Thousand Oaks 71 Excellent
Thousand Oaks Livability #216 ranked city in California#6,297 ranked city in the USARanks better than 78% of areas

Thousand Oaks, CA - T.O.

Thousand Oaks, California, nestled in the Conejo Valley, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and high quality of life. Located just north of Los Angeles, this suburban city offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city while providing easy access to urban amenities. The city's name reflects the thousands of oak trees that adorn its streets and parks, creating a serene and natural environment.

Residents of Thousand Oaks enjoy an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, thanks to the city's extensive park system and proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains. The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, Wildwood Regional Park, and numerous hiking and biking trails offer residents a chance to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. These amenities contribute to the city's reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The city boasts a strong sense of community, with top-rated schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities. The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is a cultural hub, hosting performances, concerts, and events that cater to diverse interests. Additionally, the city's commitment to preserving its natural environment and green spaces is evident in its well-maintained parks and open areas.

Thousand Oaks has a thriving economy supported by a mix of industries, including biotechnology, healthcare, and education. Major employers such as Amgen, one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, provide numerous job opportunities for residents. The city's economic stability and job market are significant factors in its attractiveness to families and professionals alike.

Public transportation in Thousand Oaks includes bus services provided by Thousand Oaks Transit, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. The city's Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, makes it an ideal place for outdoor activities year-round. Overall, Thousand Oaks offers a blend of suburban tranquility, natural beauty, and economic opportunity.

Pros and Cons of Living in Thousand Oaks

PROS
  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

  • Health & Safety

    Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.

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What's it like Living in Thousand Oaks?

Thousand Oaks is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 127,648 residents. At 80%, the majority of the Thousand Oaks population is White; this is followed by 10% Asian and 1% Black. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Thousand Oaks is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Thousand Oaks, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Thousand Oaks and in the areas around Thousand Oaks is a much easier task.

Thousand Oaks has a livability score of 71/100 and is ranked #235 in California and #5,783 in the USA. If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Thousand Oaks ranks well for crime (A+) and education (A). On a more negative note, Thousand Oaks does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F) and housing (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 58 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Thousand Oaks boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Thousand Oaks, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.65% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Assuming that Thousand Oaks meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Thousand Oaks. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Thousand Oaks are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Thousand Oaks come in at $751,900, which is 83.7% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Thousand Oaks, the home price to income ratio is 6.9, which is 7.8% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Thousand Oaks

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      Thousand Oaks transportation information

      Statistic Thousand Oaks California National
      Average one way commute26min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.7%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.1%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.5%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home12.8%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Thousand Oaks, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).