With its pleasant Mediterranean climate and top recreational facilities, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to San Luis Obispo. There’s a place for everyone here. While it has the youthful energy of a college town, it was also named one of the best cities to retire in. No matter what your stage of life, it’s worth getting to know this exciting California city.
Where is San Luis Obispo?
You’ll find San Luis Obispo, or SLO as the locals call it, in western California, 80 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. Its location at the foot of the Santa Lucia Mountains and 20 miles east of the Pacific Ocean encourages locals to get outdoors and have fun in nature. Highway 1 also passes through the city to make road trips to Pismo Beach, Big Sur, and Carmel-by-the-Sea easy.
The vibe of San Luis Obispo
It might be a few miles from the beach, but San Luis Obispo definitely has the vibe you’d associate with a coastal town. The people are laid-back and friendly, whether they’re students studying hard, career professionals, or retirees enjoying their golden years. The locals call them “vintage vibes,” because they evoke a simpler time so many people are nostalgic for. You don’t have to long for that atmosphere when you decide to call San Luis Obispo home.
Is San Luis Obispo a good place to live?
Ask a local and they’ll tell you without hesitation that they love living in San Luis Obispo. It has a dense suburban feel and a real sense of community. The median age of residents is 26.7, so this city really suits the young and young at heart. Nearly 60% of locals rent their homes, so you’ll be in good company. The city is best known for its coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and parks, which are often located close to residential properties.
The best neighborhoods in San Luis Obispo
The best neighborhoods in San Luis Obispo all have a slightly different character. The right neighborhood for you depends on your lifestyle and how much money you can afford to spend on rent. You might consider one of the following popular neighborhoods:
Downtown
Downtown San Luis Obispo is mostly for businesses, although there are some apartments above the offices. It’s the most fast-paced neighborhood, with a well-connected transport network made for commuters. In your downtime, you can browse the boutiques, eat amazing farm-to-table cuisine at local restaurants, and indulge in local wines and handcrafted cocktails at local bars.
Cal Poly
Cal Poly, named for California Polytechnic State University, buzzes with youthful energy. It’s home to many of the city’s best bars and cheapest restaurants. Hike up the “P” above the university campus for some of the city’s best skyline views.
Laguna Lake
Laguna Lake is the perfect choice for families. It has a high-end suburban feel, especially near the water’s edge. In Laguna Lake, you’ll find many local schools, hiking trails, and Laguna Lake and Madonna Plaza Shopping Centers. The whole clan can have fun at Laguna Lake Park, which has a disc golf course, picnic tables, a playground, and an off-leash dog park.
Other excellent options
San Luis Obispo’s most exclusive neighborhoods are around the San Luis Country Club and the Victorians area. Then there’s South Higuera, a community built by hardworking immigrants featuring small strip centers and manufacturing businesses.
San Luis Obispo cost of living
San Luis Obispo’s cost of living is admittedly on the high side. The city’s cost of living index of 154.7 is higher than both the state and national indexes. However, utilities and transport are both below the state and national averages, so you’ll save money there.
How expensive is an apartment in San Luis Obispo?
The price of an apartment in San Luis Obispo depends on several factors, including its size, location, age, features, and the complex’s facilities. However, there aren’t a lot of places you could call cheap, with the median price a hefty $2,095 a month. Studio apartments are the most affordable option, with a monthly average rent of $1,995. A typical one-bedroom place costs $2,095. Choose a two-bedroom unit and you’ll likely pay around $2,600.
In general, you’ll pay a premium for the convenience of living downtown and in exclusive San Luis Obispo neighborhoods. Properties tend to be more spacious and offer more value for money the further from the city center you get. Modern rental properties are also more expensive than older ones. You can also expect to pay extra for properties with multiple bathrooms, car parking spaces, and other perks. Browse apartments for rent in SLO:
How do I find cheap apartments in San Luis Obispo?
Visiting Zumper or downloading the app is one of the easiest ways to find cheap apartments in San Luis Obispo. Filter your search to show apartments priced between $0 and a small monthly rent, such as $1,500, to see the cheapest apartments available. You can also filter your results further to only show apartments that meet your needs, such as pet-friendly properties.
Since filtering the price already limits your search, you might not find any matching properties if you place too many limitations on your search. If you can’t find any apartments that meet your essential criteria, you may need to increase your upper price limit.
What is the cheapest rent in San Luis Obispo?
At the time of writing, the cheapest rent in San Luis Obispo is $1,325. That is the price for a simple studio apartment with a single bathroom with on-site laundry and off-street parking that’s within walking distance of Cal Poly. While this price includes water, trash, and sewerage, all other utilities are the renter’s responsibility.
Job opportunities in San Luis Obispo
Whatever your skill set or interests, you should find a great job in San Luis Obispo. The city boasts an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national average of 3.7%. Local job opportunities are also expected to grow by 34.2%, which is higher than the U.S. average.
There are more than 24,000 employers in San Luis Obispo, including the two largest employers: the County of San Luis Obispo and California Polytechnic State University. Health care is a major industry in San Luis Obispo, which is home to Atascadero State Hospital, Tenet Healthcare, San Luis Post Acute Center, and Mission View Health Center.
Entertainment in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo living is all about being active in your downtime. It’s a recreational paradise, with so much to do in the great outdoors. It’s home to more than 30 hiking trails, including Felsman Loop, Bishop Peak, and the Stenner Creek Canyon Trail. You can also practice your putting at Laguna Lake Golf Course and play disc golf at Sinsheimer Park. If you love the ocean, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay are only a short drive from the city center.
Culture vultures won’t feel disappointed in San Luis Obispo either. The city has more than 20 local galleries, the Performing Arts Center of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Repertory Theater, and many other cultural hot spots.
Think SLO is right for you? Search San Luis Obispo apartments for rent on Zumper and find your new home.
Related content
