Ojai Neighborhoods

Downtown Ojai & adjacent

Story by Aimee Jo Davis

When you begin to look for Ojai real estate, you quickly realize that you are not simply purchasing a home; you are investing in a way of life. This Southern California town —just 14 miles from the coast and 90 miles north of Los Angeles — has managed to retain its small-town charm and quaint village atmosphere in a way that makes it stand out as a unique haven, largely untouched by the expansive growth and rat race that defines so much of Southern California.

Here, the focus is on local, family-owned businesses, coming together to celebrate at community festivals and events throughout the year, preserving the valley’s beauty and history, and enjoying the tranquility of country living. The city is home to excellent private and public schools, golf courses, spas, art galleries, boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants, the Arcade shopping center and a plethora of opportunities to take part in a wide variety of recreational activities.

Extensive shopping, dining and entertainment options are just a short drive away in Ventura and Santa Barbara, but many of our residents prefer heading to Ojai’s one-screen movie house to catch the latest release, or visiting a local gallery or community theater performance for their fill of art and culture. Farmers Markets on Sunday and Thursday keep us stocked up on organic fruits and vegetables. When we aren’t at Libbey Bowl for the Ojai Music Festival or biking along the Ojai Valley Trail, Ojai residents can be found fishing at Lake Casitas, teeing off at one of our 18-hole championship golf courses, horseback riding on meandering trails in Upper Ojai, hiking in Los Padres National Forest or stopping by the market to pick up some of Ojai’s local products, which include olive oils, wines, organically fed beef, teas, jams, organic personal care products and more.

You will find no big-box stores here, and even fast food chains are kept safely outside of the city’s borders. Instead, you will find locally owned establishments operated by folks who share the commitment to preserving the Ojai lifestyle. Depending on where you live in the valley, you can spend the day at the spa, meet your friends for a drink, or take in dinner and a movie without ever having to drive more than 10 minutes between destinations — and that includes parking. Here’s a look at Ojai’s distinct neighborhoods, each with its own routines and traditions.

UPPER OJAI

downtown, this rural community boasts expansive estates and some of the most luxurious Ojai ranches that come on the market. Many people remark on its resemblance to Tuscany landscapes. This bucolic paradise defines country living at its finest.

Most of the estates and ranches in Upper Ojai are on 20-acre parcels, but both smaller and larger properties are also available. With the smallest parcels at just about one-half of an acre and the larger ranch properties expanding to about 40 acres, there is a variety of estates from which to choose.

While this community is best known for its horse properties, there are also many residents who choose this area simply as a country retreat, where they can get away from it all and enjoy watching the sunsets and waiting for a glimpse of Ojai’s famous Pink Moment, which happens when the setting sun hits the Topa Topa Mountains.

Aside from being an equestrian paradise and a utopia for nature lovers, Upper Ojai is also home to The Ojai Foundation, The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, the Summit Café, and general store. There is also the public Summit Elementary School — now run in partnership with the Rock Tree Sky school, as well as an outstanding private schools: Besant Hill School. When driving up Dennison Grade to visit Upper Ojai, be sure to stop at the scenic lookout to take in the view of the Ojai Valley made famous by the 1937 film, “Lost Horizon.”

MEINERS OAKS

Just to the west of downtown Ojai and north of Mira Monte lies the community of Meiners Oaks. This small neighborhood officially encompasses about 1.4 square miles between Highway 33 and State Route 150, each of which offers easy access to Ventura or Santa Barbara, respectively.

Just a few minutes from schools, shopping and dining in downtown Ojai, this quaint community is also home to its own landmark eateries and both a public and private school. Additionally, Meiners Oaks is an ideal neighborhood for those who enjoy outdoor activities and is located in close proximity to the Ojai Valley Trail, Lake Casitas, hiking trails, mountain biking trails and even some waterholes. Ranch House, Jolly Kone, The Donut Hole and Ace Hardware — the quintessential small-town hardware store. While you might wonder what a gourmet restaurant with garden dining, a corner burger stand, a tiny donut shop and a store that sells wheelbarrows all have in common, newcomers to the Ojai Valley quickly discover that each of these local favorites is just one more reason so many of us have chosen to make this valley our home.

Unassuming as they may seem, mom-and-pop shops like these are an important part of what distinguishes Ojai from our neighbors. Papa Lennon’s Pizzeria and the Farmer & the Cook organic café and marketplace, Meiners Heritage Table, and Alquimia Wellness are also welcome additions that have made the Meiners Oaks neighborhood even more eclectic and diverse.

