The city of Port Hueneme was originally named simply "Hueneme," a word derived from the Chumash language and meaning "resting place," which refers to the city's location at the mouth of an estuary. It is also home to many endangered species, such as the California sea otter and blue whale, as well as plenty of non-endangered sea life, making it an excellent destination whether you are looking to catch a fish or just a glimpse of the wildlife. But what is in a name?
A short history of Port Hueneme
Port Hueneme is one of the oldest and most charming towns in the state and has a long and rich history as a center for fishing and agriculture. With its beautiful beaches and proximity to Los Angeles and other larger cities, homes for sale in Port Hueneme are particularly attractive to those seeking a coastal retreat to call home.
How Hueneme became Port Hueneme
The earliest evidence of human activity in Port Hueneme dates back thousands of years to when Chumash Native Americans first settled on the land. Over time they became a fishing and hunting society, making use of the area's vast natural resources. Since European settlers first came to the area in the 16th century, Port Hueneme has been a center of agriculture and fishing, with land being cultivated and large catches of fish being brought in from the Pacific Ocean.
The name "Port Hueneme" was first recorded in 1810, but by the time WWII broke out, the city was known as Hueneme. In 1945, the name was changed to "Port Hueneme" after the Port of Hueneme was completed and became a key element in the success of California's agricultural economy. Today, the city remains an important part of Southern California's history.
The name "Port Hueneme" was first recorded in 1810, but by the time WWII broke out, the city was known as Hueneme. In 1945, the name was changed to "Port Hueneme" after the Port of Hueneme was completed and became a key element in the success of California's agricultural economy. Today, the city remains an important part of Southern California's history.
The push to rename Port Hueneme
Around 2010, the idea was first floated to change Port Hueneme's name to Hueneme Beach. Proponents of the name change argued that the new name would make it easier for people to find on a map or GPS and better reflect the city's proximity to the beach. Opponents argued that while they would still refer to themselves as living in Hueneme, changing the official name would just confuse tourists and newcomers alike. Though the initial effort had no success, proponents fought on, finally getting the proposal onto the ballot in 2022.
Results of the name change vote
In November 2022, the citizens of Port Hueneme voted overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the name Port Hueneme, with 69% of voters rejecting the name change.
The results of the name change vote sent a clear message – Port Hueneme is here to stay. And there are plenty of reasons to stay—or settle down—in Port Hueneme. To name just a few, the city is known for its beautiful beaches and seaside setting, along with an abundance of recreational activities and excellent schools.
The results of the name change vote sent a clear message – Port Hueneme is here to stay. And there are plenty of reasons to stay—or settle down—in Port Hueneme. To name just a few, the city is known for its beautiful beaches and seaside setting, along with an abundance of recreational activities and excellent schools.
What makes Port Hueneme a great place to live?
With a population of just over 23,000, Port Hueneme is home to many families and businesses. Most of those who choose to move here do so because of the city's low cost of living and its proximity to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), as well as such urban centers as San Diego and San Francisco.
Climate
The climate in Port Hueneme is ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year and average high temperatures in the 60s and 70s throughout the year. The city is also known as one of California's best-kept secrets because it offers residents everything they would find in a larger town but without all the traffic and congestion that comes with living in an urban center.
Schools
Port Hueneme is served by the Hueneme Elementary School District, which includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Hueneme High School is known for its excellent academic programs, as well as its top-notch athletics. There is also Santa Clara High School, a Catholic school in nearby Oxnard that offers small class sizes and individualized learning for its students.
Amenities and activities
Owning Port Hueneme real estate places a lot of amenities at your fingertips, from shopping at the Oxnard Shores Shopping Center to hiking along the Santa Clara River Trail, as well as such other outdoor escapes as the Hueneme Pier and Hueneme Beach Park. The city also offers easy access to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, where anyone can learn about almost any aspect of the natural history of the area.
The city also offers residents plenty of recreational opportunities, with more than 90 acres of parkland and around eight parks located throughout the city. These parks have picnic areas, playgrounds, and basketball courts. The Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center is a popular meeting place for residents of all ages, with a large auditorium and children's play area.
There are a variety of businesses and services to meet the needs of residents as well, from the Channel Islands Yacht Club to community events at the Port of Hueneme. For dining out, there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, such as Cajun Kitchen Cafe and La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant.
Look for an agent who knows Port Hueneme
Before you start looking at homes for sale in Port Hueneme, you need to find a real estate agent such as Eric Swartz who truly knows and understands the city. With years of experience in the area, he can provide you with advice on what to expect from the local real estate market and help you find the property that truly fits your needs.
