Agoura Hills
Northwest of the great Los Angeles sprawl, Conejo Valley offers an even more laid-back take on the Southern California lifestyle. But it’s far from sleepy. Urban parks, hiking trails, and sprawling open spaces mark Conejo Valley, along with upscale shopping destinations, museums, and exciting cultural venues. And with its proximity to Hollywood, nobody can deny Conejo Valley’s popularity both as a filming location and relaxing respite for many A-list personalities.
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GETTING TO KNOW CONEJO VALLEY
Ideally situated in Southern California, Conejo Valley spans southeastern Ventura County and northwestern Los Angeles County. It lies approximately 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles and about 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. The valley is bordered by the Santa Monica Mountains to the south and the Simi Hills to the north, providing residents with picturesque views and easy access to both coastal and mountain destinations.
Conejo Valley was originally home to several established Chumash villages, the oldest of which was settled 13,000 years ago. Then, in the late 1700s, Spanish settlers arrived and established missions and ranchos in the region, shaping Conejo Valley’s agricultural identity. As the 20th century progressed, Conejo Valley transitioned from a rural farming area into a suburban community, especially with the incorporation of Thousand Oaks in 1964.
Today, Conejo Valley is recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in Southern California, renowned for its outdoor recreation opportunities that include expansive open spaces and over 150 miles of multi-use trails. Family-oriented neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a thriving arts and culture scene further enhance the overall high quality of life residents enjoy in Conejo Valley.
Conejo Valley by the numbers
- Total area: Approximately 180 square miles
- Distance from Los Angeles: Roughly 40 miles northwest
- Population: About 250,000 residents across multiple communities, including Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and Agoura Hills
- Parks and open space: Over 15,000 acres of protected land, making Conejo Valley one of the greenest regions in Southern California
HOMES FOR SALE IN CONEJO VALLEY
Conejo Valley comprises several affluent cities and communities, such as Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, and Westlake Village. Together, these locales create a dynamic and competitive real estate market that’s reflective of the area’s desirable lifestyle and scenic beauty. A wide assortment of housing options are available in the region, including modern architectural homes, luxury condominiums, equestrian properties, and custom estates in prestigious gated communities.
Thousand Oaks
The second largest city in Ventura County, Thousand Oaks is widely considered to be the heart of Conejo Valley. Thousand Oaks’ commercial core is lined with local attractions such as the Civic Arts Plaza, while the rest of the city is divided between upscale residential neighborhoods or untouched nature and outdoor recreation, with Wildwood Regional Park occupying at least 1,760 acres of the city. Meanwhile, homes for sale in Thousand Oaks, Conejo Valley include turnkey custom residences, townhouses, and condos that often feature Mediterranean and Ranch architectural influences.
Notable neighborhoods in Thousand Oaks include:
- North Ranch, a prestigious enclave surrounding the North Ranch Country Club, where residents can enjoy a private, luxurious lifestyle. Custom homes dominate the real estate offerings; these properties sit on large, beautifully landscaped grounds and are available in a range of architectural styles, including Mediterranean Revival and American Craftsman. Home prices in North Ranch range from $1.3 million to over $5 million.
- Wildwood, a family-friendly neighborhood located near Wildwood Regional Park, known for its scenic hiking trails and open spaces. The area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the natural beauty and proximity to the park’s famous Paradise Falls. Homes in Wildwood range from mid-century ranch styles to more contemporary designs, with prices generally between $750,000 and $1.5 million.
Newbury Park
Located on the western edge of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park offers a quieter, more residential feel with easy access to nature. It’s a popular choice for those who value peace and proximity to outdoor activities, with numerous hiking trails, including the challenging Boney Mountain Overlook Trail.
There are many fabulous neighborhoods in Newbury Park, including:
- Rancho Conejo, a gated community in Newbury Park with a diverse array of custom homes– numbering over 900– in different architectural styles. Vintage homes dating back to the early 1990s and more recent construction can be found throughout the neighborhood, which was developed by S & S Construction/Shapell Industries. Home prices in Rancho Conejo typically range from $900,000 to over $2 million.
- Dos Vientos Ranch, one of the newer residential developments in Newbury Park. Commonly referred to as just Dos Vientos, it also happens to be the largest master-planned community in all of Conejo Valley. Real estate offerings in Dos Vientos range from $800,000 to over $3 million and include a variety of property types, such as single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and estates. These are scattered across 24 housing developments, each possessing their own unique vibe and architectural makeup.
