Relocating your home to San Luis Obispo
 If you’re reading this, chances are you're considering a move and are trying to decide the best place for you.
If you decide to move here, this section of our Web site eases your relocation. Contemplating and making a big move can be stressful, and we're here to help.
First, don't forget to breathe. And 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"
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 of the people who live here.
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Click here to watch a video that explains why San Luis Obispo is the happiest place in America.
| Our first lucky break is that San Luis Obispo has 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.)
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.
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.
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+.
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 a friendly, positive person who enjoys getting invloved in community life and having people recognize you on the street, San Luis Obispo is probably the right place for you. However, if you frequently go to major league sporting events, shop only in huge malls and will only eat in five-star restaurants, SLO may not be your kind of place. The people in this town love it. To live in a town where you can help shape the future, a positive attitude is a necessity. | 
