Exploring Fillmore: A Small Town with Big Charm

Fillmore is a close-knit community known for its deep rooted agricultural presence due to the rich, fertile soil. Anyone living in Fillmore knows just how friendly this quaint city can be, especially if you’re striving for that small town feel.

Established in 1887 when Southern Pacific built a railroad through the valley, Fillmore has evolved into a quaint farming city. The tightness of the city makes it possible for children of all ages to easily walk to any of the elementary, middle, and high schools and the community supports each other in their little corner of Ventura County.

Living in Fillmore

Life in Fillmore is simple as it gets, offering straight forward housing options and prices, especially when compared to the rest of California. The welcoming atmosphere of Fillmore creates a nice place to live and raise a family with the rest of the 17,190 resident population.

A hidden luxury of living in Fillmore is having nearby access to larger cities like Ventura and Santa Clarita. One can enjoy the benefits of these larger cities while still being able to retreat back to the quiet, small-city feel of Fillmore at the end of the day.

Housing

Fillmore offers various types of housing options ranging from historic homes in some of the original neighborhoods and newer developments with more modern looks and amenities.

Housing options can be considered more affordable compared to neighboring and coastal California cities. There are also apartments and duplexes available and housing options with mountain views that will leave you awestruck.

Schools

One of the best aspects of Fillmore residents enjoy is how accessible schools are in proximity to the rest of the city. This makes walking to school an option for many students, if not, driving will take no time and bus stops are also easy to get to for most students.

There are currently three elementary schools in Fillmore including:

For older students they can expect to attend:

According to Niche.com, the average graduation rate in Fillmore Unified School District is 92% and most students are interested in colleges nearby like:

Community Vibe

Fillmore should be a standout community for those looking to move to a more family oriented environment. The quiet atmosphere makes for a lowkey lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and instead offering various festivals, markets, and parades that bring residents together. The blend of affordability, family-first values, and small-city charm makes it a wonderful place to call your home.

Outdoor Recreation & Attractions

It can’t go without mention about Fillmore’s history involving the booming railroad industry in the 1880’s. The railroad industry played an integral hand in forming the city of Fillmore into what it is today when the Southern Pacific Railroad built a track through the valley.

Sespe Creek

If you’re into the outdoors, Fillmore is in shortage of opportunities to fish and hike. Sespe Creek is a go-to spot for anyone who wants to fish for Southern Steelhead Trout, Pacific Lamprey, Small and Largemouth Bass.

Los Padres National Forest

For the outdoor adventure seekers, the Los Padres National Forest is your second home and located just under an hour from Fillmore. Here, you can spot all of your favorite California wildlife such as the California Condor, Bighorn Sheep, and even Great Horned Owls. With dozens of hiking trails and over 2970 square miles of land, there’s enough in the Los Padres National Forest to keep you occupied for a longtime.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

In about a thirty minute’s drive, you and your family can embark on a day of fun at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA. This is a great way to create lasting memories with the family as you experience the fun that Six Flags has to offer. There are rides available for all types of riders and ages ranging from children and family-friendly rides to extreme rides designed to satisfy the adrenaline junkies in your life. Also enjoy fun events and live shows all year long.

Dining & Shopping

One of the most exciting parts of living in small cities is getting to experience the local restaurants and stores. Experiencing these local shops and eateries is a great way to get a taste for the city and immerse yourself into the culture.

Dining

R+Q Kitchen – If you’re looking for a hidden gem, then R+Q Kitchen is the way to go. This small, mom and pop shop offers oak smoked BBQ with a California twist. Stop by here for the best BBQ in Fillmore and to get a true taste of some of the city’s best flavors.
El Pescador – Fillmore is rich in Mexican cuisines and El Pascador is one of the leaders of the pack. Enjoy mouth watering food and drinks in a traditional atmosphere that will give you a Fillmore cultural experience you can’t find anywhere else.
Fillmore Central Station – The Fillmore Central Station is a staple in Fillmore local flavor and dining. Stop by the Fillmore Central Station for a quick drink or stay for dinner and enjoy a full menu among the railroad themed atmosphere that encompasses the spirit of Fillmore.

Shopping

The Treasure Station – You never know what you’ll find when you shop at The Treasure Station. The Treasure Station is full of antiquities that have been circulating around the Fillmore area for years.
ReGEN Haus – If you’re looking for a fun place to shop then the ReGEN Haus is a must go. This shop is full of curiosities ranging from home goods to industrial treasures, all placed inside an old 1900’s home located across the street from Fillmore City Hall.

Cultural & Historical Highlights

Being a smaller city, Fillmore holds its cultural roots and history close, priding itself on staying true to the city’s values. There are two places in particular that you can visit and learn more about the integral role that Fillmore played in contributing to Ventura County today and the history of Fillmore.

Fillmore Historical Museum

The Fillmore Historical Museum is the go-to place to learn everything about Fillmore and its origins. The museum features three restored buildings including the 1887 Fillmore Depot, the 1905 Hinckley House, and the 1919 Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse. You’ll also be able to see displays of old photos and memorabilia from the community. Tours are also available for residents, guests, and schoolchildren.

Local Economy & Employment

Agriculture is the backbone of Fillmore’s employment and local economy, particularly, citrus, avocado orchards, and other tree farming. Other local businesses include small industrial and assembly and manufacturing organizations. The town is growing which means the local economy should continue to rise.

Many residents commute outside of Fillmore inside larger cities in Ventura County like Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, and Oxnard which are all thirty minutes away in either direction. This allows for a nice separation from work and home life while seeking better economic opportunities to make a living.

Additionally, there are more single family homes and apartments being built in Fillmore along with office/retail spaces. This will attract more businesses who want to avoid competitive pricing of commercial real estate in larger, more populated cities

Is Fillmore Your Next Move?

Moving to Fillmore opens the door to a host of benefits depending on the type of lifestyle you want to live. If you’re looking for a more laid back environment that feels like a small town with a supportive community, then Fillmore, CA should be at the top of the list. Fillmore is ideal for active families that want to live in a place that makes it easy to tap into outdoor fun without the long drives out of the city. Additionally, Fillmore is centrally located between Oxnard, Santa Clarita, and Thousand Oaks offering access to the infrastructure and resources of a larger city while still being a quiet place to retreat home to at the end of the night.

If you’re planning your next move to Fillmore and need a place to store your belongings, then consider stopping by Nova Storage. Not only do we have everything you need ranging from various storage unit sizes to rent, but we also offer all the moving supplies you’ll need under one roof.

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Gaige Byerley Digital Marketing Associate

Gaige Byerley is part of the Digital Marketing team at West Coast Self-Storage and is a writer creating engaging content on self-storage, relocation, decluttering, and everyday living.