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Simi Valley, CA

Population: 126,126
livability score shield 74

Key findings

  • Simi Valley has a Livability Score of 74/100, which is considered excellent
  • Simi Valley crime rates are 54% lower than the California average
  • Cost of living in Simi Valley is 8% higher than the California average
  • Simi Valley real estate prices are 15% higher than the California average
  • Rental prices in Simi Valley are 36% higher than the California average

Best Places to Live in and Around Simi Valley

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Compare Simi Valley, CA Livability

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      What do the locals think about Simi Valley?

      92%Family friendly 50%Public transit is accessible 33%Walkable to grocery stores 50%Yards are well-kept 83%Lots of parks 25%Walkable to restaurants 50%Friendly neighbors 92%Safe at night 50%Pet friendly 100%Streets have sidewalks 67%A quiet area 42%Sense of community
      Based on 12 votes from AreaVibes users. See all Simi Valley poll results.

      How Do You Rate The Livability In Simi Valley?

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      Awful      25
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      Average      75
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      Simi Valley Real estate & Rental prices

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      Simi Valley Demographics

      Population126,126 Median Age40.0 Have Kids (under 18)43%
      See more Simi Valley demographic data

      Simi Valley, CA

      Simi Valley is located about 40 miles from Los Angeles, but this city nestled in the California mountains offers a lifestyle that is 180 degrees opposite of what you find in LA. There is a relaxed and cool vibe in Simi Valley that screams California cool. The city has a population that is estimated to have exceeded 125,000 people. Many of these residents choose to live in Simi Valley and commute to Los Angeles on a daily basis for employment opportunities. Those who choose to stay in the Valley to work can choose to work for the school district, Green Acres Farm Market and Catering, or Simi Hills Golf Course.

      Simi Valley is a bit smaller than neighboring Thousand Oaks and Oxnard, yet the city does not lack for amenities and things to do. One of the top attractions that locals and visitors flock to throughout the year is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Touring the library offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and presidency of one of the most popular men to have ever resided in the White House. Touring the library is a great way to brush up on Cold War history and see how Reagan was able to shape the end of this conflict that many thought would only end in nuclear disaster. Underwood Family Farms is another local attraction that is a big hit with children. There are some fun tractor rides that run through the orchards. Make sure to pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables before you head home for the day. Corriganville Park was a movie studio once -upon-a-time before it was transformed into the oasis in the city that it is today. It is a fun place to come for a walk or a day spent relaxing under a nice large shade tree.

      Simi Valley Transit offers bus service and paratransit options that can get you around the city and to Oxnard and other points throughout the county. It is a good option for those who are frustrated of driving and would rather leave their car at home. Riding the city's bus service is also a good way to help lower your carbon footprint. While you will not be able to eliminate in completely on public transit, you can certainly lower the amount that you need to offset.

      Bridle Path, Corriganville, and Santa Susana are three neighborhoods that are consistently rated as the top choices for Simi Valley homeowners or renters. They offer their residents good options for public and private school as well as a large number of parks and green spaces. Simi Valley's top schools include Hollow Hills Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, and Wood Ranch Elementary.

      Top Rated Schools in Simi Valley

      Name Grades Students Proficiency
      California Virtual Academy @ Los AngelesKG - 122,569n/a
      Garden Grove Elementary SchoolKG - 6363n/a
      California Virtual Academy At FresnoKG - 12536n/a
      California Virtual Academy San MateoKG - 12723n/a
      Simi Valley Adventist SchoolKG - 852n/a
      Royal High9 - 122,010n/a
      Park View Elementary SchoolKG - 6365n/a
      Township Elementary SchoolKG - 6549n/a
      See all Simi Valley schools

