Oxnard is the largest city in Ventura County, sitting about 60 miles north of Los Angeles on U.S. Route 101. This port city's mixture of naval bases and surrounding agricultural industry gave it a reputation as a working-class surf town; this has remained Oxnard's core identity despite it slowly gaining popularity as one of the more moderately priced cities on the Southern California coast. Newer suburban developments and retail centers have popped up around the 101 for convenient commuting, but the beaches still come first. In some cases, literally, as Oxnard State Beach Park, also called 'olol'koy Beach Park, was rated the West Coast's number one beach by USA Today's 2023 Reader's Choice Travel Awards. If the beach is Oxnard's first passion, then tacos are a close second — downtown Oxnard is known for its taco trail, a benefit of the city's large Mexican population. With most residents still working, playing and dining within a few minutes of home, Oxnard maintains a low-key atmosphere.
'olołkoy Beach Park is a large park right on the Pacific Ocean.
Cabo Seafood Grill serves up classic drinks in nearby Downtown Oxnard.
You can find homes throughout Town Center in all different colors.
Locals and tourist alike love catching the surf at sunset along Ventura county's beaches.
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Naval bases and commuting on the 101
Oxnard's maritime industries and status as a prominent naval hub rely on its coastal location. Many residents work at Port Hueneme. It's one of the busiest deep-sea shipping terminals on the West Coast, and one of the West Coast's largest importers. The port is home to the Port Hueneme Naval Construction Battalion Center; naval personnel might also make their way to Naval Air Station Point Mugu, less than 10 miles down the coast. Healthcare employees might work at Oxnard Medical Arts Center and Oxnard Children's Medical Center. The campus is a few blocks west of downtown.
Those commuting out of the city can drive on the 101, or the Pacific Coast Highway. Most take the 101, running along the city's north side. It offers the quickest trip to Los Angeles, about 60 miles south. Commuters can also take the Amtrak train from Oxnard Transit Center, near the heart of downtown. The ride to LA is around 2 hours. Santa Barbara Airport is 40 miles north.
St. John’s Regional Medical Center serves as the main hospital in Oxnard, Ca.
The 101 freeway connects Oxnard to rest of Southern California.
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Almost 10 miles of oceanfront
Oxnard occupies almost 10 miles of beachfront and an expanse of marinas in Channel Islands Harbor. Residents can take advantage of the waterfront year-round. The annual average temperature is around 70 degrees, with only a few degrees of variation in the winter and summer, and the sun is out almost 280 days a year. Award-winning Oxnard Beach Park is the most popular oceanfront spot. Behind its sandy shores, the park has spacious lawns and palm-lined walking and bike paths. "The pathways around Oxnard Beach Park were designed by Ed Hunt, a local veteran. He was disabled, so he made them totally wheelchair accessible, and there's even a path for people in wheelchairs to go right up to the ocean," says Brittney Henricks, vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Oxnard. Surfers catch the morning breaks at Silver Strand Beach, just south across the harbor. Channel Islands Harbor has many marinas and yacht clubs offering direct access to the Pacific.
You can find people flying kites at Hollywood Beach near Channel Islands.
Oxnard State Beach is handicap accessible.
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Citywide summer concerts and the "nardcore" scene
Oxnard hosts a summer concert series at multiple locations across the city. These weekly shows occur downtown in Heritage Square and at Channel Islands Harbor, called Concerts by the Sea. They often feature local bands. "Our local music scene is called 'nardcore,' which is an Oxnard-style punk rock," says Hendricks. "It's influenced by the rockstars who frequent the area to get their kits made at the headquarters of DW Drumming in the city."
On weekends you can find live music at Channel Island Harbor.
The Heritage Square Summer Concert Series takes place among early 1900's buildings.
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Tacos, farmers markets and retail shopping
Oxnard's Taco Trail runs throughout downtown Oxnard. Small taquerias with lively outdoor porches and authentic Mexican restaurants are focused around downtown's Plaza Park. The taco traditions have even gone mobile, with the the Tacos El Guero truck winning the 2024 OxnardUSA Taco Wars. The blocks along this section of Old Oxnard are lined with old-growth eucalyptus trees and canary palms fronting hacienda-style buildings. This walkable area is filled with small businesses, cafes and ethnic markets. Plaza Park hosts the Downtown Oxnard Farmers Market every Thursday. Every Sunday, the Channel Islands Farmers Market boasts the city's agricultural bounty along with fresh seafood. The harbor docks are lined with waterfront restaurants and stores for grocery shopping with a view. The Collection at River Park has become the area's premier shopping center on the north side of the city. This expansive outdoor retail center has a long list of trendy outlets, high-end grocers like Whole Foods and the buzzing Annex Food Hall, a public-market style experience with local food and beverage stalls.
You can find seasonal flowers to brighten your day at the Farmers Market in Downtown Oxnard.
Locals rave about the Mexican street food from Tacos El Guero Food Truck which is in El Rio.
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Waterfront homes, urban streets and newer suburbs
Oxnard's median home price is just under $800,000, which is about $100,000 less than the California median. The city's full range includes humble, working-class neighborhoods, beachfront communities and newer suburban developments. Many homes in the older neighborhoods around Port Hueneme fall under the median price. These urban blocks of 1950s ranch-styles offer an easy commute to the port. Some of the city's earliest ornate 1920s builds are still available in Wilson's Oxnard Historic District, just a few blocks north of downtown. These sought-after 1920s Craftsman homes can range from $1 million to $2 million. The city's north side is covered in newer developments between downtown and the 101 freeway. Communities such as South Bank and Rio Lindo offer large Mediterranean homes and suburban living with centralized parks and schools, ranging from $800,000 to over $1 million. Prices are highest on the waterfront of Channel Islands Harbor and Oxnard Shores, where condos and beach houses consistently cost over $1.5 million.
You can find multistory beach front modern homes in Oxnard Shores.
Luxury homes commonly have large boats throughout Channel Islands.
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Oxnard's multiple school districts
Oxnard is divided into several school districts for elementary and middle. Oxnard School District gets a C-minus from Niche, while Hueneme Elementary School District is graded a D-plus. Ocean View School District is also a C-minus, and Rio Elementary School District receives a C. Oxnard Union High School District earns a B-plus. Oxnard College, the city's junior college, has transfer agreements with in-state universities. The community college also offers dual enrollment classes for local high school students seeking college credits.
Dealing with pollution and crime
According to the California Environmental Protection Agency, Oxnard currently ranks among the top 20% of state communities burdened by pollution. The Port of Hueneme and multiple power plants are significant contributors to the water pollution. In 2023, the port released a slate of green initiatives, including total industrial decarbonization on and offshore. It also opened a $3 million eco-maker space for local students to learn about career options at this local employer of nearly 25,000. In 2015, Oxnard developed a Public Works Master Plan to create sustainable links between city utilities for water, wastewater, stormwater and recycled water to mitigate the future effects of climate change. This includes upgrading and replacing aging infrastructure and using new technologies to create a circular water system by 2030. The city passed an ambitious Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2021, setting forth goals to make local beaches more accessible, build a bike trail along the Santa Clara River and add new parks with native flora and new soccer fields.
Since 2020, Oxnard's violent crime has stayed about even with California's average, and slightly above the U.S. average. According to FBI data, the Oxnard Police Department reported a violent crime rate of about 103 offenses per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of about 111 offenses per 100,000 people.
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