Firstly why Simi-Valley, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Simi-Valley
• State: California
• Population: 125,674 people
• Simi-Valley’s quick summary would be Famous for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and the annual Simi Valley Cowboy Festival.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 9,000 annually
• Net Migration: 11000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 500
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it affords affordable living in a suburban setting appealing to families

Perk #1: Simi-Valley Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $84,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Simi-Valley is $89,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $5000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Simi-Valley’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 140 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,845
• Property Tax %: 1.02%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,600
• Rent for an average house: $2,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Simi Valley
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Simi-Valley, Moorpark, Thousand-Oaks, Camarillo, and probably could include San-Fernando
• Avg. Age of Homes in Simi-Valley: 45 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.7%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Simi-Valley’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Simi-Valley are  Retail, Healthcare, and Education
• Simi-Valley Job Scene: moderate job market in manufacturing and retail
• The General Tech Scene: small tech community with growing aerospace and information technology sectors , ,
• Simi-Valley Resident’s pay $1,300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Simi-Valley: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Simi-Valley

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $150 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-118 provides critical access through Simi Valley
• Commute Time: 27 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on Los Angeles Avenue
• Transportation Score: 49 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Simi-Valley: 45,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Simi-Valley: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Bob Hope

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Simi-Valley’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Simi-Valley is best described as has hot dry summers with temperatures exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional cold fronts
• Winter Weather in Simi-Valley i’d describe as mild and dry
• Spring Weather in Simi-Valley can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Simi-Valley are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Simi-Valley is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 52 days in summer
• Days in a row in Simi-Valley below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 17 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by heat and emissions
• Simi-Valley Winter Air average air quality with congestion-related pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Simi-Valley Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Simi-Valley 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Simi-Valleys’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Simi Valley Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Simi-Valley Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Simi-Valley only Doctors is about 60
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Simi-Valley only Police Officers is about 100
• Crime Rate Index: 15/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Simi-Valley’s Monthly utility bill average is $170
• Simi-Valley’s Monthly Gym Membership: $57
• Simi-Valley’s Water Quality Score: 73

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Simi-Valley

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburban town surrounded by mountains with a strong community
• You might enjoy concerts at local parks
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Simi-Valley  offers friendly local bars and casual eateries where residents can gather and unwind

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Simi-Valley

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes casual dining and a variety of fast food options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Simi-Valley
• The Popular Sports Team is Simi Valley High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Simi-Valley can be described as conservative with a focus on local family-oriented issues
• Simi-Valley’s Longer standing religious establishment is Calvary Chapel Simi Valley

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Simi-Valley Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Simi-Valley has 12 Parks?
• Simi Valley Town Center Park is Simi-Valley’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Simi Valley Farmers Market normally open Thursday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor concerts

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Simi-Valley Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Simi-Valley can be described as suburban lifestyle with a strong community atmosphere
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Simi-Valley hiking local trails attending concerts community picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Simi-Valley are Thousand-Oaks 13 miles away Moorpark 12 miles away San-Fernando 26 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Simi-Valley or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on Los Angeles Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Simi-Valley’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Simi Valley is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Simi-Valley are Thousand-Oaks 13 miles away Moorpark 12 miles away San-Fernando 26 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 15 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Simi-Valley has 0 days in a row below freezing and 52 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Simi-Valley people have an average (positive or negative) $5000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Simi-Valley. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative with a focus on local family-oriented issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Simi-Valley.

Retiree & Senior Life in Simi-Valley

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access local property tax relief programs benefiting older residents
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Village at Simi Valley
• Simi Valley Senior Center offers recreational programs health services and community events

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Simi-Valley, California?

If Simi-Valley, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Simi-Valley, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!