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Ojai

Ojai

Located in Ventura County

$1,291,752 Average Value
$823 Average Price per Sq Ft
50 Homes For Sale

Southern California's valley retreat

With an unhurried small-town bohemian charm and a spiritual and physical connection with nature, living in Ojai means living a life less ordinary. It means beginning the mornings watching the rising sun paint the Topa Topa Mountains in hues of rose and gold. It means leisurely watching the days unfold with strolls through farmer's markets, browsing art galleries and taking hikes through winding trails lined with majestic oaks and fragrant citrus groves. Ojai has long attracted artists, writers, and spiritual seekers, imbuing it with a welcoming, open-minded atmosphere. "People come here for the lifestyle,” says Tonya Peralta, a local Realtor and 4th-generation Ojai resident. “If you’re into art, or yoga, or growing your own food, you can find your own community of like-minded people.

The historic Ojai Post Office Bell Tower is the center of downtown.
The historic Ojai Post Office Bell Tower is the center of downtown.
With plenty of local agriculture, Ojai's farmers markets have abundant offerings, year round.
With plenty of local agriculture, Ojai's farmers markets have abundant offerings, year round.
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The valley’s spiritual energy

The wellness resorts and yoga studios around the city are not a fad. Ojai Valley’s identity as a site of spiritual pilgrimage can be traced back thousands of years. The native Chumash People believed that Sulphur Mountain — visible to the east of the city — is where the blessings of heaven are brought down to earth. People still come from all over to trek to the top of the mountain — known as Meher Mount — to pay their respects to the Avatar Meher Baba. The city itself gained popularity as a wellness retreat in the 1880s. By the 1920s, it had transformed into a spiritual mecca sought out by artists and freethinkers. This free-spirited environment made Ojai a symbolic location of hippie culture in the 1960s. This identity persists as many locals still refer to their “spiritual connection to the valley” as a fundamental part of living in Ojai.

Mountain trails and posh athletic clubs

Ojai’s popularity with residents, vacationers and celebrity visitors can be attributed to its natural surroundings. The Mediterranean climate doesn’t hurt either, with about 270 sunny days a year and summer temperatures averaging around 70 degrees. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are part of daily life for many residents. Trails are woven throughout the community and lead across the peaks and valleys of the Topa Topa Mountains. Some folks get around town on the Ojai Valley Trail, an old railroad converted into a multi-use trail. It has a paved side for hikers and a dirt side for horseback riders. One of Ojai’s bucket list experiences is viewing “the pink moment” at the peak of Sulphur Mountain, when the sunrise bathes the valley in pink light.

Many residents enjoy posh exercise spaces like the Ojay Valley Athletic Club downtown. This private club has multiple pools and world-class tennis facilities with over a dozen courts. Golfers can play at the historic Ojai Valley Inn and receive luxurious treatments at the renowned spa.

Shelf Road and all of Ojai's hiking and horse trails are enjoyable year-round.
Shelf Road and all of Ojai's hiking and horse trails are enjoyable year-round.
Ojai lies in an East-West valley also known as the
Ojai lies in an East-West valley also known as the "Valley of the Moon."
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Boutique shopping in downtown Ojai

People don’t just come to Ojai for the nature, of course. The city is also home to one of the most charming downtown areas in all of Southern California. Thanks in part to its ban on chain stores, Ojai boasts a large number of vibrant locally owned shops, from beloved local grocer Westridge, which stocks a wide assortment of Ojai-grown fruit and produce, to iconic open-air bookstore Bart’s Books, which made the BBC’s list of the world’s ten most beautiful bookshops. The local restaurant scene is similarly top-notch, offering a much wider variety of cuisines than expected in a town of roughly 8,000 people. California fusion joint The Dutchess, wagyu-specializing Yume Japanese Burger Cafe and Italian eatery Nocciola are just a few of the many highly rated restaurants found along Ojai Avenue, the town’s main drag. Residents in the mood for an after-dinner drink, have several popular breweries and tasting rooms in town, including Topa Topa Brewing Company where they promise “Good Vibes. Great Beers.”

If you need a good read Bart's Books in Ojai, Ca is the place to stop.
If you need a good read Bart's Books in Ojai, Ca is the place to stop.
Enjoy a drink from Topa Topa Brewing and the views of Topa Topa Mountains in Ojai.
Enjoy a drink from Topa Topa Brewing and the views of Topa Topa Mountains in Ojai.
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Homes hidden in the hills

Ojai’s median price is just over $1.2 million. Mediterranean-inspired, midcentury modern and ranch-style architecture can be seen throughout the city, but settings vary by neighborhood. In Mira Monte, on the city’s south end, homes are tucked into the hills with lots of privacy on wooded lots. Just north in Meiners Oaks, ranch-style homes sit close together on grid streets. Homes in downtown Ojai start on a grid, then spread out on spacious lots farther from Ojai Avenue. Palatial estates with panoramic views south of the Ojai Valley Inn and in the mountains to the north can cost north of $10 million.

