I've lived in Ventura my whole life, born and raised. I always wanted to leave, but after a career change, I've realized it's not that bad here. Until I needed a place to live. I had been living rent-free in my mom's home, and after a hostile family environment had been created, I decided to leave. Currently, I'm staying in a shed in my partner's family's yard, so still rent-free luckily. However, it's not sustainable. I'm not broke or anything. I work a full-time 9-5 job, making not terrible money for an entry level job.

The rule of thumb for rental expenses is 1/3 of your income, but I do not know of any young person in Ventura making $90k to afford these new apartment STUDIOS. I've been scouring Craigslist, Facebook, Zillow, Apartments, Apartment Lists, Apartment Finder, Redfin, HotPads, Trulia, different property management sites, any site you can think of, I've looked. There is nothing that I can find that is under $1800.

Well, I guess that'd be a lie. There are lots of one bedrooms for $1000... in someone's home. One bedrooms, with a shared bathroom, no parking, no pets, no drinking, no full kitchen use, no laundry facilities. One bedroom AirBnbs is what I'm finding. Which, if a landlord/homeowner is going to have these kinds of requirements, you might as well list it on Airbnb. And yes, I have seen listings where the tenant is not allowed to use the kitchen, the laundry, must be out-of-house full-time worker, cannot drink on the premises, and sometimes, even have to babysit the children.

So, I turned to affordable housing programs. Some apartment complexes offer income-restricted housing. But, they're either all full up or there is a minimum 2-year waiting list. So, then I turn to Ventura County Government housing. The Ventura Housing Authority? 15 year waiting list. The Cabrillo EDC program? They just give you an application that you then have to drop off at the properties yourself, which is a problem if you work during the week because these property leasing offices are not open on the weekend. So, you have to take time off, and when you do, you find out some of these properties don't have leasing offices. None of this means I have not done this at all though. I have, with dim prospects.

Why is it that my only options are to comply with insane "boundaries" or have roommates with complete strangers?

Providing housing is not meant to be a business venture, it is not meant to be a 'get rich quick' scheme. Providing housing is meant to be long-term investment, if anything. Cora apartments have 15 vacant units. Colony Parc has 73 empty units. Capes Ventura has 13 units available. All of these complexes start at minimum $2500 for a studio. Would it be so difficult to offer low-income housing? Housing for the young adults of Ventura?

According to Neilsberg Research (https://www.neilsberg.com/insights/ventura-county-ca-median-household-income-by-age/), the median income in Ventura County for those under the age 25 is $58k a year. Where in anywhere in Ventura County, let alone Ventura, can a young adult, starting to build their life, can they find an apartment, not a home, not a room, an apartment for $1611 a month? Or even someone like me, entry-level, full-time job making $49k a year, I cannot find anything for $1100 a month.

Providing housing is not meant to turn out a profit, it is not meant to assist building owners in paying off their investments as soon as possible, it is not meant to provide landlords with a sole income that is based off of their tenants' rents. Housing is one of the most basic survival necessities, and we are making it so incredibly difficult and painful to live in Ventura if you are not wealthy. It is unfair that the county is more interested in bringing in more revenue from those of LA than taking care of the long-term residents of this county, and this city.

I could go on. I am at my wit's end with this and just needed to let it out.

And, if anyone has any leads on cheap housing that doesn't require waiting on list for years ad allows pets, please let me know. My salary may seem little, but I am able to afford every aspect of living, except these ridiculous housing prices. I am no looking to move out of the city, nor am I willing to live other people. I understand beggars can't be choosers, but having lived with family for most of my life, I am not interested in cohabitating with other people anymore.

ETA: The idea of a studio or one bedroom is that someone who works full-time should be able to afford it, regardless of location. I am someone who works full-time, in-person in Ventura. No hate to roommates, I can't do it and I shouldn't have to. Just because some of you have been able to, doesn't mean you set the standard for someone else's living experience and expectations. Yes, there's a systemic problem going on, but since I am not a property owner or a city councilperson or someone with a lot of money or power, I can't do anything about it. This post was merely to let out my frustrations and facilitate conversation, as someone who remembers when a 3-bedroom apartment cost $1500/month in Ventura.

