The Original Shangri-La

Ojai is the smallest and slowest growing city in Ventura County, just the way the residents like it. Ojai is taken from the Chumash Indian word A’hwai, which means “moon”. The City is located in the Ojai Valley which encompasses the non-incorporated areas of Casitas Springs, Oak View, Mira Monte and Meiners Oaks.

Since Ojai is lined up with an east-west mountain range, it is one of the few areas in the world to have the Pink Moment occur at sunset. As the rays of the setting sun hit the mountains, the fading sunlight creates a brilliant shade of pink on the Topatopa Bluffs. This phenomenon not only creates awesome sunsets but also magnificent sunrises. It is so spectacular that even long-time residents stop in awe at the setting of the sun. Although this is a rare phenomenon in the world, it is not rare in Ojai and can be seen most evenings.

~ Ojai History
The Chumash people settled in the Ojai region about 3,000 years ago. The discovery of the coastal region by the explorer Cabrillo would eventually end the Chumash way of life with the establishment of the missions. The first land grant was granted in 1837 for rancho use. By 1853, the rancho way of life was at an end. Investors bought over 277,000 acres of land in hopes of finding oil. Unfortunately for them, none was to be found.

The Valley had already gained a reputation for its beauty and serenity, mild climate and natural hot springs. The springs were believed to have curable power for any and all ailments, including incurable diseases. Approximately 1,000 acres were bought up by Royes Surdam in the hopes of marketing the area’s “healthy” atmosphere by encouraging investors to build health resorts. Calling the area Nordhoff, Suram sent letters and maps to doctors in the east emphasizing the health benefits of the Valley and offering free land to anyone willing to build a hotel for visitors to the area. In 1874, the Blumberg Nordhoff Hotel opened its doors for business.

Edward Libbey, founder of the Libbey Glass Company in Ohio, came to the Valley in 1908. He knew he had found his paradise. Libbey began developing the rustic town into one of beauty. He helped design and finance the downtown area. The beautiful Spanish-style arcade, bell tower and pergola seen today are the same buildings among others that Libbey helped to design and build. In just 10 years, Libbey took a dusty western town of shanty buildings and built it into the beautiful city we enjoy today.

At some point during the construction of the Arcade, the idea was formed to change the name of the town from Nordhoff to Ojai. In March of 1917, the name was officially changed. In appreciation for his development of the City, the citizens proposed an annual celebration on March 2nd and wanted it to be called Libbey Day. Libbey was honored but suggested that the celebration be called Ojai Day to celebrate the City rather than the man. This celebration is still an annual event in Ojai.

~ Ojai Schools
The public schools in Ojai are overseen by the Ojai Unified School District. There are nine public schools operating in Ojai real estate: five elementary, one junior, one charter and two high schools. Additionally, parents have 13 private schools to choose from for their child’s education.

~ Things to See & Do in Ojai
While Ojai is probably best known for its love of the arts, it is also enjoyed by the outdoor enthusiast, with its many trails for biking, horseback riding and hiking. For those who wish for a little more relaxing sport, there are two major golf courses; the Soule Park Course and the Ojai Valley Inn Course. However, you may prefer a spirited game of tennis on quality public courts. There are also tennis clubs, gyms and pools to be enjoyed. The oldest amateur tennis tournament in the US is held here, The Ojai. The Garrett Lemire Memorial Grand Prix, a bicycling race, is hosted in Ojai every April.

In town, there are wonderful stores, boutiques and studios featuring the works of the local artists as well as the works of the most famed artisans. You will find wearable art, such as handcrafted scarves, purses and jewelry. You will also find paintings of all forms, pottery and sculptures. Let us not forget the art of the local gourmet chefs and bakeries as well.

The City of Ojai proudly hosts several annuals festivals. The Shakespearean Festival is one of the largest annual festivals held and draws crowds from near and far. The largest and most famous of all the festivals are both the Ojai Music Festival and the Ojai Film Festival.

Nordhoff High School has been decorated on more than one occasion for its outstanding music program. The high school’s concert band won the California State Championship three years running. The Nordhoff Choir has performed in such places as the famous Carnegie Hall. They returned there for another performance in April 2007. They have also performed in San Francisco, New Orleans, Hawaii and internationally in the countries of Canada, Austria and Germany.

Ojai is a wonderful community and many feel there is none other like it in the world. As a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of big city life, there is no other city to rival it. As a place to live, well just think of heaven and contact us.