San Luis Obispo (SLO) on California’s central coast owns the reputation of being, “The Happiest City in America,” thanks to Oprah Winfrey.
San Luis Obispo is sandwiched between pristine coastline, emerald hill sides, and scenic mountains, and located half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. SLO has become a haven for weekend tourists seeking refuge from the big city. Its rich soil and temperate weather provide a climate perfect for agriculture, especially viticulture. The county is home to an array of private vineyards that beckon wine enthusiasts while offering a scenic backdrop for visitors and residents alike.
LIFE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO CALIFORNIA
As the acronym SLO implies, a slower pace of life is what the area is notorious for. This way of life is fiercely protected by the city and county government, and citizens who discourage a rapid growth mentality.
RESTAURANTS AND ENTERTAINMENT IN SAN LUIS OBISPO
You will not find fast food drive through restaurants and the city is pedestrian and bike friendly. Public smoking was banned in 1990. Small, family based businesses and restaurants are favored over chains. The 6th largest in the U.S. Farmers Market draws hundreds to the streets every Thursday Evening. There is food and music and community interaction.
COLLEGES
San Luis Obispo is host to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). Cal Poly is a highly reputable academic institution. There are about 2,700 employees and 21,000 students at Cal Poly. This represents about half of the entire city population of 47,000.
Cal Poly’s Christopher Cohen Center is host to the San Luis Obispo Symphony and offers a wide variety of other concerts throughout the year as does the Plaza at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Children can find their own brand of entertainment at the new Children’s Museum. For more information about Cal Poly, go to their web site.
The SLO community college, Cuesta College, has about 1,600 employees and 1,300 students. Each college provides numerous academic, theatrical, artistic, and recreational events that drive the culture.
SERVICES
San Luis Obispo has its own police and fire departments. You will find numerous choices of hospitals, churches and synagogues, and public and private schools. Transportation choices into and out of SLO include air travel, provided by an expanding airport. The Amtrak train, bus routes, and trolley lines alternative modes of transportation.
EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRY
The main employment in the area centers on tourism and leisure related businesses, retail, utility service jobs, education and healthcare, construction, and agriculture. Public sector jobs actually dominate all other industries. Cal Poly, Cuesta College, Atascadero State Hospital, California Men’s Colony all attribute to the larger state institutions.
REAL ESTATE IN SLO – INVESTMENTS
The majority of the houses and business are rental properties. Taking into account the 28,000 students and faculty in SLO, and that 36.7% of the population is between 18 and 24 years old, rental demand is high. Approximately 65% of housing is rental property. Single family dwellings make up about 47% of all housing while apartments/apartment complexes comprise about 40%. The average age of a house here is about 38 years old. About 10% are older than 1939 which attract historical restoration enthusiasts. 60% of the homes are 2 to 3 bedroom floor plans. This is a list of all of the Residential Investment Property on the Central Coast, including San Luis Obispo. Therefore, If you are looking for a nice home in San Luis Obispo, you will find homes in all price ranges.
If you are looking to move out of the big city hustle without giving up essential services and the cultural feel of a big city, you will love SLO. Remember to bring your friendliest attitude with you.