Planning a move to San Buenaventura (Ventura) -neighborhoods?
Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a 44-year-old graphic designer and Median household income is $100,407, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -San Buenaventura (Ventura) sits at 433.0 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Does this match your experience?
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Edward S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 27, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Midtown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
40 upvotes
Ashley M.
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
38 upvotes
Miles F.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Luna Kelly
great question, following
36 upvotes
Lillian R.
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
34 upvotes
Carson
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.
30 upvotes
Colton D.
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Maya
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Pittsburgh it's solid.
21 upvotes
Abigail P.
I'm a accountant and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Isla K.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
8 upvotes
Adrian Parker
noted, appreciate it
6 upvotes
Ezra
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 31, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Highland and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Raleigh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
5 upvotes
Isla Robinson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Chicago it's underrated.
5 upvotes
isaac_fan
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
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