Living in Santa Paula CA (Spanish for St. Paula), is great. The city of Santa Paula, located in the Santa Clara Valley, is named after the Catholic saint, Saint Paula. It features Santa Paula Creek, historic architecture, a low crime rate, and plenty of things to do. We’ll cover all of that in detail in this relocation guide. If you’re asking yourself, “Is Santa Paula a good place to live?” the expert Ventura movers at Movegreen are here to tell you yes! This city has much to offer, all while being slightly more affordable than the average California city and boasting plenty of things to do.
What Is Santa Paul Known for?
Santa Paula, California, is known for its citrus industry, oil history, and small-town charm. Nicknamed the "Citrus Capital of the World", it plays a key role in citrus and avocado production. It was also an early hub for California’s petroleum industry and home to the original Union Oil headquarters, now the California Oil Museum. Rich in history, Santa Paula features Victorian homes and historic commercial buildings, the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula, and the Fillmore & Western Railroad. The city also hosts popular events like the Citrus Music Festival.
Where Is Santa Paula?
Santa Paula is located in Ventura County within the Santa Clara Valley; Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, and Oxnard are within 35 miles of this diverse city.
Other Cities Nearby
- Santa Paula to Ojai: 16.3 miles
- Santa Paula to Ventura: 16.3 miles
- Santa Paula to Thousand Oaks: 30.9 miles
- Santa Paula to Santa Barbara: 43.5 miles
Santa Paula is roughly 14 miles from the beach; the closest is Ventura Beach.
Getting Around Town
You will find a handful of public transportation options when living in Santa Paula CA:
Santa Paula Population & Demographics
The population of Santa Paula CA is 30,657 (per the 2020 census), compared to 29,321 in 2010; this city has grown 3.6% over 10 years. With a median age of 35.2 and 44% of the population being 29 years or younger, it's safe to say families and young adults love living in Santa Paula CA. The poverty rate here is 15.3%, which is higher than the US average, and the median household income is $77,130.
What Is the Ethnicity of Santa Paula?
Santa Paula California has a strong Hispanic and Latino influence, with 80.6% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, shaping much of the city's rich heritage. 60.4% of the population is White, though only 14.6% identify as non-Hispanic. 19.1% of people living in Santa Paula CA identify as two or more races, with the smaller but significant communities including American Indian or Alaska Native (1.3%), Black or African American (1.3%), and Asian (1.2%). 32.2% of Santa Paula’s residents are foreign-born, bringing traditions and perspectives worldwide.
Additional Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 51 females to 49 males
- Mean travel time to work: 27 minutes
- Number of households: 9,417
- 67% single family homes
- 22% multi-unit
- 10% mobile homes
- Notable people
- Educational attainment:
- High school diplomas: 64.8%
- Bachelor's degrees: 14.7%
Is Santa Paula Safe?
The pros of living in Santa Paula CA don't end there; it's also an incredibly safe community, boasting a crime rate that's 49.4% lower than the state and 38.1% lower than the country.
- Santa Paula crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,439
- California crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,843
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
There is a 1 in 69 chance that someone living in Santa Paula CA will become a victim of crime.The city’s violent crime follows the same trend, as it’s 33.7% lower than the state and 10.5% lower than the country. A total of 102 crimes were reported in the year 2022.
- Santa Paula violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 331
- California violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 500
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 370
Property crime is often not something residents worry about, as its property crime rate is 52.7% lower than the state and 43.3% lower than the country.
- Santa Paula property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,109
- California property crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,343
- US property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954
Ventura County cities boast the lowest crime rates in the state, and Santa Paula certainly contributes to its esteemed reputation; this can be attributed to the 31 hardworking officers of the Santa Paula Police Department, but also the lovely residents who call this city home.
Cost of Living in Santa Paula
According to the ERI Economic Research Institute, Santa Paula Calif has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 137, making it 37% more expensive than the average US city. However, it is 1% more affordable than the average city in California.