      The best places in California

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      Simi Valley Reviews

      Write a review about Simi Valley Tell people what you like or don't like about Simi Valley…
      Review Simi Valley
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      Connection to the area
      Horrible!! Not even close to how it used to be!
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      Attractions1/10
      Community1/10
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      The comment that Simi is the middle class cousin in the biggest joke I have heard. All the other neighboring cities call Simi, "White trash valley"! I hate to say it but its true! The traffic, noise, and crime has gotten worse and worse every year! Along with it the homeless and lets not forget the drug problem, that is so BIG...it was on the Dr. Phil show!!! I hear police sirens at least 6 times per day if not more! BUT the city scores as the safest city...and its because the cops are crooked and don't file reports when stuff happens. One cop was caught stealing thousands of dollars from the city with faked over time. I'm third generation in my family living here. But 10yrs ago, at least there was beautiful wide open spaces! Not anymore!. They have built ugly condos and apartments on top of everything and in every nook they can find. They built a run down mall (no stores...its vacant) and guess what's is attached to it>>>APARTMENTS!! The local market shopping center has a built in Home for the Elderly...just want you always wanted right? Nope! I'm moving outta here!
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • Mar 23, 2022
      • 0 0
      Middle Class town and far less "SoCal" than most of Southern California
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      Attractions7/10
      Community10/10
      Nightlife3/10
      Dining9/10
      Shopping8/10
      I've lived in Simi Valley for 20 years and moved here from the midwest after college. If you're looking for nightlife, high end shopping or anything trendy/high fashion, look elsewhere. Simi Valley is Thousand Oaks's middle class cousin. It's draws families looking for a safe and somewhat affordable place to live. The common complaint is that there's nothing to do. People who live Simi Valley are really okay with this because it's a down full of families where Saturdays are filled with picking the kids up from soccer and going on a Costco run. That's Simi Valley. It's getting bigger and more crowded. A lot of what was great about Simi Valley like the BMX track is being torn down to make way for new apartments. Housing prices are high but in comparison to other areas, it's not that bad. The real draw back can be the commute. Even between Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley can be bad and there can be just gridlock in Simi Valley on the 118. Traffic on surface streets can be bad at times, especially in the evenings when people cut through Simi Valley rather than sit in traffic on the freeway.
      • Anonymous (Current resident)
      • Mar 29, 2019
      • 2 -1
      Pricey and Snobby
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      Attractions8/10
      Community8/10
      Nightlife5/10
      Dining5/10
      Shopping7/10
      This is a very nice city with a plenty of parks and lots of activities. It is a very family orientated town. That being said, I want to start a family but can't afford anything more than a one bedroom apartment. For example, my rent in a nice one bedroom, 750 sqft. apartment is $1,450. This city is not a place to get started. I would recommend moving here once you have an established career and make great money. The vibe is typical of a high end So Cal city, ie. designer brands and a selfish attitude. Night life here is nonexistent, the town closes down at 10. You will find the typical chain restaurants here, I have yet to find a good local place (except for Toppers Pizza-yummy!) The mall here is outdoors it is really nice. One of the fun things about living here is the proximity to LA. It is super close and filming regularly occurs here.

      So. Cal. Native
      Lived in Simi a little over a year
      From a more laid back beach community
      • Jessica Miconi
      • Mar 31, 2013
      • 0 -1
      Simi Valley, California - One of CA's Best Cities!
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      Attractions8/10
      Community10/10
      Nightlife5/10
      Dining5/10
      Shopping9/10
      As a political junkie, I love the historical features like Ronald Reagan's presidential library that this city offers to tourists and residents. Simi Hills is a great, tucked away gem in California that is little known to tourists. Located in southern California, the city of Simi Valley is right near Ventura County, Fernando Valley, and the greater Los Angeles area.

      While I found the natural beauty of the area to be breathtaking, according to residents there are some fears about wild fires. Thus, if you are thinking about purchasing a home in Simi Valley, I would be aware that wild fires are often rampant in Simi Valley. Unfortunately, I do not feel comfortable recommending Simi Valley as a place for families to live in, even though I truly enjoyed meeting residents and business professionals of Simi Valley. There did seem to be a decent amount of the necessities like: shopping, restaurants, bars and some good attractions and other interesting things to do.

      There are many great Universities located near Simi Valley, however, you would be required to commute to the city. Pepperdine and California Lutheran University are two great, religious Universities to consider for college. Since California tends to lean left politically, it can be refreshing to discover religious points of view in California! At least my friends in California have told me this. Overall, Simi Valley is breathtaking but not recommended for families.
      • Anonymous
      • Jun 04, 2010
      • 0 -2
      Reason for reporting
      Source: The Simi Valley, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the 2016 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
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