Simi Valley, California, is a picturesque suburban city located in the southeast corner of Ventura County. Nestled between the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Hills, the city offers stunning natural scenery and a serene living environment. Known for its high quality of life, Simi Valley is a popular choice for families and professionals seeking a peaceful yet well-connected community.
Residents of Simi Valley enjoy an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, thanks to the city's extensive park system and proximity to several state and national parks. The Rocky Peak Park and the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park are popular destinations for hiking, biking, and picnicking, providing breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.
The city's strong sense of community is supported by excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities. The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center hosts performances, concerts, and events that cater to diverse interests, while the city's numerous sports facilities and community centers offer activities for all ages.
Simi Valley has a robust economy supported by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Major employers such as the Simi Valley Hospital and the Simi Valley Unified School District provide numerous job opportunities for residents. The city's economic stability and job market are significant factors in its attractiveness to families and professionals alike.
Public transportation in Simi Valley includes bus services provided by Simi Valley Transit, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. The city's Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, makes it an ideal place for outdoor activities year-round. Overall, Simi Valley offers a blend of suburban tranquility, natural beauty, and economic opportunity.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Located in the state of California, Simi Valley is a moderately-sized city with a population of 130,307 inhabitants. With a population density of 3,142 people per square mile, Simi Valley is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Simi Valley is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Something to be aware of when living in Simi Valley are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 30 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Simi Valley, California could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Simi Valley and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, health & safety, education, housing and other important metrics.
Simi Valley, CA receives 64/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #441 in California and #13,682 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Simi Valley has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+) and housing (B). On a more negative note, Simi Valley does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Simi Valley shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 129 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Simi Valley market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Simi Valley is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Simi Valley come in at $1,125,070, which is 53.8% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Simi Valley, the home price to income ratio is 7.7, which is 0% lower than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Simi Valley | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.6% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.3% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.3% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in California
These are the largest cities in California
These are the 10 cheapest cities in California
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in California