Ventura Residents Rank Among Happiest in the US
National Geographic released their list of the 25 Happiest Cities in the US. Guess what? We made the list. Yes, Ventura residents rank among the happiest in the entire United States. To be more specific, the entire Oxnard/Thousand Oaks/Ventura made the list.
Ventura Residents Come in 20th
Eight of the 25 Happiest Cities in the US are located right here in California. Ventura residents came in at the #20 spot. The team at National Geographic highlighted our beautiful weather and beaches as well as the closeness of Los Padres and Angeles National Forests as reasons why Ventura residents were so happy.
How Were Rankings Determine?
The National Geographic team took several factors into consideration 15 separate factors. Some of these included healthy eating habits, lifestyle, activity level, financial security, the amount of vacation time taken, amount of civic engagement and dental checkups. Yes, dental checkups. For some reason, areas where people visit their dentists more often tend to be happier. Maybe it’s because happy people like to smile. You need good teeth to feel good about smiling. Easy access to water also makes people happy. So, it makes sense that a coastal community like ours made the list.
How Can I Increase my Happiness?
- Be active – Get some exercise. That could mean walking, bicycling, skating, skateboarding. Whatever it is, just get out there and move!
- Eat healthier – We have several local farmers markets that provide great, locally sourced food. Visit them weekly to use in your family’s dinner.
- Get a hobby – Find something you enjoy doing and do it regularly.
- Go to the beach – Happy people love the water. Surfing, swimming, volleyball or beachside barbecues. They all make people happy.
- Give back to your community – Volunteer at a senior center, local hospital or animal shelter.
- Sleep – Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.
- Set a goal – They don’t have to be big goals. Maybe you want to run a marathon. Start with running a mile a day. Then, increase it to two. Then, three. And so on and so on. Track your progress. You’ll be marathon-ready before you know it.
- Take a vacation – Even a quick weekend getaway out of your normal routine can add happiness to your life.
Featured Listing
For more information on this and other Ventura County homes for sale, please visit our Featured Listings page.
Dave & Pat Zumbrun, your Ventura County real estate specialists
2017 Ventura County Pumpkin Patches
October means fall harvest fun in Southern California. Halloween is just over three weeks away. That means it’s time to go hunting for pumpkins! But where do you start? Try one of these great 2017 Ventura County Pumpkin Patches.
2017 Ventura County Pumpkin Patches
Ojai Pumpkin Patch
Who: Boccali’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch
Where: Boccali’s Ranch (3277 E Ojai Ave)
Hours: Now through October 31st, 10 am to 7 pm
Admission: FREE, Hayrides $2 each
Contact: Boccali’s Ranch (805) 669-7077
Home of the “Big Mac” pumpkins (super-sized). But you’ll find every size from small to large here. They also sell squash, Indian corn and other seasonal produce. Let the little ones run free through the free children’s maze. Then, take a hayride around the ranch for just $2 per person. Starting October 13th, Boccali’s hours extend from 10 am until 9 pm. That’s also when the pumpkin patch turns “haunted”. But only from 7 pm to 9 pm every Friday and Saturday until the end of the month.
Santa Paula Pumpkin Patch
Who: Santa Paula Rotary Pumpkin Patch
Where: Limoneira Ranch (12471 Foothill Rd)
Hours: Every Sat & Sun thru Oct 29th, 10 am to 5 pm
Admission: $5 per person (ages 2 & under FREE), Corn Maze $10 per person
Contact: Limoneira Ranch (888) 522-1884
Activities include hayrides, hay maze, and hay pyramids. Watch a pumpkin take flight for $5 at the pumpkin chucker. Ride a pony or get your face painted for $6. Make your way through the corn maze for $10. Live music performed all day. See large and small farm animals. Visit the country store for something special. When you get hungry, pick up some tasty food.
Ventura Pumpkin Patches
Who: Big Wave Dave’s Pumpkin Patch
Where: 4075 Telegraph Rd
Hours: 10 am to 9 am 7 days a week thru Oct 31st
Admission: FREE
Contact: Big Wave Dave’s (805) 218-0282
In addition to the hundreds of pumpkins of all sizes for sale, kids can try their hand at dozens of fun games.
Who: Great Pacific Pumpkins
Where: 5100 Olivas Park Dr
Hours: 9 am to 6 pm 7 days a week thru Oct 31st
Contact: Great Pacific Pumpkins (805) 644-1235
Who: McGrath Street Pumpkin Patch
Where: 5156 McGrath St
Hours: 9 am to 6 pm 7 days a week through Oct 31st
Admission: FREE
Contact: McGrath Street Pumpkin Patch (805) 658-9972
Wholesale pumpkins and gourds every day. On the weekends, enjoy delicious barbecue provided for sale by It’s in the Sauce. Also, grab some baked goods for dessert every weekend as well.
Who: Prancer’s Pumpkin Village
Where: 3075 Johnson Dr
Hours: 10 am to 9 pm 7 days a week
Contact: Prancer’s Village Contact Form
There’s pony rides, jumpers, face painting and a petting zoo for the kids. Make your way through the hay maze. Ride the mechanical bull. Or take a hayride. So much fun!
Are your favorite 2017 Ventura County Pumpkin Patches listed above? If not, let us know where you like to get your pumpkins from.
Featured Listing
For more information on this and other Ventura County homes for sale, please visit our Featured Listings page.
Dave & Pat Zumbrun, your Ventura County real estate specialists