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(If you’re considering relocating your business to San Luis Obispo, click here.)
If you’re reading this, chances are you're considering a move and are trying to decide where's the best place. This section of our website helps make this important decision and, if you decide to move here, eases your relocation. Contemplating and making a big move can be stressful, and we're here to help. First, don't forget to breathe. Don't let this “move thing” push you over the edge. It’s going to be OK.
Why we call San Luis Obispo
“Our special place.”
If you’re expecting a whole lot of dry facts and figures, you’ll get that later. First, we need to help you understand the intangibles of why most people in San Luis Obispo love their city and wouldn’t move away for anything.
For the most part, San Luis Obispo isn’t the end product of a grand design or sophisticated urban planning. Primarily, our unique town is the result of good fortune, historical accidents, and just plain luck. And, from the people who live here.
The first lucky break was having one of world’s most comfortable climates. The summers here are delightfully mild, with daytime highs usually in the low 80s, and cool evenings. Winters are even better with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s, and crisp, clear nights. Frost is rare, snow almost unheard of. (A dusting of snow always makes the front page of the local paper.) Air conditioners aren't needed in most homes because of the cooling sea breezes. We do have heat in our homes, but we don’t need to use it much. Outdoor dining, either at home or at restaurants, is a year-round pleasure. The climate contributes to a relaxed, casual lifestyle that’s difficult to recreate anywhere else. We love the outdoors.
The second lucky break was our geography. We’re located just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, tucked in a bowl-shaped valley surrounded by volcanic peaks and lush hills.
Our area's beaches range from sandy stretches ideal for sunbathing, to rugged shorelines with treasured surf spots and ideal for bird watching, boating, fishing, beach combing, or generally reviving your spirit.
There's easy access to protected open space areas, with wonderful opportunities for hiking, nature viewing, or family picnics. You’ll never be more than about five minutes from nature in San Luis Obispo (unless your boss won’t let you leave work.) Much of the county remains pastoral, its rural landscapes breathtaking.
It’s people, though, who set SLO apart. The natural “lucky breaks” led to some remarkable human events. Our spectacular climate and fertile soil helped influence the establishment of a mission along San Luis Creek in 1772. California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) has played a significant role in the city's development since its founding in 1902. In addition to providing a huge economic impact, it contributes to the youthful energy, optimism, fun-loving spirit and openness to new ideas that are hallmarks of our town. This positive energy and spirit has attracted others who share that outlook. These people, in turn, have created SLO’s unique businesses, rich cultural life, and sense of purpose.
Is SLO right for everyone?
No. First of all, we want to maintain our small-town character, so we’ve instituted growth controls limiting population. Bluntly, we hope new residents will embrace our unique lifestyle, and not try to recreate their previous lifestyle here.
If you are an unfriendly, negative person who doesn’t like getting involved in community life and having people recognize you on the street, San Luis Obispo probably isn’t right for you. If you go to major league sports events every week, shop only in huge malls and will only eat in five-star restaurants, SLO may not be your kind of place. But if you have a positive attitude and want to live in a town where you can help shape the future of a great community, this may be just the place for you.
The facts and figures
Location and size
The City of San Luis Obispo, incorporated Feb. 16, 1856, is located 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 235 miles south of San Francisco; it is 10.7 square miles, at an elevation of 315 feet, at 35N latitude and 120W longitude. The population is approximately 44,500. Average family income is $49,411. The median age is 27. Average household size is 2.33
San Luis Obispo County is California's 15th largest county, covering 3,316 square miles. The county population is approximately 315,000.
Housing
A single family home median price $604,713 Monthly rent: Studio apartment $722+ One-bedroom apartment $824 Two-bedroom apartment $1249+ Three-bedroom apartment $1611+ Two-bedroom house $1350+ Three-bedroom house $1800+
ACTION for Healthy Communities
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce is a proud steering committee member and collaborative partner for ACTION for Healthy Communities. The group is a collaborative effort among several organizations throughout the County that focuses their community goals in 7 major areas: Basic Needs, Economic, Education, Health, Natural Environment, Public Safety and Social Environment.
To review the ACTION for Healthy Community indicator report please click here.
Send your comments about the above information to our Director of Visitors Services, Grace Allen. Your input is greatly appreciated. | 