Westlake Village
Westlake Village
Straddling the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, Westlake Village is one of the rare communities in the Los Angeles metropolitan area where residents enjoy a small-town atmosphere. Trailheads are accessible almost anywhere in the city, enabling residents and visitors to hike and bike in nature easily. Located near the center of the city is Westlake Lake, where residents are allowed to fish bass or go boating. The lake also adds a number of waterfront properties to the local housing inventory.
Neighborhoods of note in Westlake Village include:
- The Northshore, located along the shores of Westlake Lake, offers a mix of upscale homes, including townhomes and lakefront estates. Many homes in this neighborhood feature private docks, making it perfect for boating enthusiasts. Single-family homes for sale in this Conejo Valley community range from $750,000 to over $2 million in price.
- First Neighborhood, as its name implies, is one of the first residential developments in Westlake Village. Greenbelts and parks wind through the area, enabling residents both young and young-at-heart to easily partake in some outdoor recreation. Many homes in First Neighborhood were built between the 1960s and 1970s, which means plenty of vintage charm and original architectural details that are lost these days in newer construction.
Agoura Hills
Agoura Hills is a picturesque city located between the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains, known for its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. The city features a blend of suburban comforts with rustic charm, attracting families and nature lovers. Agoura Hills offers a range of activities, from hiking trails to cultural attractions like the Paramount Ranch, a historic movie set and popular hiking spot.
Some of the sought-after neighborhoods in Agoura Hills include:
- Old Agoura, an equestrian-friendly neighborhood with large lots and ranch-style homes, built between the 1930s and the 2000s. The area has a rural feel, with many properties featuring stables and direct access to horse trails. Despite its rustic atmosphere, Old Agoura is still close to the conveniences of suburban life. Home prices in this country-style neighborhood range often start at the $1 million mark.
- Morrison Highlands, also referred to simply as The Highlands, where home prices range from $1.5 million to over $3.5 million. The neighborhood has a total of over 200 residences that offer up to 5,700 sq. ft. in approximate living space. Though a large portion of the housing stock was built in the 1980s, architectural styles here lean on the contemporary East Coast aesthetic.
LIVING IN CONEJO VALLEY
Getting around
Conejo Valley offers a variety of transportation options, making it convenient to navigate the area whether you’re commuting for work, school, or leisure.
If you’re taking public transit, Thousand Oaks Transit (TOT) is the primary public transportation provider in Conejo Valley. TOT offers five local bus routes that connect key locations within the region, including schools, shopping centers like The Oaks Mall, Janss Marketplace, and essential stops like Los Robles Hospital and Cal Lutheran University. The buses operate Monday through Saturday and are equipped with Wi-Fi and bike racks.
If you’re driving, the main thoroughfare running through Conejo Valley is US-101. Also known as the Ventura Freeway, it connects Conejo Valley to Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley to the southeast, and Ventura and Santa Barbara to the northwest. This makes commuting by car a popular option, with most residents relying on the freeway for access to nearby cities and destinations.
If you prefer alternative modes of transportation, Conejo Valley has a network of bike paths and trails, including scenic routes through the Santa Monica Mountains. Popular areas like Newbury Park and Westlake Village have well-maintained walking paths and bike-friendly streets, making it easy to get around without a car.
Shopping
The Lakes at Thousand Oaks
Conejo Valley delivers an exceptional shopping experience, with a variety of retail centers that cater to a range of tastes and preferences.
- Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills is a charming destination for those seeking a unique shopping experience. It features everything from antiques and handmade jewelry to crystals and specialty books. The square also houses gourmet eateries like Blue Table and Tifa Chocolate, making it a great spot to combine shopping with dining.
- For a more upscale outing, The Promenade at Westlake provides a beautiful outdoor setting with high-end shopping, restaurants, and the luxurious Cinépolis cinema, where you can enjoy in-seat dining and reclining chairs for a premium movie-going experience.
- Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks is a family-friendly destination that blends shopping, dining, and entertainment. Its convenient location and diverse array of shops and services make it a one-stop spot for both locals and visitors.
- Lastly, The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is known for its picturesque shopping environment, complete with manicured gardens, sculptures, and a serene lake. This center is located near the Civic Arts Plaza and hosts year-round events, making it a popular destination for shopping and entertainment.
