Ventura Real Estate Market Intelligence
Ventura is a coastal city in California, offering a distinct Southern California lifestyle with a focus on its shoreline and community. The city's housing market reflects its desirable location, with a median home value of $718,128. The average home size is 1,281 square feet, providing a snapshot of the typical property available. Homeownership is a majority status, with a homeownership rate of 56.2%, while the renter-occupied rate is 43.8%.
The local mortgage market shows strong conventional lending activity, with 17,046 conventional originations out of a total of 18,754 HMDA originations. Government-backed loans play a smaller role, with 662 VA loan originations and 1,046 FHA originations. For renters, the median gross rent is $2,021 per month. The median household income in the city is $86,883, which helps contextualize the area's housing costs and purchasing power.
Key residential areas are served by primary ZIP codes including 93003, 93001, 93004, 93036, and 93009. These zones encompass the diverse neighborhoods that make up the city's fabric, from coastal communities to more inland districts. Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 48 neighborhoods in Ventura.
| Market Metric | Value |
| Median Home Price | $718,128 |
| Median Gross Rent | $2,021/mo |
| Median Household Income | $86,883 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 69 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $535 |
| Average Home Size | 1,281 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 56.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.8% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 33.5% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 3.7% |
| Inventory Level | High |
| Market Type | Buyer's Market |
History
Ventura was officially founded as a mission town in 1782, with Mission San Buenaventura being the ninth and last mission consecrated by Saint Junipero Serra.
The city's historic pier, a defining landmark, was originally built in 1872 and was the longest wooden pier in California until a storm destroyed it in 1995; it was faithfully rebuilt and reopened in 1997.
Ventura was a major center for the oil industry in the early 20th century, with the discovery of the Ventura Oil Field in 1919 leading to a significant economic boom and population growth.
Life in Ventura
Ventura's culture is a laid-back, authentic blend of surf town ethos and vibrant community engagement. The historic downtown, centered around Main Street, is a hub of local boutiques, breweries, and diverse dining options ranging from fresh seafood to innovative farm-to-table cuisine. The community calendar is packed with events like the Ventura County Fair, the Ventura Music Festival, and the weekly farmers' market, fostering a strong sense of local pride. The arts scene thrives at venues like the Rubicon Theatre Company and numerous galleries, while the city's extensive parks, bike paths, and immediate access to the Channel Islands National Park headquarters cater to an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Buyer Profile
The typical Ventura homebuyer is often a local professional or a family drawn from within Ventura County or the Greater Los Angeles area, seeking a more balanced and community-focused coastal life. With a median household income near $95,000, they are often dual-income households or established professionals who value outdoor recreation, a strong sense of place, and high-quality public schools. Their motivation is frequently a trade-off: accepting a smaller average home size for the intangible benefits of beach proximity, a walkable downtown, and a less hectic pace than larger metropolitan areas. They are pragmatic yet aspirational, entering a market where patience can be rewarded with the right property.
Market Trends
Current trends in Ventura clearly favor buyers, characterized by high inventory levels and homes spending an average of over two months on the market. This shift provides buyers with increased selection and less pressure to make immediate, above-asking offers that were common in recent years. The sustained high price per square foot reflects the enduring value placed on Ventura's location, but the extended days on market indicates a normalization and a period of price sensitivity. While the low rental vacancy rate shows continued strong demand for living in Ventura, the buyer's market conditions suggest that for those who can secure financing, purchasing may present a more strategic long-term opportunity than in prior, more frenetic cycles.
Local Insider Tip
Beyond the popular Surfer's Point, the Ventura Harbor Village and the adjacent Marina Park offer a quieter, family-friendly waterfront experience with calm beaches, playgrounds, and easy kayak or paddleboard access to the harbor's calm waters, often overlooked by visitors heading straight to the main pier.
Why People Move to Ventura
Direct access to miles of pristine, publicly accessible beaches and the Pacific Ocean for surfing, sailing, and sunset strolls.
A historic, walkable downtown core with a thriving mix of local restaurants, shops, and cultural venues, avoiding the feel of a generic chain store corridor.
Proximity to the Channel Islands National Park, offering unparalleled opportunities for day trips to explore 'The Galapagos of North America' right from the local harbor.
A genuine sense of community and a slower-paced, authentic California beach town lifestyle, distinct from the more commercialized and crowded coastal cities to the south.
