On the banks of the Santa Clara River in Ventura County, Santa Paula is a Southern California city close to the Pacific Ocean, with views of the Topatopa Mountain Range to the north. The city’s population has been slowly increasing and is currently home to roughly 31,700 residents.
In the mid-1800s, the area was largely comprised of farmland and orchards, while the Union Oil Company operated here in the late 19th century. The city was also California’s film industry hot spot before the glory days of Hollywood, and in the early 1900s was hailed as the “Queen of the Silver Screen.”
Today, Santa Paula goes by another nickname, the “Citrus Capital of the World,” with thousands of acres of citrus orchards in the surrounding fields and hillsides. “Us locals refer to the city as a great secret in southern California,” says Kay Wilson-Bolton, a local Realtor with Century 21 Everest and former Santa Paula Mayor. “The farmlands bring a quiet atmosphere to the area, and we have a lot of beautiful historic architecture near downtown.”
Agriculture remains Santa Paula’s prominent industry as a major producer of oranges, lemons and avocados. Notable employers include Limoneira and Calavo Growers.
Santa Paula is home to many local farms such as Limoneria.
Citrus farms fill the landscape in Santa Paula.
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Mediterranean architecture and historic Victorians near downtown Santa Paula
Mediterranean architecture lines the streets with palm and citrus trees dotting many front yards. Tile roofing, archways and stucco exteriors are prominent features of the city’s architectural scene. Houses range from manufactured builds and ranch-style homes to expansive hillside estates. “Close to downtown, there are Victorians and craftsman homes that date back to the late 19th and early 20th century,” says Wilson-Bolton. “Owners can’t make changes to the exteriors without getting it approved by the historic society. We place a lot of value on preserving our historic architecture.”
The average home price in Santa Paula is $791,000 in 2025, which is an 11% increase compared to the previous 12 months. Prices are well above the national average but lower compared to nearby cities like Ventura, Ojai and Santa Clarita.
Santa Paula has an array of home styles including Mediteranean.
New housing develoments are popping up on the outskirts of Santa Paula.
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Authentic Mexican food and dozens of local shops on Main Street
Santa Paula has over 50 restaurants and dozens of locally owned shops. Main Street serves as the city’s shopping and dining hub and is lined with bars, antique shops, markets and more. The area is known for providing authentic Mexican cuisine, with around 20 taquerias and eateries across town. On the west side of the city, Santa Paula Center has a grocery store, a movie theater and a handful of chain restaurants.
Downtown Santa Paula has many great food and shopping options for locals.
Find authentic Mexican food all throughout Santa Paula.
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Career academies at Santa Paula High School
The Santa Paula Unified School District earns a C-plus overall grade from Niche. The district is divided among five elementary schools, while most students in the city may attend the same middle and high schools. Isbell Middle School, home of the Condors, receives a C-minus grade and has a wide array of elective course offerings, including automation and robotics, introduction to patient care and nutrition and culinary arts. The C-plus-rated Santa Paula High School has five career education academies for students to focus their coursework to align with topics like agriscience, human services and engineering.
Santa Paula High school is central to the community.
Isbell Middle School is walking distance to many homes in Santa Paula.
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A growing park system and popular hiking trails
While much of the land surrounding Santa Paula is dedicated to agriculture, the city maintains numerous public parks. There are currently 11 parks in the city, many with playgrounds, sports facilities and picnic areas. As of 2023, the Santa Paula Creek Sports Park doubles the city's green space, some areas are still under construction, but it will ultimately have a community garden, sports facilities and an amphitheater.
There are also numerous hiking areas within a short drive of downtown, including the Santa Paula Canyon Trail, which leads to scenic waterfalls and popular swimming spots. For surfing and ocean-front activities, residents are just 15 miles from Ventura Beach.
Santa Paula Creek Sports Park is new development to the community.
Santa Paula has many parks with great hiking trails.
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Travel through Santa Paula with the Valley Express Transit Service
California state Route 126 runs through the south side of the city, around 16 miles west to Ventura or roughly 35 miles east to Santa Clarita. Public transportation throughout Santa Paula is operated by Valley Express Transit Service, with three bus routes throughout the city. The Santa Paula Airport is privately owned and lies just south of SR-126. Additionally, the Burbank Airport is about 52 miles southeast.
Crime statistics for Santa Paula are not readily available.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Palacios
Video By
Anne Sheridan
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On average, homes in Santa Paula, CA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Santa Paula, CA over the last 12 months is $735,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover an opportunity to own two stunning residences nestled in a charming neighborhood within the heart of Santa Paula. The Main Residence: Beautifully reimagined Victorian HomeThis stunning 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom Victorian home artfully blends historic character and modern functionality. Taken down to the studs and completely reimagined, every element has been thoughtfully restored and
Stunning Three Bedroom Modern Remodel on Expansive Lot! Welcome to this beautifully remodeled ~2,400 sq ft home featuring 3 spacious ensuite bedrooms and an additional guest 1⁄4 bath. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully updated—new roof, plumbing, electrical, and much more. Rich wood flooring flows throughout, complemented by recessed lighting and remote-controlled blackout shades for a
Discover this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom two-story home offering 2,170 square feet of comfortable living space. Featuring a spacious downstairs primary bedroom with a remodeled en-suite bathroom, this home also boasts two additional fully remodeled bathrooms, a dedicated laundry room, and plenty of storage throughout. The long driveway provides ample parking, while the
This adorable 2005 Manufactured home has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths has been beautifully updated & maintained with high quality materials. Low Space rent $629.27 includes the water. Walking closet in the master bedroom. Extended carport awning, large driveway for possibly 3 cars. Open concept, new interior paint. Shed power and light installed. Romex wired. Fleck 9000 Water softener installed in the
Welcome to 953 Coronado - Your Private Hillside Retreat with Unmatched ViewsWake up every morning to breathtaking panoramic views of Heritage Valley from this stunning hillside home, perched atop the highly sought-after Hospital Hill in Santa Paula. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath beauty combines location, luxury, and lifestyle--with no Mello Roos and exceptional value in one of the area's most coveted
Discover an opportunity to own two stunning residences nestled in a charming neighborhood within the heart of Santa Paula. The Main Residence: Beautifully reimagined Victorian HomeThis stunning 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom Victorian home artfully blends historic character and modern functionality. Taken down to the studs and completely reimagined, every element has been thoughtfully restored and
Welcome to your new home in charming Mckevett Heights neighborhood located in Santa Paula, CA! This delightful one-bedroom, one-bathroom multi-family home offers 650 square feet of comfortable living space, perfect for those seeking a cozy vibe in a vibrant community.Key property features include a unique architectural design, a private outdoor space ideal for relaxation, and a cozy
Welcome to your dream rental home in a brand new community in Santa Paula! This stunning residence features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with one bedroom and a full bathroom conveniently located downstairs, perfect for guests or multigenerational living. A loft is located upstairs that is perfect for an office or to enjoy an extra space to relax. The home boasts laminate wood flooring throughout
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