Oak Grove School, a private, progressive K-12 co-educational day and boarding school of world renown is also located in Meiners Oaks, as well as a well-regarded public school, Meiners Oak Elementary.

ARbolada

The Arbolada is a truly distinct Ojai neighborhood, both in location and in the variety of homes tucked among the mature oaks. Although it is located just a short stroll from downtown Ojai and a wide variety of entertainment, shopping and dining options, it is as if you have stepped into another world as soon as you enter this enchanted glen of cobblestone streets lined with trees.

The tranquil serenity of this landmark Ojai neighborhood is insulated from the world outside, giving the Arbolada an atmosphere that residents long to come home to, and where the stresses of the day simply fade away as you meander through the quiet streets to your own private retreat.

One of Ojai’s earliest subdivisions, this neighborhood was lovingly designed and developed by Edward Libbey in the early 1920s and features custom-built estates situated on lots that range in size from half an acre to two acres. There is an array of architectural styles represented, and each of these luxury homes is accompanied by well-manicured grounds and the privacy offered by an abundantly wooded landscape. If your idea of heaven is spending a quiet evening under the stars or hosting a garden party in a setting that would impress even the most discerning socialite, then a home in this

PERSIMMON HILL

The Persimmon Hill neighborhood is among those that define Ojai horse property and estates at their most elegant. Built on land that was once occupied by a historic dairy farm, custom-built homes on large parcels are the norm in this well-planned development, and those looking for country living close to town will find this neighborhood ideally located.

Peace and tranquility are ensured by an abundance of mature oak trees and green spaces between Persimmon Hill and downtown Ojai, which is situated directly to the north, while other borders include bucolic, tree-canopied Creek Road and the Soule Park Golf Course.

This prestigious neighborhood has just three streets — Buckboard Lane, Longhorn Lane and Saddle Lane — as well as distinct entrances to the community, which means there is no through traffic to break the serenity as you watch the Pink Moment unfold across the Topa Topa Mountains at sunset or walk your dog along the quiet country roads in the brisk morning air. Persimmon Hill homes offer the luxury and elegance or custom-built estates along with the tranquility of country living, making this a popular choice for both full-time residents and those seeking upscale retreats to escape to as a quiet getaway when they need a break from their fast-paced lives in Los Angeles.

RANCHO MATILIJA

The Ojai Valley neighborhood of Rancho Matilija is located on Highway 150, approximately five miles from downtown Ojai and just 1.5 miles from the outdoor recreational activities offered at Lake Casitas.

This prestigious, gated community is bordered by hiking and equestrian trails, and enjoys views of the Topa Topa Mountains, as well as the Ventura River Bluff. Homes for sale in Rancho Matilija are in high demand, and with only two to three homes typically on the market at any given time, this demand is sure to remain high well into the future. beautiful landscaping throughout the neighborhood. Prospective home buyers looking for homes in Rancho Matilija will also appreciate the wide, nearly traffic-free roads that make walking the dog, going for a morning jog, biking with children or taking an evening stroll a peaceful, enjoyable experience. And if you are looking for horse property, keep in mind that horses are allowed on designated parcels within the community.

This Ojai neighborhood features estate homes that appeal to those who appreciate the tranquility and privacy of a secluded, gated community in a country setting, and who also want to be within an easy drive of entertainment, shopping and dining options. With its location along Highway 150, Rancho Matilija is also ideal for those who need to commute to Ventura, Santa Barbara or the Los Angeles area for work.

If you are looking for a custom home set on acreage that provides the ease and privacy of country living just minutes away from downtown Ojai — and just a short drive to Ventura or Santa Barbara — the spacious, elegant estates of Rancho Matilija are an option that should not be overlooked.

MIRA MONTE

The neighborhood of Mira Monte is an ideal location for those who need easy access to Highway 33 to commute to Ventura, Santa Barbara or Los Angeles. But don’t be fooled by the fact that much of the Mira Monte neighborhood borders each side of the highway; this community is one of Ojai’s many safe, quiet neighborhoods and features a mix of properties ranging from starter homes to small ranches. And, of course, there is also the fact that what we call a highway, most people would likely think of as more along the lines of a country road.

Whether you are searching for the perfect place to raise a family or the ideal piece of horse property to finally make your ranch-living dream a reality, the Mira Monte neighborhood just might be right for you. There are many quaint, quiet neighborhoods set back in Mira Monte’s rolling hills or leading down towards the Ventura River Basin (which folks around here simply call “the river bottom”) and the Lake Casitas area.