Dining
Cravings can be easily satisfied thanks to Conejo Valley’s vibrant dining scene; it caters to every palate and preference, whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or a luxe dinner.
For a truly unique experience, visit The Old Place Cornell Restaurant, set in a century-old building near Malibu, where oak-fire-grilled steaks and hearty dishes are served in a rustic atmosphere. Another one-of-a-kind spot is Boar Dough Kitchen in Agoura Hills, which focuses on locally sourced comfort food, delivering seasonal and artisanal dishes.
Adventurous diners will do well to try restaurants such as Tavern Tomoko & Ladyface Brewery, where you can try Japanese small plates with classic California pub fare. And if you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, Plata Taqueria & Cantina serves creative takes on California-inspired tacos with fresh house-made sauces and tortillas.
Other must-try restaurants in Conejo Valley include:
Outdoor recreation
Conejo Valley is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its expansive natural landscapes and diverse recreational activities. Spanning over 12,500 acres of open space and featuring 140 miles of trails, the region provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding amidst breathtaking scenery.
One of the area’s highlights is Wildwood Regional Park, where 17 miles of trails wind through waterfalls, canyons, and rich wildlife habitats. Popular routes, such as the Lizard Rock Trail, reveal stunning vistas of Conejo Valley, making it a favorite for those seeking scenic exploration.
For those looking for more of a challenge, the Los Robles Trail is a five-mile loop known for its steep climbs and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. On the other hand, the Sunset Hills Trail offers a more relaxed 3.4-mile journey through open landscapes, with unobstructed views of Simi Valley.
Families will enjoy the Tarantula Hill Trail, a short, paved path leading to the highest point in Thousand Oaks. From the summit, visitors are treated to a panoramic view of the entire valley, making it an easy yet rewarding outing for all ages.
Other activities
Beyond its natural beauty, Conejo Valley is rich with cultural, historical, and artistic attractions that showcase the region’s unique blend of Southern California charm and history.
- The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Thousand Oaks is a 33-acre haven of various plant collections, including native California species, Mediterranean flora, and exotic plants from around the world. Visitors can explore meticulously curated themed areas, such as the Mediterranean Garden, which showcases drought-tolerant plants, and the Rose Garden, known for its vibrant blooms and fragrant varieties.
- The Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills has a fascinating combination of film history and nature. Originally developed in the 1920s as a movie ranch by Paramount Pictures, it has been a backdrop for numerous classic films and television shows. Today, it serves as a public park within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, offering visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
The ranch has served as a backdrop for countless films and TV shows, including Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and HBO’s Westworld. Visitors can hike its scenic trails, some named after the productions filmed here.
- The Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks celebrates the rich culture of the Chumash people, who were native to the area long before European settlers arrived. Situated on a historic site that once served as a Chumash village, the museum features a diverse collection of artifacts, artwork, and exhibits that highlight the traditional life, crafts, and spiritual practices of the Chumash tribe.
- The Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park, a historic building from the late 1800s that once served as a hotel for travelers between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Today, it offers a captivating glimpse into Southern California’s history through its preserved 19th-century stagecoach stop. Established in 1860, the inn served as a crucial rest stop for travelers along the historic stagecoach route between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Visitors can still see some of its original architecture and furnishings, as well as participate in the occasional special events and educational programs.
- The Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, which serves as the heart of the city’s arts and entertainment scene. This impressive complex features the Fred Kavli Theatre, a state-of-the-art venue known for its exceptional acoustics and diverse programming, including concerts, theatrical performances, and dance recitals. The Plaza also houses the Janet and Rick Caruso Lobby, a versatile space for art exhibitions and community events.
LET DEB GUIDE YOU TO YOUR DREAM HOME IN CONEJO VALLEY
Conejo Valley has everything, from exhilarating outdoor activities and world-class shopping to amazing homes for sale. It’s easy to see why many people make Conejo Valley the focus of their real estate goals.
I’m Deborah Kernahan, a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) with over 30 years of expertise guiding people to their dream homes in Conejo Valley and other parts of Southern California.
If you’re ready to explore homes for sale in Conejo Valley or want to discuss your real estate goals, I’m here to assist you with personalized guidance and expert negotiation. Contact me today at 818.519.8357 or via email —I look forward to helping you find your dream home.