A giant smiley face carved into the hillside greets commuters driving into Simi Valley; Happy Face Hill tells everyone who sees it that they're no longer in the hectic bustle of Los Angeles, that they can relax. Simi Valley rests in the lowland between the Santa Susana Mountains to the north and the Simi Hills to the south. It's just over 40 miles northwest of LA, making it popular with commuters looking for more space. The prices are also slightly lower than in nearby cities, such as Thousand Oaks. Beyond lower prices and suburban yard space, Simi Valley offers effortless access to outdoor activities. "The trails here are top-notch. Some are easy, some are more challenging, but they all have great views," says Anthony Angelini, tourism director for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. According to the Trust for Public Land, more than 60% of Simi Valley residents live within a 10-minute walk to one of the city's 42 parks or trailheads. Almost every neighborhood is arranged with its own greenspace, and many trailheads branch from residential streets into the hills around the city. Cyclists, walkers and runners can even travel on the Arroyo Simi Greenway, a tree-lined paved path running through the city. With an annual average temperature of around 65 degrees and over 270 sunny days, residents can enjoy these outdoor amenities pretty much year-round.
Residential areas in Simi Valley sit between mountains, offering scenic views and open space.
Simi Valley neighborhoods feature single-family homes with suburban charm.
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Easy access to parks and canyon trails
The city's neighborhoods were designed with outdoor space in mind, putting most residents within a few minutes of their nearest community park or trailhead. These vary from small playgrounds and pocket parks to large spaces like Rancho Simi Community Park, which has athletic fields, courts, a swimming pool and a small lake. Cyclists can ride on the Arroyo Simi Greenway, a paved multiuse, tree-lined path cutting through the city's south side.
The mountainous surroundings make hiking trails easy to access. Many trailheads begin in residential communities, like the Las Llajas Canyon Trail and Chumash Park Trail, which lead north into the Santa Susana Mountains from the city's northeast corner. Routes on the city's south side, like the Canyon View Trail, lead down into the valleys of the Simi Hills.
Locals enjoy riding their bikes with their pets along the Arroyo Simi Bike Path in Simi Valley.
Wood Ranch in Simi Valley boasts scenic hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
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More space for less outside of Los Angeles County
The median home price is just over $800,000, compared to just over $1 million 10 miles south in Thousand Oaks. Most homes sit on the city's grid streets but have a suburban appearance with midsize grassy lawns. Single-family Mediterranean-inspired and ranch-style homes make up the majority of options, starting around $800,000. Condos in the city can cost around $600,000. In the hills around the city, Mediterranean Revivals, midcentury modern designs and new builds with mountain views can range from $1 million to $4 million — these are often on a few acres of land.
On the edge of Wood Ranch in Simi Valley, interested homebuyers can find large sprawling estates.
Residential properties are larger in Simi Valley than in nearby Los Angeles.
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Town Center shopping and community events
Simi Valley is home to a few shopping plazas and malls offering a wide variety of retail and necessities. Simi Valley Town Center is where residents do most of their shopping. This large outdoor mall offers trendy outlets, restaurants and a movie theater. Grocery and departments stores like Trader Joe's and Target can be found within a few minutes of Town Center on state Route 118. More shopping and dining, both chain and locally owned, is on East Los Angeles Avenue, which cuts east-west through the entire city.
The whole community comes together for two big events: the Simi Valley Street Fair and Oktoberfest. The Simi Valley Street Fair is held twice a year, in the fall and late spring. "Oktoberfest is awesome, but Street Fair is by far our biggest event," says Angelini. "We shut down the streets around Simi Valley Town Center to make room for all the vendors and attractions." Fairgoers enjoy endless rows of food and craft vendors lining the streets, a beer and wine garden and live music. Oktoberfest occurs a few weeks before the fall Street Fair. "Our Oktoberfest is one of the biggest in the state," says Angelini. "It's all-you-can-drink beer for $50, so people go all out." The beer- and pretzel-fueled festivities occur at Rancho Tapo Park in late September. Folks dance to polka bands, eat and drink at communal tables and often dress to nines in Bavarian garb.
