Oak Park: Where Nature's Beauty Meets Community Harmony

Nestled in the embrace of Ventura County, California, Oak Park stands as a picturesque unincorporated community, a testament to the seamless blend of natural splendor and close-knit community living. Established in the late 1960s within the Simi Hills, it was connected to neighboring Agoura Hills, California, by a solitary road.

As of the 2010 census, Oak Park counted 14,266 residents within its bounds, a close-knit community that prides itself on its unique character. The United States Census Bureau designates Oak Park as a census-designated place (CDP), although this official definition may not fully capture the local understanding of this vibrant area.

Oak Park stands as the largest unincorporated community in Ventura County. Its residents have chosen not to establish an independent city, and have similarly declined annexation into the neighboring city of Thousand Oaks, a testament to the distinct character and identity that Oak Park holds dear.

Situated in southeastern Ventura County, Oak Park finds itself nestled between the prestigious North Ranch of Thousand Oaks on the west, and the cities of Agoura Hills and Westlake Village in Los Angeles County to the south. To the east and north, it is graced by the majestic expanse of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Coordinates 34°10'18" North, 118°45'28" West place Oak Park in the heart of this breathtaking landscape. It is embraced by the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area on the north and east, and bordered by the Rancho Simi Open Space to the south. The community nestles within valleys of the Simi Hills, capped by the towering Simi Peak to the north, offering residents a spectacular natural backdrop. Elevation ranges from 960 to 2,157 feet above sea level, excluding the majestic Simi Peak, which stands at a towering 2,450 feet.

Covering a total area of 5.29 square miles, Oak Park's terrain is entirely land, with no bodies of water within its bounds. Nevertheless, the area is punctuated by small creeks, with Medea Creek and Lindero Creek being the largest, ultimately feeding into Malibu Creek, the sole waterway that winds its way through the Santa Monica Mountains. This watershed encompasses a sprawling 105 square miles, cradling 225 distinct stream segments.

In Oak Park, nature's beauty intertwines with the warmth of community life, creating a haven that embodies the best of both worlds. Here, residents forge deep connections with one another, while finding solace and inspiration in the stunning natural surroundings.