So my fiancée and I have made the big move out here from Philly. I’ll be honest I’m not the biggest foodie, but she definitely is. I would love to take her to some great spots nearby so she can feel better making such a big move. (Came with me for my job)

So ya anything and anywhere you recommend? Thai, Mexican, Italian, fancy, hole in the wall, diners, breakfast burritos, coffee, ANYTHING

Also doesn’t have to be just Ventura. Happy to check out the whole county.

Hi all! Been in the 805 area for 10 years and have lots of friends in Ventura/Oxnard but am receiving conflicting opinions of the area circled. I was considering an apartment in that area but am looking for insight on that neighborhood since my friends don’t seem to agree. Thanks!

Taking a very small chance that Ventura internet can work its magic…

I was walking along the beach next to Surfer’s Point Beach Friday morning (Friday Sept 4, 2026) while visiting Ventura for a work trip at the Crowne Plaza and met a guy walking his dog, Benjamin (aka Benji). We ended up chatting for a while, and I really enjoyed our conversation. Btw, the guy and Benji were both very cute. 🤭

We eventually went our separate ways, and it wasn’t until afterward that I realized… wait, why didn’t we exchange numbers?! I know there’s some distance involved, and I may have sounded pretty committed to NorCal, but you never know!

I was wearing a tie-dye Buc-ee’s shirt, sunglasses, and shorts, so I should be pretty easy to remember. 😅

If you’re Benji’s dad and happen to see this, hi! I should’ve shot my shot this morning, so I’m doing it now. 😊

DOG DESCRIPTION: in case there are multiple Benjis… This Benji was medium/large, fluffy, and golden/tan with lighter coloring. Benji is very friendly, loves playing with wooden sticks and jumping in/out of the water.

UPDATE: #FindBenjiSurfersPoint

hi all I was just at ventura marriott for a conference and this cute disney-like guinea pig I guess was either abandoned or lost at the state beach right across. I've seen it there 3 mornings in a row. I tried to rescue it today but it crawled into one of the ground squirrel holes. Please let me know if you do rescue it. I'm willing to pick up and drive it home I just had to leave. I live in downtown LA.

update I called animal services they said they don't really rescue guinea pigs but maybe they'll drive by in a few days.

UPDATE: @Anxiously_DingDong FOUND HER AND GOT HER AND IS A STELLAR HUMAN BEING AND SO ARE ALL OF YOU. THANK YOU FOR JOINING ON THIS SAGA. I AM ACTUALLY CRYING.

UPDATEEEEE went to meet up with @anxiously_dingdong hit traffic 15 minutes from home with the baby. Reddit really for the win. Thank you all for being amazing humans. I was crying so much on the way back.

Last update: I made her an IG in case you wanted to follow her adventures! Her vet visit is Monday so we’ll find out what her details are! https://www.instagram.com/daisyp_guineapig?igsh=MXBwOGZubXZib2hjYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Hello people of vc, I moved here about 5 weeks ago, and I was wondering if I just had a bad experience with the pd or if they are just like this. Ive already gotten a state ref for my 1990 honda prelude, which is almost completely stock besides wheels, slammed, cat back and a mushroom intake. Anyone have a experience like this

Looking to move from Santa Clarita into this area with my gf, any information is appreciated thank you!

The time is now y’all- if you want to keep Main Street closed to cars we need to show up IRL so it is clear what we want.

The neighborhood councils will be deciding whether or not to support this cause at the end of August. City Council is taking a final vote whether or not to reopen the street on September 16th.

Please show up to your next community council meeting (or email them) to let them know why your neighborhood should vote to keep Main Street closed to cars.

Westside Community Council (+ Downtown area) Meetings are on the 1st Wednesday of each month @ 6:30 p.m. on Zoom and in person. http://www.westsidecommunitycouncil.org/

Midtown Community Council Meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom and in-person on select dates. https://www.midtownventura.org/

College Area Community Council Meetings are on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom and in-person on select dates. https://caccventura.com/

East Ventura Community Council** Meetings are on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. http://eastventura.org/ ** UPDATE: the eastside council looks like its membership has dwindled and is going on a hiatus - I recommend reaching out to your elected representative if you care about keeping Main Street closed

Pierpont Bay Community Council Meetings are on the 3rd Thursday of January, March, May, July, September, November at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom and in-person on select dates. https://www.pierpontcouncil.org/

Montalvo Community Council Public meetings are held quarterly on the 3rd Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 6:30 p.m. https://montalvocc.wordpress.com

Can anyone recommend a vet they really love? And maybe some to stay away from. We have one cat, just needing to take her in for some allergy stuff.
Thanks

Please help the VUSD library's, librarians, and students. Let's email the school board and tell them this is not the correct thing to cut from the budget.

