Simi Valley is surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountains, west of the San Fernando Valley and northeast of the Conejo Valley. This city grew as a commuter bedroom community for the cities in the Los Angeles area, and the San Fernando Valley when a freeway was built over the Santa Susana Pass.

Simi Valley is rich in cultural history, once inhabited by the Chumash people over 5,000 years ago who is believed to have named the city. The name Simi is believed to have been derived from the Chumash or Native American village name of Shimiji which typically refers to stringy, thread-like clouds most experienced in the region. The first Europeans to visit and settle were members of the Spanish Portola expedition (1776-1770). Simi Valley was part of Ranch Simi owned by Don Jose de la Guerra y Noriega, founder of the prominent Guerra family of California. The Pioneer period or American period began in the late 1860's-1870's.

Simi was an agricultural community, there were ranch houses throughout the valley. The major residential development began in 1957-1958 when the first tract housing was built; the tremendous "boom" in residential development began in 1960.

Having many housing options, ranging from starter homes, well planned communities and estates, as well as rural areas for those longing to live out their pioneer dreams. Living in Simi Valley offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Simi Valley there are a lot of parks and the public schools in Simi Valley are highly rated.

Currently, the population is 125,768. Simi Valley also draws tourists to see The Ronald Reagan Library which is located on the top of the northwest mountain that overlooks all of Simi Valley housing Air Force One, a replica of the Oval Office, and various exhibits throughout the year.

For school information click this link for Simi Unified School District: https://www.simivalleyusd.com

Private schools:

• Phoenix Ranch School
• Good Shepherd
• Lutheran School
• Grace Brethren Elementary School
• Simi Valley Adventist School, St.
• Rose of Lima Catholic School
• Donda Academy

Local Parks & Recreation:

• Ranch Simi Community Park
• Sycamore Canyon Park
• Old Windmill Park
• Frontier Park
• Arroyostow Park
• Foothill Park
• Sycamore Park
• Coyote Hills Park
• Vista Del Arroyo Park
• Verde Park
• Rancho Madera Community Park
• Santa Susana Park & Railroad
• Willowbrook Park
• Citrus Grove Park
• Lincoln Park
• Stargaze Park
• Big Sky Park
• Arroyo Park
• Houghton Schreiber Park
• Runkie Canyon Park
• Knolls Park
• Berylwood Park
• Rocky Pointe Natural Park
• Sequoia Park
• Simi Hills Neighborhood Park
• Strathearn Historical Park
• Chumash Neighborhood Park
• Simi Dog Park
• White Oaks Park
• Corriganville Park
• Rancho Simi Park Lake
• Rancho Santa Susana Community Center
• Tapo Canyon Regional Park