Newbury Park, CA

The history of the Newbury Park area began with the Chumash people around 7,000 years ago — and the land still holds their ancient burial sites and artifacts. The community's namesake, Egbert Starr Newbury, moved to the Conejo Valley in the 1870s after purchasing thousands of acres, and later building the community's first post office, in 1875. Janss Corporation purchased thousands of acres in Newbury Park in 1962. Thousand Oaks became a city in 1964, with Newbury Park joining the city by popular vote shortly thereafter.

For a walk through the region's rich history, take a trip to the Stagecoach Inn Museum, an 1876 hotel filled with antiques. Don't miss the annual Conejo Valley Days in nearby Conejo Creek Park for a celebration of community culture complete with a carnival, live music and a motocross event.

Stop anywhere along the Ventura Freeway to explore Newbury Park's spread of grills, barbecue joints, fusion restaurants and chic cafes that go above and beyond with a creative spin on hometown favorites. The local restaurants never fail to draw on Newbury Park's rancho heritage while staking their claim in the community's future-focused commercial scene.

Locals head to the trendy Fusion Grill for one of the best cheeseburgers in town, but this restaurant's true merit lies in its other creative sandwiches, pastas and soups, which combine to create a blend between classic grill food and fine dining. Try the skirt steak sandwich, cooked to perfection and stuffed in a French roll — and be sure to order the truffle fries. Locals also love the potato leek soup, with a sprinkling of pepper for the perfect amount of heat. If you're looking for top-quality food at reasonable prices, this might become your new favorite lunch spot.

Stop by Mama's Hummus for authentic dishes from Greece and Lebanon. The homemade hummus and falafel create a filling meal for veggie lovers, and the grilled trout dish, served with a salad, hummus, a pita and rice, has become a local favorite.

Nightlife in Newbury Park remains casual, with a few sports bars and pubs that come to life when the after-work crowd comes in. Stop by Cronies Sports Grill to watch the game on their HDTVs while drinking your favorite draft from a frozen schooner. The drink sizes never disappoint, and Cronies also serves up some hearty fish tacos for a late-night snack.

Getting around Newbury County by car, bike or bus is easy thanks to the community's wide streets and low traffic. Most locals choose to drive, and the Ventura Freeway provides access to the San Fernando Valley and LA metro area. Residents also enjoy plenty of free parking in retail lots and along streets. Uber doesn't service area, but you can always call a Local Thousand Oaks Taxi for a quick ride home.

Public transportation options include the Thousand Oaks Transit for in-town destinations, and the Metro Red Line buses for access to greater Los Angeles. The tree-lined streets of Newbury Park welcome bikers with bike lanes on several major roads, such as Wendy Drive, Lynn Road and Hillcrest Drive. Pedestrians enjoy a scenic stroll through the neighborhood, but most residential areas don't lie within easy walking distance of grocery stores and other amenities.

Enjoy Newbury Park's thriving park scene for a day of hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area or a quiet afternoon at the playground. If you're looking for adventure, head to the foothills to find Satwiwa, a scenic park with breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Satwiwa, a traditional Chumash trade route, now hosts Native American workshops and art shows in honor of the area's rich heritage.

A former ranch bought by the National Park Service, Rancho Sierra Vista hosts a network of trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. This has also become a popular destination for pet lovers to hike with their dogs.

For a quick getaway closer to home, stop by Hickory Park, a five-acre green space at the foot of the mountains. Let your kids play on the sprawling jungle gym while you enjoy a game on the basketball court. Feel free to use the soccer field or just enjoy a picnic on the lush grass.

Newbury Park offers a range of rental options to suit your preferences. For those seeking cozy solitude, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $2,300 per month, allowing you to embrace the serene surroundings without breaking the bank. If you're dreaming of more space to call your own, houses for rent offer a delightful alternative. Houses for rent in Newbury Park cater to various budgets, usually ranging from $3,000 to $3,500 per month, granting you the luxury of extra rooms and a charming backyard to savor sunny days. For those of you with your sights set on a more permanent residence, the average house price is approximately $1,000,000.

Stroll around Newbury Park's charming shopping plazas to find everything from music stores and clothing shops to shoe stores and bargain-heavy thrift shops. Most of the community's stores cluster along Ventura Freeway, with an even mix of chains and locally owned establishments. Residents also live just a short drive from The Oaks Shopping Center, an upscale mall with big-name department stores and fashion mainstays, as well as a movie theater for kicking back after a day of shopping.

If you love treasure hunting, Merry Hall Tree Thrift Shop is the place to find a vintage dress for $5, a set of retro dishware or a pair of gently used heels. The huge shop stocks a welcoming variety of donated items, and you find nothing stained, torn or broken — many of the vintage treasures look like new. Feel good shopping here knowing that all the proceeds go to Mary Health of the Sick Nursing Home

For your grocery run, stop by trusted grocers like Vons for all your staples, and Trader Joe's for organic goods. Also check out the Newbury Park Farmers' Market to stock up on local veggies or pick up a flower bouquet for your sweetheart.