Thousand Oaks, located in Ventura County, California, is known for its scenic beauty, family-friendly environment, and suburban charm. With over 120,000 residents, it is the second-largest city in the county.
The city’s name is derived from the abundance of oak trees, and it stands as one of the greenest areas in the state. People are often drawn to Thousand Oaks for its close-knit community vibe and proximity to major cities like Los Angeles, offering a peaceful suburban lifestyle with access to urban amenities.
Thousand Oaks’ rich history includes its evolution from a ranching town to a modern suburban community, preserving its natural beauty with over a third of the land dedicated to open spaces. Residents enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate the balance between nature and urban convenience.
Cost of Living in Thousand Oaks
The cost of living in Thousand Oaks, CA is notably higher than the national and California averages, driven largely by the city’s high housing costs. The overall cost of living in Thousand Oaks is approximately 87% above the national average, with housing being a major contributor, sitting at around 255% higher than the national average.
The median home price in Thousand Oaks as of 2024 is approximately $1.1 million, and rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment typically hover around $2,000 monthly. Groceries, transportation, and utilities also contribute to the elevated living expenses, with utilities costing about $160 per month for a modest apartment, while gasoline prices range between $4.57 and $5.95 per gallon.
In terms of daily expenses, food and dining can also be relatively expensive. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs about $20, while a mid-range three-course meal for two averages $90. Grocery prices are equally high, with basic items such as a gallon of milk costing around $4.52, and a dozen eggs about $4.00.
Healthcare costs are 7.9% higher than the national average, with visits to a doctor averaging $126. These factors make Thousand Oaks a premium area to live in, particularly for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with proximity to Los Angeles.
Safety in Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks is widely regarded as a safe city, with crime rates that are significantly lower than both state and national averages. The overall crime rate in Thousand Oaks is around 12 per 1,000 residents, making it safer than approximately 71% of California communities.
Violent crime in Thousand Oaks is particularly low, with only 1 violent crime per 1,000 people, giving residents a 1 in 1,635 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. This rate is far below the national median, making Thousand Oaks a safe place for families and individuals alike.
The property crime rate is also lower than the national average, with a rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, including incidents like motor vehicle theft and burglary.
Education in Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks offers excellent educational opportunities, particularly through its highly regarded public schools. The Conejo Valley Unified School District serves the city and is known for its high-performing schools.
For the 2024 school year, Thousand Oaks boasts several top-rated schools, with public institutions like Westlake High School and Thousand Oaks High School ranking in the top 20% of schools in California.
Westlake High is especially recognized for its academic performance, with strong test scores in math and reading, placing it among the top public high schools in the state. Additionally, the city has a wide variety of private schools, providing families with options depending on their preferences for education.
Job Market and Employment
The job market in Thousand Oaks, CA, remains stable and promising for 2024, with a steady unemployment rate of 3.2%.
This low unemployment figure reflects consistent job growth across several industries, particularly in professional and business services, which added 120 new jobs in January.
The leisure and hospitality sectors also contributed, adding 80 new positions. Additionally, the healthcare and education sectors showed modest gains, emphasizing the demand for jobs in these critical areas. Thousand Oaks’ job market offers opportunities in various fields, from healthcare practitioners to business operations and technology.
Outdoor Activities and Nature
Thousand Oaks, CA, offers a wealth of outdoor activities and natural beauty, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The city is home to the stunning Wildwood Regional Park, which spans over 1,700 acres and features 14 trails covering 17 miles, offering everything from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The park is a popular destination for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even summer day camps.
Wildwood Park is also known for its picturesque Paradise Falls, a 40-foot waterfall that attracts visitors year-round. Whether you’re looking for a stroll through scenic landscapes or a more strenuous outdoor adventure, Wildwood provides ample opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Conejo Valley.
Cultural and Entertainment Venues
Thousand Oaks is home to a vibrant cultural scene, anchored by the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, which is one of the largest performing arts venues between Los Angeles and San Francisco. This center includes the 1,800-seat Fred Kavli Theatre and the 394-seat Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre.
Together, they host over 400 performances annually, including touring Broadway shows, ballet, symphonic concerts, and community events. The center also features art exhibitions in its lobby, showcasing both local and international artists. In addition to major performances, the center plays a vital role in the local cultural landscape by supporting educational programs and children’s events.
Real Estate Market
The real estate market in Thousand Oaks, CA continues to experience steady growth in 2024, with the median home price hovering around $1.1 million. This marks a consistent increase from previous years, though the rapid price escalations seen during the height of the pandemic have begun to moderate.
Thousand Oaks remains a seller’s market, with many homes receiving multiple offers, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods like Westlake Village and Triunfo Canyon. Despite the rising home prices, inventory is gradually increasing, which could lead to a more balanced market later in the year. This means that while demand remains strong, buyers may have more options moving forward.
Weather and Climate
Thousand Oaks enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making it a comfortable place to live year-round. Average high temperatures range from 65°F in the winter months to about 78°F during the summer.
Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 45°F, while summers remain warm but not excessively hot, peaking in the low 80s. Rainfall is minimal, with most precipitation occurring between December and March, where January averages around 1.81 inches of rain. Summers are typically dry, and the area sees an average of about 16.5 inches of rainfall annually.
Community and Lifestyle
Thousand Oaks offers a vibrant community and a high quality of life, drawing families and individuals alike to its suburban charm. The city is known for its strong sense of community, with nearly 88% of residents affirming that they feel a good connection to their neighbors. Family-oriented activities, community events, and excellent public schools contribute to this friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal environment for raising children.
The city also boasts low unemployment rates (around 3%) and a high median household income of over $124,000, well above state and national averages, reflecting the overall affluence and stability of the area. Thousand Oaks is diverse, with a mix of ethnic backgrounds, and about 20% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, adding to the rich cultural fabric of the city.
Final Thoughts
In summary, living in Thousand Oaks offers an exceptional quality of life, particularly for families and individuals seeking a peaceful suburban environment with easy access to nature and urban amenities.
The city’s commitment to preserving green spaces, such as its 150 miles of hiking trails and the protection of over 50,000 oak trees, makes it one of California’s greenest cities. The low crime rate, excellent public schools, and family-friendly events like the summer concerts in the park further solidify Thousand Oaks as an ideal place to raise a family.
Additionally, its proximity to Los Angeles allows residents to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while still being close to major city attractions.
Financially, living in Thousand Oaks requires careful planning due to its high cost of living, with housing prices significantly above the national average. However, the investment is often seen as worthwhile given the city’s offerings. Residents benefit from a strong job market with major employers like Amgen and SAGE Publishing, as well as cultural hubs like the Civic Arts Plaza. Overall, Thousand Oaks provides a well-balanced lifestyle with ample opportunities for recreation, career growth, and family life.
If you’re planning to move to Thousand Oaks, hiring a professional moving company in Thousand Oaks can make the process much smoother. Not only will they efficiently transport your belongings, but many moving companies are familiar with the city and can help you get settled in while showing you the best routes and local amenities.