[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This low-key Ventura County community once helped lead the way in exploring the possibilities of nuclear power. The area also used to be home to a Chumash tribe who controlled the trade of fused shale in the area. After California was ceded to the US after the Mexican-American war, the area’s new owner applied to set up a post office in the area, officially creating the city of Moorpark.
Life In Moorpark
The city ended up settling into a quieter way of life after leaving its nuclear power ambitions behind during the 1960s. The city’s population has grown steadily since those days, currently topping out at over 38,000 people. Residents can look out and see a skyline full of trees and hills instead of nuclear towers.
Weather in the area tends to be warm and clear. Winters often bring cloudy weather and temperatures in the mid-60s. The rainiest months tend to be January and February, bringing an average of 8 inches of rainfall during a typical year.
The People Of Moorpark
30% of residents come from a Hispanic background, adding a nice level of diversity among the population. The median age of those making their home here is around 37 years old. That makes it relatively young with less than 10% of residents being over the age of 65.
Housing In Moorpark
Housing prices in the area start at $150,000 and can sell for close to $1,000,000, with the median property value being around $500,000. Its proximity to larger cities like Glendale, Los Angeles, and Long Beach make it a great place to commute from and to for those looking to lead a quieter lifestyle.
Visiting Moorpark
The city puts on different events for its locals throughout the year, with Moorpark visitors welcome to attend any of them. The area offers plenty of accommodations thanks to its proximity to many family-friendly hotels like the Grand Vista Hotel.
Visitors should also stop by one of Moorpark’s 19 parks. Each one provides lots of amenities, including sports facilities and places to hold picnics with family and friends. They’re great places to go when feeling the desire to truly absorb the beauty of the area.
Local Moorpark Government
Moorpark’s government operates under the oversight of a mayor and four elected council members. Mayors serve two-year terms, while council members can be voted in for staggered four-year terms. The city council controls policy including budgetary concerns, the operation of different programs, and directing the city’s relations with other governing bodies.
Moorpark strives to keep residents involved in every aspect of running the city. They host city council meetings starting at 6:30 on Wednesdays during the first and third Wednesday of every month. They’re broadcast live and made available for residents to view if they couldn’t watch or attend a meeting in person.
Many other councils and committees assume responsibility for different aspects of city government and making sure current agendas benefit all city residents.
Current Functioning Bodies
- Arts Commission
- Library Board
- Parks and Recreation Commission
- Planning Commission
Educational Opportunities
The relative youth of the town’s residents means there are plenty of children attending schools within the Moorpark Unified School District. Their elementary, middle, and high schools rate well in providing a quality education to its youngest community members. That’s shown by the fact that 87% of high school attendees end up graduating.
Moorpark is also home to Moorpark College, one of California’s state community colleges. It the sole place in the country where students can receive training in the handling of exotic animals. The college also contains a zoo open on the weekend to visitors.
Students can obtain two-year degrees for transfer to other four-year colleges. The college also hosts a program allowing high school students to take courses and get an early start on their post-education pursuits.
A Wonderful Hidden Jewel
Moorpark makes sure residents can move about the city without worry for their safety. It boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country and provides the comfort of a small-town atmosphere. Everyone passing through receives the same level of hospitality and warmth from the town’s best resource, its community members.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][optima_express_toppicks id=”697815″ sortBy=”ds” resultsPerPage=”16″ header=”false” includeMap=”false”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]