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Simi Valley

Located at the edge of eastern Ventura County encircled by beautiful hills, Simi Valley is a haven away from the congestion of the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County.

"Everything is convenient. It's clean, safe and quiet," says 53-year-old Jerry Wolfe, who moved from Los Angeles to Simi Valley five years ago. "It's just pleasant. It's got a small-town feel. It's close to Los Angeles, but not too close."

Joyce Loftin, 63, moved from the San Fernando Valley 13 years ago for the same reasons. "I am always happy to come over that hill on the 118," she says. "We have lots of wonderful parks in the city -- parks and activities for every age."

Simi Valley is consistently rated one of the safest cities in the nation. It's the home of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and Corriganville Park, once known for being the backdrop of many western movies.

Vital statistics

Location: 27 miles east of Ventura

Origin of name: The name comes from an Indian word, meaning place, village or region. In August 1795, Spanish missionaries referred to the area as the Valley of Simi. The first post office was Simiopolis, a name used in promotional material for a planned development in the late 1880s. The post office name was changed to Simi a few months later and became Simi Valley when the city incorporated in 1969.

Nicknames: Peaceful Valley

Official flower: California wild rose

Official tree: Coast live oak

ZIP codes: 93062, 93063, 93064, 93065, 93093
Santa Susana: 93063
Susana Knolls: 93063
Wood Ranch: 93065

Incorporation date: Oct. 10, 1969

Type of government: General law; city manager system

Average annual high temperature: 74 degrees

Average annual low temperature: 51 degrees

Average annual rainfall: 9.58 inches

Elevation (near City Hall): 977 feet