Ojai

Without the tourism of Downtown Ojai, Mira Monte has kept its roots as a valley escape. “It has definitely grown, but there are still a lot of locals that value the spiritual connection to the valley," says Realtor Ainsley Hughes with Keller Williams West Ventura County since 2019. The Ojai Valley has long been a site of spiritual pilgrimage. Throughout the 1900s, folks seeking its spiritual energy built quaint dwellings tucked into the hills of the valley. Over the years, Downtown Ojai has gotten busier and busier, but the tranquility of the Ojai Valley can still be found in Mira Monte. And when residents need to get to Ventura, it's only a 12-mile drive away. Mira Monte’s homes are built in a quintessential Ojai Valley style popularized in the 1960s, but Hughes says "it's a little quieter and lower priced than Downtown Ojai, and you can avoid the Downtown Ojai traffic.” Homes here feature midcentury modern designs and large lots, allowing them to be naturally secluded in the hills, under the cover of tangled trees. Natural wood features, low-profile roof lines, large windows and open-air verandas invite in the surrounding beauty and make homes one with the natural environment. Two-to-four-bedroom ranch-style homes on more suburban streets with less yard space range from around $700,000 to about $950,000. Upgraded ranch-style and midcentury homes sitting on almost an acre of land can cost $975,000 to $1.2 million. Those most sought-after midcentury modern homes on secluded multiacre lots with valley views can be found for $1.25 million to $2.25 million. Folks looking for the most space and privacy can find Mediterranean-inspired mansions and haciendas on up to 5 acres of land for $3.25 million to $5 million. There are plenty of ways for residents to get outside and take in the scenery, from hiking trails and bike paths to golf courses and outdoor athletic clubs. Multiple trailheads for the Ventura River Preserve are within a mile of many homes. The preserve cuts through Mira Monte, taking hikers along the Ventura River Basin. The Ojai Valley Trail is the best way to get the full valley experience of wooded areas, riverbeds and wineries without being far from civilization. The trail runs 9 miles along Highway 33. A wooden fence splits the path between a paved side for walkers, bikers and runners, and a packed dirt side for horseback riders. To become immersed in Ojai's spiritual energy, locals drive 12 miles west to Meher Mount on Sulphur Mountain. The native Chumash people believed that Meher Mount was where the blessings of the heavens were brought down to mankind. People still gather at the top of the mountain to find their spiritual center and witness the 'pink moment,' when the sunset casts a shade of pink over the valley. Golfers enjoy rounds at Soule Park Golf Course, about 4 miles away, just outside Downtown Ojai. Residents might consider joining the Ojai Valley Athletic Club for its exercise classes, aquatic facilities and outdoor tennis courts in Downtown Ojai. On top of all this, Ventura Beach is 12 miles away. The neighborhood is a part of the Ojai Unified School District, which is rated a B-plus overall by Niche. Mira Monte is home to one of the district’s two elementary schools — Mira Monte Elementary — graded a B. Students move on to Matilija Junior High, also graded a B. They round out their journey at Nordhoff High, rated a B-plus. Students interested in the digital arts can develop their skills through Nordhoff's Digital Media Academy CTE Pathway. This tailored coursework teaches students different camera styles, advanced lighting, editing and other technical skills to prepare them for a career in media. At Red Horse Plaza in the neighborhood, locals can get a few necessities at Rite Aid and a bite to eat at AIR Pizza. There’s a Vons a couple of miles north for groceries. The Farmer and the Cook pays homage to Ojai's hippie roots with vegetarian Mexican dishes made from fresh produce grown in the valley's fertile hills. Boutique shops and restaurants are only 4 miles away in Downtown Ojai. The Dutchess is a cozy morning spot where locals chat over cappuccinos and croissants. Osteria Monte Grappa specializes in authentic Italian fare and regional wines. Boutique clothing shops like Kariella and OSO Vintage are a short walk away. While it’s not part of Mira Monte’s spiritual mystique, many folks move here because it offers one of the shortest commutes in the Ojai Valley to Ventura. Commuters can head 12 miles south on Highway 33 to Ventura for work or the occasional beach day. When it comes to getting around town, residents mostly drive, but they can also catch the bus in the middle of the neighborhood on Highway 33 or Highway 150. Mira Monte’s warm climate, dense brush and strong breezes make an ideal environment for wildfires. The city of Ojai encourages residents to follow the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Ready, Set, Go preparation plan. This starts with creating a defensible space around homes by removing any flammable brush or materials. Then, folks should organize a proper evacuation plan in the event of a fire.