Livability Score

73
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (30) C-
House of Bagels
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Coastal Peaks Roasters
Coffee Shop
Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe
Coffee Shop
Kreuzberg
Coffee Shop
LOKUM
Coffee Shop
Scout Coffee Company
Coffee Shop
Linnaea's Cafe
Coffee Shop
Sweetie Cup Tea House
Coffee Shop
Le Petit Paris
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
SLO Cider
Coffee Shop
Peet's Coffee
Coffee Shop
Blackhorse Espresso and Bakery
Coffee Shop
Blackhorse Espresso & Bakery - Uptown
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Blackhorse Espresso and Bakery
Coffee Shop
Outspoken Cafe
Coffee Shop
Nautical Bean Espresso Cafe
Coffee Shop
Steynberg Gallery
Coffee Shop
The Bobastop
Coffee Shop
Milk Tea Society
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (19) B
Sunset Drive-in
Cinema
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
Museum
Jack House and Gardens
Museum
Bubblegum Alley
Attraction
San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Museum
Bubblegum Alley
Attraction
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
Museum
Downtown Centre Cinemas
Cinema
San Luis Obispo Historical Museum
Museum
Palm Theatre
Theatre Arts
Ah Louis Store
Attraction
Fremont Theatre
Cinema
Dallidet Adobe and Garden
Museum
Wushu Taichi Center
Theatre Arts
San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
Theatre Arts
Anam-Cre Pottery Studio
Theatre Arts
The Sendagon
Nightclub
Central Coast Veterans Memorial
Museum
Octagon Barn Center, Milking Parlor
Museum
Alex G. Spanos Stadium
Stadium
Cal Poly Mustang Lanes Bowling
Bowling Alley
The Berg Gallery
Art Gallery
Cal Poly Art Gallery
Art Gallery
Robert Hoover Herbarium
Museum
Reservoir Creek Falls
Attraction
Food and Drink (85) C+
Central Coast Brewing
Bar
SloDoCo Donuts
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
See's Candies
Sweets
Crossroads Liquor & Deli
Alcohol
McDonald's
Fast Food
Chipotle
Fast Food
Panera Bread
Fast Food
Eddie's Grill
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
The Libertine Brewing Company and Coffee Bar
Bar
McCarthy's Irish Pub
Bar
Bings Bao Buns
Fast Food
Bear & The Wren
Bar
Nite Creamery
Sweets
Sandy's Deli & Liquor
Alcohol
The Mark Bar & Grill
Bar
Bang the Drum Brewery
Bar
Batch
Sweets
Rocket Fizz
Sweets
Tonita's
Fast Food
Buffalo Pub and Grill
Bar
The Library
Bar
Mother's Tavern
Bar
Sidewalk Market Liquor and Deli
Alcohol
Fitness (13) F
The Center Yoga Studio & Boutique
Gym
The Community Foundation
Community Centre
SLO Hothouse & Cal Poly CIE SBDC
Community Centre
San Luis Obispo County YMCA
Community Centre
Kennedy Club Fitness
Gym
Assets
Gym
Big Gym
Gym
Equilibrium: Fitness for Women
Gym
weight room
Gym
Gymnazo
Gym
Yosemite Community Center
Community Centre
Sierra Madre Community Center
Community Centre
Groceries (17) B
Cattaneo Brothers
Butcher
Farb's Bakery
Bakery
SLO Natural Foods
Grocery Store
Ralphs
Grocery Store
House of Bread
Bakery
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery Store
Fromagerie Sophie, Co.
Cheese
Smart & Final Extra!
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Food 4 Less
Grocery Store
Freshh Donuts
Bakery
Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store
Vons
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
California Fresh Market
Grocery Store
SLO Donut Company
Bakery
Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins
Grocery Store
Cornercopia Fresh Market
Grocery Store
Parks (89) A+
South Hills Trailhead
Park
South Hills Open Space
Park
Meadow Park
Park
Stoneridge Park
Park
Hawthorne Park
Park
Eto Park
Park
Railroad Recreation Trail
Park
Emerson Park
Park
Triangle Park
Park
Sinsheimer Park
Park
San Luis Obispo Creek Walkway
Park
Charles A and Mary R Maino Open Space
Park
Mitchell Park
Park
Mission Plaza
Park
Central Park
Park
Johnson Park
Park
Cheng Park
Park
Damon Garcia
Park
San Luis Obispo County Courthouse Lawn & Garden
Park
San Luis Creek (South)
Park
Laguna Lake Park
Park
C.L. Smith Park
Park
Ellsford Park
Park
Anholm Park
Park
Santa Rosa Park
Park
Shops (214) A+
SalonCentric
Beauty
San Luis Floral and Gifts
Florist
Conserv Mart
Convenience Store
Metro by T-Mobile
Electronics
The Pond Place
Pets
SLO Beverage 'n More
Convenience Store
The Golden Paw
Pets
A Peek in the Attic
Clothing
Hayward
Home Improvement
Best Buy
Electronics
Motherhood Maternity
Clothing
DSW
Shoes
European Wax Center
Beauty
Sky Nails & Spa
Beauty
Kohl's
Department Store
Miner's Ace Hardware
Home Improvement
Oconnor Pet Hospital
Pets
Shell Food Mart
Convenience Store
Men's Wearhouse
Clothing
Wally's Bicycle Works
Bicycle
World Market
Interior Decoration
Supercuts
Hairdresser
The Bed Store
Furniture
Hallmark
Gift Shop
Bed Bath & Beyond
Houseware
See more San Luis Obispo amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 2.1% take public transportation in San Luis Obispo.
Public Transit Stops (102)
Stops & Stations
A+
5
Bus Stop
Higuera at Elks
Bus Stop
5
Bus Stop
Higuera at Chumash
Bus Stop
4
Bus Stop
South at Bridge
Bus Stop
5
Bus Stop
4
Bus Stop
5
Bus Stop
4
Bus Stop
Broad at Funston
Bus Stop
Broad at Caudill
Bus Stop
Broad at Alphonso
Bus Stop
Higuera at South (NB)
Bus Stop
Broad at Santa Barbara
Bus Stop
Higuera at Margarita (DMV) NB
Bus Stop
2
Bus Stop
Higuera at South (SB)
Bus Stop
Broad at Humbert
Bus Stop
Pismo at Archer
Bus Stop
Broad at Sweeney (Brickyard) SB
Bus Stop
Madonna Road at Madonna Plaza (WB)
Bus Stop
Madonna Road at Madonna Plaza (EB)
Bus Stop
Broad at Sweeney (N)
Bus Stop
5
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
2.1%
F
See more San Luis Obispo commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in San Luis Obispo is 171/100 - which is 23% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more San Luis Obispo cost of living data

