Vandenberg Village is nestled among the floral valleys in Santa Monica County, presenting an interesting contrast to the Vandenberg Air Force Base that wows those living in the area with the base's rocket launches. The area is also a provider to the commercial flower industry, which has become known as the "City of Arts & Flowers," "Valley of the Flowers," and is often coined the "flower seed capital of the world."
The community of approximately 6,500 is a census-designated area within the City of Lompoc. The bulk of residents is employed by the air force base, which is comprised of the 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) and the 30th Medical Group. In addition to its claim to fame for the vibrant blooms, the Chumash Native American Tribe designated the area Lum Poc, which translates to "Lagoon." A portion of the city, which incorporated in 1888, became known as the Lompoc Valley Land Company, which has emerged and remained as a temperance area. The other main section of the area is Vandenberg Village.
Moving to Vandenberg Village
Vandenberg Village is bustling, yet remains tranquil with plenty of open space. And the Pacific Ocean provides a natural source of recreational fun. The community is welcoming and has many upscale amenities that everyone from newlyweds to empty nesters can enjoy.
Buy or Rent in Vandenberg Village?
Some may prefer to buy when they are seeking places to live within the Vandenberg Village area. Others may opt for a house rental or find an apartment to start. In Vandenberg Village, there are some luxurious communities, such as Providence Landing, where the homes are well appointed and the community has a private pool and clubhouse for the residents' use. For those looking for a rental property, there are plenty of options within the area to choose from.
Many Rental Homes
In Vandenberg Village, house rentals are plentiful. You won't necessarily locate them all clustered into one neighborhood or complex. It's best to seek the assistance of real estate listings and Realtors to guide you in the direction of a particular home tailored for you. However, many apartments in the area are also spacious, with some offering up to three bedrooms. You may find some apartments with paid utilities. You may wish to select an apartment instead of a house, depending on your needs. If you work at the air force base, you might be interested in the Airmen Family Readiness Center, which can also assist with concerns.
Vandenberg Village Neighborhoods
Because Vandenberg Village is a census-designated place within the larger city of Lompoc, there are no designated neighborhoods to speak of. However, these apartment complexes each provide their own unique living experiences within the village.
Top Apartment Complexes
The Diplomat: Previously known as the Vandenberg Garden Apartments, this complex in Lompoc is between the valley and air force base. It is close to the Pacific Coast Highway and has many options available with short-term leases. If you have pets, the location is pet-friendly. The units come furnished or unfurnished and have refrigerators and disposals among some of their features. There are also two pools on the property. The Diplomat offers one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Some of the points of interest in the area include: the Village Shopping Center and the Village Farmers Market.
Windscape Village: This location has flexible leasing options. Windscape Village apartments in Lompoc, can be rented for one month, and with leases, can last up to one year. There are one- and two-bedroom units with covered parking offered. Among the amenities you'll find are two spas, two pools, tennis courts, picnic areas and a fitness center. It is conveniently located to the shopping areas, which are within walking distance. The City of Lompoc transit system is additionally within walking distance.
Woodstone Apartments: If you seek a pet-friendly location, Woodstone apartments, also in Lompoc, may be just right for you, particularly if you are looking for a one- or two-bedroom apartment. There's a pool, spa and fitness center to unwind in after returning from a busy day at work. The apartments are attractively designed with high ceilings, wood-accented cabinets, and granite countertops. Residents can also take advantage of concierge services available, from help with errands, to maid services, to help with your pets, and more. State Route 1, also known as the Cabrillo Highway, is less than a three-mile ride from the complex. The local Vons Grocery Store, and the Lompoc Plaza, with a variety of stores are located here.
Living in Vandenberg Village
The world is your oyster when you're living in the Vandenberg Village area. There are many enjoyable destinations to visit within a reasonable driving distance. Vandenberg Village has its own amenities surrounding the base, such as branch of the Lompoc Public Library. State Route 1 makes its way through the town, and then bypasses it because of the base. In addition to some small businesses that are scattered within this area, there is the White Oaks Hotel, and the Sage Restaurant & Bar on the grounds of the Village Country Club.
Golf
In the Vandenberg Village area itself is the deluxe Village Country Club. Golfers appreciate the 150-acre, 18-hole golf course. It's for members only, but it does offer limited equity and equity memberships. Otherwise, there is La Purisima Golf Course, which features 309-acres of green, a pro shop and a restaurant on-site.
Parks
The River Bend Park is more than 30 acres of ball fields and has a group barbecue area and The River Bend Bike Park. Another park in the city is the Ken Adam Park, 42 acres situated within Lompoc, Mission Hills and Vandenberg Village. A playground, volleyball and horseshoes area, picnic areas and more await you. La Purisima Mission State Historic Park emulates life in the 1820s and offers 25 miles of hiking trails.
Pools and Beaches
The Lompoc Aquatic Center is nearby with open swim, water slides, a therapy pool and swim lessons. For those seeking to be ocean bound, Point Sal SB State Park is only about a 40-minute ride north from Vandenberg Village, which affords the chance to take in fishing, hiking, and photography. Swimming is not recommended because of the rip currents and shark sightings. If you're looking for an ocean swim, Santa Barbara is about an hour south, with plenty of beaches for you to take a dip in.
Culture
Another point of interest is Solvang, a destination southeast of Vandenberg Village. It is immersed in Danish culture and filled with restaurants, shops and frequent Danish festivals. However, cultural immersion is as much as a stone's throw in Lompoc itself, with a bevy of restaurants featuring Continental, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Thai and Filipino cuisines.
