If you’re an older adult living in California — or have always aspired to live in the Golden State — spread out a California state map. Think of the features you hope to enjoy as a part of your new lifestyle. They may include superb year-round weather, access to arts and culture, great restaurants, shopping, events, recreational opportunities, a friendly community, and good transportation. Now, draw circles around the cities you think offer you all this.
If you didn’t circle Simi Valley, you might be missing one of California’s best areas to live. According to U.S. Census data, the adults aged 65 and older population has increased by 15.7% since 2020, and people 55 and older make up more than 30% of Simi Valley’s population, primarily for the reasons listed above. the reasons listed above. According to U.S. Census data, adults people 65 and older has increased 15.7% since 2020, according to U.S. Census data.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 reasons seniors choose to live in Simi Valley. Keep that map handy…after you learn more, you might be inspired to make the move to Simi Valley in the near future.
1. Easy access to Los Angeles.
Simi Valley is just 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, which puts you close to everything the City of Angels has to offer. Yet Simi Valley allows residents to live far from L.A.’s smog and traffic congestion. Simi Valley also allows residents to enjoy a quieter life with all the benefits the larger surrounding area provides up and down the coast.
2. The weather in Simi Valley can’t be beat.
Yes, you read that correctly. If you like sunny days and mild winters, Simi Valley’s weather should suit you well. Don’t be fooled by the word “Valley” in its name; it’s nothing like some other Valleys in Southern CA where temperatures hover in the three digits. Summers in Simi tend to hit the low 90s at the high end, while winters are mild – highs in the mid-sixties and lows in the mid-forties – with occasional showers but almost no snowfall. The upside to these showers is that they contribute to the lush green hills that residents enjoy for months at a time. The city enjoys 277 sunny days a year, 72 days more than the U.S. average. It helps explain why the Best Places Comfort Index for Simi Valley is 8.6 out of 10, meaning it’s more comfortable than most places in California.
3. There are so many things to do in Simi Valley.
If you’ve been thinking that arts, culture, and annual events are out of reach in Simi Valley, not so fast: Simi has a renowned Cultural Arts Center that’s a hub for the arts and is home to theater, dance, music, and the visual arts. The city also hosts popular annual events like the Summer Beer Fest, Fall Harvest Festival, Holiday Tree Lighting and Film Festival, to name a few. The city is also home to several museums, including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, which has a rotating exhibition list, most recently an Auschwitz Exhibition, delving into Holocaust history and stories of survival. And you’re a short train ride or drive to L.A. should you want to take in a show at the Disney Concert Hall or the Broad Museum.
4. Outdoor recreation is plentiful.
Given the remarkable climate in Simi Valley, you’d expect a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, and you’d be right. There are no fewer than six golf courses in the city limits, and with more than 50 parks, the area is a paradise for hikers and equestrians. A particularly unique park is Corriganville Park, a historic site with picturesque trails, ideal for hiking and exploring the onsite movie set remains. Also, Simi Valley is less than an hour away from some of California’s most beautiful beaches.
5. Foodies find Simi Valley to be a treat for their taste buds.
From locally-owned coffee shops and quirky cafes to artisanal bakeries and elegant sushi bars served up by a world-renowned chef – Simi Valley is serving up some of the best food in Ventura County. The city has some hidden gem dining experiences that are getting noticed by local diners including Larsen’s Grill, Sushi Tanaka, Zef BBQ, Farina Bread, and the French Japanese café Le Hérisson.
6. Opportunities for shopping and nightlife.
For those who love finding that special outfit, pair of shoes, or this season’s must-have fragrance, Simi Valley Town Center has more than 60 stores. Sycamore Square is a charming shopping center featuring boutique stores and eateries, conveniently located just off the 118 Freeway.
And while most of the Simi Valley area quiets down around 10 p.m., 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 a 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. Transportation is surprisingly easy.
Simi Valley has plenty of easy and effective transportation options. The Simi Valley Transit services provide fixed path bus routes that connect to the Los Angeles METRO for simple daily commutes. Most residents who have their own cars still enjoy commuting 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. There is also an AMTRAK station which provides options up and down the coast. And Simi Valley is only a 30-minute drive to Burbank Airport and under an hour to LAX.
8. Simi Valley boasts quality hospitals and healthcare.
Simi Valley is home to several hospitals and healthcare facilities. Adventist Health Simi Valley has a 144-bed hospital and eight locations around the city offering urgent care, specialty care and primary care. Adventist Health is rated high performing in adult procedures and conditions, according to U.S. News Best Hospitals. You’re also less than an hour from Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, the highest ranked hospital in Southern California. You’ll be well cared for at this research hospital with over 60 medical education programs and 2,000 medical doctors.
9.You can share your gifts through volunteering.
Whether you have a passion for rescuing animals, be it dogs, horses or wildlife, want to improve the lives of underserved populations, or want to help beautify the community, Simi Valley has a long history of civic engagement and volunteerism. The City of Simi Valley website offers a list of local non-profits so you can connect with the causes most important to you and become a part of the volunteers who provide more than 70,000 hours of their time in service to the city.
10. It’s very safe.
Simi Valley ranks much lower than the national average in property crimes, violent crimes, and overall crime. In 2022, it was ranked 21 among the 50 safest cities in California, and the crime rate is 70% lower than the California average.
One more thing you might want to know about Simi Valley: Residents love it here. And while that isn’t necessarily a reason to move somewhere new, it’s important, nonetheless. It’s been ranked as the fifth happiest city in the US, according to a study by the University of Vermont. Wide open spaces, easy freeway access, and a laid-back lifestyle all lend themselves to being a dream place to live, at any stage in your life.
Speaking of “dream places to live at every stage of your life,” let’s talk about senior living communities in Simi Valley. As you learn more about the area, you might want to consider contacting Ensō Verde.
This remarkable Zen-Inspired Life Plan Community will strongly focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, environmental stewardship, and healthy life choices for adults 62+, which could be the best reason to consider a move to Simi Valley. Attend an event to discuss the details of becoming a resident — simply call 805.750.4461 or request more information.
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The Right Decision Starts with the Right Information
We’ve created an informative community brochure that will introduce you to Zen-inspired senior living coming soon to Ventura County. You’ll learn about our partnership with the San Francisco Zen Center and The Kendal® Corporation, the advantages of a Life Plan Community, our uniquely different values and practices, benefits of living at our community, and much more!