Happy House Hacking Podcast EP 33: Top 10 Reasons to Move to San Luis Obispo County

Link to full podcast episode here:

Top 10 Reasons to Move to San Luis Obispo County

Imagine waking up to the sun rising over rolling hills, the scent of ocean air drifting through your window, and a friendly community waiting to welcome you. This is the reality of living in San Luis Obispo County, a hidden gem nestled along the captivating Central Coast of California.

Here at The Schwaegerle Team, we're passionate about helping others discover the magic of this region and find their dream homes in the thriving San Luis Obispo County real estate market. If you missed our  recent episode of the Happy House Hacking podcast, here are our  top 10 reasons why San Luis Obispo County might just be the perfect place for you to call home.

10 Reasons to Make San Luis Obispo County Your New Home

Ever wished for a life where you could trade traffic jams for breathtaking hikes, and stressful commutes for sunset strolls on the beach? That’s what SLO (as the locals call it) life is all about! Here’s why you should consider making San Luis Obispo County your new home sweet home.

1. Prime Location

San Luis Obispo County boasts an ideal location on the Central Coast, offering the best of both worlds. "We're right on the central coast of California, three hours south of the Bay Area, three hours north of Los Angeles," shares Owen Schwaegerle. "So it's really convenient because you're like halfway in between San Francisco and Los Angeles, right there on the coast off of Highway 101." 

As Camille Schwaegerle points out, San Luis Obispo County is "smack dab in the middle of everything," just an hour and a half from both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Yet, despite this convenient location, it remains an "undiscovered" gem, offering a unique blend of accessibility and secluded charm. 

2. Farm-to-Table Food Scene

Living in San Luis Obispo County means having access to an abundance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With a "really big farm-to-table food scene," as Owen explains, the numerous farmers' markets offer a chance to connect with the community and the farmers themselves. 

Camille shares that becoming a regular at the markets has its perks, as the farmers get to know you and may even offer special treats. Beyond the markets, many local restaurants have embraced the farm-to-table philosophy, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy the freshest flavors of the region. 

3. Food and Wine Culture

San Luis Obispo County is a culinary haven, and its wine region is no exception. "There's amazing wineries all throughout North County in Paso Robles," Camille notes. 

With over 300 wineries, Paso Robles has become a world-renowned destination for wine enthusiasts. "It has world-class wineries… and a lot of times you can just go do a tasting and then if you like it, you can sign up and become a wine club member," Owen adds. 

Whether you prefer the bold reds of Paso Robles or the crisp whites of Edna Valley, there's a wine tasting experience waiting for you. The thriving San Luis Obispo County wineries also contribute to the county's vibrant tourism scene, attracting visitors from all over.

4. Top-Tier Education

Home to the prestigious California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo County is a hub for education and innovation. "We are proud Cal Poly alumni," Camille shares, highlighting the university's impact on the community. 

Cal Poly brings a youthful energy and cultural vibrancy to the area, offering access to knowledge, arts, and inspiring events. "The population of San Luis Obispo is 45,000 people. And the attendance at Cal Poly is about 20,000…there's always this young spirit across the town," Owen explains. 

The university fosters a sense of community pride and provides opportunities to learn from renowned speakers and experience world-class performances. Living in San Luis Obispo County means being surrounded by a culture that values education.

5. Charming Communities

San Luis Obispo County is a tapestry of communities, each with its own distinct personality. "There are so many charming communities here on the Central Coast," Owen observes. "And each town has its own culture, its own vibe." 

From the artistic haven of Cambria to the bustling food scene of Paso Robles and the beach town energy of Pismo, there's a place for everyone. Camille emphasizes the importance of experiencing each town's unique atmosphere: "It's just really unique to live in a county that is so diverse." 

6. Family-Friendly Environment

San Luis Obispo County is a wonderful place to raise a family, offering a welcoming atmosphere and an abundance of San Luis Obispo County activities for all ages. Owen says, "Every weekend it seems like there's a different event or activity going on." 

From parades and festivals to farmers' markets and outdoor adventures, there's never a dull moment. The county also boasts excellent San Luis Obispo County schools and numerous parks, providing ample opportunities for children to learn and play. 

Camille adds, "I love the number of parks that are available. A lot of them are walking distance to a number of neighborhoods." With new, walkable communities emerging, San Luis Obispo County continues to prioritize family-friendly living.

7. Laid-Back Lifestyle

Embrace the "SLO life" in San Luis Obispo County, where a casual pace and strong sense of community take the front seat. This slower pace allows for a healthy work-life balance and a deeper connection with the people and places around you.  

Owen emphasizes the unique "SLO life" that San Luis Obispo County offers, where a 13-minute drive might even feel "too far." This relaxed pace allows residents to escape the hustle and bustle and truly savor the simple pleasures of life. 

8. Natural Beauty

San Luis Obispo County is a nature lover's paradise, boasting breathtaking landscapes that inspire and rejuvenate. "You know, we have the iconic Morro Bay rock in our county," Camille points out.  "You also have amazing hikes all throughout the entire county, but especially in San Luis Obispo." 

From the majestic Bishop Peak to the stunning coastline of Montana de Oro State Park, there's no shortage of natural wonders to explore. Whether you're hiking, biking, surfing, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, you'll be captivated by the beauty of this region. 

The natural landscape also serves as a muse for local artists, who capture its essence in their work. Living in San Luis Obispo County means having endless opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy a variety of San Luis Obispo County activities.

9. Ideal Weather

San Luis Obispo County enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round.  Owen states, "It's about 70 degrees, mostly throughout the entire year. It's not too hot, not too cold." This idyllic San Luis Obispo County weather makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities any time of year.  

Camille adds, "You can go out pretty much any time of day to do any activity you want.” With minimal extreme weather conditions, you can embrace the outdoors and savor the sunshine year-round.

10. Strong Community

One of the most remarkable aspects of San Luis Obispo County is its strong sense of community. "The people here are amazing," Camille shares.  "Everybody loves living here. Everybody is going to work really hard in order to live here. And everybody is so kind and welcoming." 

The residents are known for their happiness, warmth, and genuine connection with one another. This welcoming atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and makes it easy to build lasting relationships. San Luis Obispo County has even been dubbed the "Happiest Town in America," a testament to the joy and resilience of its residents.

Ready to Embrace the SLO Life?

San Luis Obispo County isn't just a place to live; it's a lifestyle. From the vibrant cultural scene and farm-fresh cuisine to the top-notch education and laid-back atmosphere, San Luis Obispo County offers a unique blend of experiences that make it an exceptional place to call home. Explore the charming communities, hike the scenic trails, savor the local cuisine, and embrace the “SLO life."

At the Schwaegerle Team, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Listen to the rest of our Happy House Hacking podcast and contact us today to let us help you become part of this incredible community and discover the true meaning of the "SLO life."