Select from the Ventura County area:
Overview | Camarillo | Fillmore | Newbury Park | Moorpark | Oak Park | Oxnard | Simi Valley | Somis | Thousand Oaks | Ventura | Westlake Village

Ventura County: Fillmore

Fillmore, California - the last, best small town in Southern California.
Sunset Magazine named Fillmore one of "The West’s Best Cities" in its November, 1999 issue, an honor given to only 24 communities in the western U.S! The article recognized cities under the categories of: city planning, best downtown, best open space, best transportation, best arts, best preservation and best community.

Fillmore’s roots reach back to the building of the Southern Pacific Railroad through the Santa Clara River Valley in 1888. Incorporated in 1914, the small southern California town took its name not from a national figure, but rather from a railroad superintendent. Warmed by inland sun, protected by the sheltering mountains of the Los Padres National Forest and cooled by coastal breezes, the area supports a fertile agricultural economy centered around growing, packing and shipping of citrus fruits and avocados.

Today, visitors traveling along Highway 126 from California's interior valleys, the coastal cities of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and the bustle of Los Angeles enjoy stopping in Fillmore to take in the pleasures of small-town America. The historical downtown area offers several unique shops, historical and wildlife museums, and several choices for dining.

One of the most popular tourist destinations is the Fillmore and Western Train--often referred to as, "the movie train" for its many appearances in film. The scenic route runs through the river valley past the groves of luscious citrus fruits and small farms.

An eighteen-hole golf course and an equestrian center are located just south of town on Highway 23. Fillmore is the gateway to the wild and rugged Sespe Wilderness area north of town. A 20-minute drive west on Highway 126 reaches the beaches and marinas of Ventura County. Hiking, boating, fishing and camping are even closer for sportsmen at Lake Piru off Highway 126 going east. Further east (about 20 minutes) lies I-5 with easy access to several lakes, the Mojave Dessert, and winter sports and summer recreation at Mt. Pinos, Frazier Park and Lockwood Valley.

Fillmore is the home of the Rail Festival, the third weekend in March and the Orange Festival, held the first weekend in May. The Fourth of July Car Show and evening fireworks display adds excitement to the Fourth of July. Then, with the first weekend in December, comes The Winter Festival where a real down-home Christmas with floats, artificial snow welcomes the holidays to Southern California.

Fillmore is the town of the past we all yearn for, but is also the town of the future for families to bring-up children. The increase in population over the last ten years has been attributed to young couples and families seeking affordable housing in a rustic setting.

Fillmore Demographics
Fillmore possesses a progressive attitude toward business and tourism, and is moving aggressively toward the 21st Century. City government is derived from general law and operates under a city manager system with a five-member City Council elected to 4-year terms, elections are staggered, held every two years.

Incorporation: 1914
Population: 14,100
Elevation: 467 feet above sea level
City Area: 2.51 square miles
Sphere of Influence Area: 3.9 square miles
Average housing price: $450,000.00
Typical monthly rental cost for 3 bedroom, 2 bath $1,200-$1,800

Recreation:
Elkins Golf Course, one mile south of town, provides the community with an 18 hole course, as well as restaurant off the green. Lake Piru, 15 miles east of Fillmore, offers camping, boating, swimming and fishing. Kenny Grove Park is privately owned and is available for rental 2 miles west of town. The Fillmore Equestrian Center 1/2 a mile South of town on Highway 23 offers horseback riding and boarding facilities. Various 4-H Clubs, Boy & Girl Scouts and the Fillmore/Piru Boy & Girls Club provide many activities for the youth in Fillmore. There are also year round recreational programs for the whole family, seasonal youth baseball, football basketball, slow pitch softball for adults, tennis courts, soccer, wood carving, dance classes and martial arts instruction.

Schools:
Fillmore Unified School District, which includes students from Fillmore, Barsdale and Piru, report over 3,869 students on a year round school system. Students are divided among 1 high school, 1 Jr high school, 3 elementary schools and 1 continuation school. There is one private school located at the Fillmore Bible Church, and there are numerous private Jr. Colleges, colleges, and universities, all within a 45-minute commute.

Medical:
Ambulance service with paramedics stationed in Fillmore provides the citizens of Fillmore emergency medical transport to Ventura and Santa Clarita Hospitals. The Fillmore Medical Plaza, sponsored by Community Memorial Hospital, is located on Highway 126 and is headed by Dr. Ray Menchaca, with Larry Dunst serving as Pharmacist. Santa Paula Memorial Hospital provides medical care through their clinic on Sespe Avenue and Clinic Del Real on Central Avenue. Fillmore Convalescent care to the senior citizens of Fillmore.

Transportation:
Fillmore Area Transit provides daily bus serve within the cities of Fillmore, Barsdale and Piru, as well as charter service, and dial-a-ride information. The VISTA Bus provides service from Fillmore to Santa Paula and Ventura. Small airports are located in Santa Paula, Oxnard and Camarillo, all within a 30 mile radius.

Climate:
Average Temperature: 77.65 degrees
Annual Rainfall: 18.17 inches per year

Cultural:
1 Historic Theater
1 Historical Museum
1 Public Library
3 Public Parks
3 Playgrounds
2 Newspapers

Highways:
Located on Hwy. 126
20 miles west of I-5
20 miles east of Hwy. 101
Churches, 19, various denominations