Blackstock North Oxnard, CA

Henry Oxnard first founded the city of Oxnard in the early years of the 20th century. At the time, the area was known for the success of its beet harvest — so successful that Henry Oxnard built a processing factory and convinced the Southern Pacific Railroad to construct a spur line running right into the heart of the town.

From there Oxnard grew over the years, especially during the post World War II boom. The majority of the homes in Blackstock North were built in the 1950s. Many of those homes still stand today, housing agricultural workers and other prosperous middle class families living the American dream. Blackstock North residents enjoy a high quality of life, with music shops, art studios, sports fields, and a major mall all walking distance from their doors.

Though Blackstock North is small, it packs in a lot of flavor and fun for residents who know the lay of the land.

Enjoy a cocktail from the friendly bartenders at Sam's Saloon Ltd. The sign may be old timey, but this is a sports bar through and through where regulars come to catch the game and shoot the breeze with old friends.

Satisfy for your craving for Salvadorean food at La Isla Bonita. Folks flock from across Ventura for their take on a cheese and chicharron pupusa, starting at just $2.50 each. If your taste runs more towards Mexican food, stop by the Taqueria Hernandez. Locals love the old-school menudo — and the generous baskets of chips and homemade salsa that come with your order.

Alternatively, enjoy the mix of American and Asian flavors at Yummy Hawaiian BBQ. No other restaurant in town provides you with your choice of sriracha or teriyaki to go with their generous combo platters of chicken katsu, or build your own bowl for the cooks to grill on the Mongolian barbecue.

Residents of Blackstock North have a range of options when it comes to getting around town. Many people choose to own their vehicles since most housing in the area are private homes that provide plenty of parking in driveways and garages.

Those preferring to get their exercise during their morning transit can walk Blackstock North's wide and well-maintained sidewalks or use one of the bike trails or bike lanes on major thoroughfares like Channel Islands Boulevard or Saviers Road.

If you need to get around Ventura County fast but without spending a lot, Gold Coast Transit runs public service buses as far north as Ojai and as far south as the naval base and Port Hueneme. Alternatively, call up a taxi, either a traditional one or one of the growing fleet of independent drivers for Uber and Lyft.

While Blackstock North itself has no parks within its borders, it's only a few blocks away from parks in all directions.

Sports enthusiasts can head south to Johnson Creek Park, an athlete's paradise with a track, multiple baseball diamonds and a short hiking trail with standing exercise equipment. Families head east to the play areas, open grassy fields and tennis courts of Carty Park, and picnickers head north to Beck Park to eat their lunches under the shady grove of trees while catching a local softball game or after joining a pick-up game of hoops on Beck's fields.

But when it comes to public recreation, nothing beats Oxnard's many public festivals that not only entertain locals but draw tourists from around the world. Enjoy old-fashioned fun and games in March at nationally recognized Strawberry Festival with pie eating contests, relay races, arts and crafts displays, and live entertainment. In July, things take a turn for the spicy with the Salsa Festival. Taste foods from local and international vendors, hit the dance floor to live bands, and enter your own salsa recipe in the Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge. Make sure you check out the outdoor concerts, Oktoberfest, various air shows and several wine tastings as well.

Low prices and great cost of living keep residents in Blackstock North for generations. A one-bedroom apartment runs around $1,125. It may be high for the nation, but that's downright cheap for Southern California, and less than 5 miles from the beach. Gas prices in the neighborhood run 22 percent higher than the national average, and a beer in the local corner dive starts at $5. You can get almost anywhere in Ventura on local transit for just $4 a day.

Even with all the neighborhood provides, the shopping in Blackstock North may be the stand-out amenity. This cozy community offers convenient shops and more with a short walk or drive.

Get your grocery shopping done in a flash with your choice of three major grocery stores all within a few blocks of Blackstock, as well as numerous mini-markets and convenience stores. Make your shopping an organic experience at Lassen's Natural Foods & Vitamins. This local mini-chain makes a point of supporting local farmers as well as providing its customers with healthy and eco-friendly produce. You can also hop on the bus and head to Downtown or to Channel Island for its weekly farmers markets.

Start up a new career as a rock star with hand-built quality instruments from local shop Jean Larrivee Guitars. Equip your family with everything from shoes to clothes to school supplies at the Centerpoint Mall, right up the street.

If you're looking for a relaxing day of window shopping in world-class boutiques, then head over to Channel Islands Harbor. Browse beautiful art of all kinds at the Studio Gallery, pick up memorabilia at Smugglers Cove, or even charter a yacht with one of the independent boaters and captains.