Oak Park
Oak Park is a community rich in history and environmental beauty, just at the base of Simi Peak. During the 20th century, the community served as a backdrop for a number of popular films – especially westerns. The town balances urban accessibility with nature and scenic views, as half of the town is made up of parks and open spaces and the famous Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is in close proximity.
In addition to these beautiful natural resources, Oak Park is proud of its excellent schools, which consistently rank among the highest in the state of California. The community is rare because, although highly convenient and located in east Ventura County near the thriving metropolitan center of Los Angeles, Oak Park has managed to maintain a rural, familiar feel. With an abundance of walking and hiking trails and less than a 30-minute drive from the renowned Zuma and Malibu beaches, it is an ideal place to raise a family.
Oak Park is also surrounded by beautiful open space areas including the Rock Ridge, Sunrise Meadows and Wistful Vista Open Spaces. People who make a home in Oak Park can exercise, have parties, play with their children or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery at any of a variety of parks throughout the community, including:
Chaparral Park
Deerhill Park
Eagle View Park
Indian Springs Park
Mae Boyar Park
Medea Creek Park Trail
Oak Canyon Community Park
Oak Park Community Garden
Oak Park Community Center and Gardens
Valley View Park
If you’re considering a move to Oak Park, Lydia Gable Realty Group is the #1 team in Conejo Valley, and with 20+ years of local expertise and 500+ 5-Star Reviews we are ready to guide you through the nuances of our neighborhoods, and challenges of today’s real estate market. Call, text or email anytime, and check out our blog: 5 Things Every Buyer Should Know Before Moving to Oak Park.
Oak Park, the Leader in Education in Ventura County
Children in Oak Park can attend school at one of the schools operated by the Oak Park Unified School District (OPUSD). There are three elementary schools, including:
Other schools in the area include:
The Oak Park Neighborhood School applies the Reggio Emilia approach, with mixed-age classrooms that are intended to provide a richer and more diverse educational experience to students by fostering individual learning styles. The OPUSD has been named as the number one school district in Ventura County, based on students’ scores on the statewide Academic Performance Index (API).
Oak Park Resources
5 Things Every Home Buyer Needs to Know Before Moving to Oak Park, CA
Introduction: A Local’s Perspective
Oak Park is one of those places people discover intentionally and rarely want to leave. Tucked between Agoura Hills and Westlake Village, Oak Park offers an exceptional balance of top-ranked schools, thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, access to nature, and everyday convenience. It’s frequently recognized on “Best Places to Live” lists, but the real story is how livable and family-oriented it feels on a day-to-day basis.
Developed primarily from the 1960s through the 1990s, Oak Park was master-planned with parks, schools, greenbelts, and trails integrated directly into each of its neighborhoods. The result is a community where kids walk to school, neighbors know each other, and outdoor space is a defining feature.
Primary residential areas within Oak Park include Oak Park Proper (Ventura County side), Country Vista, Oak Hills Estates, Oak Park Highlands, Regency Hills, and Morrison Sutton (adjacent). Each area offers a slightly different feel, home style, and buyer appeal — something we’ll explore in detail below, and the local experts at Lydia Gable Realty Group can help guide you through.
1. Lifestyle & Local Vibe
Oak Park’s lifestyle is best described as quiet, active, and family centric. This is not a nightlife-driven community. Life revolves around schools, sports fields, hiking trails, and weekend routines. Homeowners are mostly:
Families who prioritize education and stability
Professionals commuting to Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, or hybrid roles
Long-term residents who stay for decades
Community life centers around Deerhill Park, Oak Canyon Community Park, Chaparral Park, Medea Creek Trail, youth sports leagues, and school events. Oak Park also benefits from its proximity to Westlake Village shopping and dining while maintaining its own distinctly residential identity.
2. Schools & Education: The Primary Demand Driver
Oak Park is served by the Oak Park Unified School District (OPUSD), widely regarded as one of the top public school districts in California. For many buyers, the schools alone are reason enough to choose Oak Park. Notable schools include:
Oak Park High School – Highly ranked academically with strong athletics and arts
Medea Creek Middle School – Known for academic rigor and campus culture
Brookside Elementary School - Has a Gifted & Talented program.
Red Oak Elementary and Oak Hills Elementary – Consistently high-performing feeder schools
The strength and reputation of OPUSD significantly influence buyer demand and home values. Many families specifically target Oak Park to gain access to these schools, often staying long-term once settled, so you’ll want to deeply research which school is the best fit for your family.
3. Real Estate Market & Neighborhoods in Oak Park
Oak Park real estate is defined by suburban single-family homes, hillside properties, and small pockets of townhomes and condos. While the city is geographically compact, its neighborhoods offer meaningful distinctions in home style, age, lot size, and walkability. Below are the 6 primary neighborhoods in Oak Park: Central, Sutton, Country Vista, Oak Hills Estates, Oak Park Highlands, and Regency Hills.
