Living in Taormina: An Ojai Neighborhood Guide

Taormina is one of Ojai's smallest and most distinctive neighborhoods. Tucked into the hillside near Krotona, it feels completely different from Ojai Terrace just below it.

The neighborhood is quiet, tree-filled and known for its charming historic homes. Many remind me of storybook cottages, with an almost Carmel-like quality that you don't find elsewhere in Ojai.

I've toured a lot of homes in Taormina over the years, and I've also spent plenty of time in and around the neighborhood on foot and by bike. There are beautiful mountain views, mature trees and, quite often, quail wandering through the yards or running across the road.

Where Is Taormina?

Taormina sits on a small hill on the western side of the City of Ojai, adjacent to Ojai Terrace and near Krotona.

The neighborhood is centered around Taormina Lane, a private road that loops around the hillside rather than following the more traditional street grid you'll find in neighboring Ojai Terrace.

That unusual layout is part of what gives Taormina such a distinctive feel.

What Are the Homes Like in Taormina?

Taormina is known for its small, character-filled homes and cottages. Many have architectural details that give the neighborhood an almost storybook quality.

Most of the homes and lots are relatively small, although individual properties vary. You'll find primarily single-story homes along with a handful of two-story properties.

The neighborhood's mature trees and hillside setting also create beautiful mountain views from many properties.

Taormina doesn't have sidewalks like neighboring Ojai Terrace, which adds to the very different streetscape and character of the neighborhood.

Taormina Is an Ojai Historic District

Taormina isn't simply a neighborhood with older homes. It is a designated City of Ojai Historic District.

The community was originally conceived by Ruth Wilson, who was associated with the nearby Krotona Institute of Theosophy. Development began in the late 1960s, and the neighborhood's original architectural character drew heavily from French Norman design.

The City of Ojai designated Taormina as a historic district in 2016.

For a buyer, that designation is more than an interesting piece of Ojai history. Certain exterior changes, additions and new construction may be subject to the City's historic preservation standards and review requirements.

If you're considering buying a Taormina property with plans to remodel or expand it, I recommend investigating those requirements as part of your due diligence rather than assuming the same rules that apply elsewhere in Ojai will apply here.

What Is Parking Like in Taormina?

Parking is something buyers should pay attention to when considering a home here.

Because of the neighborhood's layout, small lots and narrow roads, parking can be limited. There are designated guest parking areas within the neighborhood, but this isn't a neighborhood with abundant parking.

If you regularly have multiple vehicles or entertain frequently, I would look carefully at the parking available at the specific property you're considering.

Taormina vs. Ojai Terrace

Although they're directly next to each other, I consider Taormina and Ojai Terrace two distinct Ojai neighborhoods.

Ojai Terrace has a more traditional residential neighborhood layout with sidewalks and streetlights. Its mid-century ranch homes generally sit on more conventional residential lots.

Taormina feels more tucked away. The homes are smaller, the lots tend to be smaller, there are no sidewalks, and the circular hillside layout creates an entirely different streetscape.

The architecture is also a major distinction. While Ojai Terrace is largely characterized by mid-century ranch homes, Taormina's cottages have an architectural identity all their own.

You can read my full Ojai Terrace Neighborhood Guide for a closer look at the differences.

What Should Buyers Know About Taormina?

Taormina offers something that's difficult to replicate elsewhere in Ojai: historic architecture, mature trees, mountain views and a quiet hillside setting within a very small neighborhood.

There are tradeoffs.

Homes and lots tend to be small. Parking can be limited. There are no sidewalks, and Taormina Lane is a private road. Because Taormina is also a designated historic district, buyers considering significant exterior changes should understand the applicable City requirements before purchasing.

Those characteristics are also part of what has preserved Taormina's distinctive appearance.

I've toured many homes in Taormina over the years, and photos of an individual property don't necessarily capture the setting, architecture or character of the neighborhood as a whole.

If you're considering buying or selling a home in Taormina, I'm happy to help you understand how an individual property compares with others in the neighborhood and what to investigate before making a decision.

Taormina FAQs

Is Taormina in the City of Ojai?

Yes. Taormina is located within the incorporated City of Ojai.

Is Taormina a historic district?

Yes. The City of Ojai designated Taormina as a historic district in 2016.

Is Taormina Lane a private road?

Yes. Taormina Lane is a private road serving the neighborhood.

What style of homes are in Taormina?

Taormina is known for its distinctive cottage-style architecture, with the original neighborhood drawing inspiration from French Norman design. Many of the homes have a storybook quality that sets Taormina apart from surrounding Ojai neighborhoods.

Does Taormina have sidewalks?

