Retiring in the Conejo Valley: Costs, Neighborhoods, Downsizing

Planning to retire in the Conejo Valley means weighing a roughly $1 million entry price in Thousand Oaks (as of early 2026) against what you get for it: Ventura County posted the lowest overall crime rate among California's largest counties in 2024, and the valley suits a quieter, outdoor-oriented pace. This guide covers costs, neighborhoods, 55 plus housing, and how to think about downsizing.

What is the median home price for retirees in Thousand Oaks in 2026?

Expect to budget around $1 million for a median Thousand Oaks home. In February 2026 the median sale price was $1.0M, down 16.3% from the same month a year earlier, according to Redfin. A single month's median can swing with the mix of what sold, so treat that drop with some caution: a second source put February's median at $992,000, and the average home value was $994,477, down a more modest 1.1% over the past year.

Conditions lean slightly toward buyers. Depending on the source, homes took 38 to 54 days to sell and closed about 1% below list price, which gives a patient retiree some room to negotiate. Price per square foot sat at $539, down 2.3% from a year earlier.

For retirees planning their budget, the median household income in Thousand Oaks is $137,109, compared with the national median household income of $79,466, per Census Bureau data, indicating an affluent community. The median rent here is $2,403 for those considering rental options as part of their retirement strategy.

Which neighborhoods in the Conejo Valley are best for retirees?

The right neighborhood depends on how much you want to walk and how much yard you want to keep. Westlake Village is the most walkable part of the valley for restaurants, shopping and cafes, especially in First Neighborhood and Village Homes. If driving less is a priority, start there.

Dining options run from special-occasion spots like Mastro's Steakhouse and Coin & Candor at the Four Seasons Westlake Village to local favorites like Sadaf Restaurant in Thousand Oaks and Moqueca Brazilian Restaurant.

The south side of Westlake Village, by the lake, is the liveliest pocket. The Landing has three lakeside restaurants, Zin Bistro among them, plus Bonibi Coffee, and a loop around the lake runs about 4 miles on foot.

For retirees prioritizing space and value, Agoura Hills or Thousand Oaks offer more yard space. Old Agoura is popular for this reason and even allows horses. The further north you go toward Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park, the more yard you get for your money.

On safety, the numbers are reassuring. Ventura County posted the lowest overall crime rate among California's largest counties in 2024, and overall crime is now less than half of what it was three decades ago. Thousand Oaks contracts with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office for policing. The mild year-round weather also means outdoor routines, from golf to trail walks, rarely get interrupted.

What 55 plus communities exist in the Conejo Valley?

Options are limited but solid. Oaknoll Villas is the best known 55 plus community in the Conejo Valley: 419 condo units in Thousand Oaks, with a clubhouse at the center of the social calendar.

The clubhouse includes an exercise room, aerobics room, meeting room, card room, library, and billiards table, and residents run clubs for aerobics, BBQs, billiards, card games, and shuffleboard.

It sits within walking distance of The Oaks mall, Los Robles Golf Course, and a public park, with the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden directly behind the community and Arroyo Conejo Open Space and Wildwood Regional Park a short drive away.

The other option is Vallecito in Newbury Park, a 55 plus community of manufactured homes with a pool, putting green, and clubhouse, close to the Boney Mountain trails. Manufactured home communities have a different ownership and fee structure than condos, so compare the monthly costs carefully before deciding.

Inventory inside these communities is thin (16 listings across Thousand Oaks senior communities in early 2026), so buyers with a specific floor plan in mind should expect to wait. If care is part of the plan, Thousand Oaks has 72 assisted living centers with monthly costs starting at $3,750. Our senior living guide to the Conejo Valley goes deeper on communities and care options.

How should retirees approach downsizing in the Conejo Valley?

Retirees considering downsizing in the Conejo Valley should evaluate both housing type and location carefully. As of early 2026, homes were taking 38 to 54 days to sell and closing about 1% below list, which matters if you are selling one home and buying another in the same market: price the sale realistically and negotiate on the purchase. Some retirees also weigh building an ADU in the Conejo Valley to house family nearby or generate rental income while downsizing.

Condos in 55 plus communities trade yard work for HOA dues and a built-in social circle. At Oaknoll Villas, the upper-floor units are typically 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom layouts, and some have been updated with high ceilings, inside laundry, and large balconies. Condition varies unit to unit, so do not assume the finishes in one listing apply to the next.

Healthcare is close by. Los Robles Health System is based in Thousand Oaks, and UCLA Health Conejo Valley offers internal medicine, family medicine, geriatric medicine, cardiology, and endocrinology.

Plan on keeping a car. Thousand Oaks Transit runs five local bus routes plus a Metrolink shuttle, but this is a driving area: 76.5% of Thousand Oaks commuters drive to work, 0.7% use public transportation, and 2.1% walk, according to Census data.

For those who would rather age in place, home care agencies serving the Conejo Valley include BrightStar Care and 24 Hour Caregivers, among others. Interview a few and check references before committing.

Before setting a budget, it is worth reading up on how mortgage rates change the math for buyers, even if you plan to pay cash, since rates shape the pool of buyers for the home you are selling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in the Conejo Valley