Westlake Village vs. Agoura Hills

Naturally, comparing Westlake Village vs Agoura Hills can be hard as they actually have a lot in common. They share borders, as well as, each others comforts & conveniences. By that I mean, they share each other’s shopping centers, parks, hiking trails, restaurants, movie theaters, etc.

Of course, they do have their differences. Westlake Village and Agoura Hills’ location, age, architecture, and lifestyle bring unique qualities to each town. Choosing between Westlake Village and Agoura Hills, usually comes down to preference and/or priority.

Lifestyle

Westlake Village has the most to offer in terms of amenities and acts as “the hub” of Conejo Valley. The shopping centers have a modern aesthetic and come with nicer restaurants, grocery stores, and a higher-end retail market. There are quite a few wineries here and a surge in craft breweries too. Westlake Lake is unique to Westlake Village and is a big part of what gives Westlake Village its character and charming reputation.

 

The lake weaves through 7 Westlake Village neighborhoods offering a waterfront lifestyle that can’t be found anywhere else in Conejo Valley. There are also 3 restaurants along the coast of the lake. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a resident to enjoy a little lakeside dining.

Agoura Hills has that small town, concerts and movies in the park type of feel. The parks are usually sprinkled with soccer games on the weekends. There are holiday events like Trick or Treating and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. And the hiking trails stretch into Malibu Canyon providing some pretty stunning coastal views.

 

Old Agoura brings a different kind of lifestyle to the mix. It’s specially zoned for horses, and you’ll likely see one walking down the street. The houses are built with a ranch style providing a pocket of culture, special to this corner of Conejo Valley.

Lifestyle is seldom a deal breaker, it’s common to see Westlake Village families hop over to events in Agoura Hills and vice versa. But if day to day conveniences, walkability, and a faster pace is on your list of priorities, Westlake Village might be your town of choice.

Architecture and Design

Westlake Village has a natural attraction with its tree-lined streets, golf courses, and Westlake Lake. The homes were built around the 60s and 70s and designed to take advantage of that Westlake Village appeal. You’ll find lakefront communities, as well as many that back the golf courses. Some of the homes sit towards the center Westlake Village offering walkability to shopping centers and restaurants. The layouts vary, some with separated kitchens and living rooms and some with more of an open feel. There is a sense of pride all across Westlake Village that shows in the upkeep of the homes and yards. You’re not likely to find a tired or run down neighborhood in Westlake Village. (See: Westlake Village Neighborhoods)

Agoura Hills was built in the 70s and 80s. Here you’ll find a mix of that open concept we’ve grown to love as well as traditional layouts similar to that of the greater Conejo Valley. The yards are large enough to install a pool and/or built in BBQ if it hasn’t been upgraded already. Overall the curb appeal is just as tasteful as you’d see in Westlake Village, but there are a few neighborhoods that could use a little love.  (See: Agoura Hills Neighborhoods)

Affordability

Westlake Village and Agoura Hills aren’t on complete opposite ends when it comes to cost, but you will see a difference. Westlake Village wears the highest price tag and that doesn’t always mean you get more house for your money. You’re often paying for location, reputation or the lake itself. You might find similar numbers in Agoura Hills but you’re likely to get a little more house and yard for your dollar.

Schools

There are two school districts covering Westlake Village and Agoura Hills. Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) covers Agoura Hills, and the L.A. County section of Westlake Village. It has 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools (Agoura High School and Westlake Village High School). LVUSD has a strong reputation and is often the preferred district for parents.

Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) covers the area of Westlake Village in Ventura County. It has 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 high schools. Most schools are very good to excellent, but with 17 elementary schools you can imagine that scores range depending on the neighborhood. Westlake Village schools are highly regarded and highly sought after.

Schools are often a determining factor for parents. While there are loopholes, generally speaking schools are predetermined by neighborhood and town (if you live in the L.A. County side of Westlake Village, your kids will go to Agoura High not Westlake High). Westlake High School ranks highest in both athletics and academics, but Agoura High isn’t far behind. Get a better breakdown here.

Ready to see the Conejo Valley in person?

Let’s Connect!

Westlake Village and Agoura Hills Neighborhoods

We’ve profiled more than 100 Conejo Valley neighborhoods. Get the breakdown on Westlake Village and Agoura Hills.