Thousand Oaks Provides California Living On a Budget

Editor’s Note: Recently, MoneyWise revealed its list of the 40 most frugal and friendly places to retire. In a bid to provide an idea of what housing inventory is available in these cities and towns, we’re taking a look at listings in each of the cities on the list.

Not everyone can spend $1 million or more on a second home, even if it’s with the idea that eventually you’ll retire there. So when MoneyWise’s list of 40 places to retire that are more budget-friendly came out, we were curious — what kind of homes could you find in these towns?

Last week, we looked at the 24th city on the list — Las Cruces, New Mexico. This week, we look at Thousand Oaks, California, and found in California “frugal” is relative, but still found three great homes — all for less than $500,000.

“The cost of living in Thousand Oaks is on the higher side, but for those with an income of about $100,000, this can be an amazing choice for California living,” MoneyWise said. “This city is green and home to many parks and outdoor activities.”

“It’s located near Malibu and not far from Los Angeles,” the article continues. “Good healthcare is found in surrounding areas, so be prepared to travel to your doctor.”

Want to see examples of what you can find in Thousand Oaks? Let’s jump!

Budget-Friendly Condo For the Traveler

Price: $261,500

If you’re looking for that quiet place to call home base when you’re between adventures, this one-bedroom, one-bath, 704 square foot condo in a quiet location is a great bet.

And don’t let that smaller square footage scare you off — broker Shirin Talai Shahir said the home’s floor plan was designed to maximize space, and has plenty of storage.

The well-maintained condo is on the second floor, but is accessible by elevator. HOA fees include trash, master earthquake policy, one connection to cable TV, internet, pool and spa, clubhouse, and a secure dog park.

But one caveat — while anyone can buy in this private and peaceful complex, one resident per unit must be 55 or older.

Downsizer Condo With Room for Guests

Price: $349,000

Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, our second option is a two-bedroom, one-bath condo close to shopping, restaurants, a park, library, equestrian and dog park, and the freeway.

The entire condo complex is on 17 acres of beautifully maintained grounds with a pool, spa, and community center.

Inside, this home benefits from new paint on the walls and an open floor plan. A small galley-style kitchen is off the dining area, which is open to the living room and provides access to a large, low-maintenance patio with new vinyl fencing.

Surrounded by tons of green space and amenities, surprisingly, the HOA fees are low. The home is listed by Alyson Silverman with Keller Williams Realty Calabasas.

Midcentury California Ranch With Tons of Upgrades

Price: $499,900

Don’t want to share walls with neighbors? Our last offering is at the top of our self-imposed $500,000 price range, but is a cute Midcentury California Ranch with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus an office, which means when guests come to visit, there is plenty of room for them.

The home was built in 1965, but listing agent Donna Vella with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty says the seller has spent almost $100,000 in upgrades, including purple heart solid wood floors, a kitchen remodel with quartz countertops, a six-burner Viking range, and a built-in oven and microwave.

Both bathrooms were upgraded with custom cabinetry, tile, and new fixtures, and the master bath has a new Kohler corner jetted tub, separate shower, dual sinks and a heated tile floor with a seven-day adjustable timer.

Outside, xeriscaping provides drought-resistant plants and a drip system for low maintenance, and a wraparound stone tile covered deck includes a built-in barbecue.