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San Luis Obispo, CA

Frequently asked questions

San Luis Obispo, CA

San Luis Obispo is a city and county seat of San Luis Obispo County, in the U.S. state of California. Located on the Central Coast of California, San Luis Obispo is roughly halfway between the San Francisco Bay Area in the north and Greater Los Angeles in the south. The population was 47,063 at the 2020 census.

San Luis Obispo was founded by the Spanish in 1772 when Saint Junípero Serra established Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. The town grew steadily through the Mexican period before a rapid expansion of San Luis Obispo following the American Conquest of California. San Luis Obispo is a popular tourist destination, known for its historic architecture, vineyards, and hospitality, as well as for being home to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

The earliest human inhabitants of the local area were the Chumash people. One of the earliest villages lies south of San Luis Obispo and reflects the landscape of the early Holocene when estuaries came farther inland. The Chumash people used the marine resources of the inlets and bays along the Central Coast and inhabited a network of villages, including sites at Los Osos and Morro Creek. The tribal site on present-day San Luis Obispo was named tiłhini (Obispeño for 'Place of the full moon').

San Luis Obispo is located on U.S. Route 101, about 31 miles (50 km) north of Santa Maria.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.25 square miles (34.3 km2), of which, 13.1 square miles (34 km2) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.39 km2) (1.13%) is water.

San Luis Obispo is on the West Coast of the United States and the Central Coast of California. The Pacific Ocean is about 11 miles (18 km) west of San Luis Obispo. The Santa Lucia Mountains lie just east of San Luis Obispo. These mountains are the headwaters for San Luis Obispo Creek, whose watershed encompasses 84 square miles (220 km2) surrounding the city and flows to the Pacific Ocean at Avila Beach.

San Luis Obispo is a seismically active area; there are several nearby faults including the San Andreas Fault. The Nine Sisters are a string of hills that partially run through San Luis Obispo. They are geologically noteworthy for being volcanic plugs. Six of the nine peaks are open to the public for recreation.

San Luis Obispo focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by San Luis Obispo’s Recreation and Community Services Department. 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, Club 24, and Rev SLO Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around San Luis Obispo, such as the South Hills Open Space and the Lemon Grove Loop Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in San Luis Obispo, CA are Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa 1772, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, and Bishop Peak. 

Population: 49,729 (2024). ZIP codes: 93401–93403, 93405–93410, 93412. Area code: 805. Elevation: 233 ft (71 m). Area: 13.25 square miles (34.3 km2).

FAQs

Is San Luis Obispo, CA an expensive place to live?

San Luis Obispo is expensive, even for California. The San Luis Obispo cost of living index (COLI) is 164 which makes it 64% more expensive than the national average. By comparison, the California cost of living is 50% higher than the national average.

Is San Luis Obispo, CA a good place to live?

San Luis Obispo is in San Luis Obispo County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in San Luis Obispo offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In San Luis Obispo there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in San Luis Obispo and residents tend to lean conservative.

What is the crime rate in San Luis Obispo, CA?

With a crime rate of 48 per one thousand residents, San Luis Obispo has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 21. Within California, more than 96% of the communities have a lower crime rate than San Luis Obispo.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

Club 24 

Rev SLO Fitness

South Hills Open Space 

Lemon Grove Loop Trail

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa 1772

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

Bishop Peak

Martian Movers

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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