Selected Real Estate Professionals (10)
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 10 agents serving Ventura who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 10 Agents
- Barbara Ann Orrock (5 stars, 60+ reviews, listed)
- April Renee Macowicz (4.9 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Gwen Ann Harris (4.9 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Harold William Powell (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Andrew David Barba (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Anna Marged Stephan (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Andrea Elizabeth Martinez (4.9 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Amy Hall (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Ghada Albawab (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Giovanna Natividad Ward (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
Contact
Phone: (805) 453-5566
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Erik%20Moen
19+ years experience
120+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $270K to $1.6M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her active community leadership and charitable endeavors, which are paramount in our ranking. This is supported by 73 five-star reviews and 18+ years of consistent, high-performing market expertise.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Active Supporter at Local Community Initiatives[6]
Notable Achievements
5-Star Client Rating
Nearly Two Decades of Service
Real Trends Recognition
Verified Specialties
Property Management, residential real estate, client advocacy, market analysis, residential transactions, commercial transactions, buyers, sellers, investors, buyer representation, seller representation, Client service, Market consultation[4]
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (805) 312-9243
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.macgroupre.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/aprilmac1337
12+ years experience
220+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $511K to $1.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her active community support as a donor to Children's Hospital Los Angeles and supporter of Cottage Health. She combines this with a strong 4.9-star rating from 67 reviews and over a decade of market experience.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
donor at Children's Hospital Los Angeles[6]
supporter at Cottage Health[6]
Notable Achievements
Over 10 years of real estate experience
252+ Closed Sales
10+ Years Experience
Maintains 4.9-star client rating
Office Manager Role
4.9-Star Client Rating
4.9 Star Rating
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Foreclosure, Escrow, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Military/Veterans, Luxury Homes, New Construction, buyers, sellers, residential, residential sales, buyer representation, seller representation, client relationships, office management, team leadership, residential real estate, buying, selling[4]
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (805) 320-7691
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-df180131135510839402/gwen-ann-harris
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Gwen%20Mulligan
22+ years experience
200+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $242K to $1.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community commitment through 22 years of local engagement and relationship building. This is supported by a 4.9-star rating from 55 reviews and 216 transactions, demonstrating consistent excellence.
Notable Achievements
216 Career Transactions
22 Years of Real Estate Experience
4.9-Star Client Rating
High-Value Transaction Portfolio
Q1 2025 Quarterly Best Top Producer
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Investment Properties[4]
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (805) 572-6368
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://haroldpowell.net/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/harold48
39+ years experience
310+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $437K to $2.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his significant community role as a Content Creator for his educational YouTube platform, which has garnered 947K views. This is combined with 39 years of experience, a perfect 5-star rating, and 328 career transactions.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Content Creator at YouTube Educational Platform[6]
Notable Achievements
39 Years Real Estate Experience
Top 1% RE/MAX International Producer
YouTube Content Creator
328 Total Transactions
Perfect 5-Star Rating
High-Value Portfolio
Verified Specialties
Rentals[4]
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (805) 814-0874
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://jorgearmandocampa.exprealty.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/jorgeVCPT
Why selected: Selected for his strong community involvement and leadership roles, Andrew Barba also demonstrates proven performance with 43 five-star reviews since 2016.
Notable Achievements
43 Five-Star Reviews
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Rentals, buyers, sellers, local market expertise, residential real estate, buyer representation, seller representation[4]
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (805) 765-2004
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.annastephan.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/livcoastal
10+ years experience
60+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $730K to $2.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her community-focused practice, providing guidance on local resources and amenities for relocating families. She combines a 5-star rating across 36 reviews with a top 1.5% national performance ranking.
Notable Achievements
Top 1.5% of Real Estate Agents Nationally
5-Star Client Rating
Fortune 500 Corporate Background
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Staging, Investment Properties, luxury homes, buying, selling, rentals, remodeling guidance, relocation services, client referrals, negotiation, marketing, buyers, sellers, remodeling[4]
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (805) 889-6789
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.instagram.com/lizziee_liz/?hl=en
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Sell%20It%20Like%20Its%20Liz
15+ years experience
30+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $70K to $1.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her strong community involvement and leadership roles, combined with a 4.9-star rating from 35 reviews that demonstrates consistent client satisfaction and professional excellence.
Notable Achievements
High Client Rating
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (805) 444-7874
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.gotoamy.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/amysellshomes805
11+ years experience
50+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $199K to $2.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement and leadership roles, combined with a perfect 5-star rating across 32 reviews. Her decade of expertise at Liv Sotheby's ensures seamless luxury transactions.
Notable Achievements
5-Star Rating Maintenance
Award-Winning Luxury Realtor
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Staging, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Military/Veterans, Luxury Homes, New Construction, Senior Communities, luxury properties, buyers, sellers, investors, property management, repairs, renovations[4]
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (805) 901-8992
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ghada%20Albawab
10+ years experience
100+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $350K to $3.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her active community leadership supporting local schools, youth sports, and neighborhood groups. She combines this with a strong 10-year record of 113 sales, 32 five-star reviews, and consistent high-value transaction expertise.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Active participant at Local Schools[6]
Community supporter at Youth Sports Organizations[6]
Community member at Neighborhood Groups[6]
Notable Achievements
RE/MAX Luminary of Distinction Award
Business and Marketing Degree
113 Total Transactions
32 Five-Star Reviews
Luxury Market Experience
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Commercial Properties, Bilingual (English/Arabic)[4]
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (805) 479-5004
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.comfortres.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Bward8824
21+ years experience
140+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $269K to $2.6M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community roots and leadership as Broker/Owner, B.J. Ward leverages his lifelong local expertise to serve Ventura County. His passion for the region's quality of life directly informs his dedicated real estate practice.
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Property Management[4]
Cities Served
Ventura, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).