San Luis Obispo County: In the Heartland of California
by Courtney Ronan

For those who remain undecided about whether they prefer the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles or the breathtaking views and freewheeling attitude of San Francisco, the county of San Luis Obispo might offer a wonderfully scenic solution. Situated halfway between California's two great cities, San Luis Obispo County is endowed with a beauty reminiscent of Northern California and a friendly climate much like that of Los Angeles, where an abundance of sunny days keeps residents outdoors year-round to try their hands at any one of a variety of recreational pastimes.

Greater San Luis Obispo County encompasses 24 towns, a population of approximately 235,000, and an enviable 80 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline (ranging from rugged in the north to sandy in the south). Its proximity to the ocean brings the area an average of more than 300 days of sunshine annually. That's not to imply, however, that San Luis Obispo's weather remains the same year-round. Temperatures vary greatly, ranging anywhere from the 30's to the 60's in the wintertime and 50's to 90's during the summertime. Regardless of the time of year, you can count on cool, crisp evenings and occasional foggy mornings that soon lift and expose plenty of sunshine.

So where did the county's name come from? San Luis Obispo actually refers to a historic mission, San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded by Spanish friars in 1772 in recognition of Saint Louis, who was the bishop of Toulouse during the 14th century. Several attractions draw thousands of visitors to this region each year: First and most obvious, the weather; the county's central location in California and its proximity to Highways 1 and 101; its abundance of wineries; the diversity of its terrain, which ranges from coastline to mountains, California Oak tress, rolling hills, valleys and vineyards; the legendary Hearst Castle; and a wonderfully quirky assortment of architecture -- evident most notably in a few historic inns as well as Hearst Castle, an astounding display of wealth. The locals, too, have gained a reputation for their friendliness and accommodation to visitors.

If you're headed to San Luis Obispo via Highway 101, stop by the Motel Inn, constructed in 1925 as the United States' first motor hotel. For a real taste of Vegas-like quirkiness, visit the Madonna Inn, one of the country's first "theme" hotels (a concept Las Vegas later adopted wholeheartedly). If you plan to stay at the Madonna Inn overnight, be prepared to laugh -- and get out your camera. From its heart-shaped rooms (this inn undoubtedly is a favorite among honeymooners) to its decor (designed to resemble jungles and caves), the Madonna Inn is a unique experience for any tourist. And whether or not you're well-versed in the fine art of winemaking, you'll want to make your way through a few of San Luis Obispo County's 40 wineries. Sample some of the country's finest wines, tour the wine cellars and estates, and enjoy an outdoor picnic amidst the rolling hills and valleys of Central California's wine country.

A visit to Hearst Castle is an absolute must. Nearly 1 million visitors tour the castle, located in San Simeon within San Luis Obispo County, every year. Publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst built this enormous estate (construction began in 1919 and took 28 years) and hosted countless gatherings here for the rich and influential. Surprisingly, Hearst initially intended for his home to be a relatively simple country home, but after construction began, his love of architecture took over, and his wealth knew no boundaries. The result was a grand castle containing 165 rooms (including a magnificent wine cellar) and 127 acres of spectacular pools, gardens and terraces. Hearst arranged for priceless antiques and hand-carved sculptures to be shipped to his estate from throughout the world. He ordered the Neptune Pool, one of two on his property, to be rebuilt twice in order to make room for his growing family. The quest for architectural perfection played a large role in Hearst's life; when he died in 1951, construction was still in progress.

The town of San Luis Obispo is comprised of approximately 50,000 residents. A college town, San Luis Obispo is the site of California Polytechnic State University. Your visit to the county should include a trip to the county seat, if for no other reason than to experience a little local color, defined perhaps best by the town's weekly tradition, the Thursday Night Farmers' Market street fair, a four-block bounty of fresh produce and regional delicacies, as well as live entertainment and arts and crafts. A tour of the town of San Luis Obispo is perfect for when you're ready to shift gears and slow down a bit. Its streets are lined with eclectic shops, outdoor cafes and coffee houses and plenty of friendly locals.

Vandenberg Air Force Base has contributed to the growth of skilled professionals in the aerospace and high-tech industries within the county. And California Polytechnic State University helps produce a steady flow of qualified candidates for high-tech jobs, as well. Newcomers to the area are met by high prices for single-family homes. Although pleasant views of nearby mountains, woods and/or coastlines may help ease sticker shock, transferees can expect to find home prices that climb well into the $200,000's, $300,000's and above -- and they're often for three-bedroom, relatively modest homes. Four-bedroom homes can cost you anywhere from $500,000 on up, depending upon your distance to the ocean and the home's amenities. Condominiums are a comparatively affordable choice, although they, too, can become pricey, many of them priced in the $200,000+ range. If your budget is on the larger side, you may wish to take advantage of ranch lots, of which the county has many.

But prices like these are standard procedure in California, and for those who have lived in San Luis Obispo County for any length of time, steep prices are actually a small price to pay for the privilege of living amidst what is surely some of America's most beautiful scenery. Friendly weather and even friendlier residents, in addition to a strong local economy and excellent resale values on residential properties, are likely to keep San Luis Obispo County's real estate market hopping.

Call Frank Kalman for a tour of this beautiful area!