Oxnard vs. Riverside (San Diego, San Bernardino, Camarillo: apartments, how much, neighborhoods)

[Justhappytobehere]

I need some help figuring out where I should move. I have a job offer both in Oxnard, CA and Riverside, CA and I'm trying to figure out the best route to take. The pay will be the same in both locations. I understand the basics (ie. Oxnard has nicer weather, by the ocean, and slightly more expensive..whereas Riverside is slightly less expensive, hot in the summers, and inland).

Can anyone give me more of an insider's perspective?

[Vic Romano]

Originally Posted by Justhappytobehere

I need some help figuring out where I should move. I have a job offer both in Oxnard, CA and Riverside, CA and I'm trying to figure out the best route to take. The pay will be the same in both locations. I understand the basics (ie. Oxnard has nicer weather, by the ocean, and slightly more expensive..whereas Riverside is slightly less expensive, hot in the summers, and inland).

Can anyone give me more of an insider's perspective?

What is YOUR criteria on where you want to live? What is important to YOU? If you provide that then we can give you a better answer. Where do you live now and why do you live there?

[CA4Now]

The area around historic Riverside is beautiful. Here's a thread on Riverside from the San Bernardino/Riverside County subforum:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-b...-identity.html

Have only been to the Oxnard area while on vacation.

[LaJollaEast]

I grew up in Riverside, but left for college in San Diego in 1980 and stayed. I still have family living in Riverside so we visit quite often. Although there are nice areas in Riverside you can't do anything about the oppressive heat in the summer and the smog that hangs over the city when it is hot.

Personally I would pick Oxnard as long as you don't have to commute far for work.

[Ruth4Truth]

Have you visited both, OP? A good visit and curvey of neighborhoods could help you decide, if weather isn't so much of a factor.

[Vic Romano]

Originally Posted by Justhappytobehere

I love the ocean, but I also like the idea of my pay going further in Riverside. Although, I didn't notice a significant difference in cost of apartments and housing. Housing would have to be a little more out in the Fillmore area.

That doesn't really answer the question. Do you have a family? Kids? Schools important? Traffic? How far are you willing to commute? How much you willing to spend for housing? What is important to you?

Like I said we need more info.

[Jude24]

Originally Posted by Justhappytobehere

I love the ocean, but I also like the idea of my pay going further in Riverside. Although, I didn't notice a significant difference in cost of apartments and housing. Housing would have to be a little more out in the Fillmore area.

I'm not sure what you are looking for in community or climate, but there is quite a difference between Oxnard and Fillmore, also a bit of a commute. Fillmore is significantly hotter and much more rural. Oxnard is influenced much more by the ocean; cooler, more frequent fog/cloud cover, etc. Oxnard has most shopping options, medical, etc. and is close to Ventura, Camarillo, and places where there are quite a few activities. Fillmore is not a bad commute to Ventura most of the time, but a little more difficult to get into Oxnard. Both are not bad to get into L.A. if you want, considering SoCal traffic that is. Fillmore is a pretty nice small community and is sure to grow significantly. You should really check it out for yourself. I have not lived in Riverside, but have been there often over the past 40 or more years. I like the Ventura County area so much more than the Inland Empire, that I am probably not the best one to comment on that.

Good Luck!

[Vic Romano]

I guess the OP wasn't that happy to be here.

[alanadoodle]

Personally, I'd choose Oxnard. Ventura County is a great place to live. Riverside is more crowded, farther from the beach and can be smoggy. But it's really about what you want from an area.