What do you, Cher, lima beans and an omnipresent punk scene have in common? You all call Oxnard, California your home. Or at least you will soon.
Located in Ventura County, Oxnard, or “Sugartown” as it is referred to by the locals, is a town with an Old Hollywood history (Charlie Chaplin used to live here) and a very laid back vibe. If L.A. is the braggart of the family, Oxnard is the stable, self-confident sibling. It also doesn’t hurt that it has some of the nicest beaches (12, in fact) in the state.
Pack your bags, your board, and lots of sunscreen. Oxnard awaits!
Settling into Sugartown: (Lifestyle and Neighborhoods)
The Lifestyle: Dubbed the “Land of Everlasting Summer” (this town truly has A LOT of nicknames), Oxnard has over 20 miles of coastline. All in all 12 soft-sanded beaches are located in the area, making surfers, beach bums and water babies very happy to reside in this city's limits.
If you aren’t a beach bum at heart, maybe you are the artsy type who prefers strolling around in the air conditioning. You are in luck! Oxnard has more to offer than plains, outdoor activities and the beach. It has museums, (The Carnegie Art Museum, formerly the Carnegie Library, is an explosion of artwork and education programs), and a great nightlife.
The Neighborhoods: Nestled between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, Oxnard is full of great neighborhoods, all with their own feel. Just liked the produce it begets, the neighborhoods of Oxnard are varied; offering residents, like you, a mix between coastal beauty and small-town feel.
River Park: Located in the Del Norte District, River Park (formerly known as Town Center) is the kind of neighborhood that strives to be more than just a place to live. Drawing upon old town, classic America , River Park is a live, work, play neighborhood that boasts parks, office spaces and housing within its limits. It even has its own police and fire stations. Amidst the cookie cutter homes and tree-lined streets, are luxury apartments that are ripe for the pickin'. Obviously, this is a great place for those relocating.
Downtown: Those looking for an active social life should feel right at home in Downtown Oxnard. Festivals and farmers markets are held down here almost every weekend, giving “Oxnardians” a little something extra to do when they need a break from the coffee shops, bakeries and bike paths. Houses here are typically single-family homes; many of which are steeped in history. A sizable portion of the houses located in Heritage Square, an area of downtown (F and G streets), are either restored or replica-style homes from the turn-of-the-century. In addition to the single-family homes, there are apartments around the bustling downtown area. A good locale for foodies (there are over 40 eateries in the downtown area), wine lovers (there is a local wine cellar with frequent tastings and tours) and those moving with a little bit of lust for life.
West Village: Middle America at its best. West Village is made up of condos, apartments, townhomes and single-family homes (between 3 -5 bedrooms) and it’s the perfect place for relocators. The houses here offer up some generously sized yards and are perfect for renters looking for a little room to spread their wings in sunny California.
College Park: College Park (which is located in the southeast part of Oxnard) has condos, townhomes, some mobile homes and single-family homes (many built in the 1980s) available for rent. College Park is very affordable, with parks within its vicinity.
The Beaches: As with any beach front property, living here costs a pretty penny. After all, your backyard is filled with palm trees and almost every view is waterfront. But the view and the lifestyle are completely worth it. There are plenty of apartments and condos around here, as well as some single-family homes (typically two story with about 4 bedrooms or so). Living here is all about being laid back and taking in views of the islands (Channel Islands), the mountains and the sand. Popular beach areas include Hollywood Beach, Via Marina, Mandalay Beach and Silver Strand Beach.
Schlepping Through the Strawberry Capital:
Oxnard has a lot to offer in the way of public transportation. The major hub to Union Pacific, Amtrak, Greyhound, the Intercalifornia and the Metrolink, (California’s own commuter train - who needs the subway?), Oxnard residents can rely on the rail to get around. Freeways include the Ventura Freeway (or US 101), which is how most people maneuver in and around Oxnard. It also takes you LA or north to Santa Barbara. For a scenic drive to Malibu and all points south, drivers can take the famed Pacific Coast Highway.
Weather:
You know how you see pictures of celebrities wearing scarves in May and you ooze with jealousy? Don’t blame them, it’s the California weather. Moving here means putting up with the summer high in the ‘70s and wet and chilly winters. In other words, the weather here is about as sweet as the strawberries the city is known for.