crime F

San Luis Obispo crime rates are 4,193 per 100k, which is 47% higher than California
Property Crime
3,636 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
556 crimes per 100k
F
See more San Luis Obispo crime data

employment C+

The median income in San Luis Obispo is $58,546 - which is 8% lower than California.
Med. Household Income
$58,546
D+
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
C
See more San Luis Obispo employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (64)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Bravo Pediatrics
Doctor
Pedersen Pediatric Dentistry
Dentist
Premier Heart Care Vein Care
Doctor
Central Coast Pathology
Doctor
SLO City Station #1
Fire Station
Med Stop
Doctor
Planned Parenthood
Clinic
Starr Dawn PhD
Clinic
Garrett Orthodontics
Dentist
The Art of Healing Sport and Injury Massage Therapy
Clinic
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
D. Scott Morton, DDS
Dentist
Calm Clear and Connected
Clinic
Coastal Family Dermatology
Clinic
Physical Medicine & Rehab Specialist
Clinic
Neurofeedback Center
Clinic
The Oxygen Studio mild Hyperbaric Oxygen
Clinic
Hollister & Solomon Dental
Dentist
DaVita Dialysis
Clinic
Susan K. Boyd, MFT
Clinic
French Hospital
Hospital
Brendan V. McAdams Jr. MD
Doctor
Dan Copp, DDS, Ron Barbieri, DDS & Greg Thurston, DDS
Dentist
Kenneth P. Tway MD, FACC
Doctor
Lloyd Marcum DDS, Inc.
Dentist
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
D+
See more San Luis Obispo health & safety data

