Living In Ojai (Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Mira Monte: rental, insurance, houses)

[lvsseasand]

Does anyone here live in Ojai,Ca?...If so, could you please tell me what it is like?
Is is very rural?...also, is there any local culture? art galleries, theatre, farmers markets? How does it fair as to cost of living?

Thanx for the info!

[Gidget]

Hmmm...I think of Ojai as not just the City of Ojai proper but also the Ojai Valley, which includes the unicorporated communities of Mira Monte, Meiners Oaks, and Oak View. It's a semi-rural area with lots of orange and avocado orchards, and other agriculture, 4H and all that stuff. The city has local live theater, cultural events like Jazz in the Park, and is known for spas, golf and tennis tournaments. There is a movie theater in town and some nice, but expensive, dining. There are also quite a few events, such as the wine festival, held at Lake Casitas in the valley. The farmers' market is on Sundays, and there used to be one other day but not sure if that's still happening. Housing costs? Well, it's in southern California so it's expensive. Low end housing might be about $500,000. Average house, about $700,000. The City of Ojai does not permit franchises but there are some fast food places, Star Bucks, Rite Aid, Blockbuster, in Mira Monte. For most shopping needs we go into Ventura or Oxnard (Costco, Home Depot). But there is a great hardware store, where my husband spends lots of time.

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by lvsseasand

Does anyone here live in Ojai,Ca?...If so, could you please tell me what it is like?
Is is very rural?...also, is there any local culture? art galleries, theatre, farmers markets? How does it fair as to cost of living?

Thanx for the info!

Start here: ojai news :: The Ojai Post :: blog, newspaper, events in Ojai, California.

Tons of natural beauty, engaged citizens, artists, writers, very hot in summer, one way in and out, traffic is a big concern. Great bike path all the way to the ocean.

[earthwatersunwind]

Can I pick your brain?
How bad is traffic exactly? I was born and raised in Oxnard and Ventura, so I know Ojai, but I've never lived there. Also, how hot do the summers get? In your opinion, what is the danger of wildfire to "suburban" areas and homes in Ojai/Oakview?
We have been considering Ojai as a compromise, because my husband wants to back to Ventura, but I am desperate for somplace with 4 real seasons, access to snow in the winter for my kids, the beauty you can't find in the city. It's location, nearby to Ventura and Santa Barbara would be ideal, and living in a smaller town is something we both want. How would you say the schools are? And what would be the very biggest downside, in your opinion, other than the fire danger? Are your homeowner's insurance rates sky-high?
What are the places to avoid, currently? I'd love some inside information from you!

[Gidget]

Traffic - I've read other posts that mention Ojai as having a lot of traffic but I don't see it that way. I am lucky enough to live and work in the valley, and I rarely encounter anything I'd call real traffic. It does tend to back up a bit down in Casitas Springs but it's not bad.

Summers do get hot, especially in the east end of the valley, but normally we just have a hot spell (95 to 105) here and there during the summer. Last summer was horrendous, this summer was truly delightful.

We live in the middle of the valley and the only time we felt any possible threat from a wildfire was in 1985 I think, but of course the closer to the mountains you are, the more of a threat. Can't remember the loss of any houses due to wildfire, certainly not in the valley. And, no, our homeowner's insurance is not sky high.

Ojai, Meiners Oaks, and Mira Monte are all served by Ojai Unified Schools, and that district overall has a good reputation. In Oak View there is one elementary school and it is part of Ventura Unified. I would be too biased if I were to tell you what a fantastic school it is, so I won't.

Areas to stay away from? Parts of Casitas Springs, which isn't actually in the valley, are rather rough. Most of the valley is pretty decent overall.
IMHO the Ojai Valley is the nicest area in all of Ventura County, but again, it depends on what you like. I love that it's not crowded and that it is semi-rural. We have to drive to Ventura for any major shopping, but that's the only drawback, if you can call it that, to living here. Oh, ya, there is one more that probably wouldn't affect you at all, but affects us directly. There is no land to build on for under $260,000. So if you happen to be a one-at-a-time spec house builder then you are out of luck. Which means there is a fair chance we will be moving.

Otherwise, great place to raise kids, great place to be.

[Gidget]

No clue as to why the post icon on my just-sent post was a sad face. Accidental.

[nawlinsdude]

Hi, could anyone describe what the rental situation is like in Ojai, and where to look for the best deals and availability on rental housing? Also, what types of jobs are most plentiful there? I'm guessing resort work, holistic therapy, farm employment, education...? Is this place affordable for those whose incomes are under $50k?

[eekwine]

ojai is a wonderful rural, creative community- there are actually two ways out but if you depend on commuting to a job -- especially northbound, it can be unpredictable at times

[wrpote]

Remember the Ortega Trail?

[Capt. Dan]

Highway 33!!!!!!!!!Great drive!!!! All the way up to highway 58 at Carrizo Plains. Great day trip!