Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Located in the state of California, San Luis Obispo is a medium-sized city with a population of 47,402 inhabitants. San Luis Obispo has a population density of 3,563 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (83% White). Given that fact, San Luis Obispo could be considered less diverse than other cities. San Luis Obispo tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 27 is far below the national average. In San Luis Obispo, only 33% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? San Luis Obispo offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in San Luis Obispo could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in San Luis Obispo and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
San Luis Obispo has a livability score of 72/100 and is ranked #193 in California and #4,787 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, San Luis Obispo has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (A+). On a more negative note, San Luis Obispo does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (D-), cost of living (F) and housing (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in San Luis Obispo, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in San Luis Obispo undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Here are some of the more popular things to do in San Luis Obispo: Bubblegum Alley, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and Central Coast Food Tours.
Assuming that San Luis Obispo meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in San Luis Obispo. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in San Luis Obispo are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in San Luis Obispo come in at $662,300, which is 61.8% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In San Luis Obispo, the home price to income ratio is 11.3, which is 76.6% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | San Luis Obispo | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 69.4% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.4% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.1% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 5.9% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.7% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.7% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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