SperlingViews - Ojai, California

Folks, I've turned to this website more than once to get the lowdown on a new place. And it being the Holidays, I'm feeling generous (with my time, at least)... ...so,folks, AVOID OJAI (except on a weeklong vacation, then stay at the Oaks). Please take this advice seriously because I'm a person who has never entered a comment anywhere online- so, you know it's important. OK, so don't even think of moving there unless you are independently wealthy, don't mind posers, enjoy old spacey hippies-turned-yuppies and their "my-shit-don't-stink" children, u love foreigners who are lost in space, or lotsa oldsters with SNOBBY attitude. Occasionally you'll find an old-timer who rides horses but for the most part people are cliquey, and there's so many ridiculous pseudo-intellectuals who may as well be aliens, with their skinny weak bodies, or their "I'm different- i.e., special" attitudes! Oh, and most of the people are old, getting older, meaning there's a conservative element you wouldn't expect in such a supposedly cool town. Ellen DeJeneres couldn't stand it there after awhile, and she's pretty tolerant. Oh, rental HOUSING is scarce and rather expensive. I only found one friend there who was authentic, and she's black (the only one, as far as I know). PLUS AS FAR AS JOBS GO, as a certified teacher, I persisted 3 years as a sub to land a teaching job (what can I say? THe land there is soo seductive, with gorgeous views, remarkable weather, and all that hiking). But nepotism is rampant, as they give jobs to their children, nieces, grandkids, kids of friends. Don't expect to find decent job w/out connections. THE ABSOLUTE LOWDOWN for those not rich- live in Ventura and VISIT Ojai. I have a teaching certification but there were absolutely NO JOB openings (I subbed all while applying to teach for 3 whole years there) because people (wives of richy men) don't leave their teaching jobs. Subs get low pay there. Plus, if you are single don't hold your breath trying to find a decent man, either. They are either married-players, or weirdos with a feminine bent. Oh, and there's about 15 % more females than males, due to the fem "energy" there. Don't blame me if you get stuck in Ojai cuz I warned you in every way.[read more...]

Ojai is a rare gem in SoCal, located in a mountain valley 12 miles NE of Ventura, 23 miles SW of Santa Barbara. It's considered by many, (inc. the Chumash settlers) a spiritual location, because it's one of the few places on earth where the mts. run in both directions, creating a geographical vortex, a gateway to the spirit world. (much like Sedona, Az. and Kathmandu). The prime location makes it a get away haven for the rich and famous from Hollywood land, 70 miles to the south. It's mainly service economy is dependent on tourism, yet its' off the beaten track location, unprecedented beauty and eclectic mix of artists, musicians, 3rd generation ranchers and service minded folks offer a diversity I've never seen anywhere else. The lack of pretentiousness is unusual for SoCal. People are laid back, open minded, friendly and free thinkers. Every type of divinity is located here from organized religion to Wicca, Native beliefs and east-west philosophies. Ojai features world class spas and hosts many alternative healthy body-mind-soul retreats. All this adds up to can you afford to live here? The cost of living is so high it is difficult to make ends meet. People live in any type of housing that can allow them to call this place home. That means converted garages, yurts, motor homes and even tents, alongside multi-million dollar homes, and overpriced half million dollar tear downs. Housing in Ojai is so out of proportion with the rest of the country (California in general) you can't even begin to compare. It's so differentiated that you can't even compare it with the rest of the nation..People are blown away by the unrealistic real estate market and it's nearly impossible to own a home. The recent real estate crisis has affected the market in Ojai as well, but still not inline with the rest of the country. Though many have been forced into foreclosure, the prices of bank owned properties is still way above the norm. A "deal" is $400,000 for a 2+1. Rentals are rare as many people who were force to sell, now rent. Though gas is the second highest inequity around here, the others costs seems inline with other locales around the country. After all, we can pick our fruit off trees and vegetables grow yr. round. As a single parent, I don't feel alone. There are many others in my situation. So, I choose to live in "poverty" to be in paradise. Not everyone can handle that type of lifestyle choice and I have often wondered if it's time to move on. But where?[read more...]

This is most beautiful place I've seen and I get to live here. It's a small, artsy town with mostly laid-back people. It's my kind of place.[read more...]

I grew up in Ojai, and graduated from Nordhoff in 1989. I've been back to visit several times, and long to live in this wonderful town again. Ojai is a wonderful place to raise a child if you can afford it. 20 min. from the beach, 10 min from hiking, and amazing sunsets and near perfect weather. Clear night skies and fresh, clean air in abundance. But, the crazy real estate kicked me out 15 years ago b/c I became a teacher. This town isn't for middle of the road earners unless you want to feel like you are living in poverty, which I don't. So, I plan to retire here someday and will continue to visit every few years to keep my dream alive. If you can afford this wonderful town, move here! Oh yeah, you can walk around the whole town, visit great locally owned restaurants and shops, and ride the bike path. It really is a town here, not subdivisions and strip malls like where I live now in MO.[read more...]

The mountains are a purple shade in late afternoon. The architecture is Spanish-Colonial, and there are lovely vistas, complete with cactus plants and huge oak trees. Has a bit of the old west feeling to it, as well.[read more...]