Living in Santa Paula CA costs compared to other cities nearby:
The Economic Policy Institute suggests a household income of $170,791 for a family of four to live comfortably in the Oxnard/Thousand Oaks/Ventura metro area. Residents can expect to spend roughly $28,968 on housing annually and $20,749 on healthcare.
Take a look at other daily expenditures when living in *Santa Paula CA:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $25.00
- Gallon of milk: $4.67
- Loaf of white bread: $4.03
- Dozen eggs: $4.75
- Pound of white rice: $2.14
- Pound of local cheese: $5.16
Source: Numbeo
*The above figures are for Ventura, meaning prices may differ when living in Santa Paula CA.
Homes for Sale in Santa Paula - Real Estate Market Overview
A major expense to consider when living in Santa Paula CA is housing. Santa Paula homes for sale sell for a median of $718,467 at an average price per square foot of $395. Although above the US median ($419,200), the market is only somewhat competitive, with homes sitting on the market for 74 days and 20% selling above the listing price.
The Santa Paula CA real estate market is more expensive than the average US state, but it is considered affordable for a California city with a low crime rate.
What About Houses for Rent in Santa Paula CA?
46% of people living in Santa Paula CA rent, as it's slightly more affordable month-to-month. According to Zillow, the average rent in Santa Paula CA is $2,550. Apartment complexes include Casa Bella Apartments and Vista Hermosa Apartments.
Santa Paula Neighborhoods
Not sure where to live in the city of Santa Paula CA? Here is a list of the best areas to reside in, depending on your unique needs and desires.
The Harvest at Limoneira - New Homes in Santa Paula CA
Your dream Santa Paula home may be nestled in this new construction community, the Harvest at Limoneira. You can experience the Golden State's natural beauty without trading the convenience of small-town living, as Limoneira offers 225 acres of open space for its residents to explore. There is a farmhouse community center, outdoor pool and spa, fitness and yoga studio, and ample walking and biking trails. Homes range from 1,607 square feet to 2,434 and start at around $700,000.
The Oaks - Large Subdivision
Living in Santa Paula CA is great regardless of your neighborhood, but especially in The Oaks, which is an established community with more than 200 homes. People love its mature landscaping and unique history dating back to the 1940s. There is a variety of home types to explore; from single family units to studio residences, there is something for everyone here. It's a walkable community with much to offer.
McKevett Heights - Historic Neighborhood
McKevett Heights is the first neighborhood established in the city of Santa Paula, meaning it boasts ample history and beautiful architecture. You will find winding streets and mature California-native landscaping, such as Manzanita, ceanothus, and California poppies. It provides easy access to the main street, mountain views, and is in proximity to good schools.
Santa Paula Weather & Climate
Like the climate in Ventura, Santa Paula has a cool Mediterranean climate, or Csb, under the Koppen climate classification.
What is the weather like in Santa Paula year-round? The summers here are warm and dry, whereas the winters are long, cold, and wet. The average daily high in the warm season (June to September) is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average daily high in the cold season (November to March) is typically 68 degrees. During the wettest month (February), there is a 22% chance of rain on any given day.
Santa Paula Ventura has some extreme weather conditions you should note before relocating here. The summers can occasionally get very hot, and while the winters are mild, the immense amount of rain can cause minor flooding. Wildfires are common, with five affecting the area between 1984 and 2001.
The best time to visit Santa Paula is from early June to early October, when the rain is minimal and the temperatures are warm.
Things to Do in Santa Paula
Are you looking for the top things to do in Santa Paula CA? Explore our extensive list below—we discuss outdoor attractions, what to do with kids, and the area's art scene!
Santa Paula Punch Bowls
Explore this lovely hiking area surrounded by the Topanga Mountains and California’s lush wildlife. This 7-mile hike can be challenging but ends with a cool plunge into the Los Padres National Forest's punch bowls.
Creek, Santa Paula, CA 93060
If you’re craving a movie night after moving to Santa Paula, look to the Regency, an updated theatre with reclining seats, a full concession with candy, soda, popcorn, and affordable prices.
550 W Main St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, (805) 933-6707
Looking for something unique to do? Explore what the local artists in the Santa Clara Valley are working on! Explore their events calendar and creativity center for additional activities.
