Find the perfect place on the Central Coast

The Central Coast of California is famous for its temperate weather and beautiful coastline to the west; rolling oak-studded hills, vineyards and open range land to the east. The burgeoning wine industry gives the Central Coast global recognition, attracting visitors from all over the world. And since the Central Coast is located halfway between San Francisco and the Los Angeles area, it’s a destination that is appealing to homebuyers and tourists alike. The crossroads of U.S. Highway 101 and State Highway 46 connect to the eastern Sacramento/San Joaquin Valley. Rail and air transportation brings it all together.

Visit the Central Coast to discover that each community has its own special character. For those that live here, the attraction is the enviable lifestyle that is the driving force behind the optimistic economic forecast for housing, jobs, commerce and tourism.  Over the last two decades, the population has increased and the demographics have changed due to the influx of new residents that love California, but want to escape the fast pace of the San Francisco/Bay Area and the greater Los Angeles and San Diego area.

Southern Monterey County

King City is in the heart of the fertile Salinas Valley. The Salinas River passes through this town of less that 13,000 that depends on agriculture, food processing and packing as its economic base.  Southwest of King City is Bradley – a quiet, rural town with less than 100 residents.

“The Bountiful Land”

North San Luis Obispo County consists of roughly 26,000 acres of vineyards with 40 wine grape varietals, almond and olive orchards and working ranches and farms. The cities of Paso Robles,  Atascadero and town of Templeton illustrate the diversity.

Paso Robles – aptly named the “The Pass of the Oaks” – is a blend of hometown charm and worldly sophistication for the 29,000 + residents.  Downtown Paso Robles highlights the best of both with unique shopping, fine and casual dining, theatre, first-class hotels and wine tasting experiences. The central Paso Robles Downtown City Park is home of the historic Carnegie Library and a host of festivals and events year-round.

Templeton’s main thoroughfare is the only one in town – Main Street, with an operating granary, a few restaurants and other services for the family-oriented 7,600 residents. Atascadero is similar in size to “Paso” with a neighborhood lake, park and zoo, and enclaves of artists, musicians and writers nestled in the rolling hills.  The smaller, surrounding towns of San Miguel, Shandon, Parkfield, Creston, Cholame and Santa Margarita offer the rural lifestyle within convenient proximity to urban services.

Heritage Ranch is a unique planned, gated community near Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio spanning almost 10,000 acres with 13 subdivisions and more than 1,700 residential units. Oak Shores and Running Deer Ranch are neighboring communities for those who desire a more reclusive lifestyle.

The “California Coast”

From the Monterey and Carmel area south rivals any coastline in the world for its scenic beauty. Highway 1 hugs the coastline to San Simeon, Cambria, Harmony, Cayucos, Morro Bay and Los Osos/Baywood Park.  Wetlands and marshes are sanctuaries to protect birds and marine life. An elephant seal rookery is situated near the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. San Simeon is the gateway to Hearst Castle, an attraction with worldwide recognition. Cambria is a quiet, seaside village with pristine beaches, quaint hotels, unique shopping and fine dining. Harmony is a tiny town of 18 with artisans that work in pottery and hand-blown glass. Cayucos is known as one of the “coolest” small towns in America with a population under 2,600. Morro Bay is famous for “the rock” that juts out of the ocean and its working harbor and fishing industry. Los Osos/Baywood Park is another laid back seaside community.

Over the “Cuesta Grade”

A steep climb over the grade drops into San Luis Obispo – a city with the charm and culture of its own. The vibe is young and upbeat with the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) as the center for education, culture and the arts. Downtown is always bustling with activity.

A little further south and to the west is Avila Beach with piers for strolling and recreational fishing; the perfect summer vacation destination.

The “Five Cities” area

This area of South San Luis Obispo County consists of Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Ocean with Nipomo, Lompoc and Santa Maria nearby.