Why I chose San Buenaventura (Ventura) over bigger cities
Hey, I'm a 27-year-old real estate agent and The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Any advice would be great. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
23 upvotes
4 Replies
Adeline Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Arianna Parker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Jeremy C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 12 years. Moved from Dallas for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Eva Jones
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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