Buying Real Estate in Oxnard? Here's Your 805 Neighborhood Guide

Thinking about buying your next property in Oxnard? When you're house hunting, it's always a good idea to get to know the neighborhood before you invest.

Hi, I'm Lori Mills, a luxury homes specialist in Ventura County. I’ve rounded up the best of the best in Oxnard to help you get familiar with the area.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Checking Out
• School Districts
• Waterfront Communities
• First-time Home Buyer Communities
• Retirement Communities
• Adjacent Work Opportunities

Thinking about spending a few extra days in Oxnard before you buy? Here's where to stay.

Stay on the Beach

Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel and Resort: This oceanfront four diamond beach resort will give you a taste of what it's like to live in Mandalay Beach.

For a Downtown Feel

Best Western Oxnard Inn: You won't have to walk far to get a taste of the downtown scene in Oxnard. Take a self-guided walking tour to explore murals and artwork by local artists.

Harbor Views

Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor: It doesn't get much better than waking up with a view of the water. Check out the local restaurants and enjoy the best views while you dine.

All-About Golf

Residence Inn by Marriott at River Ridge: Squeeze in a round of golf or two at the PGA-rated River Ridge Golf Course. Find your dream home on the greens in the community at Windsor North River Ridge. And, don't miss a visit to The Collection at RiverPark for top eats and summer concerts.

Neighborhoods Worth Checking Out While You're Here

If you're looking for an urban-style lifestyle, you'll want to put Riverpark on your must-visit list. Here's why we love it: The homes range from condo living to single-family detached homes.

All the homes are within walking distance to some of the best shopping and restaurants, and entertainment in Ventura County. Searching for date night ideas? Experience Levity Live, a comedy club with a stellar lineup.

Perks: Riverpark also has great freeway access for an easy commute.

Related: 28 Amazing Things to do at The Collection at RiverPark.

More to Love in Oxnard

If you love the holidays, you won’t be far from “Christmas Tree Lane,” an annual tradition where residents deck out their homes along a stretch of Henry T. Oxnard Historic District. This area features midsize homes that are competitively priced.

If you want to be in the mix with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, The Junction at Wagon Wheel may be the right place for you. This community has plenty of amenities, open spaces, and you’ll be close to the 101 for easy access to Los Angeles or Santa Barbara.

Want to find a place with a pool, spa, and clubhouse? Town Square at Wagon Wheel has it all, including a fitness center and walk-in closets. Your pets will also love the perks. There’s a pet wash station and a dog park.

Top School Districts in the Area

Oxnard College is a public community college with many diverse programs, including Music, Astronomy, and Chicano Studies. It has been a part of the Ventura County Community College District since 1975 and serves the Oxnard Plain cities of Oxnard, Camarillo, and Port Hueneme.

Hueneme Elementary School District – Though it is named for our neighboring city Port Hueneme, seven of the Hueneme Elementary School District’s schools are actually in the city of Oxnard. The district serves many of our military families and Hollywood Beach Elementary sits just steps from Oxnard’s famed Hollywood Beach.

Oxnard School District – There are 21 public schools serving 16,592 students in Oxnard School District. Oxnard School District is also the largest employer in the city of Oxnard. Not only is it home to schools for students in grades K-8, there are eight academies including an Arts and Sciences Academy, Marine Science and Engineering Academy, and Environmental Science & Innovative Design.

Oxnard Union High School District – 11 High Schools are in the Oxnard Union High School District, though two are in our neighboring Camarillo. The district recently broke ground on a new school on land that was owned by one of the original families that settled in Oxnard, the Maulhardts.

Rio School District - Rio School District serves the portions of the City of Oxnard, the unincorporated community of El Rio, and the RiverPark development. The District strives to provide world-class education to its more than 5,050 students through five elementary schools, one K-8 school academy, and two middle schools. Families love the small school sizes in the Rio School District of between 500-700 students in the elementary schools.

Oceanview School District - Established in 1870, Ocean View School District is one of the oldest in Ventura County. In 1952, what is now Mar Vista Elementary School was built to accommodate a growing post-World War II population and a housing expansion at Point Mugu Navy Base. Ocean View School District is now home to five schools located just north of the beautiful Santa Monica/Malibu area, and extends north-ward to the outskirts of the city of Oxnard.

