Retiring in Ventura County
As you start your research on the best places to retire in California, you need to take all the key elements of a great retirement into account to find a place you can live a happy, healthy life.
During your research, you’ll likely confirm what you already know – there are many large, metropolitan areas in California. And there are many misplaced beliefs about what it means to retire in or near a metropolitan area of California, too. For instance, many people assume that large metropolitan areas are beyond their reach. That’s not necessarily the case. Areas such as Ventura County, which is adjacent to Los Angeles, offer some of the best places to retire in California.
Ventura County provides an attractive retirement location. It’s close to the city of Los Angeles and all its attractions, but without the frustrations of big city life. Along with upscale communities, Ventura County is also just a short drive from the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and, for those who do aspire to live in a beach town, Ventura County has beautiful oceanfront public beaches and upscale neighborhoods.
Your Ventura County retirement options include private real estate as well as luxury retirement communities with independent and supportive living. Whatever location or lifestyle you choose, Ventura County is safe, affordable and has some of the best amenities available, including excellent public transportation and highly rated healthcare systems.
Click through the following sections to learn more about each of these aspects of life in Ventura County. You just might discover why Ventura County makes a great retirement destination:
Ventura County’s cost of living will surprise you
Cost of Living
As you search for the ideal retirement location, you’ll undoubtedly want to know more about the cost of living for all the areas under consideration. Many believe that the cost of living in Ventura County, California, is beyond their reach; however, when factoring in what cost-of-living really includes or doesn’t include, you may be pleasantly surprised at the opportunities open to you.
If you consider living near the Los Angeles area to be important criteria for retirement, but at a slower pace where you have more time, space to relax and meet people with common interests, then Ventura County could be the perfect location according to forum users at city-data.com. In answer to the question, “Is it expensive to live in Ventura, CA?,” Quora forum user Scott Sharp, a Ventura resident, shared:
“As a California native … [Ventura] is a slightly lower cost of living than any neighboring beach area. … Ventura has a lot going for it, relatively little change in temperature year-round, a beautiful beach, much more small-town feel than many other beach area cities. So, as far as the cost to live here, it’s not priced like living in the Midwest, but it’s not nearly as costly as most beach areas.”
Echoing what Mr. Sharp points out, the cost of living in Ventura, CA, skews higher because it’s an area that’s highly desirable. Unique metropolitan areas such as Ventura County have a higher cost of living because people want to live there more than they want to live in small towns and rural areas such as those in the Midwest and other similar locations. Ventura County, California, offers plenty of beaches, world-class cultural events, a wide variety of delicious food choices and conveniently located healthcare options – all in a locale with near-perfect weather.
Ventura County also boasts a number of desirable towns and communities that are popular with retirees. Two communities that are great retirement choices in Ventura County, California, are Simi Valley and Westlake Village. In general, Simi Valley and Westlake Village both include all the benefits Ventura Country has to offer, but let’s examine each of them specifically so you get a better idea of cost of living.
Simi Valley Cost of Living
Simi Valley is a short drive from Ventura County’s beaches and is adjacent to several open space parks, making it an ideal location. But even with its high desirability, Simi Valley residents enjoy a cost of living index that is only 7% higher than California’s average.
When calculating the cost of living index in any city, the majority of the cost is associated with housing and goods/services which accounts for a vast majority of the formula. Ultimately, this means that the general cost of living for any city can be estimated by determining the cost of everyday goods and services. According to areavibes.com, for Simi Valley residents this translates into an average cost (of goods and services) that is comparable to California’s average and only 12% higher than the national average.
Taxes and Cost of Living
When you consider the overall cost of living expenses in Ventura, CA, it’s important to also consider California’s sales tax and income tax. Sales tax rates vary from state to state, with some states – Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon – having 0.00% sales tax rates. The majority of states, however, charge some form of sales tax. In California, the sales tax rate is 7.25% with a maximum surtax of 10.5%.
Income taxes also vary from state to state as well, with some states – Washington, Nevada, Alaska, Wyoming, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Florida and New Hampshire – having no state income tax. However, investment income (interest and dividends) is taxed in Tennessee and New Hampshire. California state income tax rates range between 1% and 13.3% depending on the tax bracket in which a person’s income falls.
