Moorpark, California. Population: 35,000. Moorpark's nothing exciting -- a classic suburban town that's home to one high school, a whole lot of parks and nothing remotely exciting. But home is home, and that's what Moorpark is.
1. Vons is most definitely not the place to be at 3 p.m. on a weekday if you don’t like being around people. Specifically, high school kids.
Around 2:45 p.m. on weekdays, driving by Moorpark High School becomes crazy. At 3 p.m., it just becomes a downright stampede as a couple thousand high school students come flooding out of those green gates, filling the street as they all cross Tierra Rejada to reach their destination of choice- Vons. Whether for the value lunch combo of chicken tenders, potato wedges and a drink, a Starbucks Frappuccino on a hot day, a loaf of french bread, a gallon of sweet tea or simply somewhere to loiter, Vons is overrun by exhausted high schoolers. Moral of the story -- if you don't like crowds, especially of teenagers, Vons is not the place for you right now.
2. If you have the misfortune of hitting every red light on Tierra Rejada, you’ll be late to wherever you're going.
We've all had the sweet feeling of success in managing to time it perfectly and hit every green light along Tierra Rejada Road. On the contrary, however, I think we've all ended up late to something once or twice due to the fact that we hit every. Red. Light. On Tierra Rejada. You don't notice how many there are until you're stuck at all of them! Oh well...
3. Rolling Pin is worth the drive.
If you love donuts, there's no place that's better than at Rolling Pin Donuts in Camarillo. With obscure hours -- 6 p.m. to 2 p.m. every day, (yes, you read that right) -- it's often populated by a different crowd than visits other donut shops near Moorpark. However, if you ask anyone that's been there, they'll tell you how amazing their donuts are. PS: Try the Tiger Tails and the Chocolate Chip Donuts. You won't regret it.
4. There is never a shortage of parks to spend your time at!
Proud home to 19 different parks, Moorpark has plenty of places to spend your free time outside. Growing up, the parks are convenient locations to hang out, film school projects, exercise, or simply relax! Whether it's Peach Hill Park, Arroyo Vista Park, Mountain Meadows Park or one of many others
5. The 4th of July will never be a big deal because, let’s be honest, it’s all about the 3rd of July.
Let's be honest, no one really knows why Moorpark celebrates the American Independence Day a day early. But who really cares? It's another day to have fun, celebrate, watch fireworks, eat barbecue and spend time with family and friends. Plus, it's kind of fun to have our own unique, "thing!" You get to celebrate the 3rd of July and then go do it all again the next day on the 4th!
6. The most exciting thing to do is to go to a high school football game on a Friday night.
As a small suburban town, Moorpark isn't exactly an exciting scene for nightlife. However, high school football games are always fun, no matter how old you are, especially if MHS is your Alma Mater! The most exciting thing to do on Friday nights is to go sit under those famed, "Friday Night Lights," listen to the marching band play pep tunes, watch the cheerleaders stunt and cheer for the boys in green and gold. Go Musketeers!
7. If you go to Target, fully expect to see anyone you've ever known there.
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Really, I've had so many unexpected people sightings at Target. Teachers, friends, chiropractors and everyone in between. It'll be a miracle if you make it in and out of the store without running into at least one acquaintance!
8. The only reason anyone ever knows where Moorpark is, is if they’ve heard of our world-renowned Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College.
Moorpark College is one of the few colleges in the country that has an Exotic Animal Training and Managment (EATM) program. Thus, whenever someone does, on the off chance, know where Moorpark is, their response is usually, "don't you guys have that cool zoo?" or for the more educated, "Oh, EATM! I took classes at Moorpark!"
9. It’s a Starbucks lover’s dream!
While Moorpark may only have a population of about 35,000 people, it feels like we have enough Starbucks stores to provide for the whole country! While you're here, you will never be at a loss for coffee because you can just stop by the Starbucks by McDonalds. Or, the one in Vons. Or, the one by the college... Or any of the other few stores in town. Hellooooo coffee addicts!
10. There’s really nothing to do in Moorpark.
The city of Boring may be in Oregon, but sometimes it feels like it's in California! Looking for a mall or a movie theater? Try Thousand Oaks or Camarillo. Want to go ice skating? Cruise on over to Simi Valley. Looking for the thrill of an amusement park? You'll have to head out to Valencia. Anything to do that's remotely exciting will not be found in Moorpark, sorry!
11. You have inevitably called Moorpark, “Kraproom,” at one point or another.
Ah, yes, Moorpark's fond nickname. While it makes for a crude chant for the opposing team at football games, natives to Moorpark often refer to their hometown as, "Kraproom," but in the most loving way as possible, we promise.
12. As much as everyone complains about Moorpark, we all know that it’s actually a great place to grow up.
While everyone complains about Moorpark and how there's nothing to do, there's too many parks and a variety of other tiny details, we all secretly know that it's a great place to grow up. As one of the safest cities in the country, we are so lucky to live in a town full of so much love and community. Thank you, Moorpark.
