper, later peak, slower decline. But it’s coming. There’s a place on my parents’ street that has been listed for about 600k for 4 months, probably 2000 sf, 4 bedroom, 1970’s but kept up. My sister’s condo peaked at around 335k, and are now listed for 275k (lower end, 2 bedroom condos). You’ll see prices go up as you go toward LA. There’s ALOT more money in LA than in San Diego, and it spills out into the suburbs. But fewer people are willing to commute from Ventura than from Thousand Oaks.

TO is more upscale and has lots of restaurants, culture, and easy access to LA. It’s hotter (behind the hill, so less ocean breeze), and has fantastic mt biking and hiking. It’s more expensive, so your $2k will probably be a condo or a run down house.

Camarillo is NOT Chula Vista. It’s very much a bedroom community, less character, no real downtown, but very centrally located between TO and beach. It will be cheaper than TO, but there are some very high end homes and communities up in the hill. Off the hill, there’s alot of generic tract housing. You can probably rent a house for 2k there.

Ventura is a bit more isolated small town, though it’s evolving. The downtown has charm. The outlying areas have the usual generic tract homes. You can rent a house for 2k there, but you’ll be getting a 20-40 minute commute. 20 off rush hour, 40 during.

You might find something different in one of the more rural communities, like Somis or Santa Rosa. Some stuff there is very high end, but there might be something interesting if you want something different.

You won’t go wrong in any of these communities. Since you aren’t buying yet, visit all three, and see which looks most interesting. If you don’t like it, you can move when you buy. And I wouldn’t worry too much about schools with a six month old, unless s/he’s brilliant and will be in kindergarten next year.

Enjoy!

[trex]

Here’s my $.02:

Ventura County has lagged San Diego on prices – cheaper, later peak, slower decline. But it’s coming. There’s a place on my parents’ street that has been listed for about 600k for 4 months, probably 2000 sf, 4 bedroom, 1970’s but kept up. My sister’s condo peaked at around 335k, and are now listed for 275k (lower end, 2 bedroom condos). You’ll see prices go up as you go toward LA. There’s ALOT more money in LA than in San Diego, and it spills out into the suburbs. But fewer people are willing to commute from Ventura than from Thousand Oaks.

TO is more upscale and has lots of restaurants, culture, and easy access to LA. It’s hotter (behind the hill, so less ocean breeze), and has fantastic mt biking and hiking. It’s more expensive, so your $2k will probably be a condo or a run down house.

Camarillo is NOT Chula Vista. It’s very much a bedroom community, less character, no real downtown, but very centrally located between TO and beach. It will be cheaper than TO, but there are some very high end homes and communities up in the hill. Off the hill, there’s alot of generic tract housing. You can probably rent a house for 2k there.

Ventura is a bit more isolated small town, though it’s evolving. The downtown has charm. The outlying areas have the usual generic tract homes. You can rent a house for 2k there, but you’ll be getting a 20-40 minute commute. 20 off rush hour, 40 during.

You might find something different in one of the more rural communities, like Somis or Santa Rosa. Some stuff there is very high end, but there might be something interesting if you want something different.

You won’t go wrong in any of these communities. Since you aren’t buying yet, visit all three, and see which looks most interesting. If you don’t like it, you can move when you buy. And I wouldn’t worry too much about schools with a six month old, unless s/he’s brilliant and will be in kindergarten next year.

Enjoy!

[trex]

Here’s my $.02:

Ventura County has lagged San Diego on prices – cheaper, later peak, slower decline. But it’s coming. There’s a place on my parents’ street that has been listed for about 600k for 4 months, probably 2000 sf, 4 bedroom, 1970’s but kept up. My sister’s condo peaked at around 335k, and are now listed for 275k (lower end, 2 bedroom condos). You’ll see prices go up as you go toward LA. There’s ALOT more money in LA than in San Diego, and it spills out into the suburbs. But fewer people are willing to commute from Ventura than from Thousand Oaks.

TO is more upscale and has lots of restaurants, culture, and easy access to LA. It’s hotter (behind the hill, so less ocean breeze), and has fantastic mt biking and hiking. It’s more expensive, so your $2k will probably be a condo or a run down house.

Camarillo is NOT Chula Vista. It’s very much a bedroom community, less character, no real downtown, but very centrally located between TO and beach. It will be cheaper than TO, but there are some very high end homes and communities up in the hill. Off the hill, there’s alot of generic tract housing. You can probably rent a house for 2k there.

Ventura is a bit more isolated small town, though it’s evolving. The downtown has charm. The outlying areas have the usual generic tract homes. You can rent a house for 2k there, but you’ll be getting a 20-40 minute commute. 20 off rush hour, 40 during.

You might find something different in one of the more rural communities, like Somis or Santa Rosa. Some stuff there is very high end, but there might be something interesting if you want something different.

You won’t go wrong in any of these communities. Since you aren’t buying yet, visit all three, and see which looks most interesting. If you don’t like it, you can move when you buy. And I wouldn’t worry too much about schools with a six month old, unless s/he’s brilliant and will be in kindergarten next year.

Enjoy!

[trex]

Here’s my $.02:

Ventura County has lagged San Diego on prices – cheaper, later peak, slower decline. But it’s coming. There’s a place on my parents’ street that has been listed for about 600k for 4 months, probably 2000 sf, 4 bedroom, 1970’s but kept up. My sister’s condo peaked at around 335k, and are now listed for 275k (lower end, 2 bedroom condos). You’ll see prices go up as you go toward LA. There’s ALOT more money in LA than in San Diego, and it spills out into the suburbs. But fewer people are willing to commute from Ventura than from Thousand Oaks.

TO is more upscale and has lots of restaurants, culture, and easy access to LA. It’s hotter (behind the hill, so less ocean breeze), and has fantastic mt biking and hiking. It’s more expensive, so your $2k will probably be a condo or a run down house.

Camarillo is NOT Chula Vista. It’s very much a bedroom community, less character, no real downtown, but very centrally located between TO and beach. It will be cheaper than TO, but there are some very high end homes and communities up in the hill. Off the hill, there’s alot of generic tract housing. You can probably rent a house for 2k there.

Ventura is a bit more isolated small town, though it’s evolving. The downtown has charm. The outlying areas have the usual generic tract homes. You can rent a house for 2k there, but you’ll be getting a 20-40 minute commute. 20 off rush hour, 40 during.

You might find something different in one of the more rural communities, like Somis or Santa Rosa. Some stuff there is very high end, but there might be something interesting if you want something different.

You won’t go wrong in any of these communities. Since you aren’t buying yet, visit all three, and see which looks most interesting. If you don’t like it, you can move when you buy. And I wouldn’t worry too much about schools with a six month old, unless s/he’s brilliant and will be in kindergarten next year.

Enjoy!

[Author]

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