Another positive, especially for retirees is that Social Security benefits are excluded from the state income tax in California. That could result in significant savings for some individuals and couples who choose to retire in Ventura County, making the cost of living even more affordable.
Ventura, CA, Cost of Living and Desirability
Sure, the cost of living for Ventura County is higher than the state’s average and the national average, but more than 850K people have chosen to live in and retire to Ventura County, CA, because of the location, safety and overall high quality of life found there. After weighing their options, they’ve decided that the climate, proximity to beaches and all the amenities that can be enjoyed in the area more than compensate for the increased cost of living.
Plus, for those who choose to live in a continuum of care or active-retirement community, additional amenities such as healthcare, dining, transportation and other services are already included in the housing and utilities costs at a controlled rate. In other words, with these costs already included, the higher cost of living index percentages may not indicate the actual cost of living for retirees. Most of the cost of everyday goods and services – the major part of the higher cost of living associated with the area – is already covered in senior living community costs. In fact, the median costs for Ventura County senior living communities are essentially equivalent to national rates.
In addition to the services included in senior living communities, many brand new communities, such as Varenita, are seeking to elevate adults’ lifestyles even more. To do so, they’re offering comparatively low prices for a luxury, concierge-living lifestyle. For more information on affordability and cost of living for retirees in luxury communities, feel free to contact us. We can help you visualize your costs and the benefits a move will bring.
Ventura County Is Home to Some of California’s Safest Cities
Safety
It has become a pop cultural myth that Los Angeles and its surrounding suburbs have high crime rates and are unsafe places to live. However, statistics show again and again that crime rates in Los Angeles are low compared to many other major US cities and have been on the decline for many years.
Nonetheless, Los Angeles is very different from surrounding counties such as Ventura County, which has been a safe place to live, work, play and retire for many years. Ventura County crime rates, including the cities of Simi Valley and Westlake Village, paint a bright picture for older adults looking forward to using their retirement to engage in more social or civic activities, pursue interests, enjoy the company of grandkids or simply relax without the rigors and stresses of a work life.
Ventura County Crime Statistics
Crime rates vary across the state of California, however, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reports that the property and violent crime rates in California are falling. They’re even lower than they were 50 years ago. That means that, as a whole, California is becoming a safer place to live and retire.
According to the PPICs latest figures, the lowest rates of crime – property and violent – were on the South Coast, naming specifically Imperial, Orange, San Diego and Ventura Counties.
The Ventura County crime rate is lower than the national rate. On a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime), violent crime in Ventura County is 16.6 compared to the national rate of 22.7. Violent crime in California is rated at 25.2. This means that Ventura County crime rates are substantially lower than the state itself. The county’s property crime is 30.2 compared to the state’s 37.1 and the national rate of 35.4.
With lower average crime rates, Ventura County is one of the safer places to live both compared to the state of California and to the United States as a whole.
When looking at the Ventura County crime statistics provided by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, violent crime and property crime have seen an overall decrease in the last several years. Those statistics get even better when you start comparing life in individual towns within Ventura County. Two of residents’ favorites are Westlake Village and Simi Valley.
Simi Valley Safety
Just north of Westlake Village is Simi Valley, which Niche.com lists as the #7 in the best places to raise a family in Ventura County.
One resident shared this about their experience of life in Simi Valley, “This town has always had a history as one of the safest cities in America. I have loved growing up in a small community where you will always see someone you know when you go out to a restaurant or bar.” Another resident even said, “I appreciate the stable and reassuring environment. I feel like I could leave my doors open and not worry about someone coming to steal from me.”
Simi Valley borders several open space parks, which give its residents beautiful views that they can enjoy from their homes or while enjoying public areas. Residents rarely worry about safety while at home or out and about.
Retire Safely in Ventura County
Ventura County is a safe place to live for both young families and older adults, and it is getting safer year by year. Do you want to know something even more comforting? Ventura County residents of retirement age – those over the age of 50 – have the lowest rates of violent crime victimization of any other age group in the nation.
Explore Ventura County
Public Transit
Transportation is an important issue for many and can become even more so as you move further into your retirement. As you consider your options of where to retire, Ventura County, California, has you covered if you want to maintain your independence with or without driving every day.