Oak Park Proper (Central Oak Park)
This is the heart of the community and one of the most popular areas for families, known for:
Single-family tract homes
Built primarily in the 1970s–1980s
Mostly single-story and traditional two-story layouts
What sets it apart for home buyers:
Excellent walkability to Oak Park schools
Close proximity to parks, trails, and community facilities
Sidewalk-lined streets and a classic neighborhood feel
Families with school-aged children
Buyers prioritizing walkability and community connection
Country Vista
Country Vista offers a slightly more elevated feel with scenic surroundings, known for:
Single-family homes with views
Built mainly in the 1980s
Larger lots than central Oak Park neighborhoods
What sets it apart for home buyers:
Hillside positioning with views and space
Easy access to hiking trails and open space
Quieter streets with less through traffic
Families seeking a more tucked-away neighborhood feel
Oak Hills Estates
One of Oak Park’s more upscale and newer residential pockets, known for:
Larger single-family homes
Built primarily in the late 1980s–early 1990s
More expansive floorplans and lot sizes
What sets it apart for home buyers:
Close proximity to Oak Hills Elementary
Well-maintained streets and pride of ownership
Strong long-term resale appeal
Move-up families
Buyers wanting larger homes without gated living
Oak Park Highlands
This area blends suburban comfort with access to nature, known for:
Traditional single-family homes
Mostly built in the 1970s–1980s
What sets it apart for home buyers:
Near trailheads and greenbelts for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Slightly more remote with separation from main roads
Calm, residential atmosphere
Buyers seeking a peaceful, residential setting
MORRISON SUTTON VALLEY
Oak Park’s premier neighborhood, Morrison Sutton Valley (aka Sutton per locals), holds up to its high-end reputation and price point with a sense of privacy and landscaped curb appeal. Sutton is known for:
Single family two-story homes
Built mainly in the late 1980s (sometimes need updating)
On average 4 to 5 bedrooms
Larger lots and more privacy
Most Northern neighborhood of Oak Park
Regency Hills & CHAMBORD
After Morrison Sutton Valley, Regency Hills is the second most exclusive neighborhood in Oak Park. This newer community is built high up on a hill, near Deerhill Park, offering views of Conejo Valley. The estate style housing and open floor plans make this neighborhood great to raise a family. A small but distinct pocket within Oak Park, known for:
Single-family two-story homes
Built mainly in the late 1990s
On average 2,400 to 4,500 square feet
Larger homes, but not necessarily larger lots
What sets it apart for home buyers:
Proximity to Medea Creek Trail
Easy access to schools and parks
Families wanting central access
Buyers seeking strong school walkability
Oak Park vs. Agoura Hills vs. Westlake Village: Which Is Right for You?
Oak Park is ideal for buyers who:
Prioritize top-ranked public schools above all else
Want walkability to schools and parks
Prefer a quieter, residential environment
Agoura Hills appeals to buyers who:
Want larger lots or a mix of tract and custom homes
Appreciate a slightly more rustic or suburban feel
Value access to the Las Virgenes Unified School District
Westlake Village is best suited for buyers who:
Desire dining, shopping, and social walkability
Want proximity to the lake, country clubs, or newer developments
Prefer a more polished, amenity-rich lifestyle
4. Commute & Connectivity
Oak Park offers convenient access to the US-101 Freeway, making commutes to Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, and Calabasas straightforward. Although Oak Park is mostly considered Ventura County, it is the most eastern city in Ventura County (closest to Los Angeles County).
Approximate drive times:
Westlake Village: 5-10 minutes
Agoura Hills: 5–10 minutes
Calabasas/ Woodland Hills: 20 minutes
Healthcare access includes nearby Los Robles Regional Medical Center and UCLA Health facilities.
5. Things to Do & Local Favorites
Oak Park may be residential, but it’s far from boring. Locals enjoy a strong connection to outdoor recreation and nearby amenities. Popular local parks and trails include:
Deerhill Park – Central hub for Pickleball, basketball, and community events
Oak Canyon Community Park – Expansive green space with fields and courts
Medea Creek Trail – Beloved walking and biking trail
Chaparral Park - Dog friendly, paved walkways, nearby Tesla Charging Station
Oak Park Plaza on Lindero Canyon and Kanan Road has basic shopping conveniences with: CVS Pharmacy, Pavillions Grocery, Cafe Sapientia Coffee, and even a Kids World Fun Zone (winner of The Best Indoor Playground award)!
While Oak Park itself has limited commercial spots, residents frequently enjoy nearby Westlake Village and Agoura Hills restaurants, cafés, and shopping. This proximity allows Oak Park to maintain its quiet charm without sacrificing convenience. Malibu Beaches are a 20 to 30 minute drive through Kanan Road to Pacific Coast Highway.
Is Oak Park the Right Place to Buy a Home?
Oak Park is ideal for buyers seeking exceptional public schools, a strong sense of community, and a safe, predictable residential environment.
Ready to explore homes for sale in Oak Park? We would be happy to help! Working with Lydia Gable, a top real estate agent who understands school boundaries, neighborhoods, and value trends, makes all the difference. Connect with Lydia@LydiaGable.com. We are Oak Park real estate experts who know every nuance that makes Oak Park special.
FAQ: Moving to Oak Park
Is Oak Park a good place to raise a family?
Yes. Oak Park is widely regarded as one of the best family-oriented communities in Southern California, largely due to the Oak Park Unified School District (OPUSD), safe neighborhoods, integrated parks, and a strong sense of community. Many families move here specifically for the schools and stay long-term.
What types of homes are common in Oak Park?
Oak Park is primarily made up of single-family homes built from the 1970s through the 1990s, with some townhomes and condos mixed in. Most neighborhoods feature traditional suburban layouts, Mediterranean styles, roomy sidewalks, walkability and easy access to parks and schools.
How does Oak Park compare to Agoura Hills?
Oak Park generally offers more consistent school walkability and a more compact, master-planned feel, while Agoura Hills provides larger lot sizes and a broader range of housing types, including custom homes in Old Agoura. Buyers choosing Oak Park often prioritize OPUSD above all else.
How does Oak Park compare to Westlake Village?
Compared to Westlake Village, Oak Park tends to feel more residential and family-focused, with fewer commercial centers. Westlake Village offers more dining, shopping, and lake-oriented lifestyle amenities, while Oak Park emphasizes schools, parks, and everyday livability.