It’s a new era — I packed my bags and officially moved to Ventura. I’m still in Ojai every day, but now I just happen to live minutes from world-class waves. Ventura and Ojai are only ~20 minutes apart, yet they feel like two completely different worlds.
If you don’t know Ventura, it’s one of the most underrated beach towns in California. What’s wild is that just 15 miles inland is Ojai, one of the most beautiful valleys in the state, surrounded by mountains and magic. In other words: you’ve got an iconic beach town and a stunning mountain village side by side...
So what does that mean for you and for me? What does it mean if you’re thinking about a move here?
If you like anything outdoors — surfing, trail running, hiking, deep sea fishing, mountain biking, photography, bodysurfing, lazy beach days, camping (I could go on) — you’re going to love it here. Too hot in Ojai? Go to the beach. Foggy and cold in Ventura? Drive up to Ojai. Been surfing too much? Go ride Gridley Trail. Trails eating you up? Go paddle out at Ventura Point. Or maybe you’re like me and do both in one day. No joke. Ventura and Ojai. It’s yin and yang — a balancing act.
And in the interest of Gabi and I being right at the center of real estate in Ojai and Ventura, let’s talk about that for a second. Here’s what I’ll tell you: Ventura and Ojai will continue to appreciate significantly. The real estate here is some of the best in the world because the lifestyle is so hard to beat. Yes, I said "world". Better yet? It’s still relatively affordable — if you know where and how to look. We’re in Southern California, after all.
The homes are beautiful. The land is sacred. The beaches feel like another planet. The community is real. And more and more people are raising the value — looking to get out of the city and into a lifestyle that brings long-term happiness, health, and fulfillment. Isn’t that what we’re all after?
If you’re thinking about a move — for your family, your investment strategy, your future, or just for a better life — step into the yin and yang of Ojai and Ventura. It really is as good as it gets.