The Fall Simi Valley Street Fair offers food, vendors, and entertainment for all.
There are many shopping centers around Simi Valley that host local and national retailers.
The Apricot Festival in Simi Valley is a family event that occurs at Strathearn Historical Park.
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Commute on State Route 118 or by train
Simi Valley has city buses, but it's a primarily car-dependent city. Residents might work at industrial businesses on the city's west side or healthcare facilities like Adventist Health Simi Valley. Still, many commute on the 118. It runs east to west through the city, connecting drivers to destinations in Ventura County and Los Angeles County. Thousand Oaks is about a 10-mile drive south by taking the 118 west and heading down state Route 23. Commuters can merge onto Interstate 5 for a 40-mile drive southeast to downtown LA. The drive to LA usually takes about an hour, but it's normal to hit heavy traffic near the city center. The Simi Valley Amtrak Station, on the city's east side, offers an hour train ride to LA. Los Angeles International Airport is about 50 miles southeast.
Simi Valley offers convenient public transit and easy connectivity for commuters.
Happy Face Hill welcomes residents and tourists to Simi Valley.
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A-rated Simi Valley Unified School District
The city's public schools get high marks, with the Simi Valley Unified School District receiving an overall A rating from Niche. Niche also ranks it as the No. 4 best district in Ventura County. The district has 28 schools, all within the city, so most students have a short walk or ride to school. Santa Susana High is a standout among the district's multiple other A-rated schools. Ranked the No. 5 best high school in Ventura County, Santa Susana is a highly touted magnet school offering STEM programs and many other academic programs.
Santa Susana High School ranks among top-rated schools in Simi Valley.
Simi Valley High School serves over 2,000 students in Simi Valley, Ca.
Valley View Middle School, rated B+ on Niche, serves the Simi Valley community.
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The Reagan Presidential Library and spaces for the arts
Simi Valley is also the location of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The library’s complex sprawls over gardens and includes a hilltop with views of the ocean. "People come from all over the world to see Air Force One parked inside the museum," says Angelini. "We're used to hosting diplomats and government officials who come for events or to pay their respects at the former president and first lady's burial site."
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, operated by the city manager's office, is the city’s hub of artistic programming. The center hosts over 350 events each year, ranging from musicals, concerts, craft fairs, art exhibits, business meetings and weddings. It has become such a community hub that in July of 2021, the city council adopted a five-year strategic plan dedicated to broadening the resources and outreach of the Cultural Arts Center.
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center hosts over 350 events every year.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is one of the main landmarks in Simi Valley.
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High risk of fires, but not crime
There is a real risk of brush fires in the hills around Simi Valley. In the summer of 2024, the Sharp Fire burned 133 acres on the city's north side. It damaged around 60 homes and forced residents to evacuate. Residents should have an evacuation plan prepared for these potential disasters, and it's also important to mitigate the spread of fires by creating a defensible space. This involves removing flammable, overgrown vegetation from the perimeter of a property to cut off a fire's fuel supply.
On the other hand, crime is not much of a concern. According to FBI data, Simi Valley's violent crime rate is consistently well below the state and national rates. In 2023, Simi Valley had a rate of 43 offenses per 100,000 people, compared to the California rate of 103 per 100,000 people.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Derrick Harvey
Video By
Jacob McAllister
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Victoria Waldorf,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Simi Valley, CA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Simi Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $830,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded Simi Valley townhouse offering the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality. This spacious 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is filled with natural light and thoughtfully updated throughout.Step inside to discover new flooring, fresh interior paint, soaring high ceilings, new doors and hardware, custom lighting, and beautiful new shades. The living
This is a Probate Listing subject to court confirmation and overbid. Spacious 5 bedroom 3 bath home with salt water swimming pool.Great home on a cul de sac featuring 2 fireplaces, 2 master bedrooms, one with it's own private entrance. Kitchen has a long island and a dining area that overlooks the pool. Large 3 car garage with ample storage. Located in a great neighborhood close to most amenities.
