Aerial view of the North Ranch neighborhood in Westlake Village, showcasing red-roofed houses, a golf course, green hills, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky—perfect for comfortable suburban living.

Living in North Ranch, Westlake Village

A local look at the homes, neighborhoods, and lifestyle in North Ranch.
Large two-story suburban house with a well-maintained lawn, shrubs, and trees. Perfect for comfortable living in the desirable Westlake Village area, the home has a gray roof, white exterior, brick chimneys, attached three-car garage, and a lamp post by the driveway.
Aerial view of the North Ranch neighborhood in Westlake Village, showcasing red-roofed houses, a golf course, green hills, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky—perfect for comfortable suburban living.
Two-story suburban house in Westlake Village with a three-car garage, manicured lawn, palm trees, bushes, and blooming white flowers under a clear blue sky.
A sunny day at North Ranch golf course with a green lawn, scattered trees, a wooden fence in the foreground, blue sky, and fluffy white clouds overhead—perfect for enjoying the vibrant living of Westlake Village.
Large two-story gray house with white trim, three garage doors, manicured bushes, green lawn, and tall trees in the background under a sunny blue sky, nestled in the coveted North Ranch area of Westlake Village.
A grassy area with three large trees, a mailbox, and a distant view of rolling hills and mountains under a clear blue sky creates the perfect serene setting characteristic of North Ranch in Westlake Village.
A two-story suburban house with white siding, black shutters, and a brick base, surrounded by green trees and a curved driveway under a clear blue sky, offers comfortable Westlake Village living in desirable North Ranch.
Two modern suburban houses with white garages sit side by side on a sunny day in North Ranch, Westlake Village, surrounded by trees, green lawns, and a backdrop of hills under a partly cloudy sky.
A stone monument sign with a bronze sailboat sculpture reads Welcome, City of Westlake Village, set beside a road with mountains and greenery—capturing the inviting charm of Westlake Village living.
Aerial view of a green golf course with sand bunkers and a pond, surrounded by hills, trees, and scattered houses under a clear blue sky—capturing the scenic beauty of North Ranch living in Westlake Village.
Two-story townhouse with a gray exterior, attached garages, and a driveway situated in the desirable North Ranch area of Westlake Village. Trees and bushes line the front, providing shade. Bright, sunny day with a blue sky and scattered clouds.
Four ducks swim in a clear pond surrounded by rocks at Oak Park. Two white ducks are close to the shore while two darker ducks are further back. Compared to other parks in Westlake Village, the scene here is especially tranquil. A brown sign in the corner reads Oak Park.
A sunny day on the North Ranch golf course in Westlake Village, with green grass, trees, a wooden fence, hills in the distance, and two people near a golf cart under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

MORE SPACE. MORE PRIVACY. A DIFFERENT SIDE OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE.

WHAT IS NORTH RANCH? If you’re new to the area, think of North Ranch as the northern section of the greater Westlake Village area. It’s a collection of neighborhoods rather than one single neighborhood. 

If you’re drawn to Westlake Village but want more space and privacy, North Ranch is worth a look.

The question I’d start with is: How do you want your everyday life to feel?

  • Would you rather be able to walk to dinner and coffee, but sacrifice some space?
  • Or would you prefer a quieter setting with a little more space between you and your neighbors, but give up some walkability?

If a quieter setting with more breathing room is your thing, that’s North Ranch. The homes tend to be larger, the lots tend to be bigger, and the setting feels more removed.

But you’re really not far away.

Most of Westlake Village’s shopping, restaurants, and everyday conveniences are still only a few minutes away.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER NORTH RANCH?

North Ranch is usually a good fit for buyers who like Westlake Village but want something a little more private and residential.

It’s probably worth considering if:

  • You want more space around you
  • Larger lots or views matter to you
  • You prefer quieter residential streets
  • You’re looking for a larger home
  • You like hillside or golf course settings
  • You don’t mind driving to restaurants and shopping

→ It may not be the right fit if walkability is high on your list, you want to be close to Westlake Lake, or you prefer being right in the middle of the restaurants and activity.

NORTH RANCH | AT A GLANCE

  • Location: Northern part of the Westlake Village area
  • County: Ventura County
  • School District: Conejo Valley Unified School District
  • Housing: Townhomes, single-family homes, gated communities, and custom estates
  • Setting: Hillside, residential, golf course, mountain views, mature landscaping
  • Walkability: Low
  • Overall Feel: Quiet, private, established
NORTH RANCH VS. LAKESIDE AREA
Westlake Village really breaks down into two main lifestyles:


Aerial view of North Ranch in Westlake Village showing a neighborhood with red-roofed houses, a green golf course, trees, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky—capturing the essence of living in this picturesque community. The label NORTH RANCH appears at the top left.

NORTH RANCH section is more secluded and hilly offering a private lifestyle with larger estates and golf course views, but sacrifices walkability. See Whitehawk or North Ranch Custom Estates.

  • More privacy
  • Larger homes and lots
  • Hillside and golf course settings
  • Quieter residential streets
  • More custom and estate properties
  • Less walkable


Aerial view of a residential lakeside area in Westlake Village, surrounded by mountains, with houses lining the edges of a winding lake under a clear blue sky—perfect for tranquil living. Text reads “Lakeside Area” in the top left corner.

