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 moderately-sized city with a population of 49,128 residents. In San Luis Obispo, there are 3,740 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we look at the most recent Census, San Luis Obispo is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. San Luis Obispo could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 27 years old is below the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in San Luis Obispo, only 33% of the population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in San Luis Obispo will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 15 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in San Luis Obispo is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around San Luis Obispo, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, housing and more.
San Luis Obispo has a livability score of 73 out of 100 and is ranked #164 in California and #4,871 in the USA. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. San Luis Obispo ranks well for amenities (A+) and education (B) There is at least one category that does not have great scores in San Luis Obispo. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (F) and cost of living (F).
San Luis Obispo has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that San Luis Obispo has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. 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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to San Luis Obispo is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in San Luis Obispo come in at $1,214,647, which is 66% 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 13.9, which is 80.5% 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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