Waterfront Communities

Nowhere on the California Coast will you find beautiful harbor and waterfront properties at these prices. Seabridge is a prestigious area of Oxnard with single-family detached residences and luxury townhomes. Communities in the area include Westport at Mandalay Bay, Harbor Island, and Port Marina.

If you enjoy a nautical lifestyle, you won't want to snooze on this hot location!

For those with resort-style living on their mind, Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard Shores, and Mandalay Beach are must-see destinations. If bike paths, fishing excursions, surfing, and wide-open sandy beaches are on your non-negotiables list. This part of town ticks all the boxes.

These communities take me back to Newport Beach before it was extremely populated. I call it Ventura County's Best kept secret!

You won’t find this type of value anywhere on the California coast. Take a 15-minute drive to Malibu, and brace yourself for real estate prices that are triple the price.

These waterfront communities are truly hidden gems. Oceanfront living at its finest!

First-time Home Buyer? Get to Know These Communities.

For first-time home buyers, The California Lighthouse is worth a visit. This gated community features a resort-style pool, BBQ area, playground, and parks just outside the gate. Here you'll find luxury townhomes on a budget.

In the market for a new home but want a coastal experience? Consider Smugglers Cove, located across from Channel Islands Harbor and Seabridge shopping & restaurants.

For Retirees

Clearwater at Riverpark is a beautiful community across from The Collection. Its thoughtful layout and upscale design make it a wonderful place for 55+ independent living. The complex features a movie theater, a phenomenal restaurant, a pool and hot tub and onsite classes and historical events.

Enjoy the GOOD LIFE in Hueneme Bay, a 55+ coastal community featuring single-story homes. Spend the afternoon at the clubhouse, take a dip in the pool or play a round on the 9-hole golf course. There's even a sauna, library, BBQ area, and best of all - shuffleboard.

Adjacent Work Opportunities

Oxnard is growing. Here are a few companies to put on your radar.

Haas Automation Inc. - This American machine tool builder designs and manufactures precision machine tools and specialized accessory tooling. The headquarters are in Oxnard.

Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. - This company provides operations and maintenance, program management, logistics support, engineering support, and technology services to the Department of Defense worldwide. Local sites include Oxnard, Point Mugu, and Port Hueneme.

Mission Produce - Love avocados? Us too. Mission Produce is located in Oxnard.

Boss Audio Systems - Audio and video equipment for your car, marine, and power sports.

DW Drums - In business since 1972, here you can shop for drums and accessories.

Procter & Gamble - Built in 1969, the Oxnard plant is a producer of Bounty Paper Towels and Charmin Toilet Paper.

Latest Developments in Oxnard

A new Amazon Distribution Center will offer 1,500 jobs. The site is being built at Sakioka Farms.

A vision report for the Fisherman's Wharf area of Channel Islands Harbor includes ideas such as an improved wharf, public plaza, park, docks & promenade. Additional ideas include a marine education center and aquarium, boutique shops, a hotel, and wide waterside walkways. Read the full Channel Islands Harbor Vision report here.

North Shore at Mandalay Bay | Harbor Boulevard and Fifth Street
This coastal housing development will feature 183 single-family residences and a public bike and walking path.

Port 121 | 3851 Harbour Island Lane
This project will bring nine one-bedroom residential units and nine studio units to the area.

RiverPark - The Landing | Town Center Drive and Oxnard Boulevard
Need a place to stay on your visit to Oxnard? Two Marriott hotels are coming to the 805. Springhill Suites and Towneplace Suites will be built here along with a multi-tenant building.

In Downtown, Billboard Lofts on 800 South A Street will feature 4,508 square foot retail space and 55 units.

Affordable Housing: 86 low-income apartments will be built in Downtown Oxnard for households earning at or below 30 to 60 percent of the area's median income.

Want to stay in the know? Check out the Community Development projects in Oxnard.

Conclusion

Ready to buy real estate in Oxnard? The beaches and surf are hidden gems, and we've got no complaints about the weather here. Plus, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of LA, Oxnard is only a 1-hour commute and close to the freeway.

Need more tips on planning your visit? Check out more top tips to help you plan the ultimate trip.