Retirement Community Transportation
The majority of adults who live in a retirement community don’t even need to consider Ventura County public transit, as most of their transportation is taken care of by the community. For example, most retirement communities offer:
- Group transportation to recreational and cultural events
- Scheduled transportation to major shopping and public events
- Transportation to doctor’s offices and medical appointments
The transportation services available in Ventura County retirement communities are often cited as one of the reasons adults choose to move from an independent home. Community transportation is simple, easy and convenient.
However, for those who want other transportation options, Ventura County, as well as individual cities, offer plenty of options.
Ventura County Transit
The Ventura County Department of Transportation (VCDT) provides several types of public transportation that can help you get where you need to go. The VCTC (Ventura County Transportation Commission) Intercity covers six intercity commuter bus routes across Ventura County. Ventura bus routes also offer service to Warner Center and Santa Barbara. Buses are wheelchair accessible, have comfortable reclining seats and provide free Wi-Fi. Click here for the Ventura County bus schedule and here for information concerning the purchase of a Ventura bus pass.
Additionally, regional and national rail service is provided in and out of the city of Ventura by Amtrak and Metrolink. Metrolink also provides connecting service to LAX.
Gold Coast Transit, formerly known as SCAT, provides fixed-route bus services in Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Port Hueneme and unincorporated areas of Ventura County. All buses are senior- and disability-friendly.
The VCAAA (Ventura County Area Agency on Aging) can provide transportation tickets to older adults (age 60 and older) and disabled individuals free of charge. Click here to learn more about the ElderHelp Transportation program which includes fixed-route bus tickets and Dial-A-Ride tickets (paratransit).
Perhaps you’ve never used public transit before and you’re finding yourself overwhelmed with the prospect. Not to worry! If you need a little help navigating the public transit system for any reason, free travel training assistance is available. Or, if you’d prefer to simplify things even more, consider a luxury senior living community in Ventura County that offers concierge services as well as transportation to make getting around simple and easy.
Simi Valley Transit
Simi Valley Transit (SVT) offers a fixed-route bus service with connections to Ventura County VCTC-East County and Los Angeles County’s METRO, making it easy for residents to enjoy not only Simi Valley, but big city attractions as well. Online trip planning assistance is available forhref=”http://socaltransport.org/tm_pub_start.php” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Los Angeles County. Click here for Simi Valley bus schedules and route maps. One Simi Valley resident had this to say about exploring surrounding towns while living in Simi Valley:
“While there is much to explore in this city, there are also very nearby surrounding cities with that much more. You can travel out of Simi for a day and explore the busy cities around it and feel relieved in the comfort of coming back home to your quiet, cozy city at night.”
Simi Valley Transit also provides specialized transportation services to older adults and those with disabilities. Persons aged 65 and older, Medicare cardholders and those with an ADA-certified disability may obtain reduced fares – half price – on SVT fixed-route buses. All buses are ADA-accessible with wheelchair accessible seating and ramps.
SVT also offers CONNECT InterCity services. Passengers aged 65 and older and certified-ADA individuals can now travel across most of eastern Ventura County and never worry about transferring between transit providers.
Amtrak provides services out of the Simi Valley train station. The station is served by Coast Starlight train and Pacific Surfliner with connections to Metrolink and Simi Valley Transit. Many individuals and couples who retire in Ventura County are particularly happy with Simi Valley’s train station because it makes it easy to take trips throughout the state to visit relatives or simply go sightseeing.
Public Transit in Ventura County
With so many options, it’s easy to see that you’ll have all your transportation needs met when you decide to retire to Ventura County. Whether you’d prefer the ease and luxury of transportation from a retirement community or the adventure of taking a train, Ventura County public transit makes it possible for everyone to travel they way they prefer.
Great People and a Great Place to Retire
Meeting People
The idea of moving to a new city, across town or even to a different part of the same neighborhood can seem daunting, but getting involved socially is one of the best ways to feel at home. Ventura County, CA, is one of the best areas in the country to do so. In Ventura County, there are multiple ways you can meet like-minded people and develop new friendships.
Some of the most popular ways to meet people include attending activities at local parks, recreation areas, retirement communities and senior centers with planned events. How easy it is to meet people is just one of the reasons why people often describe Ventura County as a great place to live and retire:
“Ventura is a wonderful place for younger children to grow up and the perfect place for retirement. It’s mellow, but has just enough entertainment around to keep it interesting.”
