Imagine a quiet, seaside town on the Pacific, where
pristine stretches of coastline provide the perfect setting
for sunset-watching or a sunrise stroll. An eclectic
assortment of beachfront homes afford breathtaking views. Life
is peaceful here without being too isolating. You've got
access to all of the modern conveniences you need, and should
you desire a taste of big-city life, Los Angeles is within
easy driving distance. Or, if you'd like a change of scenery
without the congestion of L.A., just head in the opposite
direction; you'll soon arrive in Santa Barbara, one of
California's loveliest cities.
This perfectly situated town is Oxnard, California, a city
of more than 158,000 residents sandwiched between Santa
Barbara and Los Angeles along a beautiful stretch of Pacific
coastline. As you enter Oxnard, the first thing you're likely
to spot is its surrounding farmlands. Oxnard marches to the
beat of its own drum. Instead of joining the growing ranks of
cities specializing in high technology, telecommunications or
other industries of the future, Oxnard prefers to do what it
has long done best. The city is well-known for its
agriculture, particularly its abundant strawberry crops. Its
agricultural fields are among California's richest. The name
"Oxnard," in fact, comes from one of the city's earliest
industrial families, who ran a sugar beet factory in the area.
This isn't to imply that Oxnard relies solely on its
agricultural industry, however. The city has diversified
considerably since its inception, attracting a variety of
industries.
The largest city in Ventura County, Oxnard is about 60
miles northwest of Los Angeles and 35 miles south of Santa
Barbara. If life in Oxnard isn't quiet enough for you, you can
hop aboard a ferry at Channel Islands Harbor (or a helicopter,
for the more adventurous) and cruise to the scenic Channel Islands National
Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Make
this trip at any time from late December through April, and
you're likely to spot some whales on your way to your
destination. The harbor itself hosts festivals year-round and
contains a maritime museum, several parks and marinas,
restaurants, shopping and boat rentals. Oxnard's proximity to
this tourist attraction has earned it the nickname "Gateway to
the Channel Islands." That's one of many nicknames Oxnard
owns; the city also has been dubbed "Sugartown" and
"Strawberry Capital," among others. Oxnard pays homeage to the
strawberry each year during its annual Strawberry
Festival. Next year's festival is scheduled for May 20-21,
2000. Rest assured that strawberry shortcake will be on the
agenda.
With such fertile lands, it stands to reason that Oxnard
enjoys temperate weather throughout the year. In fact, weather
conditions here remain fairly constant, with an average
daytime temperature of 61 degrees. Variations rarely dip below
52 degrees or above 70 degrees. Such conditions allow for
year-round recreation, including boating, swimming, fishing
and golf. Several golf courses are located in and around
Oxnard, and don't be surprised if you spot a curious deer
checking out your golf game.
If you're accustomed to the hustle and bustle of big-city
life, your first impressions of Oxnard may not lead you to
believe this town offers much in the way of local attractions
(besides its sweet strawberries, of course). That's not the
case. Look closer, and you'll find plenty to see and do here
-- that is, if you can tear yourself away from the city's
gorgeous Pacific views long enough to explore your
surroundings. Lovers of maritime history will want to check
out the Ventura County Maritime Museum, containing
nautical-themed works of art, model ships and new exhibits
throughout the year. Heritage Square, located along A Street,
is a walking tour of homes dating back to the early 1900s.
Visitors can take a tour inside these carefully preserved
homes and their adjacent gardens. If you come here during the
summer months on a Friday evening, you'll be treated to live
music, as well.
In addition to a diversity of retail shops, Oxnard's
attractions include several museums, including the Carnegie
Art Museum, the Seabee Museum, the Gull Wings Children's
Museum and the Otis Chandler Vintage Museum of Transportation
and Wildlife. Lovers of architecture can take a walking tour
of Oxnard's 17 historical landmarks, concentrated within its
Cultural Heritage District (between 2nd and 6th streets and F
and C streets).
Perhaps not surprising given California's reputation for
high-priced real estate, Oxnard's housing inventory usually
carries with it a hefty price tag. The good news is that the
city's housing stock is quite diverse, offering homes across
the entire architectural and financial spectrum. Obviously,
the closer you get to the ocean, the higher the price you can
expect to pay, and many homes directly facing the beach are
well up into the six and seven figures. You'll find many
"fixer-uppers" available, and while you might expect to land
them at a steal, you'll be surprised to discover that most of
them will still give you sticker shock. But living in Oxnard
doesn't have to remain an impossible dream; the city has a
substantial inventory of vacation properties, condos and
apartments, as well.
Regardless of your budgetary considerations, however,
living in Oxnard is a refreshing change of pace. Its residents
are friendly and laid-back, its sunsets are spectacular and
its strawberries are sweet. Life is good in this Southern
California town that continues to thrive on its own terms.
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