magine a land of scenic ocean vistas, lush inland valleys, agriculturally rich countryside and stunning mountain peaks. There's no need to imagine it when you can experience it in ìthe land of everlasting summers.

Boasting a Mediterranean climate thatís described as the best in the world, Ventura County is a place most people see depicted only in travel and vacation brochures.

A quick jaunt along Ventura Countyís scenic coast and through its majestic countryside reveals scenic beaches, some of the richest agricultural land on earth, snow-capped mountains and green, lush communities. Itís hard to believe sometimes, but more than 817,000 people live in Ventura County.

Ventura County is bordered by 43 miles of coastline and sunny beaches, and surrounded by miles of state and national parks that protect the natural environment for all types of recreational uses. The county covers 1,873 square miles, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles County, Kern County and Santa Barbara County. The Las Padres National Forest encompasses most of the northern half of the county, and Lakes Casitas and Piru are roughly at each end of the county. Public beaches cover nearly 7.5 miles of the countyís shoreline, while state beach parks cover 411 acres.

Two major military bases are located in western Ventura County: Point Mugu Naval Air Station and Port Hueneme Naval Construction Battalion Center.

The county has 10 incorporated cities: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, San Buenaventura (commonly called Ventura), Santa Paula, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks – each with their own distinct features. The cities offer safe neighborhoods and family-oriented communities.

Although the majority of residents live within incorporated cities (meaning within the borders of established cities), there are numerous residential areas outside the cities in unincorporated sections of the county. Many of these communities are small residential/rural pockets, while others are adjacent to or surrounded by incorporated cities. About 95,602 residents live in unincorporated areas.

Whether they live within cities or outside them, Ventura County residents enjoy a lifestyle that is the envy of many, combining a desirable climate, numerous recreational opportunities, family values and an expanding economy.

Business Strengths
The convenience of Ventura’s location is one of the more attractive aspects for businesses. The proximity to the vast marketplace of Los Angeles makes the county perfect for companies that need access to a large metropolitan area, while Port Hueneme Harbor is the fourth-busiest port in the state and a gateway to the world.

While oil provided the initial economic boom, agriculture has always provided business stability. In recent years, numerous national and international corporations such as Amgen have moved their headquarters and operations into the county.

Ventura County ranks sixth in high-tech jobs in the state, with 65 technology jobs per 1,000 workers, ahead of such cities as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Moorpark, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks have emerged as nationally prominent cities for the high-technology industry.

Ventura County’s strong economic base has a large and diverse labor pool in major industries such as agriculture, biotechnology, telecommunications & advanced technologies, manufacturing, tourism, and military testing and development.

Transportation and Commuting
Highways 1, 101, 118 and 126 lead into and out of Ventura County. Highways 1 and 101 are the main routes to Los Angeles on the south and to Santa Barbara on the north. Highway 118 connects with the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles to the east and Highway 126 to Santa Clarita and Interstate 5 to the east. Routes 33 and 150 lead to Ojai and the Las Padres National Forest to the north. Favorite locations in Los Angeles and Southern California can be reached within an hour or two. Neighboring Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast are also a short drive from Ventura.

Driving one’s own car is the most convenient way to get around in Ventura County. However, there are alternate ways to travel. An extensive transportation system includes freeways, rail lines, bus lines and airports, with Port Hueneme the only deep-water harbor between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Metrolink Commuter Rail transportation to downtown Los Angeles and beyond goes as far north as Oxnard, with stations in Camarillo, Moorpark and Simi Valley. Amtrak operates daily passenger service with its major station in Oxnard and connecting stations in Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley and Ventura. The Ventura County Railroad serves the industrial areas of Oxnard, Port Hueneme and the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion Center

The Oxnard Airport, featuring one 5,950-foot concrete runway, is located on the coastal edge of the 200-square-mile Oxnard Plain, a mile and a half from the coastline on the southwest corporate limits of the City of Oxnard. The airport is classified as a non-hub commercial service airport with commuter flights currently serving Los Angeles International Airport.

The airport is home to one full-service fixed-base operator providing services such as aircraft charters, maintenance and pilot supplies. The airport also hosts an old Western-style barbecue restaurant, several car rental agencies and shuttle van service to Los Angeles International Airport. General aviation service is available at the nearby Camarillo and Santa Paula airports.

The area transit systems and taxi services offer an alternative to automobiles, some having curb-to-curb van service by reservation and fixed transit bus routes. South Coast Area Transit provides bus service to Ventura, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ojai, Santa Paula and the unincorporated areas of the county. The Great American Stageline provides shuttle service to and from L.A. International Airport and Burbank Airport. Greyhound has a bus terminal in downtown Ventura, providing transportation to Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and transfers to destinations beyond.

Climate and Weather
Weather is in the Ventura news more than some people might imagine. Yes, the coastal moisture keeps evenings cool, and the mild ocean breezes cool the coastal villages.

The coastal area’s Mediterranean climate boasts an average annual temperature of 74.2 degrees. There are actually six different micro-climates, ranging from the mild temperatures along the coast to the temperate valleys and harsh, snow-topped mountains.