Ventura County has always been known for its coastline, sunshine, and quality of life. But over the past few years, it has taken on another identity, one that investors, homeowners, and even first-time buyers are starting to recognize. Ventura County has quietly become one of the most compelling rental markets in Southern California, thanks to a rare combination of limited inventory, strong tenant demand, ADU-friendly zoning, and a lifestyle that continues to attract new residents across all age groups.
What makes Ventura’s rental market so interesting is that its strength isn’t being driven by speculative hype. It’s being driven by fundamentals. More people want to live here than there are homes available, especially rental homes, and this imbalance creates opportunity for those who own or are considering buying property in the region.
At Realty ONE Group Summit, we see multiple renter profiles fueling this demand. Some renters are families priced out of Los Angeles but not yet ready to buy. Others are remote workers testing the coastline before committing to a purchase. Some are retirees searching for temporary housing during transitions. And yet others are young professionals who want beach-town living without jumping into ownership right away.
Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and Ojai all absorb this demand differently. Ventura’s beach neighborhoods, Pierpont, and Midtown areas appeal to renters seeking walkability and coastal living. Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor and Mandalay Beach draw those looking for waterfront rentals and townhomes near the marina. Camarillo and Thousand Oaks attract residents prioritizing schools, safety, and suburb-style amenities. Ojai has become popular among renters seeking retreat-style living, wellness culture, and boutique housing options.
One of the strongest structural tailwinds in the Ventura County rental market is the rise of the ADU: the accessory dwelling unit. California’s statewide legislation has made it dramatically easier for homeowners to build ADUs on existing lots, and Ventura County has embraced it. Many cities within the county, including Ventura and Camarillo, offer streamlined permitting programs, pre-approved ADU designs, and zoning incentives that have helped the ADU market flourish.
External resource: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/adu
For homeowners, ADUs represent a powerful financial tool. They can offset mortgage costs, generate passive income, house family members, enable aging-in-place strategies, or serve long-term tenants. In a market where vacancy rates remain low and rental rates remain strong, ADUs provide flexibility that traditional suburban housing rarely offers.
Investors are also paying attention to Ventura County for another reason: the lifestyle premium. Renters here aren’t just paying for shelter, they’re paying for sunshine, ocean breezes, trail access, small-business culture, parks, and proximity to Los Angeles without being in Los Angeles. This lifestyle value supports stronger rental retention and reduces turnover, which is extremely attractive for landlords.
The short-term rental market also plays a role, particularly in Ventura and Oxnard’s beach and harbor communities. While STR regulations vary by city and must be navigated carefully, demand remains high among travelers seeking weekend coastal getaways without the crowds of Santa Monica or the cost of Santa Barbara. Investors who understand regulatory boundaries are finding hybrid models that mix seasonal occupancy, month-to-month rentals, and guest stays.
External resource: https://www.visitventuraca.com/
Long-term rental performance in Ventura County is also expected to remain healthy due to limited new construction. Unlike inland markets, Ventura County has finite land, strict zoning, and strong preservation protections that limit large-scale multifamily development. For property owners, this supply constraint creates a stabilizing effect: demand stays high and rental values stay consistent, even during broader market shifts.
From a resale standpoint, properties with ADUs, duplex configurations, flexible layouts, or proximity to institutional employers (healthcare, biotech, education, defense) tend to command stronger investor interest. And because many rental tenants eventually convert into buyers, owning rental inventory in Ventura County also places investors in front of tomorrow’s ownership demand.
Perhaps the most telling indicator of Ventura County’s rental market strength is this: renters keep coming. Once they experience the lifestyle: the climate, the coastline, the slower pace, the neighborly culture, many don’t leave. Some rent for a season and buy the next year. Some rent for years and finally purchase when life aligns. Some remain renters permanently, treating the county as their long-term home.
Rental markets thrive when people want to be somewhere long-term. Ventura County has that rare advantage, and it isn’t going away.
If you’re considering buying an investment property, building an ADU, adding rental income to your portfolio, or transitioning into passive real estate ownership, our team at Realty ONE Group Summit can help you navigate the smartest options.
Explore Ventura County’s investment and ADU opportunities here:
👉 https://rogsummit.com/contact/