Here is your opportunity to own an estate built by the award-winning Shea Homes, perfectly nestled in Simi Valley's highly coveted Big Sky community. It features a very large elevated private lot with expansive mountain and sunset views in a secluded, peaceful cul-de-sac at the LOWEST list price per square foot in the coveted, quality-constructed Castlewood at Big Sky. Residents of Castlewood
Welcome to this charming and beautifully updated single-story home offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and endless possibilities. Step inside to warm wood-look flooring that flows throughout the inviting family room and into the open dining area. The beautifully updated kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring a massive concrete center island, stainless steel appliances, generous
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath McKeon condo, ideally situated in a desirable upper-floor, penthouse location for added privacy and natural light. Step inside to discover brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh interior paint, new window coverings, a new stove, and a new vent hood--making this home truly move-in ready. Additional features include: Shared 2-car
Some homes are updated, this single-story home is dialed in. Located in a prime area of Simi Valley offering 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, approx. 1,687 sq ft, and a thoughtfully improved indoor-outdoor lifestyle. This move-in-ready home features a remodeled bright white kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel gas range and dishwasher, upgraded lighting, additional cabinetry, and a laundry room
Seller is willing to help buyer 2/1 Buy Down Up TO 2 year MORTGAGE PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OFFERED. This property qualifies for other programs, call for more information.Step into the Summerside at Wood Ranch, where your dream home becomes a reality. This highly sought-after, single-level end-unit townhouse is bathed in natural light and features a spacious open floor plan, complete with
Welcome home to this stunning 4-bedroom property in highly desirable East Simi Valley. The open-concept living and family rooms greet you with soaring high ceilings and massive windows that flood the space with brilliant natural light. Designed for modern living, the interior features durable laminate wood flooring throughout, transitioning to cozy carpet in the spacious bedrooms. The gourmet
You must see this highly desirable three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse that includes one downstairs bedroom. Or is this a four-bedroom home? This unit features a bonus room that could be used as an additional bedroom, an office, an upstairs TV room, a nursery, or any one of a hundred other possibilities that are only limited by your imagination! The first floor features newer flooring, a
Welcome to this inviting Simi Valley residence, where thoughtful updates and comfortable living come together in a desirable Central Simi Valley location. This single-story home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and approximately 1,226 sq. ft. of living space on a spacious lot with beautiful mountain views.Inside, enjoy high ceilings, a cozy fireplace, fresh paint, updated flooring, and
Welcome home to 185 Laurel Wood Ct. This home has been beautifully updated and thoughtfully designed,. This impressive 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom residence offers approximately 2,917 square feet of stylish living space, on a corner lot with over 10,000 square feet, in the sought-after, guard-gated community of Long Canyon at Wood Ranch. From the moment you enter, soaring two-story ceilings in the
Welcome to The Westerly! This highly upgraded end-unit townhome delivers the perfect combination of space, style, and functionality. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,214 sq. ft. of living space, this is the largest floor plan in the community--paired with the largest private patio, ideal for entertaining or relaxing.Step inside and you're immediately greeted by
Imagine sitting in your living room and looking directly out toward beautiful Whiteface Mountain. That unexpected mountain view is one of the first things you'll notice when you step inside this inviting single-story home. Set on a prominent corner lot in Simi Valley's desirable Mountain Valley community, this is a home that feels even better in person.Offering approximately 1,712 square
Conveniently located 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom corner unit condo in the heart of Simi Valley. Located on the first floor. Large living room with fireplace. Dining area with slider to private patio great for outdoor entertaining. Nice size kitchen with plenty of cabinet space. Large hall bath with spacious vanity and tub/shower combo. Spacious secondary bedroom with large closet. Primary bedroom with
