Hillcrest is one of Thousand Oaks's distinct sub-neighborhoods, with its own builder history, lot size profile, school zone, and price band. This page covers what Hillcrest is, who built it, what homes there typically trade for, the HOA and Mello-Roos exposure, the schools serving it, and the inspection items that come up most often in resale. The data is current as of May 2026.
Where Hillcrest sits in Thousand Oaks
Hillcrest sits on the south side of Thousand Oaks Boulevard with hillside homes that often have panoramic views of the Conejo Valley. The community is upscale but more accessible than North Ranch or Lake Sherwood, with both custom and semi-custom product across multiple sub-tracts.
The neighborhood is approximately at coordinates 34.181, -118.812. Major roads and freeway access vary by exact location — verify commute times to your specific work address before committing.
For the Thousand Oaks master infrastructure (trash, street maintenance, public safety) the City handles things. Schools for this neighborhood: Conejo Elementary · Colina Middle · Thousand Oaks HS (CVUSD).
Builder, era, and floor plans
Hillcrest was built primarily by Multiple custom and semi-custom between 1980s–2010s. Floor plans typically run Two-story 2,800–5,500 sqft. Lots are typically 8,000–25,000 sqft.
What this tells you in resale: era-typical foundations, dual-pane windows by the 1990s, slab construction on most newer product, raised foundation on some older. Original kitchens may still be in place or may have been remodeled — review the property's disclosure history and inspection record.
For new buyers, the key inspection items by era are typical: roof condition (concrete tile 50+ years, composition shingle 20-25), HVAC age, water heater (replace with tankless if not already done), and any galvanized supply lines on the older end.
Recent sale comps — what Hillcrest has been trading at
As of May 2026, the median price in Hillcrest is approximately $1,850,000 (May 2026), with the typical range running $1.4M–$3M. Days on market tracks the broader Thousand Oaks market.
Price-per-square-foot generally falls in the same band as broader city pricing, though view lots, course-adjacent lots, and renovated kitchens push the upper end. Original-condition homes in older finishes typically trade at a 5-12% discount to remodeled comps.
| Plan size | Typical sale range | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller / single-story | Lower end of price range | Often quickest to sell |
| Mid two-story | Mid-band | Most common product |
| Larger two-story | Upper-mid band | Larger lots premium |
| Custom or view lots | Top of range | Limited inventory |
HOA, Mello-Roos, and ongoing costs
HOA: Varies $100–$300/mo on gated sub-sections. Mello-Roos: None on most parcels. Always verify the current Mello-Roos assessment via the County Assessor before contingency removal — the assessment varies by parcel and can change as bonds are paid down.
Property tax base rate is the California Prop 13 1% plus voter-approved bonds (typically pushing the effective rate to ~1.10-1.30%) plus Mello-Roos if applicable. On the median home, total monthly property tax impound runs roughly 1% of price per year divided by 12, plus any Mello-Roos.
Schools serving this neighborhood
Hillcrest schools: Conejo Elementary · Colina Middle · Thousand Oaks HS (CVUSD). School zoning by address can change with boundary adjustments — verify the specific address with the district's official lookup tool before relying on the assignment.
Per the CA School Dashboard's 2024 rating year, schools in this district range across the standard state indicators. Each school has its own profile — the CA Dashboard at caschooldashboard.org has the detail.
For families considering private school as an alternative, the nearest options depend on location — many Thousand Oaks families consider Christian and Catholic schools in adjacent neighborhoods.
Common buyer scenarios for Hillcrest
Hillcrest fits move-up buyers and view-priority buyers who want hillside lots without the Lake Sherwood price tag. View lots trade at meaningful premium; interior lots are more accessible.
Other typical scenarios that come up: commuters who work in the LA basin and want a reverse-commute pattern; move-up buyers who built equity in starter product and want larger floor plans; downsizers from larger product who want lower maintenance; relocators from adjacent communities wanting similar climate and a different school district.
For each scenario, the specific neighborhood within the city that fits best depends on the trade-offs the buyer is making — yard size, HOA, Mello-Roos, walkability, view, age of home, and condition.
Inspection items specific to this era of build
For Hillcrest homes built in the 1980s–2010s era, the inspection items that come up most often are: roof condition, HVAC age, original water heater, slab moisture (or raised-foundation venting if applicable), original pool equipment, and any signs of slab settling on post-tension foundations.
Older end of the build range: check for original galvanized supply lines (rare but worth checking), original electrical panels (FPE Stab-Lok panels are a known fire hazard — replacement quotes are $2,500-$4,500), and original sewer lateral (clay tile is failure-prone; cast iron is better).
Newer end (2010+): check the post-tension slab certificate, builder warranty status, and any active CFD assessment changes.
What I tell clients shopping Hillcrest
What I tell clients: Hillcrest is a real neighborhood with real trade-offs. If the trade-offs match what you want — the lot size, the school zone, the HOA structure, the price range — then it's the right fit. If you're stretching the budget to get into a tract that doesn't actually fit how you live, you'll regret it inside two years.
I work with buyers and sellers on these decisions every day. The best meetings are the ones where we walk through the trade-offs honestly and you decide based on what fits your situation, not on what the listing sheet says.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Hillcrest?
As of May 2026, the median home price in Hillcrest is approximately $1,850,000 (May 2026). The typical sale range is $1.4M–$3M depending on floor plan size, lot, and condition. Verify current pricing with a live MLS search at the time you're shopping.
Does Hillcrest have an HOA?
HOA in Hillcrest: Varies $100–$300/mo on gated sub-sections. Verify the current HOA dues amount and the most recent reserve study via the listing agent before contingency removal.
Does Hillcrest have Mello-Roos?
Mello-Roos in Hillcrest: None on most parcels. The exact CFD assessment varies by parcel and can change as bonds are paid down. Verify via the County Assessor or the current property tax bill.
What schools serve Hillcrest?
Hillcrest schools: Conejo Elementary · Colina Middle · Thousand Oaks HS (CVUSD). School zoning by specific address can change with boundary adjustments — verify with the district's lookup tool for the authoritative address-level assignment.
When was Hillcrest built?
Hillcrest was built primarily by Multiple custom and semi-custom between 1980s–2010s. Floor plans typically run Two-story 2,800–5,500 sqft.
What is the typical lot size in Hillcrest?
Lots in Hillcrest are typically 8,000–25,000 sqft. Lot size affects price meaningfully — larger lots and view lots trade at a 10-25% premium over standard tract lots in the same floor plan.
Is Hillcrest a good fit for a first-time buyer?
Hillcrest fits move-up buyers and view-priority buyers who want hillside lots without the Lake Sherwood price tag. View lots trade at meaningful premium; interior lots are more accessible.
How long do homes in Hillcrest take to sell?
Days on market in Hillcrest tracks the broader Thousand Oaks average as of May 2026. Well-priced and remodeled product typically sells faster; original-condition homes may take 30-45 days.