LAKESIDE AREA is the more central area of Westlake Village offering lots of walkability and convenient access to the lake and our best centers, while giving up a little privacy. See Foxmoor or Three Springs.

  • More walkable to restaurants and shopping
  • Westlake Lake lifestyle
  • More activity around you
  • Established neighborhoods
  • Easier access to the center of Westlake Village

Explore all of Westlake Village: Living in Westlake Village

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE IN NORTH RANCH

A golf course green with sand bunkers surrounded by trees, set against rolling hills and a partly cloudy blue sky, captures the serene living experience of North Ranch in Westlake Village.One of the first things you notice in North Ranch is that it feels different.

The streets wind through the hills. There’s mature landscaping almost everywhere. Depending on the neighborhood, you may have views of the mountains, golf course, open space, or simply more distance between you and the homes around you.

It also feels more residential than much of Westlake Village.

You’re not walking out the front door and heading to dinner. Most of the time, you’re getting in the car.

But that doesn’t mean North Ranch feels isolated.

You get the illusion of seclusion, while remaining only a few minutes from shopping, restaurants, and the 101 Freeway.

That balance is one of the biggest reasons buyers like it.

However, there is a tradeoff. In my experience, buyers who want their kids to be able to walk to school tend to gravitate toward neighborhoods like Foxmoor and First Neighborhood on the lake side of Westlake Village. North Ranch doesn’t offer that.

Some buyers prefer the activity and convenience around the lake. Others get into North Ranch and immediately prefer the quieter streets, larger homes, and extra privacy.

North Ranch isn’t simply a more expensive version of Westlake Village. It’s a different lifestyle.

WHAT YOU’LL NOTICE WHEN YOU TOUR NORTH RANCH

  • THERE’S A MUCH WIDER RANGE OF HOUSING THAN PEOPLE EXPECT
    A lot of buyers hear “North Ranch” and picture large estate homes. Those are certainly here, but North Ranch also includes townhomes, traditional single-family neighborhoods, gated communities, golf course properties, and custom homes.
  • THE LOT CAN MATTER AS MUCH AS THE HOUSE
    This becomes especially important as you move up in price. Two similar homes can feel completely different depending on the view, privacy, street location, slope, golf course view, and how usable the backyard is. The setting often matters just as much as the house itself.
  • MANY OF THE HOMES ARE ESTABLISHED, NOT NEW
    Much of North Ranch was built decades ago. Some homes have been extensively remodeled. Others are much closer to their original condition. It’s common to see a large price difference between two homes in the same neighborhood that may look fairly similar at first.
  • YOU’RE TRADING WALKABILITY FOR PRIVACY
    This is probably the simplest way to understand North Ranch. The lake side of Westlake Village gives you more walkability and puts you closer to restaurants, shopping, and activity. North Ranch gives you more privacy, larger homes, larger lots, quieter streets, and more of a hillside residential setting.

PROPERTY TYPES IN NORTH RANCH

A two-story house with a red tile roof and white walls, nestled in Westlake Village, is surrounded by lush green bushes, palm trees, and flowering plants under a clear blue sky.
Two-story suburban house with tan siding, a manicured lawn, shrubs, and flowers. Located in the desirable North Ranch area of Westlake Village, the home features a three-car garage, large windows, and a brick chimney, with trees and a blue sky in the background.
Single-story house with a red tile roof, white garage door, arched window, and lush landscaping featuring palm trees and flowering plants, all under a clear blue sky in prestigious North Ranch, Westlake Village.
Single Family Homes | $1.5M-$5M+

Most of North Ranch is made up of single family homes and spectacular estates. And unlike the lake side of Westlake Village, these homes are much less uniform. Many are custom or at least look custom. North Ranch Custom Homes, Braemar Homes

A white suburban house with a double garage, American flag, green lawn, flowers, and trees evokes the inviting atmosphere of living in Westlake Village. Sunlight creates a bright and welcoming ambiance reminiscent of North Ranch’s picturesque neighborhoods.
Two-story townhouse with a gray exterior, attached garages, and a driveway situated in the desirable North Ranch area of Westlake Village. Trees and bushes line the front, providing shade. Bright, sunny day with a blue sky and scattered clouds.
Two-story suburban house with a tan exterior, double garage, and a landscaped yard featuring green grass, palm trees, and mature trees under a clear blue sky—perfect for comfortable Westlake Village living.
Townhome Communities | $900k-$2.5M

North Ranch has several townhome communities offering a more affordable entry point into North Ranch. Kensington Park, Clubview

Two-story suburban house in Westlake Village with a three-car garage, manicured lawn, palm trees, bushes, and blooming white flowers under a clear blue sky.
Two modern suburban houses with white garages sit side by side on a sunny day in North Ranch, Westlake Village, surrounded by trees, green lawns, and a backdrop of hills under a partly cloudy sky.
A large, beige two-story house with a red tile roof, white window shutters, manicured lawn, flower beds, and a curved staircase leading to a dark front door under clear blue sky—this stunning residence is nestled in the desirable North Ranch neighborhood of Westlake Village.
Gated Communities | $1.5M-$5M+

North Ranch has several gated communities starting with townhomes all the way up to single family homes and sprawling estates. Signature Collection, Meadow Oaks

Explore North Ranch Neighborhoods

NORTH RANCH COUNTRY CLUB

Golf course with trees and grassy hills under a blue sky with clouds; a sign in the top right corner reads North Ranch Country Club, located in the scenic Westlake Village area.