Homes throughout Ojai, CA have stunning views of the Topa Topa mountains.
Homes throughout Ojai, CA have stunning views of the Topa Topa mountains.
Ranch style homes on large lots, shaded by oak and eucalyptus trees, are not uncommon in Ojai.
Ranch style homes on large lots, shaded by oak and eucalyptus trees, are not uncommon in Ojai.
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Live music and artistic activity

Those looking for a little local entertainment and things to do won’t be disappointed. There are several live music venues in town, including the Libbey Bowl in downtown Ojai’s Libbey Park, which often features major musical acts like Lyle Lovett and Gin Blossoms. There are also several daytime activities available in town, from a large skate park to the Ojai Valley Museum to various art galleries featuring local, national and international artists. With yoga studios on nearly every corner, fresh organic produce available and an emphasis on the mind-body health connection, sustainability is also deeply ingrained in the town's ethos and embraced by residents who passionately support local farms and eco-conscious businesses.

The weekly Farmers Market in Downtown Ojai is abundant in local produce, and character.
The weekly Farmers Market in Downtown Ojai is abundant in local produce, and character.
The Ojai Skate Park opened in 2000, and has been well-used and loved ever since.
The Ojai Skate Park opened in 2000, and has been well-used and loved ever since.
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Film-worthy public schools and prestigious private options

The Ojai Unified School District receives a B-plus rating from Niche. The district’s Nordhoff High School was the filming location of the hit Emma Stone movie “Easy A.” Nordhoff gets a B-plus from Niche and prides itself on its rigorous academics and vibrant arts programs. B-rated Topa Topa Elementary is another standout.

Ojai is also home to prestigious private options, like the Thacher School, Niche’s No. 2 best boarding school in California. Thacher students experience a unique combination of rigorous academics, character-building challenges, and standard Ojai activities like hiking and horseback riding. Tuition and boarding can cost almost $80,000 a year.

Topa Topa Elementary School serves students from K-6th grade in Ojai, CA.
Topa Topa Elementary School serves students from K-6th grade in Ojai, CA.
Nordhoff Jr. & Sr. High School serves all of the Ojai valley.
Nordhoff Jr. & Sr. High School serves all of the Ojai valley.
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Commuting to Ventura

Ojai is still somewhat rural at its heart, so major industry and healthcare facilities are limited. The Ojai Valley Community Hospital is a small but well-regarded facility, offering basic and emergency care. For work and bigger city needs, locals head 15 miles south on State Route 33 to Ventura. This proximity to Ventura also means that beach days aren't far away. Besides walking, driving or horseback riding, folks can use the bus to travel along Ojai's main roads. The Santa Barbara Airport is just over 40 miles up the coast for flights.

Gold Coast Transit travels through Ojai and toward nearby, coastal Ventura.
Gold Coast Transit travels through Ojai and toward nearby, coastal Ventura.
Locals enjoy walking around the many shops and restaurants in Ojai, CA.
Locals enjoy walking around the many shops and restaurants in Ojai, CA.
The Ojai Valley Community Hospital is a small hospital servicing the area.
The Ojai Valley Community Hospital is a small hospital servicing the area.
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Ed Coombs
Written By
Ed Coombs
Derrick Harvey
Photography Contributed By
Derrick Harvey
Bradley K Cornelius
Video By
Bradley K Cornelius

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Larry Krogh, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
5,144
Number of Homes for Sale
50
Median Year Built
1961
Months of Supply
2.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,743
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,164
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,307
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
795
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Mar 21
    Open Sat 11AM - 3PM

    12838 Macdonald Dr, Ojai, CA 93023

    $2,560,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 3,492 Sq Ft
    • 12838 Macdonald Dr
    • New 1 day ago

    Nestled within Rancho Matilija, one of Ojai’s most coveted gated communities, this exceptional Mediterranean-inspired estate offers an unparalleled blend of privacy, panoramic views, and quintessential California living. Set on approximately 2.01 acres of gently rolling land, the residence is thoughtfully sited to capture breathtaking vistas of the Topa Topa Mountains, Chief’s Peak, and the

    Nicole Stinson Estate Realty Group, Inc.

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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    Open Sun 1PM - 4PM

    1309 Gregory St, Ojai, CA 93023

    $849,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,020 Sq Ft
    • 1309 Gregory St

    Tucked just minutes from the heart of Ojai, this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features Mountain Views and a park-like green area directly in front of the property while being close to shops, dining, and everything that makes Ojai so special. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac with no neighbors in front or behind you creates a quiet and peaceful space. Inside, thoughtful updates

    Tonya Peralta Keller Williams Santa Barbara

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  • Friday, Mar 20
    Open Fri 9:30AM - 12PM

    3935 Thacher Rd, Ojai, CA 93023

    $3,695,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,151 Sq Ft
    • 3935 Thacher Rd
    • New 2 days ago

    Perfectly befitting this authentic 1920s Spanish beauty, rich with soul and story, this timeless residence rests quietly in Ojai's coveted East End, an enclave where heritage oaks stretch toward mountain views and the air carries the sweet perfume of orange blossoms. Set on 1.6 acres of natural splendor, the property captures the very essence of the Ojai Valley~ serene, sun-washed, and deeply

    Tonya Peralta Keller Williams Santa Barbara

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Ojai

Property Mix - Square Feet

Ojai Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,177
Median Age
50
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$75,952
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$115,136

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.7%
College Graduates
43.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
20''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®®

60 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Ojai
Larry Krogh
LIV Sotheby's International Realty
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