Though officially named the City of San Buenaventura, Spanish for "City of Good Fortune," most locals simply refer to their home as Ventura. In 1782 Father Junipero Serra founded Mission San Buenaventura which formed the basis of what would become the city.

After the Civil War, settlers came to the area, buying land and establishing early trade. Later, east coast railroad magnate Thomas A. Scott took a large interest in San Buenaventura, sending Thomas R. Bard to manage his holding there. Bard would eventually become known as the Father of Ventura as his descendents have often been credited with the growth of the city.

In the early 1900s, oil fields and citrus groves put Ventura on the map. At its peak, the city was producing 90,000 barrels of crude a day. Meanwhile its unique location between the Ventura and Santa Clara rivers made the soil in Ventura more fertile than anywhere else. The farmers here went on to form Sunkist Growers, Incorporated, the world's largest organization of citrus producers.

Today the city serves as the seat of Ventura County. Vast environmental treasures and rich recreational and business opportunities make it an ideal location to live, work, and raise a family. Though oil and agriculture fueled Ventura's economic past, high technology, tourism and the arts are sparking its future.

Ventura's award-winning educational facilities and strong focus on quality-of-life factors, including accessibility, recreation, culture and environment, have encouraged new development and the revitalization of Ventura's downtown and unique neighborhoods.

Together, Ventura's city leaders, business and civic organizations, and residents are charting an exciting and carefully considered course for the future. Continued economic success, aggressive environmental stewardship and strong neighborhood involvement ensure that the City of San Buenaventura will continue to be one of the finest places to call home.

Life is great in downtown Ventura, and getting better thanks to the brand new Renaissance Walk. This historic section of Ventura County's most popular town is exploding with great restaurants, shops, nightlife and entertainment - and all just blocks from the majestic Pacific Ocean.

Enjoy pristine beaches, endless water sports, great parks, world-class dining & shopping, golf, galleries, theatre and more. This idyllic community is less than 30 miles from both Santa Barbara and the San Fernando Valley, providing quick and easy access to California wineries, Los Angeles and all of sunny Southern California.

Only Ventura offers this rare combination of small-town charm, seaside delights, and a dynamic in-town lifestyle, all in one of the area's most beautiful and central locales.

If you are interested in exploring the idea of a sea-side getaway in Ventura, I'm your man too. You can property search from this site under "Let's find a home," too.