The City of Simi Valley

Simi Valley is the third largest of Ventura County's ten cities with an estimated population of 126,380. Approximately 42 square miles in area, the City is in Southeast Ventura County, adjacent to the San Fernando Valley and 37 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The City was incorporated in 1969 under the general laws of the State of California and operates under a General-Law/council-manager form of government.

Simi Valley’s rich history begins with the Chumash people, who lived in Simi Valley up to 13,000 years ago until the 1800s. The two Chumash villages in the area—Shimiji (or Shmiyi) and Ta’apu— are the origins of the City’s name, while Tapo Street and Tapo Canyon are the namesakes of Taa’apu. A third settlement, Kimishax, was located near present-day Moorpark. The official City tree is the Coast Live Oak. The Chumash relied on its acorns for one of their staple foods. The official City flower is the California Wild Rose, from which the Chumash ate vitamin-rich rosehips.

In 1795, San José de Nuestra Señora de Altagracia y Simí was granted to Santiago Pico, one of 240 colonists from Mexico, by Spanish Governor Diego de Borica. This land grant was one of the largest ever made, approximately 113,000 acres. Interestingly, the spelling of Simí in the records from the time of the land grants places the emphasis on the second syllable of Simí, indicating that the original pronunciation of Simí sounded like “suh-MEE” rather than “SEE-me.”

To learn more about Simi Valley’s past, please visit the Simi Valley Historical Society.

Transportation

Highway: Highway 118 runs through the City and connects with State Highways 23 and 101, and Interstates 5, 405, and 210.

Air: There are three nearby airports:

• Los Angeles International Airport, 42 miles
• Burbank Airport, 26 miles
• Camarillo Airport, 25 miles

Rail

• Union Pacific Railroad for freight service
• Amtrak and Metrolink for passenger service

Bus: The City operates a local bus system with connections to Los Angeles County, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), and Ventura County Transportation Commission.

Taxi: Taxi services are also available in Simi Valley.

Water: Port facilities are in Port Hueneme, 34 miles from Simi Valley.

Quick Facts

Median Age: 40.6 (Census.gov)

Housing: 72% Owner-occupied (2015-2019, U.S. Census Bureau)

Median Household Income: $99,152 (in 2019 dollars -2015-2019, U.S. Census Bureau)

Recreation and Culture

• 39 Parks
• 3 Golf Courses
• 1 Public Swimming Pools
• 1 Performing Arts Center
• 2 Movie Theaters (25 screens)
• 1 Library (140,000 vol.)

Hospital: Adventist Health Simi Valley (144 beds)

School: Simi Valley Unified School District