Getting to Know People Through Outdoor and Recreational Events
With its ideal weather conditions and abundance of natural beauty, Ventura County is the perfect locale for anyone who wants to lead an active lifestyle. There are numerous parks and recreation departments located in various cities throughout Ventura County. Each of them offers a wide range of recreational activities, both indoors and out.
For example, the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District, located in Simi Valley, provides a variety of age 50+ programs, excursions, classes and workshops. These activities and programs are held in Simi Valley and Oak Park, with most events taking place at the Simi Valley Senior Center.
Many people in Ventura County meet and become friends due to a shared love of the outdoors, especially while visiting beaches and local parks or attending outdoor events. One resident described the area as a community where everyone knows everyone:
“Full of kind, ocean-loving people that love to enjoy their days off in the sun. Everyone knows everyone and people are always willing to help you get to where you need to go.”
Meet People While Learning
You don’t need to meet people while spending time outside, however. Many older adults have a desire to continue learning and would like to meet people through educational pursuits. There are plenty of opportunities to meet peers while learning through Ventura County’s educational institutions.
For example, CI Extended University offers non-credit programs in Ventura County through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLI courses cover a wide range of topics including sciences, the arts, social sciences and others. Nearby in Los Angeles, OASIS, a national organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to persons over the age of 50, offers additional lifelong learning opportunities.
Volunteer with Like-Minded Neighbors
Volunteer activities provide opportunities to meet other caring individuals who share your passion for wanting to help others. The Oxnard Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is dedicated to assisting individuals age 55 and older find meaningful volunteer opportunities that match their interests, talent and available time.
Expand Your Social Circle at the Simi Valley Senior Center or Your Retirement Community
The Simi Valley Senior Center offers many services and activities which provide enrichment and learning opportunities. The center is committed to enriching and improving the lives of adults 50 years of age or older by offering lifelong learning programs, art classes, computer classes, outings and excursions, health services, exercise classes, meal programs and so much more. One Simi Valley Senior Center participant had this to say on Yelp:
“I don’t think you can find a better place to get help or better teachers…. I am taking a watercolor class, mix media class, wood carving class, exercise class and ceramics. Every teacher is helpful and kind.”
While many adults enjoy senior centers, other retirees don’t need them. For example, residents of retirement communities in Simi Valley and Westlake Village typically have activity and event calendars that are hosted by their community. Activities might be held in the community itself with visiting experts leading classes or programs, while others are at off-site cultural events with provided transportation. Other popular events are the fitness and wellness classes that are especially popular in retirement communities because they customize every class for individual residents to maximize their abilities.
At retirement communities, residents attend the activities they’re passionate about, easily meeting neighbors who have similar interests. Once residents meet and make new friends, it’s convenient to spend more time together in the future because they live in senior apartments on the same campus and can enjoy the common amenities and services.
Other Social Opportunities for Adults in Ventura County
Meeting people in Ventura County doesn’t just happen through senior centers or outdoor activities. As a metropolitan area, Ventura County and the towns inside it, including Ventura, CA, Simi Valley and Westlake Village all offer many different ways for you to engage and connect with new friends.
For example, there are also several branches of the YMCA located throughout Ventura County that offer activities and programs. Each YMCA provides outings, lunches, meetups and workout opportunities. Throughout the month, you’ll also find free seminars and workshops. Be sure to check out their Your Y at Home for Active Older Adults page.
Another avenue to connect with others who are focused on specific interests is through meetup.com. Meetup groups cover a wide variety of interests. Groups vary greatly in size as well – from a few members to more than a thousand. Not sure where to begin? How about the Ventura County Active Seniors group? They offer a variety of activities such as hiking, cultural events, movies and festivals. Their activities, which are focused on the over-50 crowd cover a broad range of topics.
Meet People While Doing What You Love
Whether you’re looking for clubs, classes or just a few new friends to meet for coffee or lunch, there are lots of opportunities to meet people through Ventura events or activities. More than anything else, it’s the people you’ll meet in Ventura County that make it a great place to retire. A reviewer on Niche.com said it best:
“Unlike many other California cities, Ventura has a sense of “home” to it, with helpful residents and a community that stands for each other.”
