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Atascadero, CA

Frequently asked questions

Atascadero, CA

Atascadero is a city in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States, located on U.S. Route 101. Atascadero is part of the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses the extent of the county. Atascadero is farther inland than most other cities in the county, and as a result, usually experiences warmer, drier summers, and cooler winters than other nearby cities such as San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. The main freeway through town is U.S. 101. The nearby State Routes 41 and 46 provide access to the Pacific Coast and the Central Valley of California.

Founded by E. G. Lewis in 1913, the city grew to 29,773 people as of 2020. Atascadero State Hospital is located in the city.

Atascadero was incorporated in 1979. Today, with nearly 28,000 residents, Atascadero is the third-largest city in San Luis Obispo County. Many of the very principles that E.G. Lewis envisioned for his "utopian city" are ensured through the city's general plan, which includes the preservation of open space, protection of trees and hillsides, the keeping of domestic animals, and large lot sizes. It was Mr. Lewis who first had the vision in which he foresaw the future of Atascadero as a creative, rural community.

The area was originally home to the Chumash and Salinan Native Americans. Between 1769 and 1823, the Spanish Franciscans established 21 missions along the California coast, including the nearby Mission San Miguel Arcángel and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain, and California became the Mexican province of Nueva California (later Alta California). In 1833, the Mexican government secularized the mission lands. Mexican governor Juan Alvarado granted Rancho Atascadero to Trifon Garcia in 1842, and Pio Pico granted Pedro Estrada Rancho Asuncion in 1845. Patrick Washington Murphy held ownership of 61,000 acres (25,000 ha) at one time.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.1 sq mi (68 km2), of which 25.6 sq mi (66 km2) is land and 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km2), or 1.87 percent, is water. Atascadero is geographically the largest city in San Luis Obispo County. Atascadero is near the Carrizo Plain.

Atascadero focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Atascadero Recreation and Community Services Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Atascadero CrossFit, and Valley Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Atascadero, such as the Jim Green Hiking Trail and the Stadium Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Atascadero, CA are Charles Paddock Zoo, L'Aventure Winery, and Hearst Castle.

Population: 29,708 (2021). ZIP code: 93422. Elevation: 879 ft (268m). Area code: 805. Area: 26.13 sq mi (67.69 km2). 

FAQs
 

Is Atascadero, CA a good place to live?

Living in Atascadero offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Atascadero, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Atascadero and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Atascadero are above average.

What is the crime rate in Atascadero, CA?

The crime rate in Atascadero is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 18 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Atascadero is 1 in 50. Based on FBI crime data, Atascadero is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Atascadero has a crime rate that is higher than 56% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

What is Atascadero, CA is known for?

Atascadero is a historic city nestled in San Luis Obispo County, California, 18 miles inland from the ocean. Known for its abundance of scenic views, proximity to beaches, and historic sites like the Atascadero State Hospital, Atascadero is a great place to live and offers a rich trove of opportunities. Atascadero, Spanish for “Mire,” is a subtle nod to the scenic city’s proximity to water.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Atascadero

Atascadero’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

Atascadero CrossFit

Valley Fitness

Jim Green Hiking Trail 

Stadium Park
Charles Paddock Zoo

L'Aventure Winery

Hearst Castle

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

Martian Movers

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