The Ojai Valley...A Way of Life
When you begin to look for real estate in Ojai, you quickly realize that you are not simply purchasing a home; you are investing in a way of life. This Southern California town that is just 14 miles from the coast and 90 miles north of Los Angeles has managed to retain its small-town charm and quaint village atmosphere in a way that makes it stand out as a unique haven largely untouched by the expansive growth and rat race that defines so much of the Southern California region.
Here, the focus is on local, family-owned businesses, coming together to celebrate at community festivals and events throughout the year, preserving the valley’s beauty and history, and enjoying the tranquility of country living. The city is home to excellent private and public schools, golf courses, spas, art galleries, boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants, the Arcade shopping center and a plethora of opportunities to take part in a wide variety of recreational activities.
Extended shopping, dining and entertainment options are just a short drive away in Ventura and Santa Barbara, but many of our residents prefer heading to Ojai’s one-screen movie house to catch the latest release, or visiting a local gallery or community theater performance for their fill of arts and culture. A weekly farmers market keeps us stocked up on organic fruits and vegetables, and our local newspaper – published Wednesdays and Fridays – keeps us up to date on happenings in the area.
When we aren’t at Libbey Bowl for the outdoor Ojai Music Festival or biking along the Ojai Valley Trail, locals can be found fishing at Lake Casitas, teeing off at the 18-hole championship golf course, horseback riding on meandering trails in Upper Ojai, hiking in Los Padres National Forest or stopping by the market to pick up some of Ojai’s local products, which include olive oils, wines, organically fed beef, teas, jams, organic personal care products and more.
You will find no big-box stores here, and even fast food chains are kept safely outside of the city’s borders. Instead, you will find locally owned establishments operated by folks who share the commitment to preserving the Ojai lifestyle. Depending on where you live in the valley, you can spend the day at the spa, meet your friends for a drink, or take in dinner and a movie without ever having to drive more than 10 minutes between destinations – and that includes parking.
Known as a retreat for artists, inspiration for writers, heaven for horse lovers and an ideal destination for all those in search of a quieter, simpler life, Ojai truly is the bucolic paradise it portrayed when the view from Dennison Grade was used to depict the blissful, harmonious valley of Shangri-La in the 1937 film, Lost Horizon.
Follow the links below to learn more about Ojai and why so many people choose Ojai real estate when searching for their dream homes.
Explore Ojai Valley Neighborhoods.
Find Ojai Community Information and Resources.
See how the town of Ojai came to be with this historical timeline.
Read Nora's Ojai Real Estate Blog for open houses, featured properties and more about Ojai living.
Here, the focus is on local, family-owned businesses, coming together to celebrate at community festivals and events throughout the year, preserving the valley’s beauty and history, and enjoying the tranquility of country living. The city is home to excellent private and public schools, golf courses, spas, art galleries, boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants, the Arcade shopping center and a plethora of opportunities to take part in a wide variety of recreational activities.
Extended shopping, dining and entertainment options are just a short drive away in Ventura and Santa Barbara, but many of our residents prefer heading to Ojai’s one-screen movie house to catch the latest release, or visiting a local gallery or community theater performance for their fill of arts and culture. A weekly farmers market keeps us stocked up on organic fruits and vegetables, and our local newspaper – published Wednesdays and Fridays – keeps us up to date on happenings in the area.
When we aren’t at Libbey Bowl for the outdoor Ojai Music Festival or biking along the Ojai Valley Trail, locals can be found fishing at Lake Casitas, teeing off at the 18-hole championship golf course, horseback riding on meandering trails in Upper Ojai, hiking in Los Padres National Forest or stopping by the market to pick up some of Ojai’s local products, which include olive oils, wines, organically fed beef, teas, jams, organic personal care products and more.
You will find no big-box stores here, and even fast food chains are kept safely outside of the city’s borders. Instead, you will find locally owned establishments operated by folks who share the commitment to preserving the Ojai lifestyle. Depending on where you live in the valley, you can spend the day at the spa, meet your friends for a drink, or take in dinner and a movie without ever having to drive more than 10 minutes between destinations – and that includes parking.
Known as a retreat for artists, inspiration for writers, heaven for horse lovers and an ideal destination for all those in search of a quieter, simpler life, Ojai truly is the bucolic paradise it portrayed when the view from Dennison Grade was used to depict the blissful, harmonious valley of Shangri-La in the 1937 film, Lost Horizon.
Follow the links below to learn more about Ojai and why so many people choose Ojai real estate when searching for their dream homes.
Explore Ojai Valley Neighborhoods.
Find Ojai Community Information and Resources.
See how the town of Ojai came to be with this historical timeline.
Read Nora's Ojai Real Estate Blog for open houses, featured properties and more about Ojai living.
