The Lakes Shopping Center, Thousand Oaks
Location and Communities
The Conejo Valley, 39 miles north and west of Los Angeles, straddles the Los Angeles – Ventura County line. The Ventura County portion covers the incorporated City of Thousand Oaks, which includes the areas of Westlake Village and Newbury Park. Outside the city limits lie Hidden Valley, Lake Sherwood and Oak Park, all within Ventura County. The Los Angeles County section of the Conejo Valley includes the incorporated cities of Westlake Village and Agoura Hills. The Ventura County cities of Moorpark and Simi Valley lie nearby to the north.
Close to L.A., but a World Away
Named for its most abundant wildlife–los conejos, Spanish for “the rabbits”–the Conejo Valley has become one of the premier communities of Southern California. Tucked away from the bustle and congestion of Los Angeles and the heat and smog of the San Fernando Valley, the Conejo Valley offers ideal living and working conditions. Thousand Oaks consistently maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the nation for cities of its size. The area’s public schools are highly regarded. And the air quality is among the best in Southern California.
Population, Features, Climate
Home to more than 160,000 people, the Conejo Valley is close to the beach and other major Southern California attractions, yet still retains its rural atmosphere. In fact, the City of Thousand Oaks maintains more than 14,000 acres of open space, miles of hiking trails and numerous other parks and recreation sites. The Valley is cooled by coastal breezes and rimmed by scenic mountains, giving it an inviting climate all year round.
Business and Employers
Major local employers include Amgen, Well Point Health Networks, Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Dole Foods, Teradyne,, Xircom, Jafra Cosmetics, Teledyne Electronics, In addition, the area is home to many small entrepreneurial companies, both high-tech and service-oriented, and it has a four-year college–California Lutheran University.
Culture and Recreation
Outside of school and work, the Conejo Valley offers a host of cultural and outdoor activities for children and adults. Thousand Oaks’ new Civic Arts Plaza, featuring an 1,800-seat auditorium as well as a 400-seat theater, headlines big-name shows and performers, as well as local talent and a lively children’s program. Residents can also horseback ride along rugged equestrian trails, visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, explore the Stagecoach Inn Museum or the Chumash Indian Interpretive Center, sail across Westlake Lake, take a 20-minute jaunt to the beach, browse in the Thousand Oaks city library or shop at specialty stores, boutique malls and The Oaks regional shopping center.
Once the habitat of the peaceful Chumash Indians, followed by the Spanish explorers, soldiers and land grants, the Conejo Valley of today ensures a quality life to those who are fortunate enough to live, work and play between its tranquil mountaintops.
(from information provided by the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce)
About Oak Park, CA
Oak Park is an unincorporated area of Ventura County lying just northeast of Thousand Oaks and north of Agoura Hills. Technically called a “census-designated place,’ or CDP, it is situated on about four square miles of land that was at one time part of a ranch owned by the stars of radio show “Fibber MCGee and Molly.” Today it is home to about 15,000 people, a renowned school district and many acres of parkland and open space.
Oak Park receives police and fire services from Ventura County, while its recreational services are provided by the Rancho Simi Recreational Park District, which owns the remaining vacant land within Oak Park. There is no land left for development.
In the 1940 and ’50s the Metropolitan Development Corporation bought the ranchland. Home building began in the late 1960s. The community was accessed by only one road, and chidren had to travel quite a distance to school in Simi Valley. Because of this lack of access, property values became depressed. In a prescient move, residents seceded from the Simi Valley School District and formed the Oak Park Unified School District in 1977. It took another 22 years for the community to gain is own zip code: 91377.
Today Oak Park, California, is a highly sought-after community, largely because of the reputation of its school district and the quality of life afforded its residents.
About Wood Ranch
Wood Ranch Golf Course
The master planned community of Wood Ranch sits among the eastern hills of Simi Valley, which create a magnificent scenic backdrop. Committed to providing an attractive, clean environment, Wood Ranch is located in Ventura County and provides acres of untouched land less than an hour from Los Angeles. Just minutes to the east are the San Diego (405) and Golden State (5) freeways. Additionally, the Simi Valley (118) Freeway runs thought the middle of Simi Valley for convenient travel. For frequent flyers, Wood Ranch is located just 50 minutes away from Los Angeles International Airport and less than half an hour from the newly expanded Burbank Airport. Recreational opportunities are many and varied. Miles of hiking and horse trails, neighborhood pools and the exquisite Wood Ranch Golf and Country Club help this community maintain an active residential lifestyle. Rated by the FBI as one of the safest communities in the United States, Wood Ranch is proud to ensure a safe and secure way of life. Real estate in Wood Ranch consists of a variety of single-family homes, condos and townhouses, which offer access to the community’s excellent amenities. With an outstanding school district, a safe environment and easy access to Los Angeles, the community of Wood Ranch is a combination of beautiful views, ample open space and close proximity to important domestic and international business markets.
