Hey folks, I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Camarillo sits at 83.3 per 100K. Homes are going for about $766,100 on average. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 70,244, Camarillo is a smaller city. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Would love some local perspective. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
28 upvotes
28 Replies
Kaylee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Jeremiah Gutierrez
hard disagree but ok
35 upvotes
Ariana Harris
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
Ezekiel Ramirez
noted, appreciate it
32 upvotes
Weston Gray
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great craft beer places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
31 upvotes
Mia Torres
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Austin about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Adam W.
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is average and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Camila Smith
Totally agree!
30 upvotes
Liam G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is underrated in most areas.
26 upvotes
Aubrey Morales
spot on
26 upvotes
Nevaeh Stewart
underrated comment
24 upvotes
Grace Green
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Easton
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much developing but now it's improving.
23 upvotes
Carson Walker
as a local I can confirm
23 upvotes
Skylar Collins
yep
21 upvotes
Abigail Reed
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
Gabriella R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 8 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Bennett Kim
big facts right here
18 upvotes
Theodore Carter
thanks for sharing
17 upvotes
Eli Garcia
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
16 upvotes
Elizabeth Stewart
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
Daniel Ortiz
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
Madeline White
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Lakewood area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Emmett Gonzalez
wish I knew this sooner
7 upvotes
Elijah M.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
7 upvotes
John J.
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
5 upvotes
Sadie Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 25, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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