Imagine a quiet, seaside town on the Pacific, where pristine stretches of coastline provide the perfect setting for sunset-watching or a sunrise stroll. An eclectic assortment of beachfront homes afford breathtaking views. Life is peaceful here without being too isolating. You've got access to all of the modern conveniences you need, and should you desire a taste of big-city life, Los Angeles is within easy driving distance. Or, if you'd like a change of scenery without the congestion of L.A., just head in the opposite direction; you'll soon arrive in Santa Barbara, one of California's loveliest cities.

This perfectly situated town is Oxnard, California, a city of more than 158,000 residents sandwiched between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles along a beautiful stretch of Pacific coastline. As you enter Oxnard, the first thing you're likely to spot is its surrounding farmlands. Oxnard marches to the beat of its own drum. Instead of joining the growing ranks of cities specializing in high technology, telecommunications or other industries of the future, Oxnard prefers to do what it has long done best. The city is well-known for its agriculture, particularly its abundant strawberry crops. Its agricultural fields are among California's richest. The name "Oxnard," in fact, comes from one of the city's earliest industrial families, who ran a sugar beet factory in the area. This isn't to imply that Oxnard relies solely on its agricultural industry, however. The city has diversified considerably since its inception, attracting a variety of industries.

The largest city in Ventura County, Oxnard is about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 35 miles south of Santa Barbara. If life in Oxnard isn't quiet enough for you, you can hop aboard a ferry at Channel Islands Harbor (or a helicopter, for the more adventurous) and cruise to the scenic Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Make this trip at any time from late December through April, and you're likely to spot some whales on your way to your destination. The harbor itself hosts festivals year-round and contains a maritime museum, several parks and marinas, restaurants, shopping and boat rentals. Oxnard's proximity to this tourist attraction has earned it the nickname "Gateway to the Channel Islands." That's one of many nicknames Oxnard owns; the city also has been dubbed "Sugartown" and "Strawberry Capital," among others. Oxnard pays homeage to the strawberry each year during its annual Strawberry Festival. Next year's festival is scheduled for May 20-21, 2000. Rest assured that strawberry shortcake will be on the agenda.

With such fertile lands, it stands to reason that Oxnard enjoys temperate weather throughout the year. In fact, weather conditions here remain fairly constant, with an average daytime temperature of 61 degrees. Variations rarely dip below 52 degrees or above 70 degrees. Such conditions allow for year-round recreation, including boating, swimming, fishing and golf. Several golf courses are located in and around Oxnard, and don't be surprised if you spot a curious deer checking out your golf game.

If you're accustomed to the hustle and bustle of big-city life, your first impressions of Oxnard may not lead you to believe this town offers much in the way of local attractions (besides its sweet strawberries, of course). That's not the case. Look closer, and you'll find plenty to see and do here -- that is, if you can tear yourself away from the city's gorgeous Pacific views long enough to explore your surroundings. Lovers of maritime history will want to check out the Ventura County Maritime Museum, containing nautical-themed works of art, model ships and new exhibits throughout the year. Heritage Square, located along A Street, is a walking tour of homes dating back to the early 1900s. Visitors can take a tour inside these carefully preserved homes and their adjacent gardens. If you come here during the summer months on a Friday evening, you'll be treated to live music, as well.

In addition to a diversity of retail shops, Oxnard's attractions include several museums, including the Carnegie Art Museum, the Seabee Museum, the Gull Wings Children's Museum and the Otis Chandler Vintage Museum of Transportation and Wildlife. Lovers of architecture can take a walking tour of Oxnard's 17 historical landmarks, concentrated within its Cultural Heritage District (between 2nd and 6th streets and F and C streets).

Perhaps not surprising given California's reputation for high-priced real estate, Oxnard's housing inventory usually carries with it a hefty price tag. The good news is that the city's housing stock is quite diverse, offering homes across the entire architectural and financial spectrum. Obviously, the closer you get to the ocean, the higher the price you can expect to pay, and many homes directly facing the beach are well up into the six and seven figures. You'll find many "fixer-uppers" available, and while you might expect to land them at a steal, you'll be surprised to discover that most of them will still give you sticker shock. But living in Oxnard doesn't have to remain an impossible dream; the city has a substantial inventory of vacation properties, condos and apartments, as well.

Regardless of your budgetary considerations, however, living in Oxnard is a refreshing change of pace. Its residents are friendly and laid-back, its sunsets are spectacular and its strawberries are sweet. Life is good in this Southern California town that continues to thrive on its own terms.

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Published: December 6, 1999

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