Discover luxurious apartments for rent, offering one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans tailored to a top-quality lifestyle. Gourmet kitchens feature quartz countertops and stainless steel energy-efficient appliances. Enjoy the added elegance of a balcony or patio to appreciate the luxurious surroundings of this urban oasis.The Landing at Arroyo apartments also extends the finest amenities
NEW PAINT, NEW CARPET! Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Large dining room that leads to the spacious kitchen with updated countertops and plenty of cabinets. Large living room with fireplace and sliding door with direct access to the backyard. Primary bedroom is spacious featuring plenty of closet space and an ensuite bathroom with newly glazed walk-in shower. 2 secondary bedrooms with lots of
Indian Oaks Apartments in Simi Valley, CA 93063 features a private patio/balcony, dishwasher, dining room and A/C. Your time matters, so we skip the hidden fee shuffle. Our prices include required monthly costs, including internet, no extra math, no mystery, just the real number. We are a smoke free community. Select homes include brand new kitchens and bathrooms with white quartz countertops,
Brand New! Located in a quiet neighborhood, Private 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom JADU with a private entrance through side gate. Spacious living room with kitchenet, brand new stainless-steel appliances. Large bathroom with spacious walk-in shower. Large bedroom with walk-in closet. Mini-split AC/Heat systems in both the living room and bedroom. Off-site laundry. Private entry patio area. Street
Welcome to gorgeous Simi Valley, where you have your selection between our one or two-bedroom apartments at IMT Wood Ranch. Comfort and convenience are folded into every home experience with apartment amenities like fully-equipped kitchens, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, Nest thermostats and in-home washers & dryers. Enjoy community amenities with luxury in mind like our
Beautifully upgraded and rare newer single story located in central Simi Valley, North of the 118 freeway. Spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with high ceilings, light and bright, open and airy floorplan with lots of windows and vinyl plank flooring. Spacious formal dining room features unique chandelier is open to the large living room with a wall of windows, recessed lighting and double-sided
Graced with breathtaking views of the Santa Susana Mountain range, you’ll love coming home to the Spanish-influenced architecture and manicured grounds of Hidden Valley apartments in Simi Valley, CA.Choose from 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom floor plans to find the one that’s right for you. Each apartment home for rent features a fully equipped kitchen, large closets, air conditioning, and a full-size,
Upstairs 2-bedroom, 1-bath. Step into the light filled living room and dining area. Galley style kitchen. Bathroom features a single vanity and shower/tub combo. 2 spacious bedrooms both with plenty of closet space. Features a bright, functional layout and a shared 2-car garage with storage. Central AC/heat. Community swimming pool, basketball court and large park nearby. Well-maintained and
Situated at a prestigious location, Avalon Simi Valley offers exquisite one-, two- and three-bedroom Simi Valley apartments to cater to all your needs. Discover a wealth of luxurious amenities such as upgraded cabinets, individual washers and dryers in all apartments, island kitchens, high speed internet, walk-in closets, private patios, pantries, Wi-Fi, and multiple phone lines. Upgrade any home
Beautiful and bright 2 bedroom, 1 bath ATTACHED ADU! The ADU is to the right side through the front gate. Large living room that flows into the open kitchen that features beautiful quartz counters, newer white cabinets and large pantry closet. Two large bedrooms. The spacious bathroom with walk-in shower is ONLY accessible through the primary bedroom. In-unit stackable washer and dryer, central
Location. Lifestyle. Amenities. These are a few of the things that set Shadow Ridge Apartment Homes apart. We've designed our interiors to capture and reveal your unique personal style, and we've tailored our community amenities to suit your lifestyle and spark joy in everything you do. This one-of-a-kind community has it all – the finishes you expect, the details you deserve, and the
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