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Real Estate & Homes in Westlake Village - Westlake Village Information
Westlake Village
Westlake Village History
Similar to that of neighboring communities, Westlake Village's known history begins with the Chumash Native Americans. They were an advanced and relatively peaceful tribe that lived off of the region's small game, grains and acorns. When Spanish explorers arrived in the late-18th century, they found naturally irrigated green meadows and forests of oak trees. An expedition led by Captain Gaspar de Portola and documented by Father Juan Crespi is believed to have camped on the land that would eventually become Westlake Village. Spanish governors and leaders in California were fond of giving away land grants to their most loyal soldiers. Even after Mexico achieved independence from Spain, the practice of granting away large tracts of California land continued. The future Westlake Village is thought to have been part of two grants, Rancho El Conejo and Rancho Las Virgenes. The land would be divided up, pass through many hands and have many uses. The Russell family used some of the land for cattle ranching. William Randolph Hearst, of publishing fame, briefly took ownership. Hearst sold to the Albertson family in 1943, which created a popular movie ranch on the site. It wasn't until 1963 that Westlake Village's future was set. In that year, the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company purchased 12,000 acres and commissioned a master plan for a new and unique residential community. Construction began in 1966. In 1981, residents voted to incorporate the community as a city of Los Angeles County.
About Westlake Village
Westlake Village, Calif., is a modern, master-planned community with an enviable lifestyle. Recognized as a model for planned communities to follow, Westlake Village was designed around a 'city in the country' concept. The natural environment is cherished as part of the city's charm, functioning as a pleasing backdrop for beautiful streets and neighborhoods. The incorporated city of Westlake Village represents only part of the entire master-planned community. The Los Angeles/Ventura County line divides Westlake Village into two sections; the Los Angeles side is incorporated and home to about 8,400 residents. The Ventura County side was annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks. A good portion of Westlake Village is bordered by undeveloped land in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Residents can also enjoy the 150-acre manmade lake and its 9.5 miles of shoreline. Golf courses and country clubs set the tone for housing here; the neighborhoods are considered upper class and the homes have very strong values. The median home price is upwards of $900,000. Shopping is limited to outdoor shopping complexes anchored by supermarkets and filled out with boutique shops. A larger, regional mall is available in neighboring Thousand Oaks.
Activities
Overall, Westlake Village is a quiet, safe and affluent residential community. The city's residents appreciate that their community is without big attractions and a trendy nightlife scene. These things are within driving distance, and for the people of Westlake Village, that's good enough. Many hours of free time can be spent, however, enjoying the natural lands surrounding the community. The nature trails of the adjacent Santa Monica National Recreation Area are commonly used for hiking, biking, exploring, even horseback riding and camping. Westlake Lake is used for fishing, boating or just relaxing. Yacht club members can participate in various boating programs and events, or just hang out at the clubhouse. Golf is an activity of choice in Westlake Village. Options include the Westlake Village Golf Course, Sherwood Country Club and North Ranch Country Club. Westlake Village Golf Course is a recently remodeled public facility; Sherwood and North Ranch are more exclusive, private courses. Parks and play areas are available in both the Ventura County and Los Angeles County sides of the community. On the Ventura side, the Conejo Recreation and Park District operates more than 30 parks plus several play fields. On the L. A. County side, Westlake Village manages three city parks plus organized recreation programs. The city also maintains landscaped sidewalks, greenbelt areas and bike lanes for resident use. Nearby attractions include the beaches of Malibu and Ventura, Leo Carrillo State Beach and Port Hueneme. Fishing excursions and ocean tours are available at Ventura County harbors. One popular destination is the Channel Islands National Park, several miles off the coast. Snorkelers, scuba divers and sea cove explorers enjoy the Channel Islands for their diverse and fascinating marine habitats.
Schools
Public education is provided by two school districts, Conejo Valley Unified and Las Virgenes Unified. Both have solid academic reputations. Conejo Valley USD is based in Thousand Oaks and largely serves that community, as well as the students who live on the Ventura County side of Westlake Village. The district has 29 campuses and an enrollment of greater than 21,000. Las Virgenes USD serves students from Agoura Hills, Calabasas and the Los Angeles County side of Westlake Village. The district has 13 campuses and more than 12,000 total students. Prospective college students have several choices within driving distance. Moorpark College, Oxnard College and College of the Canyons are the local community colleges. Private university options are California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks and Pepperdine University in Malibu.
Westlake Village Fast Facts
Location: Westlake Village is located at the northern edge of Los Angeles County, just south of U.S. Route 101. The beaches of Malibu are approximately 10 miles south, while Los Angeles is about 40 miles southeast.
Total area*: 5.2 square miles
Population*: 8,368 (or approximately 30,000 including the portions in Thousand Oaks)
Housing units*: 3,423
Average annual rainfall: 20.1 inches
Average temperatures: summer, 71; winter, 56
*Information provided by 2000 Census
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