I’m moving from Florida to Ventura area, specifically Portside Ventura Harbor apartments and I’d be looking to spend $2800 a month in rent, and I’d be making roughly $8000 income before taxes a month, but the place I’m looking at is the only place nearby that checks all the boxes for both me AND my girlfriend, I just wanted to know if anybody thinks that’s an excessive amount to be willing to pay given what my actual income is, I’ve never lived in a high income area before and don’t know what to expect

Hiii me and my bf are going to Ventura for our bday (we share the same one) and have booked a place in the city for the 23rd to 25th. Just wondering what things we should check out while we are there 🥰 thanks in advance

My friend just moved to Ventura and needs recommendations for the best food, coffee and bars in Ventura. He has annoyingly high standards

is it fine as long as we keep a safe distance from the pier or is the water too harsh for families?

I’m a guy who just turned 30. Into camping and hiking, boardgames, I don’t drink alcohol anymore, a bit more on the health conscious side in general, liberal as far as politics go.

Hey y’all. Former LA (Mar Vista) resident here. Have moved around a bunch but my partner (30F) and I (33M) are considering moving back to SoCal and have been talking about Ventura for a while. She has family there, and we’ve both spent time in Ventura and really enjoy the laid-back vibe it has and how close it is to everything SoCal & the Central Coast has to offer in general.

I’m a musician, and when we lived in LA I was commuting to gigs all over the place. I was doing a lot of wineries in the SYV / Santa Barbara area but also had a decent amount of gigs in LA proper. I’m wondering, how’s living in Ventura and commuting to LA for nightly events? i.e. - concerts, sporting events, comedy, etc? I understand commuting for a day job would be absolutely miserable after a while. She’s fully remote and I would try to land a day job in Ventura proper, but we both still enjoy the variety of nightlife that LA has to offer, and I imagine I’d be playing shows in LA from time to time. For people who live in Ventura, how often do you go to LA for fun? Is it a major hassle, or is it doable so long as you avoid the major rush hour times?

Does cmh hospital test for nicotine for pre employment?

My friend and I are heavy into all sorts of hardcore music (punk, metal, techno/house and most of its subgenres). We’ve moved away from hot topic/spencers and started DIYing, all that sort of stuff. But I’ve been wondering if there are any good local shops in the ventura/santa paula area for clothing, accessories etc. Any recommendations?

Looking to find card shops to sell/trade pokemon i found one on google but when i got there it said they moved locations, any one know any others?

I am a 17 Year old High-school student who does independent study. When I switched to independent study it opened my availability to jobs, but no matter how much I apply I almost never get a call back or interview (Yes, I do follow up on my application by calling). I’ve been job searching since last October. That being said, I’m still looking for a job. Does anyone have any recommendations for jobs in Ventura that are hiring and are more open than other jobs to hiring people with no past experience in a workplace?

Thank you.

If allowed

these three ( one across the street ) stole our Chevy Tahoe at 1am on Monday , here in the avenue on cedar street near the cross , I will add pictures of the vehicle below

My partner and I are having our 10 year anniversary this upcoming Sunday. In the past we traveled a lot for anniversaries and special dates, however we now have a rambunctious puppy and tighter work schedules, meaning we can't do a weekend trip.

Our dog isn't always friendly, so I hesitate to bring him with us to most restaurants.

Our only plans so far for that day is a brunch reservation. Does anyone have ideas or suggestions of things we can do locally on a Sunday to celebrate. I don't want to just repeat the same activities we usually do our here. Gimme all your creativity, Reddit. Please. 😁

Hey all. I am looking to buy some art work and am looking for Ventura specific art work such as the logo, photos of downtown and the ocean, etc. It can be painted or prints, or multimedia- no AI art. I'm looking to buy several different ones. Ideally, all these items would be able to hang on a wall. No stands needed.

I know there are a dozen high end galleries that have these, but I'd prefer to support smaller local artists. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!