North Ranch Country Club is a central part of North Ranch.

It’s a 27 hole course that winds through several neighborhoods, and some homes have direct golf course views.

You do not need to belong to the country club to live in North Ranch. Membership is separate from homeownership.

But for buyers who like golf, tennis, social activities, or simply being close to a country club, it can be an important part of the appeal.

I’ve played the course about a dozen times and it’s a great layout. Even if you never join, the golf course contributes to the open feel and views in parts of North Ranch.

SCHOOLS IN NORTH RANCH

North Ranch feeds into Conejo Valley Unified (CVUSD), which it shares with Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park and is home to our highest rated high school – Westlake High.

All North Ranch neighborhoods go to:

  • Westlake Hills Elementary
  • Colina Middle
  • Westlake High

Logo of Conejo Valley Unified School District with a large tree, the words “Conejo Valley Unified School District” above, and “Academics • Activities • Safety CVUSD” below in blue and green on a beige background, representing Thousand Oaks.

For an overview of the district including testing scores, check out:
Conejo Valley Unified | What to know before buying

MY TAKE ON NORTH RANCH

In my experience, buyers tend to lean pretty clearly toward either North Ranch or the lake side of Westlake Village.

Some love the extra space, privacy, and quieter setting here. Others would rather be closer to the lake and able to walk to dinner or coffee.

I’d spend time in both.

You’ll get a feel pretty quickly for which one is more you.


Text graphic that says HI! I'm Michael—with HI! in gray block letters and I'm Michael in large brown cursive script. Perfect for anyone interested in buying a house, set on a light background for a welcoming, professional touch.

I’m a local Realtor and the creator of ConejoValleyGuy.com. I’ve been helping buyers and sellers in the Conejo Valley for over 25 years.

Most of that time is spent helping people figure out which town and neighborhood actually fits them. Not just which one looks good online. North Ranch comes up a lot in those conversations.

If you’re thinking about making a move, I’m happy to help you sort through it.

Let’s Discuss

IS NORTH RANCH THE RIGHT FIT...OR WORTH THE PREMIUM?

Westlake Promenade in Westlake Village with a clock tower and blooming trees is reflected in a pond with a small fountain. Text over the image reads: How to Choose Between All 5 Conejo Valley towns when choosing a town in this beautiful region.Most buyers looking here end up comparing it closely with the surrounding towns before making a decision.

Once we narrow those down, your search gets a lot easier.

How to Choose Between All 5 Conejo Valley Towns

THINKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING IN NORTH RANCH?

Whether you’re relocating to the Conejo Valley or thinking about selling, North Ranch has its own price ranges and tends to attract a certain type of buyer.

 

FOR BUYERS

Explore North Ranch Neighborhoods

Buying in the Conejo Valley

FOR SELLERS

Calculate Your Net Proceeds

Selling Your Conejo Valley Home

Let’s Discuss

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NORTH RANCH

North Ranch is generally considered part of the greater Westlake Village area, although it sits on the Ventura County side and is within the City of Thousand Oaks.

That’s one reason the geography can be confusing when you first start looking at homes here.

North Ranch is generally quieter, more private, and more residential.

You’ll typically find larger homes, larger lots, hillside settings, golf-course properties, and custom homes.

The lake area is more walkable and puts you closer to restaurants, shopping, and Westlake Lake.

Not in the traditional sense.

There are plenty of neighborhood streets, parks, and places to walk, but most residents drive to restaurants, shopping, and everyday errands.

If being able to walk to restaurants and shopping is important to you, the lake side of Westlake Village will probably be more appealing.

No.

North Ranch has much more variety than people sometimes realize.

There are townhomes, traditional single-family homes, gated neighborhoods, golf-course properties, and large custom estates.

No.

Membership in North Ranch Country Club is separate from owning a home in North Ranch.

North Ranch is served by Conejo Valley Unified School District.

Because attendance boundaries can vary by property and can change, buyers should verify the assigned schools for any specific home.

EXPLORE MORE OF THE CONEJO VALLEY

WESTLAKE VILLAGE AGOURA HILLS OAK PARK THOUSAND OAKS NEWBURY PARK

POPULAR COMMUNITIES

Lang Ranch Lakefront Gated North Ranch Dos Vientos

CONEJO VALLEY ON THE MAP

Click to Explore Neighborhoods

STEP 1:

FIRST MEETING

We’ll talk through your plans and what buying looks like in the Conejo Valley.

STEP 2:

AREA & HOME TOURS

You’ll get a feel for how the towns connect and which ones feel right to you.

STEP 3:

OFFERS → CLOSING

I’ll guide you through offers, negotiations, and all the way to closing.

See How the Buying Process Works