Thousand Oaks is a gorgeous part of California, a desirable location for new homebuyers and those wanting a "family-based" community experience, say local Realtors.

"Situated just Northwest of LA is the fabulous Conejo Valley," says Realtor Mark Thorngren. "It sits 900 feet above sea level, surrounded by low mountains and scattered with oak trees. Highway 101 runs through the length of the valley and is straddled from east to west by the cities of Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park, all in a space of just over 20 miles. As of today's MLS listings, the lowest priced condo/townhome is listed for $259,000 while the lowest priced home is priced at $309,000."

Thorngren explains, "Three thousand years ago, the Chumash Indians settled the Conejo Valley. It's fertile hillsides, abundant water resources and mild climate provided an ideal home for these early tribes. Today more than ever, the valley remains an ideal home for its residents. "Thousand Oaks is the most desired location for new home buyers among all of the cities in Ventura County." (RE: The Meyers Group Real Estate Information -- Community Rankings Survey) Thousand Oaks has one of the nation's lowest crime rates, and is one of the top ten communities for statewide academic excellence. The median age of the population is 38 years, median income $86,000 and total population is nearing 125,000 people. Numerous high tech industries fill the commercial centers and feed the local economy. The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza was opened in 1994 and provides the focal point of a rich cultural calendar. The Plaza plays host to symphony concerts, broadway musicals, contemporary entertainers as well as highlighting local artists, dance recitals and choirs. Local events include the annual "Conejo Valley Days"which celebrates the city's past with parades, a carnival, live entertainment and even a chili cook-off. There is even a two-day professional cowboy rodeo. They say there are more cowboys in California than in Texas!

He continues, "Just east across the Los Angeles County Line is the City of Westlake Village. Westlake Village is much smaller with a population of roughly 9,000 people and a median age of about 45 years. Residents of Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village zealously guard their local environment. As an example, oak trees cannot be cut or moved without a permit. The Conejo Valley is normally a bit warmer than the rest of the Ventura County with its own sunny micro-climate. The affluent lifestyle is reflected in home prices, with condos beginning in the low $300,000 and homes ranging on up to more than $8,000,000."

Says Realtor Gary Ericson, "Thousand Oaks is an ideal area to raise a family, with excellent local school districts, lowest crime rate on a national survey, and clean air."

He suggests, "As the first quarter of 2005 ends, inventory in the Conejo Valley is tightening. I do not expect prices to increase as they did last year (25 percent from Dec. 03 to Dec 04), but to rise at a more moderate rate. Some of the factors influencing market demand in the Conejo Valley are good schools, clean air, planned development."