Ventura Apartments and Rentals

Located between Malibu and Santa Barbara on the Pacific coast, Ventura was incorporated in 1866. Following an oil strike in 1914, the city experienced significant growth. Eventually, farmland was replaced by suburban development after World War II, and Ventura is now home to 109,000 residents. Ventura is known for its scenic coastlines, and Ventura apartments for rent conveniently place residents in the midst of a rich cultural atmosphere in Southern California.

Ventura boasts an impressive parks system including more than 800 acres of parkland and facilities. Two dog parks are included in the district, and the Ventura Community Park has three large sports fields, a paved trail and a modern aquatics facility. Sports enthusiasts in Ventura can also visit the Camino Real Park, which includes eight tennis courts, two softball fields, a regulation baseball diamond and sand volleyball courts.

Ventura has a reputation for being a surfing paradise due to its south-facing waterfront and "breaks" that produce thrilling waves. The coastline includes miles of bike trails and walking paths for active residents to enjoy, while the promenade on Ventura Harbor features an eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques and specialty stores for locals to explore throughout their free time.

Numerous artists live in Ventura apartments and operate studios and galleries within the city. The thriving arts scene is a staple of community life. The arts calendar is packed with events and festivals throughout the year, with performers often providing entertainment in churches or public buildings.

Ventura is making strides toward becoming Southern California’s next high-tech center of employment. The Ventura Ventures Technology Center, a high-tech business incubator, works to create high value jobs and attract more high-tech companies to Ventura. The Ventura labor force is highly educated and skilled, and includes a significant number of skilled technicians and trades people. The primary employment sectors in Ventura include services, retail trade and government.

Ventura is served by the Ventura Unified School District, which includes top-rated schools such as Foothill Technology High School and Mound Elementary School. The local community college, Ventura College, features a comprehensive selection of degree and certificate programs. It is nationally recognized for offering the Ventura College Promise, a grant underwritten by the Ventura College Foundation that provides funding for the first year at Ventura College to all recently-graduated Ventura County high school seniors or GED recipients. The grant is offered to students regardless of family income or grade point average.

Ventura offers an Affordable Housing Program that encompasses rental and for-sale properties that are restricted in cost to accommodate low-income families. Ventura also receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to put toward establishing viable communities and maintaining a safe living environment. According to city-data.com, the median price for rentals in Ventura was $1,254 in 2009.

The Ventura Hillsides Music Festival is an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy. The popular annual event features performances by nationally recognized musicians and raises funds and awareness for land conservation and restoration work in Ventura.

Paint Ventura features a variety of local artists creating art and conducting classes in the historic downtown district. The first Paint Ventura festival showcases more than 54 artists, and local acoustic musicians and street performers enhancing the ambiance during the celebration of Ventura's vibrant arts scene.

If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Ventura, Calif., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.