What to Know Before Moving to Simi Valley

Plenty of Things to Do

From the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center to an array of beautiful equestrian and hiking trails, Simi Valley offers its residents a huge range of things to do throughout the year. The Strathearn Historical Park & Museum gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like when Simi Valley was being developed by Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo settlers. Other museums include the VFW Military History Museum, the Santa Susana Depot Museum & Model Railroad, the Skateboard Hall of Fame & Museum, and the Ronald Reagan Library & Museum. 

Three golf courses, two of which are municipal, lure golfers to tee up year-round in Simi Valley’s mild climate. Another 43 golf courses – 7 municipal, 15 public, and 21 private – are located within 20 miles of the city. Rancho Simi Recreation Park District manages over 50 parks that include dog parks, historical parks, miles of trails, and equestrian centers.

Simi Valley Climate

The Mediterranean climate brings hot summers when highs average 96 ℉ in August and mild winters with average lows of 38 ℉. Although the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains border Simi Valley on the north, snow is rare even at the highest altitudes. Rainfall adds up to only about 18 inches per year, with February being the wettest month. Due to its geographical features and climate, Simi Valley is susceptible to wildfires and earthquakes. 

Simi Valley Transportation

Although the city is car-dependent, Metrolink and Amtrak make it convenient to go south to Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties or north to Santa Barbara and beyond by rail. The trains run seven days a week and tickets are available on their websites or on the trains. Bus service is available through Simi Valley Transit. For air commuters or a well-deserved vacation,  three major airports are close to Simi Valley and include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Burbank Airport (BUR), and Long Beach Airport (LGB).

Economy

Simi Valley was originally created as a bedroom community of Los Angeles and today over 27% of residents commute to L.A. Over time, industries infiltrated parts of the city;  the economy is mainly supported by machinery and tool manufacturing, followed by the metals industry. Additional industries include food, plastic products, textiles, and apparel. The top five employers include AeroVironment, PennyMac, Rexnord Aerospace, Adventist Health Simi Valley, and Simi Valley Schools. Residents enjoy a median income that’s about $30,000 higher than the U.S. average.

Rankings

Simi Valley has earned several notable rankings for quality of life, safety, and education. According to safewise.com, Simi Valley ranks as the 13th safest California city in 2021. Safety leads to a sense of well-being and this is one reason why, in the mid-2000s, the University of Vermont ranked Simi Valley the 5th happiest U.S. city. In 2018, wallethub.com awarded Simi Valley 49th out of 200 California cities for quality of education, health, & safety.