Community Profile
Quality of Life
Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village are widely acclaimed to be among the finest residential areas in Southern California.
Population influxes in recent years reflect an upscale trend of individuals who believe that family values and quality of life issues are important. Local residents want quality schools, safe communities, clean air and water, access to open spaces, cultural opportunities, good neighborhoods, stable government, efficient city operations, excellent health care, and good shopping and dining facilities. Likewise, local residents participate in civic, school and neighborhood affairs to achieve the higher quality of living they seek. In their infancy, the local cities were called suburbs of Greater Los Angeles. Many residents commuted to Los Angeles to work or to the “Valley” for shopping. Subdivisions were filled with families who had moved out from the “Valley” but maintained their professional contacts in the “City” or the “Valley”. Soon, many of the professionals themselves moved out to live and work in the same area. Other young professionals started businesses here. As industry grew and brought additional local employment, professional services grew in proportion.
Professional Workforce and Employer Base
Demographic data indicates that the majority of the local labor force lives within 20 miles of the area and that now, fewer residents are commuting 40 miles or more to work. As educational levels and household incomes increased with the quality of residents and companies settling in the area, so have the variety and number of professionals increased to serve both constituencies.
The professional community demonstrates excellence in many occupations including accountants, architects, attorneys, consultants, medical, dental and health specialists as well as specialists in business, banking, finance, investments, insurance, real estate, marketing and international trade among others. Attractive professional office complexes are conveniently located for access by automobile or public transportation. Many of the newer office buildings feature special amenities such as water ponds and streams, wildlife, trees and gardens, outdoor eating areas, in addition to clean, comfortable, spacious interior areas and onsite, offstreet parking.
For those who wish, there are numerous professional organizations that help individuals to meet, network, socialize and become part of the community. The combination of family values, high income and educational levels and a progressive, diverse business community provides an excellent environment for professionals. The technological orientation of local industries also helps create an atmosphere supportive of professional services as well as conducive to their growth. The economic outlook as the 21st century progresses is healthy and positive.
