Considering a move from LA to Ventura (Vista: low crime, homes)

[Mjdmd]

I am seriously considering a move from LA to Ventura. Will have wife and our 3 small children (all under 5). Have read several posts but could still use some specific advice.
1) how are the public schools?
2) are the people friendly? Would it be easy to make friends?
3) fortunately we can afford pricier homes but are there places to live ogre than the hills with nicer homes close enough to downtown to walk?
4) is it getting safer?
5) dies it ever get warm enough to enjoy the beautiful beaches and ocean?

[HSP1161]

1) The public schools are a mixed bag, ranging from average to great. You need to be selective about where you plant to ensure you get a good track. That said, there are quite a few public alternatives (Mound, The Ventura Charter School, De Anza, Foothill Tech) but they are primarily lottery-based. I can't say enough great things about Loma Vista and Poinsettia Elementary schools, along with Cabrillo Middle School.

2) We moved here 7 months ago and have made quite a few friends, mainly through school and the neighborhood. Also some acquaintances via YMCA and some of the other community programs.

3) The areas walkable to downtown don't have the best of schools. In my opinion, this area in midtown offers the best combination of walkability (school, shopping and eateries), school quality, curb appeal and charm. A select few in this area have ocean views:



4) I haven't seen the latest crime stats yet. The latest figures on C-D are 2 years old and they show a decreasing trend over the final 3 years. Much of the crime in Ventura is on the westside ("the Avenue") or Montalvo. Petty theft from unlocked vehicles at the beaches is also common. We have two little kids (under 8) and live in midtown. My wife bikes to Ventura College 6 days a week, including nights, and jogs nearly every day - we've never felt unsafe. The county as a wholeModerator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowedis ranked #3nationally for low crime, but if safety is your absolute #1 priority, consider an alternate city. Chances are it won't be this close to the ocean.

5) Unquestionably yes. We've been coming to Ventura for three years and have enjoyed beach days in every single season. One of the best was my birthday last December enjoying a clear 70 degree day on the pier. That was when we finally decided to make the move

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Something to consider. We are building a new 325,000 square foot 6 story with a full basement hospital on the land just south of CMH. If you are in the area you can see our building site. The city's general plan is to replace the buildings in that area with up to 5 story mixed use buildings along Main street. The further that you get away from the hospital the shorter the buildings will become. Kind of a plan to have the hospital and area blend into the landscape. This will mostly affect commercial buildings and neighborhoods near them along Main street, Loma Vista, Thompson, up to Seaward to the west and from Brent street mainly near the 5 points area to the east. You can check with the city of Ventura to determine how that would change a current ocean view if and when the construction on the other buildings takes place.

Take a drive north of Loma Vista and up to Poli. You will find some very nice homes along there. If you want to walk to the beach it is a trek but something that can be done.

As far as making friends, I find that an interesting subject. I grew up in the area and have never had a problem finding new friends. If anything people seem to come from other areas and mention the fact that people they don't know will start talking to them, on an elevator, at a park, waiting in line somewhere. Maybe that is how we all grew up around here and think that is the norm. Apparently it is not and we are very differant than most places. I don't think you will have any problems making friends.

[HSP1161]

Further to #4:

The C-D data showed a decrease in crime from 2007-2009.

C-D pulls their info from the FBI crime stats, which are updated for 2010, showing a further decrease from 2009-2010 in Ventura:



So "is it getting safer?" Yes.

[HSP1161]

Originally Posted by OpenSky

3) The areas walkable to downtown don't have the best of schools. In my opinion, this area in midtown offers the best combination of walkability (school, shopping and eateries), school quality, curb appeal and charm. A select few in this area have ocean views

Doh! Midtown extends roughly to Mills, which constitutes about 50% of the area shown (the balance being the College Area):

[Cabguy]

Originally Posted by Mjdmd

I am seriously considering a move from LA to Ventura. Will have wife and our 3 small children (all under 5). Have read several posts but could still use some specific advice.
1) how are the public schools?
2) are the people friendly? Would it be easy to make friends?
3) fortunately we can afford pricier homes but are there places to live ogre than the hills with nicer homes close enough to downtown to walk?
4) is it getting safer?
5) dies it ever get warm enough to enjoy the beautiful beaches and ocean?

do it!