No. Taormina does not have the sidewalks found in neighboring Ojai Terrace.

Is parking limited in Taormina?

Parking can be limited due to the neighborhood's layout and smaller lots. Designated guest parking spaces are located within the neighborhood.

How is Taormina different from Ojai Terrace?

Taormina is a small historic district with distinctive cottage-style homes, smaller lots, a circular hillside layout and no sidewalks. Neighboring Ojai Terrace has a more traditional street layout and is predominantly characterized by mid-century ranch homes.

What Are the Homes Like in Taormina?

Taormina is known for its small, character-filled homes and cottages. Many have architectural details that give the neighborhood an almost storybook quality.

Most of the homes and lots are relatively small, although individual properties vary. You'll find primarily single-story homes along with a handful of two-story properties.

The neighborhood's mature trees and hillside setting also create beautiful mountain views from many properties.

Taormina doesn't have sidewalks like neighboring Ojai Terrace, which adds to the very different streetscape and character of the neighborhood.

Taormina Is an Ojai Historic District

Taormina isn't simply a neighborhood with older homes. It is a designated City of Ojai Historic District.

The community was originally conceived by Ruth Wilson, who was associated with the nearby Krotona Institute of Theosophy. Development began in the late 1960s, and the neighborhood's original architectural character drew heavily from French Norman design.

The City of Ojai designated Taormina as a historic district in 2016.

For a buyer, that designation is more than an interesting piece of Ojai history. Certain exterior changes, additions and new construction may be subject to the City's historic preservation standards and review requirements.

If you're considering buying a Taormina property with plans to remodel or expand it, I recommend investigating those requirements as part of your due diligence rather than assuming the same rules that apply elsewhere in Ojai will apply here.

What Is Parking Like in Taormina?

Parking is something buyers should pay attention to when considering a home here.

Because of the neighborhood's layout, small lots and narrow roads, parking can be limited. There are designated guest parking areas within the neighborhood, but this isn't a neighborhood with abundant parking.

If you regularly have multiple vehicles or entertain frequently, I would look carefully at the parking available at the specific property you're considering.

Taormina vs. Ojai Terrace

Although they're directly next to each other, I consider Taormina and Ojai Terrace two distinct Ojai neighborhoods.

Ojai Terrace has a more traditional residential neighborhood layout with sidewalks and streetlights. Its mid-century ranch homes generally sit on more conventional residential lots.

Taormina feels more tucked away. The homes are smaller, the lots tend to be smaller, there are no sidewalks, and the circular hillside layout creates an entirely different streetscape.

The architecture is also a major distinction. While Ojai Terrace is largely characterized by mid-century ranch homes, Taormina's cottages have an architectural identity all their own.

You can read my full Ojai Terrace Neighborhood Guide for a closer look at the differences.

What Should Buyers Know About Taormina?

Taormina offers something that's difficult to replicate elsewhere in Ojai: historic architecture, mature trees, mountain views and a quiet hillside setting within a very small neighborhood.

There are tradeoffs.

Homes and lots tend to be small. Parking can be limited. There are no sidewalks, and Taormina Lane is a private road. Because Taormina is also a designated historic district, buyers considering significant exterior changes should understand the applicable City requirements before purchasing.

Those characteristics are also part of what has preserved Taormina's distinctive appearance.

I've toured many homes in Taormina over the years, and photos of an individual property don't necessarily capture the setting, architecture or character of the neighborhood as a whole.

If you're considering buying or selling a home in Taormina, I'm happy to help you understand how an individual property compares with others in the neighborhood and what to investigate before making a decision.

Taormina FAQs

Is Taormina in the City of Ojai?

Yes. Taormina is located within the incorporated City of Ojai.

Is Taormina a historic district?

Yes. The City of Ojai designated Taormina as a historic district in 2016.

Is Taormina Lane a private road?

Yes. Taormina Lane is a private road serving the neighborhood.

What style of homes are in Taormina?

Taormina is known for its distinctive cottage-style architecture, with the original neighborhood drawing inspiration from French Norman design. Many of the homes have a storybook quality that sets Taormina apart from surrounding Ojai neighborhoods.

Does Taormina have sidewalks?

No. Taormina does not have the sidewalks found in neighboring Ojai Terrace.

Is parking limited in Taormina?

Parking can be limited due to the neighborhood's layout and smaller lots. Designated guest parking spaces are located within the neighborhood.

How is Taormina different from Ojai Terrace?

Taormina is a small historic district with distinctive cottage-style homes, smaller lots, a circular hillside layout and no sidewalks. Neighboring Ojai Terrace has a more traditional street layout and is predominantly characterized by mid-century ranch homes.