117 N 10th St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, (805) 525-5554
Parks in Santa Paula CA
Santa Paula California has a variety of parks catering to different recreational activities, including the expansive Santa Paula Creek Sports Park (coming soon!), the scenic Steckel Park along Santa Paula Creek, and the natural open space of Toland Regional Park.
Community Events
Living in Santa Paula CA provides ample community events, ensuring a strong sense of community. The city's most popular gatherings are the Citrus Festival, Heritage Valley Festival, Christmas Parade, and Ghost Walks.
Santa Paula Restaurants
Thanks to its large Hispanic and Latino population, many of the best restaurants in Santa Paula CA are Latin-fusion.
This bistro serves delicious Southern dishes like fried green tomatoes, seafood chowder, and beignets.
861 E Main St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, (805) 525-2109
Tlaquepaque offers traditional Mexican food like menudo, chile relleno burrito, mole, caldos, y tacos de al pastor.
120 S Mill St, Santa Paula, CA 93060, (805) 933-5535
As one of the top restaurants in Santa Paula CA, La Cabana has anything from perfectly chilled margaritas to taco salads and enchiladas.
1259 Harvard Blvd, Santa Paula, CA 93060, (805) 525-8383
Jobs in Santa Paula CA
As the citrus capital of the world and with roots in the oil industry, Santa Paula has a diverse economy fueled by agriculture, retail, and petroleum extraction. With so many firms hiring in California, finding a career in Santa Paula shouldn’t be too tricky; Major employers here include Limoneira (agriculture), Calavo Growers & Calavo Foods (agriculture), and Abrisa Glass (manufacturing). Downtown Santa Paula is home to a variety of boutiques, storefronts, and local grocery stores, further contributing to its robust retail industry.
Many Santa Paula jobs are hiring, though considering work in its primary industries may prove the most successful. If you're not having any luck finding your dream position, visit the Santa Paula Job and Career Center, where employers help pair you with a job that aligns with your skill set and qualifications.
Employment opportunities to consider if you work in the public sector:
Is Santa Paula a good place to live? This city offers a diverse economy, ensuring ample opportunities regardless of your industry. People living in Santa Paula CA earn around $21.29 an hour, or $44,288 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.
Santa Paula Schools
Santa Paula Unified School District (SPUSD) serves K-12 students living in Santa Paula CA. Its student body is diverse, serving 4,853 students across nine schools. The district's minority enrollment is 100%, and 48.5% of students are economically disadvantaged. 100% of the teachers are certified, and nine full-time counselors are available during school hours. The graduation rate is 90%, and the graduates who meet UC/CSU entrance requirements are 32%. The average ACT score is 19, and the percentage of students participating in dual enrollment classes is 2%.
Public Schools Serving the Area
Elementary Schools:
- Barbara Webster Elementary
- Thelma Bedell Elementary
- Blanchard Elementary
- Glen City Elementary
- McKevett Elementary
- Grace Thille Elementary
Middle School:
High Schools:
- Santa Paula High School
- Renaissance High School (Continuation)
Moving to Santa Paula? Visit the district's online portal to enroll your child.
Library
Blanchard Community Library provides additional educational resources to the area's residents. Its unique resources include connectivity kits, digital research programs, and an online high school for adults seeking a flexible way to obtain a high school diploma or GED.
Santa Paula CA Map
Explore more of your new home with this map of Santa Paula.
Santa Paula Informations & Statistics
- Santa Paula CA county: Ventura County
- Santa Paula area: 5.69 square miles
- Santa Paula zip code(s): 93060, 93061
- Santa Paula area code: 805
- Santa Paula elevation: 279 feet
- Santa Paula time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Santa Paula CA: The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 73.9 miles from Santa Paula.
Moving to Santa Paula With Movegreen
Is Santa Paula a good place to live? Yes, this city has a rich history, a low crime rate, and loads of culture and vibrancy. The city takes pride in its strong sense of community, ensuring you will always feel at home here. If you decide to move to this great place and are interested in a free quote, call Movegreen, the best Santa Paula movers, at (866) 684-7336.
