Mixed Bag - Super safe and great outdoors space -
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1/10/2017
First the Pro's. This is a very, very beautiful little town. Smiling, friendly people, extremely safe and a great place to raise children. Great weather even nestled amongst a region that typically has great weather year around. Moorpark tends to have cooler summers so get's to as perfect as you can imagine. Most days are sunny and clear between 70 - 80 degrees. These are the reasons my wife and I choose this city along with the fact it was squarely in the midpoint between our jobs we both commuted to at the time. Clean air, lots of outdoor space, relatively close to many of the great aspects of living in SoCal, 25 minutes to the beach, 45-60 to LA, 30 minutes to Malibu, 1 - 1:15 to to Santa Barbara. Great schools. So what's the downside? If you grew up on in a city full of diverse people, cultures, food, architecture or any sort of public transportation and neighborhood community you will be disappointed. My family is blended with 3 different races so we sort of stick out. Very little diversity here. A very conservative community culturally and politically. Not much in the area for culture or community identity. Mostly just tons of suburban cul-de-sacs and not much to do but drive to neighboring cities to dine or
for entertainment or anything interesting. It's still has a small town atmosphere which is great when you grow up here but tough when you are moving in from the outside. Generations of families here so people are pretty much locked into their families and school friends they grew up with in terms of social circles. We've managed to build our own network of friendships with other transplants to the area. Housing is very expensive but you can still find a decent opportunity if you are patient. We waited over a year before we found an affordable opportunity and have been happy with the house. Overall we are satisfied with the city and the opportunity for safety and education that we were able to provide for our children. When they grow up we will definitely move on. The good news is that younger families are starting to move in - some from outside the area so the dynamic of the community is slowly changing and becoming more interesting. In the end the people of Moorpark are friendly and welcoming but you won't find many people outside in the neighborhoods visiting each other or hanging out the various parks unless there is a soccer game. If that doesn't bother you then it's a great place for young families to grow and raise their children. Not so much for a single person or couple (unless you are here for the nearby colleges)
KOBIE | Moorpark, CA