Are you thinking about moving to Simi Valley, CA? Are you already in the Los Angeles area and looking for a change? Simi Valley is one of the most beautiful, family-friendly suburbs you’ll find along the entire Pacific coast.

Catering to a wide assortment of residents, the city is located in Ventura County close to Thousand Oaks and has been ranked on numerous occasions as one of the happiest places in the United States. Known for its safe neighborhoods and being home to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, it is widely loved by both locals and visitors.

If you are looking at the possibility of living in a Los Angeles suburb, we’ve put together this list of eight reasons why you should consider moving to Simi Valley. Between its beautiful terrain and quiet communities, you’ll quickly find it is one of the greatest options for people of all ages and lifestyles.

1. Simi Valley Has a Unique History & Culture

Though it hasn’t always been called Simi Valley, the area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Two settlements known as Shimiji and Ta’apu were split between a group of Native Americans known as the Chumash. They occupied the land until the late 1700s when Spanish explorers claimed it for themselves.

Over time the area has been possessed by numerous owners and held many different names including a brief stint as “Simiopolis”. A few years after California became a state in 1850, the area was sold to Thomas A. Scott, owner of the Philadelphia and California Petroleum Company. Since then, Simi Valley has been incorporated and grown to a population of over 127,000 residents.

The valley has a strong, diverse culture even by California standards. Though the majority of the area is Caucasian, it is also home to a large population of African American, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander residents.

2. Family-Friendly Communities in Simi Valley

This past year, Simi Valley was ranked among the 50 safest cities in California. With a crime rate nearly 70% lower than the California average, you can count on feeling secure and comfortable in this community. Covering a decent area of over 42 square miles, you’ll have plenty of great options when deciding where to live.

As a community dedicated to creating an atmosphere for families, the city has been built to accommodate many different lifestyles. Some of the best neighborhoods in Simi Valley include Santa Susana, Texas Tract, Wood Ranch, and Corriganville.

3. Simple, Convenient Transportation

Since Simi Valley is mainly a residential part of town, residents do have a slightly longer commute than the national average. But the city has come prepared with plenty of easy and effective transportation options. The Simi Valley Transit services provide fixed path bus routes which connect to the Los Angeles METRO for simple daily commutes.

Most residents who have their own cars still enjoy commute times of less than 30 minutes on average. The Ronald Reagan Freeway goes through the middle of town from east to west, giving easy access to San Fernando, Burbank, and Moorpark.

4. Education is Important to Simi Valley Residents

Parents will be happy to know that Simi Valley is home to some of the top primary schools in Los Angeles. For younger children, great schools are spread all over town including Hollow Hills Elementary, Big Springs Elementary, and Vista Elementary.

The top three high schools in the valley are Santa Susana High, Simi Valley High, and Royal High. Santa Susana is rated among the top 150 high schools out of over 2,000 in California, with a graduation rate of over 97%.

While you’ll be hard pressed to find many secondary school options in the immediate Simi Valley area, students still have a few options in surrounding towns like Moorpark College, California Lutheran University, and Pierce College.

5. Simi Valley Jobs Provide Great Opportunities

Even though Simi Valley is mostly a neighborhood community, there are some nearby employers who provide tremendous opportunities for growth in fields such as education, healthcare, and city positions. With an extremely low unemployment rate of only 2.9%, this area is well below the national average and even other cities in the same county.

Following the educational trend mentioned above, it is fitting that the largest employer in the area is the Simi Valley Unified School District. Home to almost 2,200 teachers, executives, and administrative staff, they have nearly four times the employees of any other organization in the city. With top-rated schools like Santa Susana High in the district, it is clear they are doing something right.

Providing strong jobs for those in the medical field, Simi Valley Hospital is the second largest employer on the list. Employing around 800 personnel, they have one of the highest rated medical staffs in the Los Angeles area covering 24 specialties.

A few other top employers include the City of Simi Valley, AeroVironment, and the local recreation district.

6. Just Enough Nightlife to Keep It Fun

After a long week at the office, it’s always nice to take a load off and have some fun. Though most of the Simi Valley area quiets down around 10 pm, you’ll still find a decent array of nightlife options around town.

For happy hour drinks and dancing, take a well-deserved trip over to PC’s Bar & Grill. If you’re in the mood for an evening movie, head over to Studio Movie Grill, where you can enjoy the film while being served dinner in your seat. But one of the most popular things to do in Simi Valley is visiting the Cultural Arts Center. Enjoy everything from classic plays to new-age musicals and comedy sketches.

7. Great Places to Eat in Simi Valley

Greek? Sushi? Italian? Whatever you’re craving, Simi Valley restaurants have just about everything you could want. Head to Sushi Tanaka for 5-star rated sashimi, rolls, and nigiri, all chosen for you by the chef.

Known by some as the best place to eat in the valley, everyone needs to visit Beto’s Italian Bistro at least once. Take your pick of an assortment of spaghetti, lasagna, and Italian seafood options. And if all you need is a simple and affordable American dish, you can’t go wrong with an In-N-Out burger.

8. You Can’t Beat Simi Valley Weather

About 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles and less than an hour from the nearest beach, Simi Valley weather brings all the benefits of being on the Pacific coast.

Never straying from its average temperatures between the 40s and low 80s, you’ll enjoy a mild and comfortable climate all year round. With only about 16 inches of rain annually, blue skies provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the perks of living in Simi Valley.

Have We Convinced You Yet?

From its diverse culture and beautiful weather to the family-friendly neighborhoods and great jobs, it’s no surprise why people are interested in moving to Simi Valley. The area has grown into a thriving community loved by each and every resident for its safe atmosphere and gorgeous mountain views.

If you are trying to find somewhere to live in the Los Angeles area that isn’t smack in the middle of the hectic big city, you should seriously consider moving to Simi Valley. You’ll always have a range of fun things to do whether you’re heading here with your family or looking for somewhere to retire.

Need help with your upcoming move? Osmon Moving & Storage is a Simi Valley moving company dedicated to making your transition run as smoothly as possible. Give us a call today at 800-807-6181 to learn more about our moving services and how we can help you!