Oxnard Riverpark (Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, El Rio: condos, crime rate, hotel)

[SBRN]

My husband and I have been looking at a Riverpark Condo in Oxnard. It seems like a really nice community with schools and the prices do not seem to be too bad compared to what the list prices are for older condos in not as good neighborhoods in Oxnard. Would it be wise to buy into these homes or to wait a little bit? We're thinking of submitting a low ball offer since it seems as if the prices will probably drop more in the next six months. Do you know if the places are selling there or if these builders are getting desperate? Thanks.

[investtt]

There's not much sense in waiting. This is a cool off not a pop in the balloon. Home prices in Oxnard aren't going anywhere extreme soon- this means up or down!


What's there to lose? Submit a low ball!

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by investtt

There's not much sense in waiting. This is a cool off not a pop in the balloon. Home prices in Oxnard aren't going anywhere extreme soon- this means up or down!


What's there to lose? Submit a low ball!

I'd have to second this post by investtt. Oxnard is in a slump for the moment, but it won't last. Riverpark -- agree or disagree with the development -- is well underway and will be a city within a city when it's done, with all destinations close by even walking distance.

One thing you might consider is that this area of Oxnard will see tremendous change in the next years. Across the 101 from Riverpark, the Wagon Wheel area, is slated for a complete tear-down. Most of the businesses and residents have already moved out. It's supposed to be replaced with two possibly three 25-story high-rise condo buildings and several four to six story buildings, mixed use, a new transportation hub and train station. One-half mile down Oxnard Blvd at the old Levitz site, the Channel Islands Center is proposed with yet another mixed-use development including a 45-story skyscraper (hotel/condos/commercial).

Bottom line, buy in Riverpark, but consider the future for the immediate area. Some welcome it, some hate it. Ask yourself how you feel about it. Oxnard will be beyond recognition in a few years, and, barring a major catastrophe, property values will soar.

[SoCalMomma]

Did they ever solve the possible flooding issues at Riverpark? Its VERY close to the riverbed, and in a floodzone. I'd definitely check into that before buying anything there.

[movntoCA]

Just wondering - did you ever buy in River Park? We're moving from CO to CA (to be near family) and we're looking at the Promenade townhomes in River Park.

Anyone have any opinions about River Park from a native's perspective?

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by movntoCA

Just wondering - did you ever buy in River Park? We're moving from CO to CA (to be near family) and we're looking at the Promenade townhomes in River Park.

Anyone have any opinions about River Park from a native's perspective?

Opinions on River Park from a native's perspective. Well, if a city must grow, River Park begins to have the right idea, IMO, as it's not just another car-based, tract-house, suburban Hell hole. The development tries to provide a mixed-use sense, with housing walking distance to common destinations -- shopping, services, and ideally jobs. It also has the right idea in that the development is not gated, thus an integral part of the area as a whole for shopping, enjoying parks, and walking/biking on the future bike/ped network. Hopefully River Park will also have a positive affect on the neighboring, unincorporated, El Rio, which has a history of crime problems, including gangs.

River Park's controversy surrounds its physical location -- next to a river in what normally would be a sensitive ecological zone, plus protected from the river by only a levy. There are two dams upstream; there have been dam breaks in the past that flooded the river for 50 miles all the way to the ocean. Part of River Park is also built on what was for decades a quarry and cement mixing facility.

Bottom line, were I to buy in River Park, I'd want answers to questions about impacts from floods in the river, consequences of living on or near a former raw-materials processing/industrial site, and what's being done to deal with crime issues in El Rio. Generally, west Ventura County is a great place to live. Good luck!

[movntoCA]

Thanks for your honest opinions. I've been searching the internet for any other opinions about the development. The most recurring one is a guy who HATES River Park and everything it's doing. Is it really that bad?

He says that there are huge discrepancies in price promotions and that it will never be built to its vision. Is this the way most people feel?

How about some good news?

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by movntoCA

Thanks for your honest opinions. I've been searching the internet for any other opinions about the development. The most recurring one is a guy who HATES River Park and everything it's doing. Is it really that bad?

He says that there are huge discrepancies in price promotions and that it will never be built to its vision. Is this the way most people feel?

How about some good news?

Can you share links to the content you're referring to?

[katie45]

Oxnard has received a bad rap over the years; mainly due to crime. And unfortunately it is a high crime area. If you like a particular area of Oxnard, talk to the local residents, check out the police reports and do as much homework as you can before making the plunge. No place is perfect, just make sure it's perfect for you and your family.

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by katie45

Oxnard has received a bad rap over the years; mainly due to crime. And unfortunately it is a high crime area.

Actually, Oxnard is not a "high-crime area"; that's a misnomer. Oxnard is 2, 3, and 4 times bigger than the neighboring cities, but crime per thousand residents is lower than Santa Barbara. For its size, the crime rate in Oxnard is far below the national average for cities of similar size, 200,000 population. You are no less safe in Oxnard than any other city in the area. You may even be safer.

Oxnard is not a homogeneous city like Thousand Oaks. It's important to avoid broad-brush descriptions of Oxnard because there is tremendous variety in the city. Look around and find a part of the city that suits you. Avoid the parts that don't suite you. Simple. But don't look at one area and decide for the whole city. Oxnard is too big and varied for that kind of decision making.