Family, open spaces, slow growth and a peaceful pace of life have been part of Thousand Oaks’ DNA since before it was officially incorporated in 1964. Blessed with proximity to beaches, big-city amenities, mountains, agricultural plains and abundant recreational areas, Thousand Oaks — which was incorporated this month 60 years ago — remains one of California’s shining gems.
Spain’s Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo explored the sparsely populated area around 300 years ago, and the Conejo Valley, like all of California, possessed few residents until the latter half of the 19th century. Hardy pioneers trickled in and settled in those post-Civil War years, and a post office and stagecoach stop were formed in the Conejo Valley in 1875.
Businesses, farms and schools began popping up in the early and mid-20th century, and among the early investors were the Janss family who, more than a century ago, bought 10,000 acres of mostly empty land with an eye toward planning a “total community.” The post-war boom helped to make that community a reality as families discovered the scenic and accommodating area, building homes, forming schools and creating businesses and churches. Thousand Oaks grew from its initial 20,000 residents in 1964 to around 127,000 today, remarkably restrained growth given the nearness of the San Fernando Valley and other fast-growing, highly-populated parts of Southern California.
Thousand Oaks is still known for its orientation to the outdoors and offers an astonishing 75 miles of trails in carefully preserved open spaces.