housing C

San Luis Obispo home prices are $662,300 - which is 62% higher than California
Home Price
$662,300
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
14%
A
Home Affordability
11.3x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more San Luis Obispo housing data

schools B

The San Luis Obispo graduation rate is 91% - which is 14% higher than California
School Test Scores
56%
D+
High School Grad. Rates
91%
A-
Elementary Schools (20) F
Hawthorne Elementary
Lindamood Bell Academy
Sinsheimer Elementary
San Luis Obispo Christian Academy
Old Mission School
Old Mission Pre School Kindergarten
Peep - Prepare
Smith (C. L.) Elementary
Montessori Childrens School
Central Coast International School
Teach Elementary
Pacheco Elementary
Orfalea Family & Asi Children'S Center Rm # 133
Bishop'S Peak Elementary
Los Ranchos Elementary
High Schools (9) F
Lindamood Bell Academy
Mission College Prep Hs
Peep - Prepare
Pacific Beach High
San Luis Obispo High
See more San Luis Obispo education data

ratings A

San Luis Obispo has an overall rating of 82% from 20 reviews.
User Reviews (1)
From AreaVibes
A+
User Surveys (19)
From AreaVibes
C
See more San Luis Obispo user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of San Luis Obispo, CA
( 20 Ratings )

Living in San Luis Obispo, CA

San Luis Obispo Area Facts

  • San Luis Obispo has a Livability Score of 73/100, which is considered excellent
  • San Luis Obispo crime rates are 47% higher than the California average
  • Cost of living in San Luis Obispo is 23% higher than the California average
New Real Estate Listings in San Luis Obispo Area
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San Luis Obispo Reviews

Write a review about San Luis Obispo Tell people what you like or don't like about San Luis Obispo…
Get the Life You Want in San Luis Obispo, CA 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 12, 2015) In my early thirties, my family and I moved to San Luis Obispo, CA. We lived on Foothill Blvd. for just over 5 years. While we loved the city, we felt we were just a little too close to the college. I was saddened when my husband's job took us further south, but if we were to go ...Read More back, we would choose another area; one that was simply a little quieter. If you are relocating to San Luis Obispo, CA and you prefer quiet, consider an area away from the college.

One of my favorite things about living in San Luis Obispo was the fact that it was a busy city, but you felt your family was safe. While the college area could get a little noisy at times, you never had to worry about things getting out of hand. Early mornings or late evenings included walks down the boulevard and, sometimes, a quick visit to Throop Park for the kids. There were always tourists coming into the city, but we always felt it was a great place to raise children and a great opportunity to live a nice life.

What I loved most about San Luis Obispo was the feeling of community. You never had to go far to get groceries and the county library always hosted numerous events for the public. While we weren't able to get to the art galleries as much as we wanted, there are plenty of them to visit if you are so inclined. Restaurants are also available in many different types of cuisines. The truth is that when we lived in San Luis Obispo, we really didn't leave that much. The city offered us everything we needed. When we relocated from San Luis Obispo, we were saddened to be leaving home.
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Compare San Luis Obispo, CA Livability

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      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in San Luis Obispo? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      South Hills Trailhead
      South Hills Open Space
      Meadow Park
      Stoneridge Park
      Hawthorne Park
      Eto Park
      Railroad Recreation Trail
      Emerson Park

      Entertainment

      Sunset Drive-in
      San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
      Jack House and Gardens
      Bubblegum Alley
      San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
      Bubblegum Alley
      San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
      Downtown Centre Cinemas

      Food & Drink

      Central Coast Brewing
      SloDoCo Donuts
      Subway
      See's Candies
      Crossroads Liquor & Deli
      McDonald's
      Chipotle
      Panera Bread

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in San Luis Obispo? Of all people who commute, 2.1% take public transportation in San Luis Obispo.
      Drive to Work
      69%

      7% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      2%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      8%

      5% higher than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is San Luis Obispo a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      French Hospital
      Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      Kohana
      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid

      Doctors

      SLO Wellness Center
      Med Stop
      San Luis Diagnostic Center
      Dr. Hannah Roberts, Psychologist
      Laura N Quaglino LMFT
      Joan Judson Counseling
      Brendan V. McAdams Jr. MD
      Kenneth P. Tway MD, FACC