Oxnard, CA Properties | Justin Miller

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Oxnard is a city in Ventura County, California, the largest city in the county and the 22nd largest in the state, with a population of roughly 200,000. It lies on the Oxnard Plain along the Pacific coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, anchored by Channel Islands Harbor and the Port of Hueneme on its southern edge. The city's coastal location, agricultural heritage, and harbor infrastructure define its character as a working waterfront city distinct from the more residential communities around it. Oxnard's origins are agricultural and industrial. The city was built on the sugar beet business in the late 1800s, and the Oxnard Plain remains some of California's most productive farmland, growing avocados, lemons, and especially strawberries. The city has been called the 'Strawberry Capital of California,' with dozens of farming companies operating locally and millions of strawberries shipped worldwide. The Port of Hueneme, shared with the neighboring community, is a significant commercial and military port and the West Coast home of the Navy Seabees. Beyond agriculture and shipping, Oxnard is a residential and cultural center. Its neighborhoods span older in-town districts, the historic La Colonia and West Village areas, and newer master-planned communities such as Riverpark. The city offers beaches, harbor recreation, and access to the Channel Islands, along with a year-round mild coastal climate. For residents, Oxnard provides a more attainable coastal alternative within Ventura County, with a diverse population, a strong industrial and agricultural employment base, and convenient access to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and the wider region. Its schools, harbor, and growing amenities make it a significant and evolving city on California's Central Coast.

Population 202,063

County Ventura County

Active Listings 489

Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Oxnard in?

Oxnard is in Ventura County, California, on the Oxnard Plain along the Pacific coast. It is the largest city in the county and the 22nd largest in the state, with a population of roughly 200,000.

What is Oxnard known for?

Oxnard is known as the 'Strawberry Capital of California,' reflecting the Oxnard Plain's productive farmland, which also grows avocados and lemons. The city also has a major harbor at Channel Islands Harbor and the Port of Hueneme.

How far is Oxnard from Los Angeles?

Oxnard sits on California's Central Coast, positioned between Los Angeles to the south and Santa Barbara to the north, both within an easy drive. Its coastal location and the Oxnard Plain define its setting.

What school districts serve Oxnard?

What is the Port of Hueneme?

The Port of Hueneme, on Oxnard's southern edge, is a commercial and military port and the West Coast home of the U.S. Navy Seabees. It shares Naval Base Ventura County with the Point Mugu naval air station to the south.

City Guide

About Oxnard

Real Estate & Housing

Oxnard's housing stock spans historic in-town neighborhoods and newer planned communities. Older districts near the city's core include traditional single-family homes, while areas such as Riverpark offer a mix of single-family homes and townhomes in a newer, amenity-oriented setting. North Oxnard provides additional residential neighborhoods with access to amenities and scenery. The city's coastal and harbor areas include condominiums and waterfront properties. The overall market is diverse, with housing generally more attainable than in the beach communities of Santa Barbara or the western Los Angeles suburbs.

Neighborhoods

Oxnard's neighborhoods range from historic to newly built. La Colonia and the West Village preserve the city's older residential fabric, with the Oxnard Historic Farm Park marking some of the city's earliest buildings. Riverpark is a newer master-planned community of single-family homes and townhomes near retail and entertainment. North Oxnard offers established neighborhoods with easy access to amenities, while areas near Channel Islands Harbor and the coast feature waterfront and coastal housing. The city's many districts reflect its growth from a farming town into a coastal city.

Lifestyle in Oxnard

Oxnard's lifestyle combines coastal recreation with agricultural and harbor culture. Channel Islands Harbor provides boating, waterfront dining, and access to the Channel Islands, while the city's beaches offer a milder, less crowded coastal experience than those to the south. The city's agricultural legacy is visible in its farm stands and strawberry fields, and its diverse population supports a wide-ranging food scene. A year-round mild climate—temperatures typically ranging from the 60s to 80s—supports an active, outdoor-oriented way of life.

Schools & Education

Public education in Oxnard is provided by the Oxnard School District for elementary and middle grades and the Oxnard Union High School District for high school, along with charter and private options. The city's schools serve a large and diverse student population across the Oxnard Plain. Higher education is available through nearby Ventura County institutions and community colleges. The districts' campuses are spread across the city's many neighborhoods, making schools a key part of community life.

Getting Around

Oxnard sits on California's Central Coast, positioned between Los Angeles to the south and Santa Barbara to the north, both within an easy drive. The Port of Hueneme and Naval Base Ventura County anchor the city's maritime and defense presence on its southern edge, and the region's rail and highway corridors connect Oxnard to the greater Los Angeles area and Ventura County's employment centers.

Parks & Recreation

Oxnard's recreation is built around its coast and harbor. Channel Islands Harbor offers boating, fishing, waterfront dining, and access to the Channel Islands, while the city's beaches provide a mild year-round coastal escape. The area's agricultural landscape supports farm stands and seasonal activities, and the city's parks and sports facilities serve neighborhood recreation. The proximity to the Channel Islands National Park adds a unique outdoor dimension, with opportunities for kayaking, whale watching, and island excursions.

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