Not much new, and that’s the way Ojai likes it

The city of Ojai sits in a valley fragrant with the aroma of orange blossoms, sage and sycamore trees below the Los Padres National Forest. Known for its sunsets and idyllic scenery, the inland Ventura County community of 8,200 is favored by artisans and those seeking a slower lifestyle.

Background

Area settlers decided to incorporate in 1872 and call the town Nordhoff. It was renamed Ojai in 1921. Many who came to visit stayed on and became residents, notably Edward Drummond Libbey, a glassmaker-turned-corporate-giant who shaped the city with his vision and financial backing.

Hot spots

Flanking the main street in downtown Ojai is a picturesque arcade, which Libbey commissioned with the approval of city leaders in 1914. Spanning several blocks, the Spanish-style downtown is home to dozens of shops and restaurants. The Ojai Village Pharmacy, in Ojai since 1891, offers personalized service and is clad in brilliant yellow flowers in springtime. Across the street, the post office tower, a landmark since 1917, bustles with locals.

The Rainbow Bridge Market and Deli, which features organic foods and a variety of homeopathic goods, is around the corner. “Don’t miss their homemade chocolate cake,” said local librarian Julie Albright.

Nearby Libbey Park maintains a generous picnic and playground area, shaded with mature oak trees. With no parking meters or chain stores, Ojai preserves the original village atmosphere coveted by residents.

Drawing card

Just blocks from downtown, oak-shaded country roads are lined with country estates where horses graze and acres of fruit trees are planted. Miles of scenic hiking trails are within minutes of the city.

The city and surrounding valley pride themselves on preserving the environment and open spaces. Gourmet cooking and gardening are also celebrated, as evidenced by the quarterly magazine Edible Ojai, whose motto is “celebrating the abundance of local foods, season by season.”

Good news, bad news

Strong growth in the early 1970s gave way to strict development standards. The city, committed to protecting Ojai’s village atmosphere, now limits permits annually for new housing to 12 single-family and four multifamily units. Senior and low-cost housing are not limited by the ordinance.

On the market

Homes vary from cozy cottages to multi-acre equestrian estates. Low turnover and limited development create a tight housing market. In the city, the lowest-priced single-family home has two bedrooms and abundant fruit trees for $540,000. On the high end, a seven-bedroom, six-bath home on 11.7 acres is listed for $3,900,000. As of mid-April, about 15 single-family homes were for sale within Ojai, nine of which were priced at more than $800,000.

Report card

Students attend Nordhoff High School, which earned a 2003 Academic Performance Index score of 743 out of a possible 1,000. Matilija Middle School earned 743. Topa Topa Elementary School, serving residents within the incorporated city of Ojai, scored 782.

Historical values

Single-family detached resales:

Year...Median Price

1990...$237,500

1995...$200,000

2000...$296,000

2002...$375,000

2004*...$459,500

*Year to date

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Sources: DataQuick Information Systems; Ojai City Chamber of Commerce; Ojai Library; Andro S. Kotula, asknowinvestments.com; city of Ojai, https://www.ci.ojai.ca.us ; https://factfinder.census.gov ; api.cde.ca.gov; Barry Betlock, Ojai Valley Real Estate; https://www.ojaivalleymls.com .