Many Mira Monte homes enjoy mountain or lake views, and residents can take advantage of the Ojai Valley Trail to walk to shopping and dining options. Many folks who opt for real estate in the

Mira Monte neighborhood are just a short stroll away from Rite Aid, Air Pizza (superb sourdough crust), McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Starbucks, as well as local businesses, such as Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill.

Mira Monte Elementary School is located within the community, and other Ojai Valley schools, including private and public junior and senior high schools, are just a short drive away.

SADDLE MOUNTAIN ESTATES

Saddle Mountain is an upscale Ojai neighborhood, overlooking the valley and offering exquisite views, including the Topa Topa Mountains to the east and Lake Casitas to the west. With its own bridle trails and quiet, winding country roads, this equestrian community is well known for its large, custom homes and ranches situated on properties that range from two to five acres.

Many of these custom country estates feature impeccable landscaping, swimming pools, barns and arenas, and all of these elegant homes offer peace and tranquility on large parcels that are studded with native oak trees.

Saddle Mountain homes are known to be some of the best options for horse property in this area; however, if you are a horse lover who prefers boarding your horses at a facility near your home, several of Ojai’s well-known boarding stables and horse training facilities are located just down the hill on Creek Road.

Country estates located in Saddle Mountain do not often come up for sale, which is a testament to just how much the residents enjoy calling this hilltop community home.

OAK VIEW

Oak View is an Ojai Valley community located along Highway 33 between Casitas Springs and Mira Monte. Home to a variety of properties for sale, those searching for two- to four-bedroom family homes on standard city lots — or horse property on larger parcels — will find many options in this family-oriented town.

Stretching down to the Ventura River bottom on one side and into the rolling hills leading to the prestigious community of Saddle Mountain on the other, Oak View offers an array of home styles and a price range that will appeal to a variety of home buyers. There are both older tract homes and custom Although not officially designated as an incorporated area or city, Oak View has its own downtown area with businesses lining both sides of Highway 33, including a grocery store, post office, bank, library, gas stations, coffee shops, several restaurants, mechanics, tire shops, beauty salons and much more. It is also just a few minutes away from all that Ojai has to offer and just a short drive to Ventura for expanded dining, shopping and entertainment options.

The close proximity to Ventura allows for easy access to the beach and a convenient commute for those who work in the city. At the same time, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate being just a few minutes from Lake Casitas, bridle trails and the Ojai Valley Trail, which is ideal for walking, jogging, biking or horseback riding.

casitas springs

Casitas Springs is a small community of just over 1,000 people which lies on Highway 33 between Ventura and Ojai, and is primarily made up of single-family homes built in the 1940s and 1950s.

Future homeowners who seek property in this family-oriented neighborhood are generally interested in living closer to the amenities of Ventura or are attracted by the opportunity to own a more affordable home just minutes from downtown Ojai.

The Casitas Springs community boasts cooler weather than other areas of the Ojai Valley — due to its proximity to Ventura’s beaches — and offers a blend of older, less expensive homes and higher-end properties. The majority of the neighborhood lies on either side of Highway 33, but there are also some homes tucked away in wooded areas or on hilltops with views of the valley. In fact, one of the estates perched on top of a hill and overlooking Casitas Springs below once belonged to Johnny Cash, which was purchased by the Cashes in 1961 and was one of their family homes.

With easy access to the Ojai Valley Trail for walking, biking and horse-back riding, as well as close proximity to hiking trails, popular surfing spots and Lake Casitas fishing, Casitas Springs is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to call home.

NEW LISTING

9850 Old Creek Road, Ojai

3 BD | 2.BA | 2,539 SQFT OFFERED AT $1,800,000 Nestled into the oak-forested hills of the Ojai Valley, this three bedroom, two bath Mid-Century Modern home offers gorgeous views and immense privacy. The 4.2 acre property includes a two story guest house or office, and a double sized swimming pool. Large kitchen and adjacent bar. Lovely views from every window.

NEW LISTING

615 Crestview Drive, Ojai

3 BD | 2 BA | 2,236 SQFT OFFERED AT $1,595,000

NEW LISTING

33 Reposo Drive, Oak View

5 BD | 3 BA | 2,262 SQFT OFFERED AT $1,395,000

NEW LISTING

508 El Conejo Drive, Ojai

4 BD | 2 BA | 1,857 SQFT OFFERED AT $875,000

NEW LISTING

10900 E. Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai

40 ACRE LOT OFFERED AT $1,295,000

TYLER BROUSSEAU 805.760.2213 Cal DRE 01916136 tyler.brousseau@sothebysrealty.com

CLINTON HAUGAN 805.760.2092 Cal DRE 02019604 clinton.haugan@sothebysrealty.com Visit OjaiForSale.com