Real Estate and Houses for Sale in the City of Ventura and the Ventura Beach and Marina Area 

San Buena Ventura Mission

The City of Ventura grew from the Mission San Buenaventura. The most successful and influential of the California Missions founded by Father Junipero Serra. Following the great earthquake of 1812-13, the Mission lands were divided up among the settlers. Administrators were appointed to transfer such lands to private property owners and to proceed with secular development of the area. 

Ventura is located between two richly endowed valleys, the Ventura River Valley and the Santa Clara River Valley, and so rich was the soil that citrus grew better here than anywhere else in the state. The growers along these rivers got together and formed Sunkist, the world's largest organization of citrus production.

Incorporated in 1866, it was pretty much isolated from the southern part of the State. With the completion of the Ventura Freeway from Los Angeles to Ventura - the last link finished in 1969 – the city has grown steadily with a population of about 110,000.

The City

The City falls into three districts: Downtown with it's historic Main Street and housing representing the Spanish Colonial style of the 1920-1930's. Midtown, with it's 1950's "modern" style and the east side, just east of Victoria Avenue to the city limits, featuring large tracts of homes built from the 1960's to the present.  Hill side view homes, many custom built, run from downtown east to the city limits.  The beach area features an eclectic mix of homes, nestled between the State Beach and the Ventura Harbor. Prices for houses for sale have remained relatively high due to a small inventory. The City is about half the size of Oxnard and this Real Estate Agent feels much better housing values remain in Oxnard.

Ventura Downtown Redevelopement

The Century Downtown 10 multiplex theatres are a recent addition to picturesque downtown Ventura.  A great afternoon or evening get-a-way, new restaurants and shops abound after the face lift the street got a few years ago. Movie buffs may remember that it was featured in the John Travolta movie, "Swordfish".

Ventura City Hall

Ventura City Hall sits majestically on the  hill above California Street.  Originally the structure housed the County Court house which moved to the County Government Center in the 1970's.  Also used for films, notably the Jack Nicholson film, "The Two Jakes".

Ventura County Government Center

The Ventura County-Government Center, a large complex including the county courts, jail and administrative offices. Just off Victoria Avenue, office buildings surrounding the center provide more jobs with related services.

Pacific View Mall

Ventura County's regional mall, Pacific View Mall,  is the center of the booming commercial district in mid town Ventura. Home to several department stores as well as Trader Joe's and others. Close by to this center are Barnes & Noble and Kohl's & just across the street, Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse.

 

Ventura Harbor Village

Ventura Harbor 

The Ventura Harbor and Beaches include a favorite destination, the Harbor Village with shops, restaurants, recreational activities and several resort hotels. Parts of the beach are just a short walk from historic Downtown Ventura and the San Buena Ventura Mission. This makes for an enjoyable afternoon or a great get-a-way weekend. This Real Estate Agent suggests investigating not only the Harbor area Hotels, but the downtown accommodations.

One of the most desirable areas along the coast, just north of the Harbor.  With dockside single family homes and "inboard" properties, including both detached and attached homes built from the 1970's to the present.

Just north of the Keys and south of Ventura State beach, offers an eclectic mix of larger newer homes and cottages. Streets here run perpendicular to the beach, so although some home are oceanfront or near ocean front, most are further up from the sand.

Running up to the Rincon and Solimar Beach, true beach front homes in a spectacular setting.

Ventura Harbor and Beaches are home to the historic Ventura Pier. Build originally for provisions brought in by boat, it has become a recreational destination. This Pier has been refitted after a succession of storms in recent decades.  Public parking is close by and several restaurants are at the foot of the Pier.  Although the restoration has been completed, the Pier is a fraction of its former length.

 Places to Go...Things to Do in the Ventura Harbor

Hal's Picks for Shopping and Restaurants

Contact Information