Remarkable Care in a Remarkable Location
Medical Care
Quality healthcare is essential at any age but as you get older, having easy and convenient access to top hospitals and healthcare service centers becomes increasingly important. Ventura County, CA, offers some of the best medical care in the nation and there are several Ventura hospitals from which to choose.
Residents are regularly impressed with Ventura County’s medical options. One resident mentioned healthcare as one of the area’s growing industries:
“Ventura is built in between the Santa Monica hillside and the beach. It contains many growing industries such as strong agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing sectors paired with a growing tech industry.”
High Quality, Local Not-For-Profit Healthcare
While healthcare is growing in Ventura County, that doesn’t mean it’s all big business. In fact, many of the top medical centers in the area are nonprofits. For example, Saint John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and Saint John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo are both part of the Dignity Health group – Ventura County’s largest acute health care organization. Dignity Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system that was founded more than a century ago.
One of the best hospitals in the state of California, Saint John’s Regional Medical Center, has received many awards and accolades. Saint John’s has been rated among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care for five consecutive years and was the recipient of the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence between the years of 2012 and 2015. As a STEMI Receiving Center, their innovative cardiac program provides effective treatments for heart disease. Saint John’s Regional Medical Center is also:
- A certified primary stroke center
- The first hospital in California to use the world’s smallest leadless pacemaker for bradycardia patients
- The first hospital in California to offer cryoablation to treat atrial fibrillation
- Recognized as a Center of Excellence for the treatment of lung cancer
- Accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
An easy half-hour drive from Simi Valley, California, and 25 minutes from Westlake Village, Saint John’s Regional Medical Center offers excellent care for individuals of all ages, especially those enjoying their retirement years.
Their sister hospital, Saint John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital, is also an award-winning hospital. They’ve been recognized through accolades over the last several years including:
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- The Stroke Elite Honor Roll from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association
- Designation as a Certified Primary Stroke Center
- Designation as an Accredited Chest Pain Center
- Being named as a Center of Distinction for their Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Healing Center
- Being recognized by the American Associate of Critical Care Nurses for their ICU
- Another nonprofit, Community Memorial Hospital has been serving Ventura County since 1902. After their merger with Ojai Valley Community Hospital, they became Community Memorial Health System (CMHS) – an expansive healthcare system that serves the needs of Ventura County, CA, residents. CMHS is a not-for-profit, community-owned organization and, as such, their main priority is the communities they serve, not a corporation or government entity.
As part of the Adventist Health system that serves more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii, Adventist Health Simi Valley is a faith-based, not-for-profit organization. Based on the values of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, their innovative program focuses on the health of the whole person – physical, mental, social and spiritual.
Diverse Medical Options in Ventura County
In addition to the high quality, not-for-profit healthcare available in Ventura County, residents can leverage an array of services from other institutions. One resident loved the area because of its proximity to medical care: “I love this area. It is very close to stores and hospitals.”
One of the nearby hospitals, Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) offers an integrated and comprehensive system of services including a clinic, specialty services and a hospital. Known for its Family Medicine Residency Program, VCMC is the only academic teaching hospital in Ventura County that has a residency affiliated with UCLA’s School of Medicine. This means that the services they provide are on the cutting edge of medicine. Designated as a Level II Trauma Center, their distinguished trauma team includes general surgery, orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery. VCMC was the first hospital in Ventura County to be recognized for meritorious outcomes in surgical patient care in 2017.
Also located in Ventura County and affiliated with VCMC is Santa Paula Hospital. Santa Paula is a small neighborhood hospital offering a comprehensive list of inpatient and outpatient services.
Professional, Accessible and Affordable Healthcare in Ventura County, CA
Between these and all the other hospitals, clinics and specialty healthcare service providers located in various cities throughout Ventura County, CA, you’ll never have to travel far to receive the care you need. These facilities are committed to providing compassionate and professional care that leads to easy and fast recoveries. If you choose to make Ventura County your home, you can rest easy knowing that any health concern you may encounter will be managed with exceptional compassion, skill and care.
Health is a part of life in Ventura County for retirees, adults and children alike. According to one resident:
“Its people are diverse and there is a good, there’s emphasis on healthy living and it is very family friendly.”
If access to the best medical care available is one of the more important factors for deciding on where to retire, then Ventura County should be a preeminent location for consideration.
Cultural Events and Entertainment Opportunities Galore
Recreation & Culture
Ventura County, CA, is an amazing cultural hub filled with activities and destinations that offer year-round enjoyment – enough, in fact, to keep you busy for many lifetimes. Wherever your interests lie, from food, music, film, theater and museums to sports or outdoor activities, retirees in Ventura County will find plenty of activities to fill your days with relaxation, fun and lots of social activities.
Located on the Pacific Coast, Ventura County has a year-round Mediterranean-like climate that makes it a great location for older adults who are cultural or outdoor enthusiasts.
Ventura County Beaches
Ventura County has miles and miles of picturesque coastline that adults can take advantage of. One resident described the city of Ventura as:
“A beautiful town on the beach with a really chill vibe. There is a lot to do in this vibrant community, and it is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the LA lifestyle which is not too far away if you are seeking more entertainment.”
Some of the most popular beaches in the area include:
Laid-back and low-key are adjectives often used to describe Ventura County and its inhabitants, especially when compared to nearby Los Angeles. One yelp user had this to say about Ventura State Beach:
“The water is clean … reminded me of the waters of Hawaii as the waves crashed. … Similar to the feel of the uncrowded secret beach I go to in Malibu, except this one has restrooms and a shower. One of those places that gives you a feeling of a vacation. It’s a laidback environment and a low-key crowd that doesn’t feel like anything like LA. The reason I love the Oxnard and Ventura areas.”
Ventura County has over a dozen beaches you can visit on your own or with family and friends. Retirees often enjoy spending time at the beach or in the city with nearby family or those who are in town for a visit. Building sandcastles with the grandchildren is a favorite activity in the area.
Local Hiking Trails
California is known for its hiking both in the mountains and in relaxing areas where adults can enjoy a casual stroll through nature. Ventura County offers plenty of both types of hiking opportunities with trails of varying lengths, difficulties and scenery. You’ll find amazing hiking trails, running trails, mountain bike trails and more. Alltrails.com offers lists of the best trails all over the country. Here are links for trails in Ventura, Westlake Village and Simi Valley. They also provide hand-curated trail maps and driving directions. Most trails are bike and dog friendly. A long-time resident said:
“I love Ventura, the weather is always lovely and the community is friendly. Plenty of opportunities for education and activities. Beautiful hikes with beach views and an encouraging outdoor dynamic.”
Education and Skill-Building Opportunities
In addition to outdoor activities, Ventura County has many educational institutions where adults can learn a new skill or take a class for fun. A few of the colleges and universities in Ventura County include:
In addition to these more local colleges and universities, Ventura County residents also have access to some of the most respected educational organizations in the country, such as the University of California Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, both located in nearby Los Angeles. Pepperdine University is also a short drive away in Malibu.
Each of these colleges and universities allows you to not only attend, but also enjoy the cultural events they bring into the area. Sports fans can check out each of the school’s teams and find one or more to support during the upcoming seasons.
Entertainment and Museums
Like other areas in California, Ventura County also has a highly developed entertainment culture, including live entertainment. From music venues such as the New West Symphony in Thousand Oaks to the Ventura Theater, there are musical events for every taste and preference. Try one you’re interested in, or attend an event with friends or family. If you’re lucky enough to live in a Ventura retirement community, you’ll likely be introduced to other live events through the community’s entertainment calendar.
If learning about history or art is more your style, consider visiting some of Ventura County’s museums. You can find a full list of museums here, which span a broad spectrum of subjects including local history, agriculture, art, airplanes, ships, trains, military and more.
Big City Recreation in a Quiet Setting
Ventura County’s beautiful, quiet towns like Simi Valley and Westlake Village are regularly listed as top places to live in the area and often attract adults who want to enjoy more activities in their retirement years.
In addition to all the activities offered in Ventura County itself, adults who retire in Ventura County have easy access to nearby Los Angeles, which is world-renowned for its cultural events and entertainment opportunities. A current resident described it best:
“Ventura has some of the best beaches I’ve seen in a while. A lot of great and new shopping centers within close proximity. New housing construction is constantly in effect. Nestled in between amazing cities like Santa Barbara, Malibu and Los Angeles; you have the ability to venture out and explore with loved ones or simply by yourself. Love the area.”